Friday, February 27, 2009

WITHIN YOU - WITHOUT YOU

"...We were talking..."

As I had started pontificating in the comments section of THIS post (towards the end of THIS comment) the problem with Marvel's more recent handling of Doctor Strange is that most of the "modern" writers don't seem to understand mysticism.

It seems that only minds who have contemplated that plane of existence since the 1960's or 1970's - at the latest - seem to have any memory of magic - as if the "me-Generation"-years removed all knowledge and trace of magic from the collective consciousness/
subconscious/unconscious.

Why do we have need for the ephemeral, the contemplative, the spiritual, when the TANGIBLE, the MATERIAL, the "REAL" is HERE and easily obtained?
Why seek the Madonna (Celestial or Christian or Spiritual) when the "Material Girl" was all the rage?

Most of those old-school writers were sent out to pasture - or - seeing the blood on the walls, got the hell out of Dodge - for sunnier climes, leaving younger "Youngblood" writers as the new guard.

And somewhere along the years... (as Larry Nivin correctly surmised); "The Magic Goes Away".

As to the NATURE of magic...
I've ALWAYS been of the mind-set that magic has COSTS. It requires EFFORT.
It does NOT come easy and should NOT be used (or taken) lightly.

That's something that Marvel doesn't understand.
They see ALL "powers" as "point your finger and a beam comes out - as easy as shining a flashlight."

And THAT'S why they can't seem to stop Doctor Strange from being a Deus ex Machina who is too powerful for the room.

Quesada complains about that aspect - all. the. time.
Frankly, I think HE has a better understanding of the nature of mysticism than he lets on.
Brian Bendis, on the other hand, who is the architect of the new "Who Shall be the New Sorcerer Supreme" storyline, that will be starting in New Avengers # 51 (I addressed this event HERE and HERE)... Well... let's just say, I have my doubts.

Bendis isn't a "magic" writer.
He's not really even a SUPERHERO writer.
He does CRIME stories. And, supposedly, he does them well!

Some of his super-hero stuff is alright.

I just read New Avengers # 50, and it was split down the middle between heads TALKING and heads getting KICKED IN.
(Mind you... I enjoyed the issue. Quite a bit, actually!)

And ONE LINE in that whole book shone out as a BEACON of hope for his treatment of Doc.

When asked where Dr. Strange is, Bendis has Luke Cage (natch) say:

"Walking the Earth like Caine in Kung Fu".

F#@%-YEAH!

That's a story I'd like to see.
And a way of TREATING Doctor Strange that, while not completely original, is dire missed lo' these last 15 - 30 years. Doctor Strange as spiritualist and MYSTIC!

Contemplative and seeking.
Learning as well as learned.

The old 01970's TV show "Kung Fu" holds many points that can easily be transferred to characters like Doctor Strange. Heroes (or at least, individuals who seek to do good and right in the world) who stride the line between the real world and the mystical. Philosophy and wisdom are as important to their arsenal as their fists and abilities.
Instead of the Martial Arts being learned, (although he DID learn that as well) Strange was taught the Mystic Arts and that was the basis for his spiritual journey and enlightenment.

This respectful journey for the "inner-hero" has been addressed a few times in Dr. Strange's history.

- Of course, some of the later Steve Ditko issues of Strange Tales gave a glimpse into that world.

- The original Graphic novel "Into Shamballa" (by J.M. DeMatteis - a writer who is no stranger to the spiritual, and Dan Green).

- Much of the 2nd volume of Strange Tales (written by Peter Gillis)

Yet, sadly each of them was an all-too brief glimpse into that aspect of Strange's world.

And... one other important instance...in Marvel Premiere.
Issue number # 12 especially, had a sequence that I hold as one of the highest points of the entire history of the character and his treatment by the creative minds behind the title.

It's one of my all time FAVORITE bits of Doc goodness.
(And it's been something that I've been dying to "blog" about before the web even existed!)
After the "death" of the Ancient One, Doc is meditating in the Desert and gives this amazing credo about the Sanctity of Life and the responsibility of being its protector.

I present it to you here.

*click* images to make "Supreme-Sized"



Marvel Premiere # 12. Steve Englehart, Frank Brunner.


Awesome stuff.
Gets me in the gut each and every time.
That part with the lizard... as an animal lover, really speaks volumes to me.

Englehart, man.
He understood magic.
Not just the hocus-pocus of it, but the nature of life-forces in the Universe.

---
Allow me to type the soliloquy here, for the benefit of search engines:

"LIFE -- the OPPOSITE of life is not DEATH, but NON-EXISTENCE.
To DIE means HAVING LIVED -- but to NOT EXIST means being... NOTHING.
To LIVE means to INFLUENCE THE COSMOS. One's ACTIONS, one's PRESENCE -- changes every being he meets.

"The COSMOS is EVERYTHING! To affect any PART of the cosmos is to affect the TOTALITY!
LIFE is the most PRECIOUS GIFT the cosmos can BESTOW... and it is the lot of DOCTOR STRANGE to PRESERVE the gift."

"This lizard means EVERYTHING to me... just as ALL living things do! The lizard is SACRED in it's existence! For a few seconds, I held the life of a SACRED BEING in my hands. What an AWESOME responsibility!"

---

While a basic concept to anyone who thinks past their own needs and self, this is still mind-shattering if you take it to the logical conclusion.
EVERY life, every ONE is SACRED.
Strange understands that now... the life of EVERY person or thing affects everyone and everything else it touches.
ALL are ONE!
Doctor Strange as protector of the Earth dimension... suddenly, that isn't just a vague title.
It is a serious and detailed responsibility.
EVERYONE. EVERYWHERE. ARE. ONE.

Strange pulling a Quai Chang Caine (or a semi Christ-like) period meditating in the desert, sees the universe for what it is.
After all, he HAD recently seen the world re-created, met "god", and through the death of his master, been given a glimpse that the end truly isn't the end.

It is this touchstone that Strange needs to revisit on occasion.
Dark, brooding battles with Lovecraftian horrors are also a must... but when he is climbing back out from the darkness, he needs to know where the LIGHT can be found.

I first came upon this scene in the 01980 "Occult World of Doctor Strange" calendar (which I blogged about HERE). Long before I ever obtained the actual Marvel Premiere issue, I had the calendar, and so struck by the depth and truth of Strange's words, I photocopied it, hand cut and pasted it (this was long before photoshop and personal computers) and kept it hung on my wall to keep its positive message nearby.

1980 Marvel Calendar - the entirety dedicated to Doctor Strange.


I'm sure that my love for Strange is tied directly to my appreciation for the worlds of philosophy, faith and pursuit of higher understanding.

Such subjects always interest me, and I firmly believe that a touch of true mysticism and spirituality would be well suited (at least on occasion) to the mythos of the world of Doctor Strange.

However, what is NEEDED is a writer who understands and appreciates such things.
Strange doesn't (and has yet to) work as a "super-hero".

Strange should be a mixture of monk, guru, student, teacher, warrior, king, master, servant, priest, healer, guardian - mystic.
A western man steeped in Eastern traditions (as well as other-worldly knowledge).
One who understands the nature of the cosmos and the complexity of the human spirit.

While I also like a touch of the dispassionate mystic, who is aloof and distant... (and with a touch of his old arrogance - as his Hamartia; his "fatal flaw") he'd still be a hero who fights for us, protects us, and (as a Doctor, of sorts) heals us for he knows the preciousness of life, the sacred aspect of life, that it is a gift and that it must be preserved.

For to live means to have affected the world around you... and when you've passed away, what you've touched touches others in turn - on and on again and again... for...

"... life flows on within you and without you."




George Harrison's philosophical entry to The BEATLES album;
Sgt. Peppers' Lonely Hearts Club Band

(I'd like to think that George would have been a Dr. Strange fan.)


"Tamam Shud!"
~P~

Thursday, February 26, 2009

HAPPY 9TH BLOGIVERSARY, NEILALIEN!

As one of the staunchest friends and supporters of Doctor Strange; the enigmatic, omnipresent and wizened NEILALIEN marks the NINE YEAR mark as Blogger-Supreme of the Earth Dimension!

He's been blogging since almost before the internet was even invented!

I'm taking the day off in honor of the event.

May you travel the web's astral plane for many more, oh Hoary, Ancient One!

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Who Wants to Win WATCHMEN Wares?

I am besides myself to think of some kind of link between WATCHMEN and the focus of my blog which would justify my posting this shameless bit of sales pitching.

However, I just tossed a few items up on eBay - all of them WATCHMEN related.

Because it sometimes takes several hours (6 - 12 hours!!) for some items to show up in the search, I'm going to link to the individual items.

The eBay ID (the_nook_shoppes) belongs to a seller "commune" I belong to; basically a group of affiliated sellers all under one banner. I used to have my own seller account, but I never have the time for packing and whatnot, so I give them the items for shipping.

Here are the items up for grabs:


***EDIT***
Auction for this item has ended

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WATCHMEN SOURCEBOOK - Extremely RARE!

***EDIT***
Auction for this item has ended

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WATCHMEN - issues 11 and 12 Alan Moore! Dave Gibbons!

***EDIT***
Auction for this item has ended

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WATCHMEN MOVIE! Promotional Poster! SILK SPECTRE! HOT!

***EDIT***
Auction for this item has ended

---



WATCHMEN MOVIE! Promotional Poster! The COMEDIAN! HOT!

***EDIT***
Auction for this item has ended

-------------

Yeah... you'll notice I went to the school of ALL CAPS AND EXCLAMATION POINTS!

And, yes, BOTH Silk Spectre and the Comedian are "HOT"!
I'm open-minded.
:-)

My listings are as verbose as my blog-posts - but I make SURE to give every bit of useful information you might require.

So... feel free to take a gander.
All lots start at .99 cents - no reserve.

Bid Early, Bid Often.

Now, if only I could somehow link WATCHMEN to this blog, I'd feel much better about all this.

"Dead WRAITH in alley this morning, tire tread on burst stomach!"

Oh, BLESS you, ROM! Bless your silver soul!

Monday, February 23, 2009

WHO SHALL BE THE SCAB SUPREME?

Lo! It shall come to pass...

Click to make Supreme Sized.
Official Marvel House-Ad for the event.

While I pontificated about this subject several months ago (HERE), Marvel's own Tom Brevoort and Brian Michael Bendis finally put forth some official "odds" of their own about who shall be the next Sorcerer Supreme in an article from Comic Book Resources.

I know that comics are cyclical in nature, and that nothing is forever, but still... this entire enterprise fills me with a sense of dread foreboding.

It's not due to the concept of the storyline. Dr. Strange losing the power and/or title of Sorcerer Supreme is hardly ANYTHING new (it's been done at least 6 times before, that I can name off the top of my head) nor is the lead-up prelude of Strange using Dark powers and having to atone for them (that's been at least done 2 or 3 before that I can think of).

Frankly, I'm all FOR a shake up of the status quo every once in a while.
Those aforementioned instances of power-downs, title losses and dark magic were among the very best tales of the good Doctor.

No.
Sadly, the reason for my trepidation lands squarely on the shoulders of the architect of this particular story-line; Brian Michael Bendis.

Bendis has some good ideas at times, but his execution of those ideas is almost NEVER any good.

It's not that he's a bad writer. Truthfully, I will readily admit to LIKING his stuff.
Most of the time, anyway.

Except for his dialogue. Everyone speaks with the same "voice" and hardly EVER are they accurate to what has been accepted as "the norm" for that character.

My main problem isn't even Bendis' horrid treatment and handling of Dr. Strange to date.
There have been a few instances of actual "great potential" in the overall "setting" of Bendis' Stephen Strange. The background workings of the Sanctum Sanctorum in the New Avengers title were sublime.

Although...NOTHING can redeem Bendis' handling of Strange in "The Illuminati", "House of M" or "Avengers Disassembled" - those were abso-fucking-lutely horrid.

Truthfully, it all falls within the parameters of Bendis failing to follow through in any cohesive manner with his grand concepts. All of his epics have fallen flat upon delivery;
"House of M", "Secret War", "Avengers Disassembled", "Illuminati", "Secret Invasion"...
All of them; fantastic concepts. All of them - missing key plot points (or - an ending).

Perhaps, they should all be seen as one sweeping story. One that has yet to end.
Perhaps, they need to be reviewed and critiqued when they are "all" completed (whenever the hell he decides these events will come to a close).

So. Then. The next installment of the Bendis epic-event-a-tron is to recast the life of Doctor Strange and role of the Sorcerer Supreme. It might be good. Or it might suck.

The only silver lining (to no matter WHAT occurs) is that it can be undone (if need be) or I'll be able to finally give up this insane hobby (if Doctor Strange is removed "completely").

Unless the MAN-THING becomes the Sorcerer Supreme... then I'm GOLDEN!

Sunday, February 22, 2009

(MAN)-THING's that make you go "HRRRM"

While I truly DO need to do an info-dump on all the recent appearances of Doctor Strange & Co. in the recent week's comic hauls, this ONE item stood up from the swamp - stretched it's head skyward and uttered... "HRRRM".

From Ghost Rider (from whatever the hell volume this is now) # 32
While the many Ghost Riders / Spirits of Vengeance / Angels / Demons wage war between the Gates of Heaven and the Pits of Hell... many earthly (and unearthly) figures sense the disturbance; among them -
Brother Voodoo
and
MAN-THING

Man-Thing, trying out for the role of Rorchach.
"Hrrrm!"
Written by Jason Aaron
Art by Tan Eng Huat



Many people (well... the Man-Thing fans of the world) might tell you that having Man-Thing make any kind of vocalization is just wrong.

I'm not that dead-set against it.
It HAS happened quite a few times in the publication history of the character (I can easily bat off at least 4 or 5 instances right now from off the top of my head, but I'd MUCH rather make a long, rambling post about it one day in the future).

I've noted before that the occasional utterance by Man-Thing is acceptable, even though it has long been stated that he (it) does not possess the power to speak (or even a MOUTH with which to do so), I still feel that with ample prodding (infliction of pain of a level that even he (it) can feel, psychic assault, mystical mamma-jammas) that SOUNDS can indeed be heard emanating from the Man-Thing's maw (or whatever he's (it's) still got behind the tubers).

Heck, it's just nice to see him getting some attention - especially in a top-flight book!
(Not to mention that it's always good to see Brother Voodoo - whose been getting a lot of exposure lately. Nice!)

I've also said it before, and I'll say it again, Ghost Rider is now one of the BEST books that Marvel is putting on the spinner racks today.

Fire up your flame cycle and go gets some.
Don't wait for the Man-Thing to tell you.

Saturday, February 21, 2009

The "Magic" of Video - Part II-a:
Spider-Man and his Amazing Friends;
The Black Knight - in - Knights and Demons

Yet another SANCTUM SANCTORUM VIDZ Presentation
and a "6-Dimensions" Joint.

With this entry, we continue our look into the world of video with yet another episode of "Spider-Man and his Amazing Friends".

However, since this blog isn't dedicated exclusively to Dr. Strange, but also to what I have often described as the "6-Dimensions of Doctor Strange", this entry shines the spotlight on one of Strange's most staunch friends and comrades;
The BLACK KNIGHT.

Yet, while the hero who has oftentimes teamed up with Dr. Strange is DANE WHITMAN; billionaire playboy, Avenger, Defender, MI-13 member and wielder of the Ebony Blade, it is his Medieval ancestor; Sir Percy of Scandia who is featured here.

In this episode, the "Spider-Friends" join forces with the Black Knight to battle the evil sorcerer; Mordred (Modred) in "the Land of Shades".

Featured below, in yet another "Sanctum Sanctorum Vidz" presentation * is the episode.


-ROLL FILM-

-------------

Sanctum Sanctorum Comix blogThe Sanctum Sanctorum Comix blog

and Sanctum Sanctorum Vidzpresents a Sanctum Sanctorum Vidz presentation

- of -

"Knights and Demons".
(Season 1, Episode 11)

title card for the 1981 episode

-------------


part 1



---

part 2



---

part 3




-------------

Episode writer Donald F. Glut wanted to use the current Black Knight; Dane Whitman, as well as the Black Knight from Medieval times. Unfortunately, the story editor thought it might be too confusing to viewers who weren't readers of the comics, to thus understand the differentiation and/or lineage aspect of the character and title, so the idea was nixed.

As you could plainly see, in the cartoon episode, the costume of the Black Knight was significantly simplified from it's comic-book version, for ease of animation purposes.

Here's the character model sheet.


However, that might not have been completely necessary, as the animation team in this episode was head and shoulders above the studio who worked on earlier episodes, such as "7 Little SuperHeroes".
How appropriate that this studio was the very same which produced the fan favorite series; "Dungeons & Dragons".

---

Sir Percy HAS been featured several times in comics with Dr. Strange.

Most notably, in issue # 68 of the Doctor Strange; Master of the Mystic Arts series, wherein Strange helps Dane Whitman stave off the curse of the Ebony Blade and redeem the soul of Sir Percy. You'll be better able to see the complexity of the armor in the last few pages.

*click images to embiggen*

Doctor Strange; Master of the Mystic Arts # 68
Written by Roger Stern, Penciled by Paul Smith, Inked by Terry Austin






With Victoria Bentley appearing along with the Black Knight and Dr. Strange, (and some very strong writing and artwork) this has long been a favorite issue of mine.

The Black Knight is a major character in this blogger's collection; and will have more items featured here in time.

-------------

* I have FINALLY regained my own video-editing capabilities, and as you'll note, these clips are far better edited than those in previous editions of this feature - wherein I had to "borrow" other's edits. With this, I'll (eventually) be able to go back and re-edit all those old entries as well.

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

GAZE INTO THE FUTURE - MAY 2009

The MARCH 2009 solicits are up
(for stuff shipping MAY 2009)
so what are we waiting for?
Let's journey forth...into... the FUTURE:


=============

"Greetings, my friends.
We are all interested in the future, for that is where you and I
are going to
spend the rest of our lives..."
... while reading comics.
"Official" graphic for this feature; "doctored" image from the cover to Strange Tales # 156
(original art by Marie Severin)

=============


Let's take a look at the items that DOCTOR STRANGE will appear in first, then well move onto the other "6-Dimensions".

=============


As usual, we'll begin with the BIG SHOW:


Doctor Strange continues the
"biggest mystical story-arc in Marvel history"
(some hyperbole may be present in that statement) in:

NEW AVENGERS #53


COVER BY: BILLY TAN
WRITER: BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS
PENCILS: CHRIS BACHALO
BILLY TAN
INKS: TIM TOWNSEND
COLORED BY: JUSTIN PONSOR
LETTERED BY: COMICRAFT

Variant cover too!

THE STORY:
WHO WILL BE THE NEXT SORCERER SUPREME? And will he or she survive the initiation? The Avengers fight a battle that they know will shape the future of the Marvel Universe for years to come!

PRICE: 3.99
IN STORES: May 27, 2009

IMPRINT: MARVEL UNIVERSE
FORMAT: COMIC
RATING: RATED A

---

Lackluster cover art by Billy Tan gives me trepidation about this (aside from the stomach-churning I'm going through thinking about what Bendis has in mind).
However, Chris Bachalo is helping to ease my fears a little.

Nothing to do but wait and see.

-------------

Doctor Strange and the Defenders
still battle against
Baron Mordo and the Offenders in:

HULK # 12


COVER BY: ED MCGUINNESS
WRITER: JEPH LOEB
PENCILS: ED MCGUINNESS
INKS: DEXTER VINES
COLORED BY: GURU-EFX
LETTERED BY: COMICRAFT

Two 50/50 covers AND a variant!

THE STORY:
After the senses shattering unexpected cliffhanger from last issue, The Defenders/Offenders War comes to an explosive end in this issue by the superstar-team of Jeph Loeb and Ed McGuinness! The Hulk, Namor, Doc Strange and Silver Surfer have one last chance to save the women they love and the Red Hulk, Tiger Shark, Mordo and Terrax aren't about to let that happen. Can the Defenders triumph without the Hulk to lead them? All of this and a twist ending that you will never see coming!

PRICE: 3.99
IN STORES: May 20, 2009

IMPRINT: MARVEL UNIVERSE
FORMAT: COMIC
RATING: RATED A

---

Like the previous two issues, there's another 50/50 cover, but it wasn't available at the time this went to bed.
I'll be sure to add it here when and if it's available to the public.
There's ALSO another variant (Art Adams, most likely).

WHY, Marvel...WHY?!?
Haven't I given you ENOUGH?
Why must you suck the very marrow from my bones?
How about we cut a deal; I leave everything to Marvel in my Last Will and Testament, and you guys just send me all the damned variants so I don't have to hunt for them!

Variants may be a reason Marvel won't go into the digital-only arena.
Having shoppes order quantities they might not ordinarily, just to get some variants to resell at huge mark-ups, drive up sales figures.

gah.

But... what this with the line " to save the WOMEN THEY LOVE"...?
Is CLEA going to be in this?
Oh, Marvel... you got me again.

---------

Doctor Strange and the Illuminati are in:

DARK REIGN : FANTASTIC FOUR # 3


COVER BY: PASQUAL FERRY
WRITER: JONATHAN HICKMAN
PENCILS: SEAN CHEN
INKS: LORENZO RUGGIERO
COLORED BY: JOHN RAUCH
LETTERED BY: VC - RUS WOOTON

THE STORY:
Forced to fight their way through time, Sue, Ben and Johnny have to defend the Holy Land in the Crusades, Conquer the Wild West and beat back the Nazis while Franklin and Val are busy back in the Baxter Building preparing for the arrival of Norman Osborn.
All that, and the return of the Illuminati!

PRICE: 2.99
IN STORES: May 20, 2009

IMPRINT: MARVEL UNIVERSE
FORMAT: COMIC
RATING: RATED A

=============

Doctor Strange SHOULD be in the following list of comics:

=============


AVENGERS / INVADERS # 11 of 12

COVER BY: ALEX ROSS
WRITER: JIM KRUEGER
ALEX ROSS
PENCILS: STEVE SADOWSKI
COLORED BY: INLIGHT
LETTERED BY: TODD KLEIN

THE STORY:
On the other side of history, chaos reigns. Evil has won and the Fourth Reich now rules the world. Only the combined might of the Avengers, The Invaders and the mysterious new heroes Electro, The Challenger, The Silver Scorpion, The Black Widow, the Black Avenger and Captain Terror have a hope of setting the world right.

PRICE: 2.99
IN STORES: May 6, 2009

IMPRINT: MARVEL UNIVERSE
FORMAT: COMIC
RATING: RATED T+

---

Damn. 11 issues in and Doc is STILL not on a single COVER!
What the hell?

---------

If he's not already DEAD in this series, Ultimate Dr Strange should be in:

ULTIMATUM # 5

COVER BY: DAVID FINCH
WRITER: JEPH LOEB
PENCILS: DAVID FINCH
INKS: DANNY MIKI
COLORED BY: STEVE FIRCHOW
LETTERED BY: COMICRAFT

VARIANT COVERS out the wazoo!
Including a "Fallen Heroes" variant
(if Doc IS dead, he may be on this cover)

THE STORY:
Is this what the end of the world looks like? You better believe it!!
As only Emmy & Eisner award-winning writer Jeph Loeb and superstar artist David Finch can deliver, it’s an apocalyptic conclusion where every, and we mean EVERY, score is settled! The Ultimate heroes have faced their final judgment…and when the dust settles will they be found wanting? If you can handle the growing body count, stick around as ALL is answered in this explosive series finale that will shock fans for years to come!

PRICE: 3.99
IN STORES: May 6, 2009

IMPRINT: ULTIMATE UNIVERSE
FORMAT: COMIC
RATING: RATED T+


=============

Doctor Strange MAY be in the following list of comics:

=============


Either Doc himself and/or "Strange 2099" might be in this:

TIMESTORM 2009/2099 # 2

COVER BY: SALVADOR LARROCA
WRITER: BRIAN REED
PENCILS: ERIC BATTLE
INKS: ANDREW HENNESSY
THE STORY:
It’s the heroes and villains of 2099—as you’ve never seen them before! Washington, D.C. overrun by Hulks! New York City controlled by massive corporations that know your every thought and desire! A man from 2099 in the present day, killing our heroes! Brian Reed (SECRET INVASION: CAPTAIN MARVEL) and Eric Battle (Batman) bring you the world of tomorrow as it collides with the world of today!

PRICE: 3.99
IN STORES: May 6, 2009

IMPRINT: MARVEL UNIVERSE
FORMAT: COMIC
RATING: RATED T+

---------

Doc and the Illuminati may be in:

PLANET SKAAR PROLOGUE # 1

COVER BY: ALEX GARNER
WRITER: GREG PAK
PENCILS: DAN PANOSIAN
INKS: DAN PANOSIAN
THE STORY:
Reed Richards just found out that the Hulk has a son. A great, big barbarian son named Skaar who's known nothing but
blood and rage after being abandoned by his father to be born on fire on a war-torn alien planet. And now Skaar's coming to Earth, where a showdown with his father could literally split the globe in two. So with just twenty four hours to spare, Mr. Fantastic must determine how to face the advent of... PLANET SKAAR! Don't miss the perfect jumping on point for a brand new epic in which the Son of Hulk finally slashes straight into the heart of the Marvel Universe!
PLUS, 8 pages of Director's Cut style extras!

PRICE: 3.99
IN STORES: May 6, 2009

IMPRINT: MARVEL UNIVERSE
FORMAT: COMIC
RATING: PARENTAL ADVISORY

---------

Slight chance of a Doc (or at least "Sanctum") sighting in:

SPIDER-MAN: THE SHORT HALLOWEEN # 1

COVER BY: KEVIN MAGUIRE
WRITER: BILL HADER
SETH MEYERS
PENCILS: KEVIN MAGUIRE
INKS: KEVIN MAGUIRE
COLORED BY: DEAN WHITE
THE STORY:
Two stars of Saturday Night Live make their Marvel debut with an all-new story set right on the bustling, hot dog juice covered streets of New York City. Halloween is coming early this year as Spidey is knocked out during the Greenwich
Village costume parade and an intoxicated reveler in a Spidey costume takes his place. Really, we don’t want to say more than that. Trust us, with comic book legend Kevin Maguire (JUSTICE LEAGUE INTERNATIONAL) along for the ride, this’ll be more exciting than putting a president on a comic book cover!
One-Shot

PRICE: 3.99
IN STORES: May 6, 2009

IMPRINT: MARVEL UNIVERSE
FORMAT: COMIC
RATING: RATED T+

---------

Slim chance for Doc to still be somewhere in this mini:

X-MEN: FIRST CLASS FINALS # 4

COVER BY: ROGER CRUZ
WRITER: JEFF PARKER
PENCILS: ROGER CRUZ
AMILCAR PINNA
COLLEEN COOVER
INKS: ROGER CRUZ
COLORED BY: VAL STAPLES
LETTERED BY: NATE PIEKOS

THE STORY:
Before they can face the world, the X-Men must face the dark secrets that lie inside Marvel Girl. Is it true what they say about red-heads? YES. It's all true.

PRICE: 3.99
IN STORES: May 6, 2009


FORMAT: COMIC
RATING: RATED A


=============

The "6-DIMENSIONS" characters appear in these comics:

=============



Man-Thing,
the Midnight Sons
(Morbius, Werewolf by Night, Son of Satan & Jennifer Kale)
and the HOOD shamble around in:

MARVEL ZOMBIES4 # 2


COVER BY: GREG LAND
WRITER: FRED VAN LENTE
PENCILS: KEV WALKER
INKS: KEV WALKER
COLORED BY: JEAN-FRANCOIS BEAULIEU
LETTERED BY: VC - RUS WOOTON

THE STORY:
Straight from the Dark Reign comes…The Hood! What the cloaked criminal wants, he gets—and he's after the zombie virus to wipe out the heroes once and for all! But standing in his way are the Midnight Sons—and they're not heroes…they're monsters! For the first time in many years, The Hood and his super-villain syndicate know fear...but where Parker Robinson goes, can the dread Dormammu be far behind? The awful answers are supplied by Fred Van Lente and Kev Walker, the team that CBR.com praised for, “taking the MARVEL ZOMBIES franchise in a brand new, invigorating direction!”

PRICE: 3.99
IN STORES: May 6, 2009

IMPRINT: MARVEL UNIVERSE
FORMAT: COMIC
RATING: PARENTAL ADVISORY


---------


Black Knight and other goodness awaits within the pages of:

CAPTAIN BRITAIN AND MI13 # 13

COVER BY: STUART IMMONEN
WRITER: PAUL CORNELL
PENCILS: LEONARD KIRK
INKS: JAY LEISTEN
COLORED BY: BRIAN REBER
THE STORY:
Betrayal runs rampant! Spitfire is offered a high rank in the vampire state—will she take it? Does she have a chance? A traitor is discovered in the ranks of British Intelligence. But what are the chances that he’s the only one. Pete Wisdom’s main concern is keeping his people alive, but with his track record and who they’re up against, it’s not looking good.

PRICE: 2.99
IN STORES: May 13, 2009

IMPRINT: MARVEL UNIVERSE
FORMAT: COMIC
RATING: RATED T+

---------

An alternate universe version of the Scarlet Witch is in:

EXILES # 2


COVER BY: DAVE BULLOCK
WRITER: JEFF PARKER
PENCILS: SALVADOR ESPIN
INKS: SALVADOR ESPIN
COLORED BY: TONY WASHINGTON
LETTERED BY: NATE PIEKOS

THE STORY:
It appears that affecting the course of history on another world is HARD. Especially when all the mutants of this world work together...against you! How can a new untested team take on The X-Men, The Brotherhood, and everybody in between? Join the Exiles as they tumble head first into the answer as the relaunch of this fan-favorite series continues!
Parental Advisory …$2.99


PRICE: 2.99
IN STORES: May 6, 2009

IMPRINT: MARVEL UNIVERSE
FORMAT: COMIC
RATING: PARENTAL ADVISORY

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Scarlet Witch (is on the COVER shakin' her ass with Jean Grey/Phoenix and Polaris) and the future-alt-Earth Defenders are in:

FANTASTIC FORCE # 2


COVER BY: BRYAN HITCH
WRITER: JOE AHEARNE
PENCILS: STEVE KURTH
THE STORY:
He’s a descendant of the Hulk and the stepson of Wolverine—but now, Banner’s mother the Harpy has appeared from nowhere and is out to destroy the Fantastic Force! Alex Ultron, the 16th generation, has a shock when he realizes his brand new paradise is run on android slaves and telepath Natalie X finds out what's really on Logan's mind. Taking down the Harpy costs half of the Fantastic Force just as they face three of the most powerful women in history who are here to destroy Nu-World…and the new heroes who defend it!

PRICE: 2.99
IN STORES: May 6, 2009

IMPRINT: MARVEL UNIVERSE
FORMAT: COMIC
RATING: RATED T+

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Hulk stars in:

HULK: BROKEN WORLDS BOOK #2

COVER BY: PAUL PELLETIER
WRITER: ADAM WARREN
MARC SUMERAK
JASON HENDERSON
PENCILS: STEVE SCOTT
JONBOY MEYERS
KELSEY SHANNON
JUAN SANTACRUZ
INKS: VICENTE CIFUENTES
LETTERED BY: VC - JOE CARAMAGNA

THE STORY:
Throughout the unending vastness of the multiverse echo the cries of the monster inside mister Bruce Banner… the
unstoppable force known as the Hulk. Join us as we continue our quest to chronicle the catalogue of crosstime Hulk, asking not “What If…” but “What is?” This ALL-NEW oversized special revisits the worlds of the Age of Apocalypse, the Days of Future Past, the Marvel Mangaverse, and the year 1602!

PRICE: 3.99
IN STORES: May 6, 2009

IMPRINT: MARVEL UNIVERSE
FORMAT: COMIC
RATING: RATED A

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Nick Fury, Druid & Hellfire are in:

SECRET WARRIORS # 4

COVER BY: JIM CHEUNG
WRITER: BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS
JONATHAN HICKMAN
PENCILS: STEFANO CASELLI
INKS: STEFANO CASELLI
COLORED BY: DANIELE RUDONI
LETTERED BY: DAVE LANPHEAR

THE STORY:
The most talked about new Marvel series rolls on as we find out the answer to the question: What happened to all the Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.?
Plus, Daisy Johnson recruits a new member to replace a fallen comrade, the kids spy on Nick Fury and we follow the Colonel as he starts his one man war against the endless hordes of HYDRA.

PRICE: 2.99
IN STORES: May 6, 2009

IMPRINT: MARVEL UNIVERSE
FORMAT: COMIC
RATING: RATED T+

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Dr. Doom brings death within the pages of:

FANTASTIC FOUR #567

COVER BY: BRYAN HITCH
WRITER: MARK MILLAR
PENCILS: BRYAN HITCH
INKS: ANDREW CURRIE
COLORED BY: PAUL MOUNTS
LETTERED BY: VC - RUS WOOTON

THE STORY:
THE MASTERS OF DOOM Part Two
The Marquis of Death has returned to Earth after a genocidal sojourn of two decades! And his first target is his once-pupil,
Victor Von Doom!

PRICE: 2.99
IN STORES: May 27, 2009

IMPRINT: MARVEL UNIVERSE
FORMAT: COMIC
RATING: RATED T+

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Dr. Doom and The Hood kick it in:

DARK AVENGERS # 5

COVER BY: MIKE DEODATO
WRITER: BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS
PENCILS: MIKE DEODATO
INKS: MIKE DEODATO
COLORED BY: RAINIER BEREDO
LETTERED BY: VC - CORY PETIT

THE STORY:
When the public is reminded of Norman's terrible past, Norman's wheeling and dealing becomes a public concern. Plus, some of the Avengers are getting frisky with each other, and that can't be good. Plus the return of...the Cabal!

PRICE: 3.99
IN STORES: May 20, 2009

IMPRINT: MARVEL UNIVERSE
FORMAT: COMIC
RATING: RATED T+

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The Hood gets his ass capped in:

PUNISHER # 5


COVER BY: MIKE MCKONE
WRITER: RICK REMENDER
PENCILS: JEROME OPENA
THE STORY:
“LIVING IN DARKNESS: CONCLUSION”
Frank Castle will kill the Hood or die trying. With his city under siege, a high bounty on his head and nothing left to lose, The Punisher dives in for a direct confrontation with New York's new kingpin of crime -- and what he discovers within The Hood’s secret base will shock the Marvel Universe to its core. Who is The Hood’s mysterious new lieutenant? What is The Hood truly capable of? And exactly how far will he go to take down the biggest threat to his brutal underworld reign?

PRICE: 2.99
IN STORES: May 20, 2009

IMPRINT: MARVEL UNIVERSE
FORMAT: COMIC
RATING: PARENTAL ADVISORY

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However, he STARS in his own mini-series:

DARK REIGN: THE HOOD # 1


COVER BY: MARKO DJURDJEVIC
WRITER: JEFF PARKER
PENCILS: KYLE HOTZ
INKS: KYLE HOTZ
COLORED BY: FRANK MARTIN
THE STORY:
Straight from the pages of NEW AVENGERS and DARK REIGN: THE CABAL—go deep into the cutthroat world of The Hood! You may know him as the tough-talking crime boss who’s organizing the villains of NYC while wheeling and dealing with the likes of Loki and Dr. Doom. But what about his pregnant girlfriend, addict cousin and institutionalized mother that we met back in his debut mini? And what price is he paying for his rapid climb up the ranks of crime and power? Writer Jeff Parker (AGENTS OF ATLAS) and Kyle Hotz (THE HOOD: BLOOD FROM STONES) invite you to spend a week in the life of Parker Robinson, one of the key characters in Dark Reign, as he struggles to keep his professional and personal lives from destroying each other!

PRICE: 3.99
IN STORES: May 27, 2009

IMPRINT: MARVEL UNIVERSE
FORMAT: COMIC
RATING: RATED T+

---------

Ghost Rider doesn't give up the ghost in:

GHOST RIDER # 35

COVER BY: ARTHUR SUYDAM
WRITER: JASON AARON
PENCILS: TONY MOORE
INKS: TONY MOORE
LETTERED BY: VC - JOE CARAMAGNA

THE STORY:
"TRIALS AND TRIBULATIONS," PART 3
Johnny Blaze has come to a monastery in Japan, just wanting to be left alone as he waits patiently for the end of the world. But when a local biker gang begins terrorizing the town, Blaze realizes that his work as Ghost Rider isn't quite done yet.

PRICE: 2.99
IN STORES: May 27, 2009

IMPRINT: MARVEL UNIVERSE
FORMAT: COMIC
RATING: PARENTAL ADVISORY

---------

New Avengers (sans Doc) guest in:

AGENTS OF ATLAS # 5

COVER BY: BILLY TAN
WRITER: JEFF PARKER
PENCILS: CARLO PAGULAYAN
INKS: JASON PAZ
COLORED BY: JANA SCHIRMER
LETTERED BY: NATE PIEKOS

THE STORY:
Issue #5 brings the throwdown to end all throwdowns! The Agents of Atlas face off with the NEW AVENGERS!!! What a perfect time for M-11 to take one of his unpredictable courses of decisive action. Rated V for VIOLENT.

PRICE: 2.99
IN STORES: May 20, 2009

IMPRINT: MARVEL UNIVERSE (What's this?)
FORMAT: COMIC
RATING: RATED T+

-------------

Unrelated, but still awesome reprinted classics are in:

THOR: TALES OF ASGARD BY STAN LEE & JACK KIRBY # 1

The Story: The legend has come true! By the will of the gods, I am alive! I am invincible! I am — THOR!!! And so began the very first epic tale of Marvel’s most revered hero, the mighty Thor, whose legend would grow alongside the success of Marvel comics, making him the most exciting super hero of all time! Never has Thor been more sensational than during these early tales, crafted by Marvel’s greatest, Stan Lee and Jack Kirby. Re-live classic Norse mythology in the mighty Marvel manner as well as Stan and Jack’s stories of the Norse Gods and Thor before he came to Earth as Don Blake. Witness as these masters breathe life into the thunder god and some of Marvel’s most enduring characters: Helmdall, Balder, Loki, Odin and Hela. Read these stories as never before with all-new, modern coloring and six extraordinary interlocking covers by current THOR artist Olivier Coipel. Collecting the “Tales of Asgard” backup stories from JOURNEY INTO MYSTERY #97-104
Remastered Reprints/All Ages …$3.99


In Stores: May 13, 2009

---------

and...
presented here because... well... I'll explain it at the end:

INCREDIBLE HERCULES #129

COVER BY: DAVID WILLIAMS
WRITER: GREG PAK
PENCILS: RYAN STEGMAN
INKS: TERRY PALLOT
COLORED BY: RAUL TREVINO
LETTERED BY: VC - JOE CARAMAGNA

THE STORY:
In this issue: HERCULES AND AMADEUS CHO DIE!!! We heard that cheap death sells comics, and we're more than happy to oblige. Though seriously, if you had to plunge into the UNDERWORLD and bring back Hercules' slain father ZEUS to counter Hera's power, could you think of a better plan? And come to think of it, have you ever noticed how... impermanent death is in the Marvel Universe? Well, while hobnobbing among the most famous Marvel deceased over the last few years, Herc and Cho learn the terrible secret why -- and why PLUTO, Lord of the Dead, is fighting-mad about it!

PRICE: 2.99
IN STORES: May 27, 2009

IMPRINT: MARVEL UNIVERSE
FORMAT: COMIC
RATING: RATED T+

---

So. Wasn't that the premise behind X-StatiX Presents: Dead Girl (and Dr. Strange) mini a few years back?
Of course, that was a silly bit of fun (and hopefully not in continuity).
So, I guess Hercules is about to discover the REAL reason people keep coming back from the dead.
OK? OK.


=============

COLLECTED EDITIONS
-------------HARDCOVERS & TPB's-------------

=============


Just because it's awesome:

CAPTAIN BRITAIN BY ALAN MOORE & ALAN DAVIS OMNIBUS HC

The Story: One of the Marvel Universe's most staggering sagas from two of Britain's most remarkable writers, reprinted in total for the first time! Captain Britain fights to save a universe...and fails! But a single reality is small change in the game Merlyn’s playing against Mad Jim Jaspers, who's rewriting reality so he's the center of the universe! Worlds collide, heroes and villains die, and Captain Britain's beside himself — except when he's fighting himself...to the death! Featuring the first appearances of the metamorphic Meggan, Opal Luna Saturnyne, the Captain Britain Corps, and more! Plus: Psylocke joins the X-Men, and the X-Men join Captain Britain on a cosmic quest into the secrets of life and death! The fiendish Fury, the horrific Horde and the malevolent Mojo are only a few of the adversaries who await within! Also guest-starring the New Mutants and Captain America! Collecting MARVEL SUPER-HEROES (UK) #377-388, THE DAREDEVILS (UK) #1-11, CAPTAIN AMERICA #305-306, MIGHTY WORLD OF MARVEL (UK) #7-16, CAPTAIN BRITAIN (UK) #1-14, NEW MUTANTS ANNUAL #2 and UNCANNY X-MEN ANNUAL #11.
Rated T+ …$99.99
ISBN: 978-0-7851-3771-9

In Stores: May 6, 2009




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Golden Age Black Knight in:

MARVEL MASTERWORKS: ATLAS ERA
BLACK KNIGHT/YELLOW CLAW VOL. 1 HC


Written by STAN LEE, AL FELDSTEIN & VARIOUS
Penciled by JOE MANEELY, JACK KIRBY, JOHN SEVERIN,
FRED KIDA & VARIOUS
Cover by JOE MANEELY
From the heroic times of King Arthur to the dangers of the Cold War, the Atlas Era brings you the greatest adventure stories from the 1950s. Presenting the original series of two legendary characters that have bridged the decades - all the way from the Atlas Era to the Avengers and Agents of Atlas - Black Knight and Yellow Claw are must-haves for every Marvel maniac! Sir Percy of Scandia may appear to be a foppish weakling, too timid to fight and the scorn of Camelot, but only Merlin knows the truth: Sir Percy is the gallant Black Knight! Come to drive Modred de Monfort from King Arthur's court, he wields the ebony blade against Norman invaders, dragons, imposters and usurpers to the throne. With the pencil of Atlas great, Joe Maneely, delineating the action,Black Knight is a sure-fire classic! Then comes Cold War tales of mystery, espionage and world domination from the pages of Yellow Claw! Illustrated by the incomparable trio of Joe Maneely, John Severin and --in a rare mid-50s Atlas appearance-- Jack Kirby, F.B.I. Agent Jimmy Woo's mission to capture the century-old mystic from the root of the Himalayas is packed with gritty crime and unimaginable adversaries, from mind-bending mutants and UFO the Lightning Man to Temujai the Golden Goliath and the Living Shadows! Collecting BLACK KNIGHT #1-5 & YELLOW CLAW #1-4.
256 PGS./All Ages ...$59.99

---------

Doc is featured in:

ESSENTIAL SPIDER-MAN VOL. 9 TPB # 1

The Story: J. Jonah Jameson's spent years making Spider-Man's life difficult — but payback's a switch when he gets shackled to Spidey, who has to rescue the irascible editor from not one but TWO mad scientists! Plus: the introductions of the Fly and Jigsaw! Electro, Mysterio, Calypso and Mesmero! And a Dr. Octopus saga so big it took two annuals to cover it! The death of a forgotten Golden Age hero and the fate of the burglar who started Spidey's career in the first place! Features first appearances by the Black Cat and Madame Web! Guest-starring Captain America, Dazzler, Dr. Strange, the Punisher and Spider-Woman! Collecting AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #186-210, ANNUAL #13-14 and PETER PARKER, SPECTACULAR SPIDER-MAN ANNUAL #1.
All Ages …$19.99
ISBN: 978-0-7851-3074-1


In Stores: May 6, 2009





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Nightmare is the baddie in:

FANTASTIC FOUR: TRUE STORY TPB # 1

The Story: A threat to the minds of the whole human race sends the FF somewhere they've never been before: into the realm of fiction itself! Where Ben finds himself clobbering a demonic army to save the cast of Sense and Sensibility. No, really. And it gets weirder from there. Dante! Willie Lumpkin! Behold, the Fictocraft! And it's actually kind of smart and serious too. Collecting FANTASTIC FOUR: TRUE STORY #1-4.
Rated A …$10.99
ISBN: 978-0-7851-2833-5

In Stores: May 6, 2009




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Ultimate Scarlet Witch dies in:

ULTIMATES 3: WHO KILLED THE SCARLET WITCH? TPB # 1

The Story: The countdown to Ultimatum begins here — and when it's over, the Ultimate Universe will never be the same! And when we say that in the Ultimate Universe, you know we ain't fooling around! A year later, who are the Ultimates? After going through the tumultuous events of the past two volumes, the Ultimates find themselves operating out of Tony Stark's mansion in New York where, no longer working for S.H.I.E.L.D., they have to make it on their own. But a terrible secret is about to tear them apart and bring about a murder at the mansion! One of Earth's greatest heroes will die, and there'll be plenty of suspects! New Members! New Adventures! And New Secrets! All this and Ultimate Venom, too! Join Eisner winner and Emmy-nominated writer Jeph Loeb (TV's Heroes, Fallen Son) and the superstar team of Joe Madureira & Christian Lichtner (Uncanny X-Men, Battle Chasers) as they take the Ultimates on their wildest ride yet! Collecting ULTIMATES 3 #1-5.
Parental Advisory … $19.99
ISBN: 978-0-7851-2269-2


In Stores: May 6, 2009




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Dr. Strange and the Illuminati in:

HULK: WORLD WAR HULK HC # 1

The Story: An epic story of anger unbound! Exiled by a group of Marvel "heroes" to the savage alien planet of Sakaar, the Hulk raged, bled and conquered – rising from slave to gladiator to king. Now, the Hulk returns to Earth to wreak his terrible vengeance on Iron Man, Reed Richards, Doctor Strange and Black Bolt — and anyone else who gets in the way. Stronger than ever, accompanied by his monstrous Warbound gladiator allies and possessed by the fiercest and purest rage imaginable, the Hulk may just tear this stupid planet in half! Then in AFTERSMASH, heroes and monsters rise and fall as the events of "World War Hulk" reverberate through the blasted ruins of New York City with goliath impact. It’s a massive story featuring the Warbound, the Renegades, Heroes for Hire, Iron Man, Tom Foster, and Damage Control. Collecting WORLD WAR HULK #1-5, WORLD WAR HULK: AFTERSMASH, MARVEL SPOTLIGHT: WORLD WAR HULK and PLANET HULK SAGA.
Rated T+ …$34.99
ISBN: 978-0-7851-2670-6
Trim size: oversized


In Stores: May 13, 2009




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A newly imagined Devil-Slayer stars in:

DEAD OF NIGHT: DEVIL-SLAYER TPB # 1

The Story: Abandoned by his fiancée, his family, his church, and his government, Sergeant Dan Sylva returns to Iraq for a third tour of duty -- and a descent into Hell itself. If the demon Belathauzer and the mysterious mercenary group known as Bloodstone have their way, Iraq, the place where civilization began, may also be where civilization ends. The reinvented Devil-Slayer takes Marvel’s DEAD OF NIGHT to terrifying new heights, from award-winning horror novelist Brian Keene (The Rising, Dark Hollow) and artist Chris Samnee (DAREDEVIL: BLOOD OF THE TARANTULA)! Collecting DEAD OF NIGHT FEATURING DEVIL-SLAYER #1-4
Explicit Content …$14.99
ISBN: 978-0-7851-3281-3

In Stores: May 27, 2009




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The Danny Ketch Ghost Rider has some serious issues in:

GHOST RIDER: DANNY KETCH - ADDICT TPB # 1

The Story: You’ve heard the news by now. He’s been away, he’s been down to rock bottom; but he’s back. Dan Ketch reborn: a stranger, darker figure. So what happened, Dannyboy? Where did it all go wrong? Tying-into Jason Aaron’s stunning take on the Ghost Rider mythos, artist Javier Saltares and writer Simon Spurrier present a tormented fall into the deepest pits of the soul. Join us – via Technomancer babes, talking carrion-birds, battering-rams on bikes and the inescapable hunger for Vengeance – for a dark tale of Addiction. Plus, the final fate of Dan Ketch is revealed in GHOST RIDER FINALE! With Blackheart deposed, the Ghost Rider is now lord of the Nether Realm. What does he intend to do with his power? And will the other Dark Lords – like Belasco, Pluto and Hela – allow him to keep it? Collecting GHOST RIDER: DANNY KETCH #1-5 and GHOST RIDER FINALE.
Parental Advisory …$19.99
ISBN: 978-0-7851-3286-8


In Stores: May 27, 2009




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Awesome Dr. Strange goodness
(in a story that won my "2008 Sanctum Award" for best Dr. Strange story/appearance):

MARVEL ADVENTURES - FEATURING: THOR, DR. STRANGE, ANT-MAN AND CAPTAIN AMERICA DIGEST # 1


The Story: All adventure, all action, for all ages! Join Thor, Captain America, Dr. Strange and Ant-Man as they go up against the fiercest obstacles they’ve ever encountered. First, see how the God of Thunder came to our world, and what awesome adversities shaped him into a champion of man! Then, the Master of the Mystic Arts encounters a cosmically powered creature that has been allowing its newborn babies to feed on the very fabric of reality. And who is Ant-Man? How did he get both the ability to shrink to less than an inch tall and speak directly to ants? All these stories plus two action-packed tales featuring Captain America! Collecting MARVEL ADVENTURES SUPER HEROES #5-8.
All Ages …$9.99
ISBN: 978-0-7851-3321-6

In Stores: May 27, 2009




=============

Whew!
That seems to be it for this month.
If you see anything that interestes you, be sure to pick it up when it ships.

If you like any of the Collected Editions, a kindness of ordering through my Amazon links would be appreciated.
Heck, check them out for anything you might be looking for.

-------------

Feel free to discuss these solicits in the comments section.

(all new comic cover images yoinked from Marvel.com)

-------------

So, once again, my friends... I'll see you... in the future...

Monday, February 16, 2009

CLEA LOVES SEX

As seen in the previous, Valentine's Day post, (HERE) there have been many women that have loved Doctor Strange over the years. However, the one that holds the most special place in his life is CLEA.

I can only imagine the reason being that she is constantly eager to get him into her "Dark Dimension".

*stroke the pic with your cursor-hand to engorge it*
Any bed in the Sanctum Sanctorum gives new meaning to "DEMONS in the sack".
From Marvel Fanfare v1 # 5
Script by Chris Claremont, pencils by Marshall Rogers, inks by Craig Russell.


I'm tempted to turn this into a regular, recurring feature on the blog.
Seriously. With the number of scenes like that one in the canon, I could probably run months of content JUST with this stuff.


Saturday, February 14, 2009

St. Valentine's Day Special Edition 02009:
STRANGE LOVES
- or -
Doc gets some STRANGE!

Today's entry, in honor of "St. Valentine's Day" we'll be taking a look at the romantic side of the Sorcerer Supreme.

You might want to cue up some proper mood music.
To help you out, feel free to download FREE (and legally) an MP3 of "Let's Get It On!" by Marvin Gaye.*

My sexy gift - to YOU!

* (Sorry - free download was only available for a limited time)
---

Now, by the Valentines of the Vishanti... we'll begin...

Not now Wong... not now.

I present to you the many loves of Stephen Strange and their histories in order of their appearances IN HIS LIFE (not in publication history):

(Click images to better feel the love.)
---

"ALICE BLUE-GOWN"

When Stephen was attending college, he was awkward around women, and fell in love with a girl that he would watch on campus from afar. He never had the nerve to ask her name or to approach her in any way, but he made up a name for her; Alice Blue-Gown (due to the blue dress that she wore on that time he first saw her). Long afterward, when he was forced to destroy and/or absorb all the ancient evils that he had released (including destroying SHUMA-GORATH - again and then having to cut off his own head) and became a dark god, he was in dire need of someone to "ground" him in the here and now and bring him "back down to earth".
His new master; Kaluu and Enitharmon the Weaver (master to Rintrah, and mystical weaver of wonders) used the memory of his strongest Earthly love to pull him back from the abyss. This love was his unrequited feelings for the mysterious "ALICE".
It just goes to show... you never forget your first love.
(1st and only appearance Strange Tales v2 # 16)

---

MARTHA
Martha was a grad-student advisor for the young Stephen Strange when he was but a med student.
Their relationship grew from one of mentor/mentee to one of lovers.
However, as serious as their love affair was, eventually Martha left Stephen for another man.
She married, had children, eventually developing ovarian cancer – and died.

 (1st appearance [love affair shown in flashback] - Defenders v4 # 4)

---

MARJORIE BRINK

She and Strange had a torrid romance, while they were both in Med school. After he graduated, they did not meet again for many years. Discovering that she seemed to have developed immortality, she eventually became a librarian, thinking that it afforded her a better chance of not standing out. Dr. Strange transported them both in time, to a possible future, where they met a version of herself, alive hundreds of years from now. Together they then saved the Earth from the "Demon Sun".
(1st appearance—Marvel Comics Presents #61)

---

MADELEINE de St. GERMAINE (nee Revell)

While Strange was a resident in a NYC hospital, Madeleine was a translator for the UN. She was rushed in from an emergency and he saved her life. They later formed a romantic relationship and he proposed marriage. She turned him down because she saw that he was becoming harsh and greedy. She later married someone else. Many years later, when Strange was a sorcerer, she helped him to combat against Mordo & Azreal and their goal to open the 7 gates of chaos. It was her "death" that pushed Strange to the point where he was able to defeat Mordo and help close the gates - thus bringing her (and all the others who were sacrificed) back to life.
(appearances in Dr Strange v2 # 39, 40, 41 & Man-Thing v2 # 4)


---

KIMBERLY

One in a string of hot, rich women that Stephen used to wine, dine and bed during his arrogant surgeon years.
(appearances: Strange Tales v2 # 16 in sorcery-induced flashback & Doctor Strange v3 # 11 & 45 - in flashback)

---


NURSE WILLIAMS and another unnamed beauty.
These are but a few in a long list of one-night-stands and short-lived flings, with Nurses and others (like Kimberly - above) with whom the eminent surgeon, Stephen Strange, would spend his nights.

(Doctor Strange; Sorcerer Supreme # 45)

---

VICTORIA BENTLEY

The daughter of Sir Clive Bentley - a friend of Dr Strange. After Strange was tricked by Mordo into a trap, Strange called her via mental telepathy to come to his aid. While she fell in love with him nearly instantly, Strange never reciprocated in any other manner but a deep personal and professional friendship and respect. He had sensed her latent mystical abilities but told her that she wasn't yet ready to study the mystic arts. She would later be pulled into another other-dimensional altercation - this time dealing with Yandroth, and Strange came to her aid. However, she noticed how Strange felt towards Clea and felt unworthy of his love. She would, for many years, pine for Stephen Strange and would time and again be spurned - or worse, her feelings unrecognized and ignored by Strange. Eventually she would let go her feelings for him and fell in love with his friend; Dane Whitman; the Black Knight. Dane was also a bit ambivalent about her for a time. At one time, while Doctor Strange was utilizing Dark Magicks to battle against the many evils that he had unwittingly released upon the world, he was forced to find more sources of magical energies. Sensing her power and thoughts of love for him, Doctor Strange was forced to betray her love and siphon all of her mystical energies into himself.
Much later, he was able to apologize for this betrayal, returning her original mystic abilities - plus additional power levels as well - and she forgave him. Later still, she accompanied him and the Black Knight on a quest, and was witness to the passing of the Ebony Blade to the Knight's squire, who would become the entity BLOODWRAITH. Tragically, she was stabbed by the ebony blade and her soul was absorbed into the cursed sword. As far as my research shows, her soul is still in the blade.
(First appearance; Strange Tales v1 # 114.)

---


CLEA
The daughter of Orini & Umar, neice to the Dread Dormammu, Clea aided Doctor Strange on what was his most dangerous early missions; to beat back Dormammu from invading Earth. She was banished by Dormammu once he discovered that she had betrayed him to the earth sorcerer, and it took many months for Doctor Strange to find her and secure her release. She went to live with him, so that he could protect her from future attacks by Dormammu, and to teach her to strengthen her mystical abilities. They instantly fell in love with one another, and they lived - somewhat happily - for many years in the Sanctum. She would always feel a bit dejected and ill-used whenever Strange would treat her like a child to be protected while he would go off on missions, and eventually, this plus her discovery that another woman loved him MORE than she did, would lead to her leaving him to go aid her dimension in a war against Umar.

(First appearance; Strange Tales # 126)

---

MAYA's spell of lust"
This doesn't really count as "loves", but certainly fills the "lust" & "sex" quotient of the "holiday". Strange was involved in a massive orgy of lust as he split himself into a hundred of himself, and each of his duplicates bed female Hindu statues that had come to life by a spell of the goddess; Maya. He dispersed the spell, but not until after the orgy had been completed and all participants were sleeping.

(Marvel Graphic Novel # 23 : "Into Shamballa")

---

MORGANNA BLESSING

A writer, who stumbled into Strange's life by being a witness to his foiling a robbery while in his Astral Form, Morganna was found to have a mystical bond with Strange that led back Centuries of past lives. It was the fact that she had met Strange - and fell deeply in love with him, back in the earliest of these lifetimes - in Ancient Egypt - that led to her love of him being literally AGELESS.

 A love as old as time.
From Doctor Strange; Master of the Mystic Arts # 53

This was the eternal love that Clea sensed and one of the reasons that Clea left Strange. So that he could pursue this love. Eventually, after Doc forced the world to think that he was dead in order to pursue ancient evils that he needed to combat, Morganna wrote a tell-all book about him. After his "return to life", and discovery of this book, their relationship ended. Clea had also returned to his life as well.
Morganna would then fall in love with Strange's younger brother; Victor - who had inadvertently been transformed into a vampire years before by Strange; a novice-sorcerer at the time. However, she would later try to put a stake through his heart because of his escalating blood-lust. Vincent would soon be killed (again - for good) by his taking his own life, rather than seeing Morganna be hurt.
(First appeared Doctor Strange v2 # 48. Appeared often thru to Sorcerer Supreme # 56.)

---

Dr. SUSAN MONTGOMERY

Susan was ship's doctor aboard a cruise ship that DOC & Dane Whitman (aka; the Black Knight) used to get from the UK to the USA. She fell for Doc, but an attack by Umar cuts short any possible "love boat" romance. He's still seeing Morganna at this time anyway, and would soon hook back up with Clea in the Dark Dimension.
(First and only appearance: Doctor Strange v2 # 69)

---

CLEA

When Clea left Strange, it was because she felt that Morganna Blessing had loved Stephen far more than she herself did, and wished Stephen to experience that, seemingly eternal, love.
Clea left Earth and proceeded to lead the rebellion within the Dark Dimension in battle against her mother; UMAR, who had taken over the throne in DORMAMMU's absence.
Umar had proven to be a tyrant as well, and had continually assumed Strange to be behind the rebellion, thus attacking him in seeming retaliation. This caused Strange to eventually venture to the Dark Dimension (in disguise) to aid Clea in her battle; a journey he had, at first, been unable to do, and then continually put off, because his feelings for Clea and her leaving were too raw. They met (in this scene) and together overthrew Umar from the throne, placing Clea as the rightful monarch of her home dimension.
This role would often come between them, time and again.
(scene from Doctor Strange v2 # 71)

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MEPHISTA

Daughter of Mephisto. Was tasked with destroying Strange, but instead wished him for her consort.
(First appeared in his life Doctor Strange v3 # 6. After being defeated, returned in # 30 )

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SALOME'

The ancient sorceress - and long-ago holder of the title; Sorceress Supreme - held a long-standing lust for Doctor Strange and used her magical "dance" to bind his soul to her for many YEARS - without his knowledge. Oftentimes performing her elemental magic which could only be performed while they were copulating (mentioned, but never shown - obviously). When she eventually made her power-play to regain her standing as Sorceress Supreme, she used her power over Strange to paralyze him and cause his magic to go awry. He eventually was able to control his mystical attraction for her and was able to defeat her - sending her back to parts unknown.
(Appeared in his life in Marvel Comics Presents #146 and from # 60 of Doctor Strange v3.)

---

CLEA

Clea returned to Stephen's life now and again, but never for very long. Despite their being "married" via "The 2 rings that are One", she would eventually leave him again to go back to fight for the Dark Dimension, which was once again threatened by Dormammu.
(Clea would return to Earth multiple times. Due to their being "married", often spending long weeks living in the Sanctum: Strange Tales v2 # 1, Dr. Strange Sorcerer Supreme # 2, and other occasions in that same series, - up until # 78. We'll look at one of those in a moment.)

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SISTER NIL

One of the "Lilin"; the demonic children of Lilith, "mother of demons", Sister Nil was basically Marvel's answer to the DC/Vertigo character "DEATH of the Endless". A black-garbed, pale skinned, immortal succubus whose touch and/or kiss was death. She was sent to destroy Dr. Strange and the Midnight Sons (Strange's occult team at the time), but after being captured by Strange became fascinated with Stephen and lived with him, as a willing prisoner, in his underground "Forge" beneath the "Tempo" building. She loved him deeply and would have done anything for him, as he taught her about life and the world. She felt jealousy over his feelings with Clea during her last visit to see him. She had been guarding the body of Victoria Montesei, who had nearly given birth to the demon; Chthon. Sister Nil was almost bequeathed the role of "Nightmare", but Strange intervened. She was last seen residing in the mystic "Forge". While at the time she wasn't deemed ready to go out into the world, we can only imagine that by now, she may be anywhere. Strange granted her some slight freedoms when he noticed that she had changed during her captivity and was now a good person.
(Appearances in many of the final issues of the "Sorcerer Supreme" run. Starting with issue # 60 and going right up to the very end of that series.)

---
CLEA
Months after her last departure, Clea would visit Strange to see if they both felt anything, and to ask for his aid in her new war. He was unable to go to her aid at the time, and they parted slightly estranged. She was soon in a relationship with a native of the Dark Dimension; Nobel. But when Nobel lie, mortally wounded during a battle with Dormammu, Doctor Strange sent one of his "Strangers" - a split persona of his named "STRANGE" to aid her. "STRANGE" merged with Nobel and was transformed into a new entity named; PARADOX. It seemed as if Clea and Paradox were an item all thru her new war with Dormammu.

(Dr. Strange; Sorcerer Supreme # 67)


---

"JASMINE" and "BELLE"

Two call-girls who were hired by one of Doc's "Strangers" (his mystically conjured alternate personalities); "Vincent Stevens". The two dressed as nurses and were hired to "play doctor" with him. When Doc took over "Stevens' " operation of the Tempo building, these two were released from their "positions" and given REAL jobs within the company.
(appeared in Doctor Strange v3 # 78)

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AMANDA PAYNE

A normal human woman, and single mother of a young daughter, who now lives in the old house that Stephen once lived in as a youngster. He went back to his old town to track down some mystery dealing with his family and Mordo, and met Amanda. The two had a very brief, yet strong, physical relationship, until he was forced to leave her after a battle with Mordo put her and her daughter at risk.
(She was first introduced in Doctor Strange v3 # 86)

---

CLEA

Clea once again appeared in the life of Stephen Strange during the "ORDER" storyline in the Busiek/Larsen Defenders/Order miniseries. Clea had been called upon as a female analog of DOC, in order to counterbalance the spell that was causing the Defenders to go rogue.
She also mentions the many losses that the war in the Dark Dimension had claimed, and in the background was the cloak worn by "STRANGE/PARADOX", seemingly suggesting that he was destroyed in the war. We never see Clea linked with Doctor Strange after this series, although it was alluded to that he and the rest of the Defenders would aid her in her war against Dormammu, and then that she would leave him again to rule the Dark Dimension. Those events have yet to be shown.
(The Order # 3 - 6)

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DEAD GIRL

A member of the mutant team "X-StatiX", Dead Girl became infatuated with Strange during a mission to defeat the "Pitiful One". Doc, being a little more eclectic in nature at the time, found her to be enticing as well. Sadly, their love wasn't meant to be - for now - and they parted as very good friends.

(appearance in his life: Dead-Girl miniseries # 1-5)

---

MS. MARVEL
During a battle with the mystic, Warren Traveller, Doc and Ms. Marvel shared a "moment" when they pooled their powers together to fight off the villain who had stolen Strange's "Wand of Watoomb" (that's the name of the mystic artifact, not a euphamism). The two were in close contact and a definite "spark" was evidenced. Nothing came of it, but there was a definite flirting attraction.
(Hey. Maybe that was the "real" reason that Ms. Marvel kept letting the New Avengers go free after the Civil War.)

(Ms. Marvel v2 # 4 & 5)

---

CLEA

It was sometime between Sister Nil and Night Nurse that Clea left Strange for the 3rd time. Although, whatever the term of this relationship, when it resumed and what it entailed have not been revealed. It may just have been that they got back together briefly, rekindled their relationship and then discovered that "you can't go home again".
(as mentioned in ILLUMINATI # 4)

---

NIGHT NURSE

After being shot by an intruder with a mystical handgun, Doc was brought to Night Nurse's clinic by Wong, in order to save his life. After Night Nurse patched Stephen up, they sought to find the villain behind the scheme - which also entailed the theft of a magical elixir that was a cure for cancer. Stephen & the Nurse became romantically involved and were a couple up until Strange left to renew his mystical pledge - as seen in New Avengers Annual # 2.
After Strange vanished to pursue whatever new direction his life must take, he did stand by the side of Night Nurse on at least one other occasion; Marvel Divas miniseries (# 2 of 4).
Stephen Strange aided Night Nurse in the diagnostic examination of the breast cancer in the mutant heroine, Firestar. Whether Strange and the Nurse were still a romantic couple at this time - or if he was merely helping a friend in need - is unknown.
(This instance is related below under the heading of "FIRESTAR", since that mutant heroine made a passing comment about Strange's attractiveness.)
(appeared in his life: Doctor Strange: The Oath # 1-5, several issues of New Avengers and Marvel Divas # 2).

---
MARTHA
(RESURRECTED)
While meditating in front of an arcane mechanism called the Concordance Engine, Doctor Strange’s mind drifted back to a previous love he used to know, Martha; his old grad-student advisor (as seen near the top of this list). His desires activated the Concordance Engine which brought her back to life – as she was when Stephen Strange knew her as a young adult.
The two enjoyed a whirlwind revival of their love affair, until a menacing evil, young magician conspired to make public the knowledge of her whereabouts. Knowing that it must be for the best, Martha departed for places unknown, leaving Strange again.

 (Defenders v4 # 4)

However, in a temporally paradoxical turn of events, Doctor Strange later had to go back in time to prevent his ever gaining the Concordance Engine (as its usage and tampering by the Defenders caused a race of "Death Celestials" to locate our Earth), and as a result, none of the events in this Defenders volume ever occurred.
Martha died in this now-dead-end reality, a victim of the Death Celestial.
And in the newly restored-via-time-paradox reality, she was never resurrected in the first place.

(Defenders v4 # 12)

-------------

There have been a few other little "flirtations", "flings" and "attractions" here and there, and I'll present a few:

---

There has been some confusion about SARA WOLFE. However, it's plainly evident in the comic history that she was never really into DOC in that manner.
While she was his neighbor, in Greenwich Village, they met due to a sorcerous disturbance, wherein Doc aided her. He then hired her to be his business secretary. She DID fall in love with WONG, but their relationship was not to be since he was pledged to another, by his family when he was a young boy. He was to go thru with his arranged marriage to his betrothed; IMEI, and Sara had no choice but to accept this turn of events. Sara fell "in love" with Baron Mordo for awhile. IMEI later died, of course, but by then Sara was nowhere to be found in Doc's cast of supporting characters.

---

I DO recall one instance where two heroines were looking at Doctor Strange and ONE of them admitted that she found him to be VERY attractive.
The other said he was a little too much a "daddy-figure" and the first said that she liked that.
I THINK it was SPIDER-WOMAN II to the WASP in an issue of Avengers West Coast or an Annual (or some kind of INFINITY GAUNTLET crossover).
Not 100% sure where, but that sort of casual notation of attraction occurred every so often.
But I DO recall reading it, and it has stuck in my brain all this time.
I just wish I could remember where.

---

One odd, one-sided "love" was from the "GUARDIAN of the QUADRIVERSE".
A beautiful woman, who had been born and lived her entire life as a silent guardian of all-there-is, she fell in love with Strange when he rescued her from her fate.

From Dr. Strange; Master of the Mystic Arts # 23

---

Many have thought that the time where Amora, the ENCHANTRESS, (in disguise,) once tried to lure Doc via her feminine wiles was an authentic attempt at sexxin' him up.

However, from Doctor Strange; Sorcerer Supreme # 12, this was merely one of the "Acts of Vengeance" attempts (wherein villains would attempt to destroy heroes whom they were not necessarily acquainted - the gist of it was mixing up the combatants would throw the heroes off their "A"-game, leading to many dead heroes). Strange knew of her duplicity and was setting her up for a fall. Clea joining him in the last stage of the battle surely put the Enchantress and her helpmate; the EXECUTIONER to an end.

---

There was ALSO a woman who was friends with TOPAZ, who mentioned that she thought DOC was "dreamy" and she thought that TOPAZ was "seeing him". That was not the case, as Topaz was truly just a very good friend and student of Strange. They were never romantically involved.

This exchange took place in FLIGHT OF BONES # 1.

---

Another strange "one-night-stand"; LILA GREEN A business associate of Vincent Stevens', she and Doc had a date/ business evening of drinks and some very passionate kissing, as Strange discovered her body had been invaded by a hive entity, and that only by working his magic thru the physical contact of their kiss, could he rescue her.
She was left physically spent from the experience. It was never romantic on Strange's end of things. Just business.

(appeared in Doctor Strange v3 # 77, 78)

---

And, of course, there was the "dream sequence" wherein the BEYONDER offers each of the Illuminati their heart's desire and DOC is shown waking up in bed with CLEA & SCARLET WITCH.
(Note: Check the night-stand next to the darker haired woman. That's Wanda's headdress. Just in case you doubted me on this.)
So... maybe DOC subconsciously has a little something for Wanda, but nothing has ever been dealt with in the "reality" of the 616 universe

(As seen in ILLUMINATI # 3)

---

FIRESTAR

Much like that earlier mentioned instance where a heroine secretly thought Strange was "hunky", a more recent instance manifested along similar lines.

In MARVEL DIVAS # 2 (of 4), Angelica Jones, the mutant known as FIRESTAR visits the office of the NIGHT NURSE to ascertain if her fears of contracting cancer are true or not.
The physician who examines her is none other than NIGHT NURSE's (possibly former) boyfriend; DR. STEPHEN STRANGE, very recently divested on his title of "Sorcerer Supreme".

Dr. McDreamy

Angelica thinks to herself "Dr. McDreamy. Paging Dr. McDreamy" (referencing actor Patrick Galen Dempsey, known for his role as neurosurgeon Dr. Derek Shepherd ["McDreamy"], a "heartthrob" Doctor from the popular medical drama TV show; Grey's Anatomy).

Strange can not excise the cancer via magic (especially as his "powers" are at their lowest ebb), and he refers her to Dr. Henry Pym for further study.

Obviously, there's nothing more here than an innocent flirty thought. It might also fall under the realm of patients who fall in love with their doctors, simply because of the empowered role that the physician plays during a vulnerable point in the patient's life.

Still, it counts enough to be worthy of a mention here.

*UPDATE*

Angelica Jones aka ; FIRESTAR outright states to her friends
(Monica Rambeau aka; Photon, Felicia Hardy aka; Black Cat and Patsy Walker aka; Hellcat)
that she wants to buy a "thank you" gift for Dr. Strange for helping her with her treatments.
Felicia Hardy calls her out on having a crush on Doc - stating that even she knows Doc is a "total fox", and Angelica admits her infatuation, asking if the other girls think she has a shot with him.
Monica tells her that if Doc isn't smart enough to recognize a good thing when he sees it then he wouldn't be good enough for her. To aid in Angelica's chances, however, Patsy Walker suggests buying a flimsy nightgown that is hanging in the store window, and that "showing up wearing that little number would be the gift of the century".
 
This scene takes place in the Marvel Digital Holiday Exclusive for 2009.
*click to make readable in size*

On a personal note; I am unsure if Firestar is even 20 years old (Marvel time), and such an implied coupling between her and a (MUCH) older Stephen Strange is probably not the sort of thing her friends should be encouraging. Especially since she is drawn in this story as looking like an under-age, freckle-faced girl. Just sayin'. But hey... maybe Marvel is looking to make Doc the Hugh Hefner of the M.U.)

---

CASEY KINMONT

This next entry isn't really much of a "love", (at least not on the part of Dr. Strange) but, much like the above case with FIRESTAR, it is a showing of affection and possible infatuation.

In the mini-series "STRANGE" v2, after relinquishing the mantle of Sorcerer Supreme, Dr. Strange wonders around the world doing what he can to re-establish himself with "good" magic.
In one of these sojourns he meets up with a young girl, who he finds has a natural affinity for sorcery.
After teaching her a few basic spells, he eventually takes her under his wing as his latest apprentice.


Unfortunately, circumstances spiral out of their control and she loses her soul to a demon.
Before Strange can get it back, he is forced to stitch together the fabric of reality and leaves Casey to guard his physical form.

During this brief lull, Casey has a one-way conversation with Doc's empty vessel, and there she leans in and gently kisses him, thanking him for being a good teacher and treating her as an adult.

"To sir... with love."

While not an actual "love" it shows that even in a platonic "teacher" role, Doc is charming and warm enough to elicit affection from usually angsty (and legal-age) young ladies.

Doc's enemy, Silver Dagger takes this opportunity to attack, and Casey protects Doc - to the seeming mortal wounding of herself.
After defeating Silver Dagger, Strange journeys into dimensions unknown to rescue her soul, and possibly restore her to life.
To date, that quest seems to have ended in failure, for no further mention of it or Casey have been made.

---

LOA
While not a sexual encounter - or even an outright admission of affection, Doctor Strange comments to Namor that he "likes" Namor's newest protege'; LOA.
While he most likely meant it as an innocent comment (since she referenced the Necronomicon), Lyra; the Savage She-Hulk, twisted the meaning to be more salacious. LOA is less-than-thrilled with the idea.

(Fear Itself : The Deep # 2)


---

MOLLY

In a totally uncharacteristic portrayal of Stephen Strange, in issue # 1 of DEFENDERS (vol 4) writer Matt Fraction has Stephen bed a college grad-student who came to him seeking help with her thesis on "magical buildings".
Bad form, Stephen.


But, she also points out in a morning-after accusation that no matter how much he may be able to help her, Stephen Strange's taking advantage of this young, eager "groupie" has hurt her far more.


Oddly enough, Strange then allows himself to ruminate upon the dalliance as something both moreso and less-than anything more than just a night of sex.

"What he wanted most wasn't on the menu"

In one narrative breath, Stephen Strange admits to a deep longing for the girl, the admission that she was "just" a girl (and thus, a toss-away hook-up), and the admission that perhaps his indiscretion was due to the deep human fear of dying alone.

NONE of this makes any sense to anyone who has read the character for more than a few issues (of non-Bendis-era stories).
I did write a post about this scene which can be found [HERE].

Molly returns in Defenders v4 # 4 to set up a love-triangle of sorts between Doc, herself and Strange's resurrected old lover; Martha (see 2 entries above).

Molly aids Strange in getting Martha to safety after a rival magician threatens her safety.
In the end, Molly and Stephen part as strained friends - but lovers no more.
(Review of Defenders v4 # 4 can be found [HERE])

Eventually, in the 12th (and final) issue of the series, Doctor Strange (due to the nature of a cancelled book that has plot holed and dandling plot-lines as well as an in-story dilemma) needs to go back in time to rectify it all. Whilst back in time, actually the very day he beds Molly, he gives his then-self an astral nudge to console her and they go out for a coffee in a diner (presumably to continue their relationship somewhat - instead of the "wham-bam-thank-you-ma'am" affair it was).

(1st appearance—DEFENDERS vol 4 # 1, returning in DEFENDERS v4 # 4 and consoled in DEFENDERS v4 # 12)

---

A BEVVY of HIPPIE CHICKS

Well, it would seem that Doc got over Molly pretty quick, and she must have left a taste in his mouth for sweet, young, wine-drinking nymphs, because in DEADPOOL (NOW) # 2 we see Deadpool interrupting some sort of hang-out session with AT LEAST FOUR young ladies.

Even figuring that WONG would get a piece of his own, that leaves three for Doc.
OK, maybe Willie Nelson wants one too, still... Doc must get the lion's share, right?

Now, I'm not quite sure why Willie Nelson is there.
Oh... yes I am.
Willie is Doc's "medicinal marijuana" provider.
(Deadpool "NOW" # 2)

-------------

Doctor Strange has been shown some real-world loving from a few of the world's sexiest women as well.


MADONNA
(circa 1981) gives Doc a proxy kiss (via issue # 45)

Image from "MadonnaShots"

Cover to Doctor Strange # 45
image from Grand Comicbook Database

----------

MEGAN FOX
having some "alone-time" with DOC (while reading Doctor Strange #51)

ROLLING STONE (Issue 1088. October 1, 2009)
Photo-spread [HERE] - Image [HERE]
Doctor Strange # 51 image
cover image from the
Grand Comicbook Database


----------
At THIS juncture in Strange's life, he seems to be without any "significant other".
However, knowing the cyclical nature of comics, and how many times she's returned to his life...
I don't think it will be all that long before we see a scene like this again:



*NOTE: This post is just a slightly altered (and always updated) recycling of an older entry that I had posted (a year ago) on the Defenders Message Board.
It was written as a series of bullet points, and not intended as an actual "blog post".
That is the reason for it's often textbook-like manner of language and hasty style of writing.

But, the love is still there.