6 YEAR BLOGGIVERSARY! -or-The "BEST OF" vol 6: 2013-2014

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WELCOME to a VERY SPECIAL POST!

Those words were never more true - at least not on this blog.

This post, while seeming to be merely just the latest in a string of annual "best of" posts, is in truth the reaffirmation post to a blog which came precariously close to going the way of many a fine blog... shuttering.


With ever-less limited time (and ebbing interest in the way certain characters have been treated *cough*... *Doctor Strange*... *cough* in comics), my blogging waxed and waned for many months as I slowed my blogging - and then... came to a halt.


This space grew long dormant for NINE MONTHS.


The lack of posts, less the (oxymoron) by-product of the mixture of lack of time and interest and more the all-too-easy cessation of momentum (see: Galileo's "Concept of Inertia" and Neuton's "First Law of Motion", The "New Year's Resolution Effect" and/or Interweb's "First Law of Blog-Shuttering")... the very fact that I hadn't posted made it easier not to post again.

Still, I always knew that, like Oscar Madison's and Felix Unger's belief for their marriages... I WOULD return to "her"... my blog.

 I’ve somehow managed to make it to SIX YEARS of producing "content" (all of varying quality) for this blog!

(This, on top of the many years - since 1997 - of my being an omni-present commenter/ know-it-all loudmouth on others’ blogs, message boards and random street corners.)  

So, now, in the vein of anniversary episodes of various television shows (or did you think that "ODD COUPLE" reference a few lines back was just going to stick there on the wall like a plate of spaghetti... er... I mean, linguini [and YES, I know that's a scene from the MOVIE and not the TV show - but c'mon, give me a break... ok?]) or GIANT-SIZED ANNUALS of old, I would, once again, produce a “best of” post - thus revisiting a few of the "high-points" of this past year's blog-post entries.

Seeing as how I began my official blogging on one random October day in 2008, any semblance of a calendar-year can be tossed right out the window. So, we will focus on what I blogged from OCTOBER 11, 2013 to OCTOBER 11, 2014.

Feel free to use this opportunity to peruse some of these old posts - whether you have read them already or not, there is actually some really good stuff in here.

Disclaimer: I only posted 7 entries in the last 12 months, so... even if they're not the "best", each one will get a mention here (although, really... these were all pretty darn good).






Let's see:

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While this is (primarily) a DOCTOR STRANGE blog, I think it best to start off with a post that has NOTHING to do with him. Instead, this is a wondrous tale of kindness, destiny, original artwork, TV documentaries... and my personal history with JACK KIRBY!

- THE KING and I - [HERE]

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But, yes... this IS (primarily) a blog about DOCTOR STRANGE, so I guess I'll add a few of those here as well.

Here's one that showcases a cool DOCTOR STRANGE VIDEO PINBALL GAME (also featuring, Nightmare, Dormammu and SHUMA F#@%!ng GORATH!):

- PINBALL WIZARD - [HERE]

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Although, as a blog that ALSO shows love to a few other heroes, my "Founding Fathers" (ROM; Spaceknight, MAN-THING and DR. STRANGE), this past year I revealed that the Pantheon also includes a Time-Lord from Gallifrey... DOCTOR WHO.

But some times... the two might not be mutually exclusive.

- SEPARATED at BIRTH - [HERE]

and

- DOCTORS WITHOUT (DIMENSIONAL) BORDERS

-or-

Doctors Across Space, Time & Dimensions        - [HERE]

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There were also other articles and entries to long-running series, as well as revisits to previous discussions.

Such as...

Interested in collectibles and comic swag? Sure! In fact, that was the main reason for my even starting this blog in the first place!

I managed to have at least one entry in the SWAG category, which was a New Year's revisiting to my long-running series:

- MARVEL CALENDARS "TIME WARP" SERIES (update) - [HERE]

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And speaking of “New Year’s Day”, while not quite as extensive (or always as serious) as my essays, there is also a history of HOLIDAY POSTS wherein I might display a little razzle-dazzle (or a facsimile thereof) for your general enjoyment.(Or, in this case, pose a few action figures around snap a photo and add what counts for "wit" around here):

- MERRY CHRISTMAS - (A "not-so" Nativity Scene)  - [HERE]
*Disclaimer: Not for celebrators of Christmas who may be easily offended.

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But I really want to wrap up this special post with two entries which form important posts of not only the past 12 months, but in the history of this blog:

First, the post that begun not only my revelation of my long love for Doctor Who, but how that character had a unique mirror history with Doctor Strange - and how the two characters greatly affected me - especially at the time of writing - when my interest in comics and this blog had taken a drastic blow, and helped to see me through the dark times into what I hoped would be a new time of personal resurgence:

- I AM the DOCTOR - [HERE]

And finally the latest post (just before this one)... wherein I announce my RETURN (and showcase the comic story wherein Doctor Strange also made a Return after he had first given up the ways of magic):

- THE RETURN - [HERE]

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I would be remiss if I didn't thank the many friends, fans, readers, followers, fellow-bloggers and wonderful souls out there who have helped, inspired, cajoled, cudgeled and commented over the years, but especially over the past 12 months. Thank You all!

And creators without whom this blog would be about my collection of rare molds, spores and fungus':

- 
- Steve Ditko -

- Jack Kirby -

- Stan Lee -

- Steve Englehart -
- Gene Colan -

- Marshall Rogers -

- J.M. DeMatteis -
- Steve Gerber -

- Dan Green -

- Michael Golden -

- Paul Smith -

- Mike Ploog -

- Dan Adkins -
- Steve Rude -
- Bill Everett - 
- John Byrne -

- Peter Gillis -
-Roger Stern -

- Frank Brunner -

- Kevin Nowlan -
- Chris Warner -
- P. Craig Russell -

- Gerry Conway - 
- Sandy Plunkett -
- Alan Davis –

- Jeff Parker -
- Mike Allred -
- Mark Buckingham -
- Howard Chaykin -
- Kurt Busiek -
- Mike Weiringo -
- Al Milgrom -
- Rudy Nebres -
- Tom Sutton -
- Steve Mellor -

- Ian Akin and Brian Garvey -

- Sal Buscema -

- Bill Mantlo -

and many, many, MANY more!

And that should do it.
Of course, there ARE an additional 5 years worth of blog entries.
Many are well-researched, and in-depth articles, while some are hit-and-run bits of nonsense.
Others are to showcase new products or comics that were to be released, and still others are tongue-in-cheek bits of whimsy, or tips of the hat to various holidays.

But if you like that sort of thing, open up the blog-history drop down lists and just jump around.

I'll catch you all in a few.  I DO have more planned for YEAR 7!

Join me, wont you?

TIME WARP: The Modern Marvel Calendars *Addendum 4*

Time is relative.

It seems "Time Flies"… (whether you’re having fun or not) and as such, I’ve missed several opportunities to post new blog entries. My apologies.

And so...

Happy (belated) New Year - 2014, Sanctum Dwellers!

In this, the first post of the new year, I once again thought it appropriate to blog about the passage of time. Well... honestly, about calendars.

This post also doubles as an updated add-on to an old post from this time in 2009 wherein I showcased all of the various Marvel Calendars - from 1975 - to the "present"... well... at least the ones that featured Doctor Strange or any of my "6-Dimensions" interests.

The original series can be found at the following links:

(Part I : the "CLASSIC" calendar series can be seen - HERE)
(Part II : the "MODERN" calendar series can be seen - HERE)

(Part III : the 1980 Doctor Strange calendar - in its entirety - can be seen - HERE)

This blog post is just to add two "new" entries into the "Part II - MODERN" portion of that series (these added entries will be added to that post directly, as well)

Occasionally, the "addendums" focus on the new calendar for the new year (new, new, new!). But, of late there have been no new calendars to feature DOCTOR STRANGE. This is made especially “strange” by the fact that, as one of the “Illuminati”, the super-secret cabal featured in Jonathan Hickman’s NEW AVENGERS title, and that editor Tom Brevoort continually touts NEW AVENGERS as “the most important title that Marvel is publishing…” you’d think that group (or any member(s) of that assembly) would be featured on at least one of the 12 months of the calendars over the past two years. But, no.

And so, today’s entry is to showcase some old calendars that I acquired since my last such entry; one from 2005 and the other from 2007. Both of which are of the “Page a Day” desktop variety (of a type which I have exhibited here in time’s past - the 1995 desktop calendar - found with the "Modern" Marvel calendars [see link above]).

With this sort of calendar, each day has its own tear-off page, and on that page is featured some artwork or tidbit of info about a character or comic issue.

The 2005 “Characters of Marvel” Calendar, a “Day At A Time” edition, has DR STRANGE right on the cover page! (With a portion of the cover to “Sorcerer Supreme # 51 showing.) A good start!

The format of this edition was to have sequential pages/days devoted to a character, before moving on to the next. This has several pages dedicated to the Master Mystic!

It also had pages on several of my 6-Dimensions characters; Scarlet Witch, Ghost Rider, Nick Fury, etc… as well as a plethora of other characters, so… a good calendar!

The 2007 edition, is a “Marvel Heroes” “Year In A Box” calendar, and was not as kind to Dr. Strange.

It has Doctor Strange featured on ZERO pages! WTF? Well… he’s not featured solo on any pages, but is seen as a small figure in a few group shots, and is mentioned in some write-ups (for "House of M" and such).

Still, Scarlet Witch is featured on a few pages (solo and as a group member) so… that’s ok.

Otherwise, it’s fairly light on my 6-Dimensions characters.

Except… it DOES have MAN-THING as shown on the cover to “Marvel Comics Presents” # 5, so… alright!

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Also of note, is that this year (2014 for any future visitors from the year 2525 [if man is still alive]) features the same day-of-the-week-per-month pagination as previous years wherein a past Marvel Calendar can be reused to perfection!

Such previous years are 2003, 1997, 1986, 1975, 1969, etc… , and I’ve already featured those calendars (well, the ones that actually HAD Marvel calendars) in previous entries of the MARVEL CALENDAR series [see links above].

So, no Doctor Strange in ANY 2014 calendar? No problem. Let me slap my 1975, calendar on my wall.

Heck, I’ll put the 1997 calendar in my study, the other 1997 in my bedroom, the 1975 calendar in my Sanctum Sanctorum, the 2003 in my bathroom....

See?...

Time is relative.

Time Warp : - The Modern Marvel Calendars *ADDENDUM 3*

Happy (belated) New Year - 2013, Sanctum Dwellers!

In this, the first second post of the new year, I once again thought it appropriate to blog about the passage of time. Well... honestly, about calendars.

This post also doubles as an updated add-on to an old post from this time in 2009 wherein I showcased all of the various Marvel Calendars - from 1975 - to the "present"... well... at least the ones that featured Doctor Strange or any of my "6-Dimensions" interests.

The original series can be found at the following links:

(Part I : the "CLASSIC" calendar series can be seen - HERE)
(Part II : the "MODERN" calendar series can be seen - HERE)

(Part III : the 1980 Doctor Strange calendar - in its entirety - can be seen - HERE)

Anyway, this entry is just to post an added entry into the "Part II - MODERN" portion of that series (however, while a part of the Marvel Calendar collection, this added entry will not be added to that post directly - only mentioned with a link to this addendum, for the reason in the very next sentence...)

However, for the first time, the calendar I am about to showcase has absolutely NO appearance by Doctor Strange whatsoever!

It DOES, however, have an appearance by one of my "6-Dimensions" interests: the SCARLET WITCH.

Left side: Thor, Scarlet Witch, Captain America.
Right side: Havok, Rogue, Wolverine.
Artwork by John Cassaday, from the cover to Uncanny Avengers # 1

A FREE promo item, this calendar showcases images for the upcoming year's publications and events. 
(Sadly, I don't yet have one, and have made due with scans from online. Anyone have one of these they can spare? I'll probably have to hit up eBay or something. Found one on the cheap via eBay. Not FREE as it should be, but pretty close.)

It's an in-house publication. With a few tiny images of some Marvel characters on certain holidays, this calendar, much like previous few years in-house Marvel calendars, is a tiny throwback / homage to those "classic" Marvel calendars of old (as can be seen in this post [HERE]) wherein most of the days had cool little Marvel art within. (Like the odd little scene of NAMOR kissing the INVISIBLE WOMAN (or is that EMMA FROST?) in a heart-shaped box on VALENTINE's DAY... hmmm...)

Unfortunately, like the similar in-house Marvel calendar of last year (blogged [HERE]), this one also does not showcase Dr. Strange in any of its interior pages.

What I find very curious is that in EVERY interview with writer Jonathan Hickman about his plans for Marvel flagship titles; AVENGERS & NEW AVENGERS, he states that the plans he has for NEW AVENGERS (which features Doctor Strange and the rest of the Illuminati [Iron Man, Mr. Fantastic, Black Bolt, Namor, the Beast - who takes the place of the dead-for-now Professor X, and Black Panther]) would make it THE MOST IMPORTANT title that Marvel would publish all year. And yet, images of that title/group is strangely snubbed in the calendar.

Argh.
It looks like 2013 will be the same as many a year previous in that...
it is not easy being a Doctor Strange fan.

Time Warp : - The Modern Marvel Calendars *ADDENDUM 2*

Happy New Year - 2012, Sanctum Dwellers!

In this, the first post of the new year, I once again thought it appropriate to blog about the passage of time. Well... honestly, about calendars.
This post also doubles as an updated add-on to an old post from this time in 2009 wherein I showcased all of the various Marvel Calendars - from 1975 - to the "present"... well... at least the ones that featured Doctor Strange or any of my "6-Dimensions" interests.

The original series can be found at the following links:

(Part I : the "CLASSIC" calendar series can be seen - HERE)
(Part II : the "MODERN" calendar series can be seen - HERE)

(Part III : the 1980 Doctor Strange calendar - in its entirety - can be seen - HERE)

Anyway, this entry is just to post 2 added entries into the "Part II - MODERN" portion of that series
(yes, the added entries will also be added to that post directly, as well.)

Here, I present, the most recent appearances of Doctor Strange in a Marvel Calendar.

The 2012 - MARVEL HEROES - SPECIAL EDITION CALENDAR
(# 4 in the Special Edition series)

(And a POP-UP Calendar, at that!).

Produced by 'Act Responsibly', a Mead Corporation, this is a calendar with pop-up images for each 2-month spread.
By pop-up, I mean, like children's books... when the page is opened, the artwork has been diecut and assembled in such a way that it unfolds and literally is raised up off the surface of the page... it "pops" up off the page.


Each pop-up features a hero and a villain (usually a pairing of a hero and one of his primary foes - or at least a foe who makes some sense to have with that hero), and is in the center of two months worth of date boxes. The date boxes go down the sides of each page's outer edge, which leaves the majority of space for the pop-up art.


The truly screwed up thing is that the heroes shown on the wrap-around cover are not (for the most part) the ones showcased in the inner pop-ups! So, if you're like me, and bought this for one (or more) of your favorite heroes who are on the cover, the odds of that hero being on the inside are slim-to-none.

Left to Right / Top to Bottom:

Ice-Man, Storm, Human Torch, Spider-Man, Doctor Strange, Black Panther, (Arch)Angel

Mr. Fantastic, The Thing, Cyclops, Black Widow, Daredevil, Hulk, Iron Fist

Elektra, Black Cat, Beast, Hawkeye, Wolverine, Invisible Woman

The six 2-month spreads feature the following hero/villain pairings:

January/February : Daredevil / Bullseye
March/April : Spider-Man / Lizard
May/June : Hulk / Abomination
July/August : Wolverine / Sabretooth
September/October : Silver Surfer / Galactus
November/December : Hawkeye / Ultron

Like the cover artwork, all of the inner artwork is computer "airbrushed" art either from published comics or promotional / production art. Fortunately, the airbrush coloring helps make so many differently drawn styles of art work almost seamlessly with a cohesive look. Unfortunately, the coloring is so totally over-rendered that everything looks ridiculously artificial.

The wraparound cover is filled with a diverse assemblage of Marvel superheroes. At first glance, it is hard to fathom the method for selecting the characters represented. However, it would seem that many of these heroes are either in already established film franchises, or like Doctor Strange, are to be in up-coming films.

The selection for the interior spreads makes less sense, as most of these featured pairings are either in old (or especially bad) movies or those who may be part of some future project.

Spider-Man / Lizard is most likely the pairing of the upcoming Spider-man flick.
Ultron is probably going to factor into the Avengers film (of which Hawkeye will be a part).
If there is a new Hulk film, the Abomination is the most likely candidate for baddie.
A Silver Surfer film would be awesome - and if so, a non-cloud version of Galactus would be a must.
And so on...

However, I bought it for Doctor Strange, who is on the cover in a heretofore unseen bit of production artwork. Happily for me, he is dressed in his classic garb, and they even got the overall look of the cloak of levitation correct - with the gold embroidered area covering his shoulders. 

Sadly, he is not showcased anywhere on the inside.


Maybe when his own film comes out in 2013 (?).

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The next calendar, also for 2012, also showcases Doctor Strange on the cover.

Artwork by Nick Bradshaw, from the variant cover to Marvel POINT ONE # 1 issue

(I blogged a review of the DEFENDERS story therein - [HERE])

A FREE promo item, this calendar showcases images for the upcoming year's publications and events. 
(Sadly, I don't have one, and have made due with scans from online. Anyone have one of these? I'll probably have to hit up eBay or something. I was just told by the fine folks at Horizon Comics in Lancaster, CA that they'll toss in 2 free calendars in my recent order of some discount variants. Thanks Guys!)

Unfortunately, like the previous calendar, although he is shown on the cover, this one also does not showcase Dr. Strange in any of its interior pages.
Still, it does have this spread for March that features the Scarlet Witch - one of my '6-Dimensions of Doctor Strange' characters.

Artwork from Avengers vs X-Men # 0 cover by Frank Cho

Also, as can be seen on the 17th, with the little picture of Banshee on St. Patrick's Day, this calendar also is a tiny throwback / homage to those "classic" Marvel calendars of old (as can be seen in this post [HERE]) wherein most of the days had cool little Marvel art within.

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Will we have to wait until 2013 for a calendar to showcase Doctor Strange in the interior?
Not if the Mayan Calendar is to be believed.
(Don't worry. It's not. Maybe. I hope.)
;-)

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!

Tamam Shud!

~P~

Time Warp : - The Modern Marvel Calendars *ADDENDUM*

Happy New Year - 2011, Sanctum Dwellers!

In this, the first post of the new year, I thought it appropriate to blog about calendars.
Actually, this is really just an updated add-on to an old post from this time in 2009 wherein I showcased all of the various Marvel Calendars - from 1975 - to the "present"... well... at least the ones that featured Doctor Strange or any of my "6-Dimensions" interests.

The original series can be found at the following links:

(Part I : the "CLASSIC" calendar series can be seen - HERE)
(Part II : the "MODERN" calendar series can be seen - HERE)

(Part III : the 1980 Doctor Strange calendar - in its entirety - can be seen - HERE)

Anyway, this entry is just to post an added entry into the "Part II - MODERN" portion of that series
(yes, the added entry will also be added to that post directly, as well.)

Here, I present, what appears to have been the "last" (or at least most recent) appearance of Doctor Strange in a Marvel Calendar.

From 02008 - The MARVEL HEROES - SPECIAL EDITION CALENDAR

# 1 in the Special Edition series.

(a Borders Books exclusive).

Cover art by Alex Ross

This is a nifty calendar with pop-up images for each month.
By pop-up, I mean, like children's books... when the page is opened, the artwork has been diecut and assembled in such a way that it unfolds and literally is raised up off the surface of the page... it "pops" up off the page.

With a glitzy, holofoil cover, reprinting an old painting by Alex Ross (originally done for Wizard magazine cover, then later turned into posters and whatnot) Doctor Strange missed being on the wraparound cover by mere inches.

I shall explain.

The original image, used for Wizard Magazine #42 (March 1995), Dr. Strange was seen at the far right.

click to embiggen

However, when the image was used the the 2008 Calendar cover, first, it was flipped (reversing the direction of the image) and then the very end of it was cut off the back of the cover to make it fit the dimensions of the cover - thus once again showing no respect for Doctor Strange.

I didn't bother taking a pic of the calendar's back cover because of that.

However, Doc DOES make the interior - by the barest of margins.

While he is absent from any of the actual monthly pop-up images, he is seen (barely) in the first page (double-page spread) pop-up that showcases the previous few months of the prior year (2007).

This image, a collage of sorts, utilizing various static pose illustrations for Marvel's licensed works, was also used for a Marvel Universe poster.

Doc is seen Waaaaaaaay in the back.
Can't see him?
OK.
See Spider-Man?
Look to Spidey's right (his left) at the Human Torch and Mr. Fantastic.
See the space between their heads?
Follow that space all the way up to the last row of heroes.
That's Doc flying with his arms and cloak outstretched.

The artwork used is the same seen in several licensed articles of that timeframe (2006 - 2008).
You can best see it on this t-shirt that I featured in another old series of posts (that dealt with my ever expanding Dr. Strange apparel collection) - HERE.

For your benefit, I will re-post that image here.


The artwork, by Steve Rude, was among some of the character designs that he had drawn for use with licensed ancillary products.

This pose was used for a few other items, a small representation of which is in a giant Marvel Universe group poster (as mentioned in the Calendar summary), also the Doctor Strange "Battle Dice" figure, as well as the promotional poster for the Marvel Legends "Galactus Series" assortment.
An excellent piece of work (as are ALL of Steve Rude's works) this design seems to be "last year's model" and has seemingly been discontinued from Marvel's licensing, replaced by similarly over-airbrushed samples like the other characters in the calendar /poster image.


Well.
That brings us up to date on Doc's appearances in Marvel's calendar assortments.
Happily, he was treated MUCH better in years gone by, and we hope that he will again one day.

"Tamam Shud!"
~P~

Happy Birthday, America! 2009

DOCTOR STRANGE
& assorted DEFENDERS (well... mostly)
wish you all a Happy (and safe) 4th of July!

Art by Sal Buscema
Daredevil, Black Widow, Doctor Strange, Daimon Hellstrom; Son of Satan,
Luke Cage; Power-Man, Ghost Rider and Shang-Chi; Master of Kung Fu.

From the Marvel 1976 Calendar
One of the multitudes of Marvel calendars showcased previously on this blog
In PART I of the 3 part "TIME WARP" series. Found [HERE]

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~

Time Warp : Part III - The Occult World of Doctor Strange Calendar

TIME...

It rules us all. It counts our moments, our days, our years... our... lives.
Such is the nature of mortality.
We can try to ignore it's passing. However, it can can not be denied.

Take this last installment; this third entry in the series (of three) posts about the old MARVEL CALENDARS...
With one day skipped over, one 48-hour period, between the previous installment and this... for those who were eagerly anticipating its being posted, it must have felt longer.
(Of course, for those who had little care about it, time held them not in it's power. All I can say is that for ME it felt interminable).

However, the wait is over. I proudly present Part III in the "Time Warp" series...
- 01980 -
- The Occult World of Doctor Strange Calendar -

(Part I : the "CLASSIC" calendar series can be seen - HERE)
(Part II : the "MODERN" calendar series can be seen - HERE)

As a Doctor Strange "fan-site", and one that showcases the many wondrous Doctor Strange-related collectibles from within my Sanctum Sanctorum, I felt it appropriate to leave this single calendar for last.
As such, I am pleased to show each and every image from this item, which as I'll relate at the end of the post - was a very important part of my early years as a fervent collector of Dr. Strange comics and ephemera.

However, time's a wasting... let's go back in time... to 01980 * !

To do this, we'll take a lesson from 'The Master'... one to whom TIME was less than nothing...
The ANCIENT ONE...

Strange Tales # 124 - Stan Lee & Steve Ditko

We are limited in our time, only the length of a single candle-wick, and as such, I'll keep my comments to a minimum.
Instead, I'll let the fabulous works speak for themselves.

Click on images to cast an enlarging spell upon them.
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Front cover - Dave Cockrum (pencils) Tom Palmer (inks)

Inner cover - table of contents

A Message from Stan Lee - art by Peter Ledger

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JANUARY

Ancient One and Dr. Strange; "Master of Black Magic" by Al Milgrom

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FEBRUARY

"Return to the Nightmare World" by Bill Sienkiewicz and Joe Rubinstein

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MARCH

Dr. Strange and Clea vs Dormammu and Mindless Ones;
"The Domain of the Dread Dormammu: by Pat Broderick and Bob Layton

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APRIL

"Eternity Beckons" by Gene Colan and Tom Palmer

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MAY

Dr. Strange and Xandu send Spider-Man to...
"Where man Hath Never Trod" by Mike Zeck

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JUNE

Stephen Strange and Clea under the eyes of the Sons of Satannish...
"...While A World Awaits" by Rudy Nebres

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JULY

Dr. Strange, the Black Knight and the Avengers battle Ymir and Surtur...
"If A World Should Die Before I Wake..." by George Perez and Bob Wiacek

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AUGUST

Prince Namor; The Sub-Mariner, Doctor Strange and The Hulk.
The Dynamic Defenders! in "The Return" by Keith Pollard and Joe Sinnott

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SEPTEMBER

Dr. Strange and Mordo meet "Sise-Neg / Genisis" by Ernie Colon

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OCTOBER

Dr. Strange battles Silver Dagger and Death in Agamotto's realm...
"Through An Orb Darkly" by John Byrne and Terry Austin

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NOVEMBER

Dracula has won in "The Tomb of Doctor Strange" by Gene Colan and Tom Palmer

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DECEMBER

Dr. Strange faces the In-Betweener, Dr. Stranger-Yet, the Creators and the dangers of the Quadriverse...

"Fate... Like A Wheel" by Tom Sutton

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Back cover by Frank Miller and Klaus Janson

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Back in the mists of time... 1980 through the rest of the decade, in the dim recesses of history when there was no internet... as a collector and fan, informational resources to aid in the search... the QUEST... for the back-issue tidbits and eclectica were few and far between.

As a young fan, hooked on comics and the worlds of Doctor Strange, but with only a few then-recent comics to my name, I would utilize the clues and reprinted images within this calendar (and the others of the "Classic" series) to piece together plot-points and time-lines of Strange's publishing history.

Many times I had only a single panel (or cropped portion of a panel), two-color reprinting of a scene from a critical piece of Strange's adventures with which to cobble together events and use as reference material to help FIND the issues represented within.
The tricky part was that many times, the scenes within the calendar were not from any actual Doctor Strange titled comic.

I'd buy some old comics, with giant gaps between issues, and use the information from the editorial boxes (those little boxes at the bottom of comic panels which explained where characters and events had occurred previously - those were invaluable to me) and my calendar to connect the dots, and aid me in my next leg of... The Quest!

Of course, I couldn't very well take this giant calendar with me to the assorted darkened back-alley comic shoppes that were beginning to crop up from the late 1970's.
No. I'd be risking the "structural integrity" of the calendar (and myself) by being so outre with my nerditity.

Instead, I used my almost photographic memory (which only works for visuals - not numbers, sadly) to scan comics while flipping through them quickly. Searching for familiar scenes or characters who might be continuing a story, speed-reading captions and word balloons for salient key-words that might point me in the right direction of a worthwhile purchase.
Bridging a gap in a storyline. Filling a hole in the collection. That need drove me onward for many years. With little but this calendar as my guide.
(Over the years, my original copy took a few bits of stress, causing me to retire it from active use and purchase a second, new, mint copy. It is the newer version that I used for my pics for this entry.)

The subtle feeling of success, when I was able to locate a comic which held a scene that was reprinted in this calendar, was like a small shot of adrenaline which would be my fuel to go onto the next acquisition. And the next. And the next.

Until many years later, now... in the present... where I have every appearance of Doctor Strange.
All his comics, guest appearances, cameos and even where he's a single head in a crowd scene.

Some prized pieces that were obtained, weren't even comics at all.
One such item, as shown in a tiny box at the bottom of one month... was an issue of Esquire magazine, where 1960's college hippies are interviewed about Dr. Strange (and Marvel as a whole).

That mania... that focus... was brought into being by using this calendar as my lodestone... my map... to go back to the PAST - finding the treasures I needed - and bringing them back with me...
to the PRESENT.

Much like Doctor Strange himself... striving to make his way back from the past... as the light of his guiding candle had long faded away.

And so, I have brought you all BACK safely with me from the past.
From THEN to NOW.

However... how many of you... after reading this and seeing the same tantalizing glimpses of yesteryear, may have left a small portion of their soul behind in the past... and now must journey back to collect it - and the many Doctor Strange appearances found within... along the pages of...

...TIME!


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*There IS a way to trick time...
You see, THIS 1980 calendar was the same day pagination as the past year of 2008, and as such, I used it as my calendar for that year.
2009 is the same day pagination as 1981, so... I can recycle the past for my usage today.