GETTING MY HOUSE IN ORDER...

Long-time readers of this blog may remember that I've often likened my collectibles' room (what some might call a "man-cave") to the SANCTUM SANCTORUM of Doctor Strange.
In fact, that IS what I call my retreat, my reliquary, my holy of holies... MY Sanctum Sanctorum.

And those self-same long-time readers may recall when I lamented that my Sanctum was in a dilapidated, derelict state (much like Dr. Strange's Sanctum at the time) - [HERE] .

In fact, THAT simile' begat an epic and introspective look into the many times that the Sanctum Sanctorum of Doctor Strange was destroyed or in any major way defiled over it's long published history (more times than you'd think). I called it the "Housing Crisis : Sanctus Interruptus" series, and you can read that multi-part essay by following the link above (which, in turn, when completed, leads to a link for the next installment, and then the next, etc...).

However, I've long been working on rectifying my Sanctum, and am proud to say that it is completely re-arranged (not an easy feat, as my Sanctum also has angled, inclined walls, like the upper floor of Doctor Strange's home at 177A Bleecker Street.

I'll be showcasing many new photos and write-ups of the treasures to be found within (as I sort of did with a new photo in this recent post [HERE]), as well as further entries in to the "Housing Crisis" series, since my last update.

HOWEVER, as a show of good faith, I present to you, THIS, newly "completed" (well, the exterior is done, but I still have the interior to build)...

3D Model of the SANCTUM SANCTORUM at 177A Bleecker Street.

click on images to make SANCTUM-sized

3D art by PTOR

3D - 3/4 top view 

with the 2-D illustration from the Official Marvel Handbook that I used as a guide. 

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3D art by PTOR

3D - Front view 

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As I progress further with the interior of this model - as well as my own personal Sanctum, I'll post updates.

In the meanwhile, don't be a STRANGE-R to the Sanctum Sanctorum Comix blog, either HERE [HERE] or on the TWITTERS - [HERE]- or, on the NEW "Doctor StrangeCast" Podcast - [HERE].

THE SPIRIT IS WILLING... AND WHERE THERE'S A WILL, THERE'S A WAY!

This is a blog-post that I SHOULD have written days, months, years...er...EONS ago!

While my presence on this blog has been... remiss (to say the least), it was NEVER for lack of wanting to do so.

However, even as the BENEDICT CUMBERBATCH starring DOCTOR STRANGE film has been looming, and of ALL times for me to be cast on the wayside (life has been... hectic), THIS was the worst time.

However, I've not been completely absent.
If you've been following me on Twitter, then you'll know that I'm STILL blogging #doctorSTRANGE - in 140 character bursts.

(See my feed on the RIGHT side-bar ----> )
My handle is @SanctumBlog (surprise, right?)

I'm ALSO a part of a new podcast that will be launching in a day or two.

DOCTOR STRANGE-CAST
Which can be found at this link - (HERE)
Where I'll be discussing ALL things DOCTOR STRANGE with fellow fans:
Howard Hallis (fellow Doctor Strange collector extraordinaire)
AND Deeeee! (She of cosplay fame)

I DO plan on getting back to this blog. And SOON! (yes, I know I've said this before.)

I've finally got my home's Sanctum Sanctorum completed, and I'll be photographing and blogging about a TON of merchandise that I've collected over the past 40 years!

So. Until I do get back to blogging here, follow me on TWITTER
 & the new DOCTOR STRANGE-CAST !

PTOR

in his

SANCTUM SANCTORUM

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.

IDOL PURSUITS: MASTER of the PLASTIC ARTS Part 5: 1996 DR STRANGE “Spider-Wars” Action Figure (Spider-Man Animated Series – ToyBiz)

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Welcome to another entry in the long-running “IDOL PURSUITS” series (and of the “Master of the PLASTIC Arts” sub-series {a complete run-down of previous entries can be found [HERE] or individual links can be found at the end of this post})!

Today’s entry features the DOCTOR STRANGE Action Figure from the “Spider-Man: the Animated Series” line. (AND all its VARIANTS!)

Released from ToyBiz in 1996, as a part of the “Spider-Wars” assortment (along with BLACK CAT, HYDRO-MAN, DOPPLEGANGER SPIDER and CYBORG SPIDER-MAN), this is the first true DOCTOR STRANGE action figure! *(See footnote below)

This figure, like most in the "Spider-Man Animated Series" line, is based upon the guest-appearance of the character (in this case, Doctor Strange) in an episode of the 1990's era Spider-Man animated cartoon. Doctor Strange appeared in the first episode of the "Sins of the Fathers" story arc, appropriately entitled; "DOCTOR STRANGE".

Also appearing in the episode are Wong, Baron Mordo and Dormammu (who, while Doc and Wong are in but this one episode, the two baddies both reappear numerous times over the story arc).
While neither Wong nor Mordo ever got a figure, Dormammu would indeed (at a later time, and not quite as a part of this line, which we'll get to in a near-future post).

I’ll confess, while there have been several other Dr. Strange action figures released after this one – some with far greater detail and points of articulation - this figure is my personal favorite. **(See the 2^nd footnote below)

Doctor Strange possesses 10 points of articulation (neck, shoulders, waist, hips, knees, ankles) , a dynamic sculpt and clean, crisp paint applications. This figure also features a “super-power”: via a specially-designed Cloak of Levitation, due to a clip that fits around his waist and a hidden metal wire in the base of the cloak (billed as a “Mystical Morphing Cape”), the cloak can support the weight of the figure, allowing for “gravity-defying” poses.

Also included are two accessories: a plastic pin / standee, and an “Orb of Agamotto” crystal ball.

The “pin” features a Doctor Strange logo superimposed over the Doc’s head and hands, and a clip on the back that pivots out to act as a stand (or clips back down for use as a pin {one of the many pins and buttons showcased in a previous post [HERE]}).

The “Orb” is a clear ball on a sculpted base that features a demon’s head (as if being scryed upon or summoned by the good Doctor).

Early versions had a monochromatic all-yellow "demon" head in the orb.
The final version had a green head with a full paint scheme.

But I'll get to that in a moment while discussing "VARIANTS".

While variants are a common and popular practice today, they were seldom seen in 1996. Some variants are intended as such; “chase” figures which are short-packed in assortments. Others are the by-product of mid-run alterations. This is the sort of situation that garnered this figure not one, not two, but THREE additional “variants”!

The original-run figure had clear/white joint-pegs in the articulation points of his limbs and the “orb” included a yellow base-color demon-head.

The first adjustment saw the arm joint-pegs colored blue to match his tunic, but the legs pins in his knees and ankles were overlooked and they remained the original clear-white. It still had the one-tone yellow demon head in the “orb”.

The next alteration gave the figure joint-pegs appropriately colored to the paint application where they were located; blue for his arms, black for his legs. However, it still had the yellow base-colored demon head in the “orb”.

The final tweak had not only the appropriately colored joint pegs, but a new green plastic mold and a colored paint-application for the demon head.

Of course… I have to have all four... both IN package as well as loose.
Such is the collector-monkey on my back.

The paint application seemed to start off excellent (the face is exceptionally detailed in the 1^st run; his eyes have been outlined and the mustache is perfectly painted. Each subsequent alteration saw a decline in paint apps. By the 3^rd version, the paint application is a spotty mess. Luckily, by the final version, they seemed to care again and with the appropriate colored pegs, and the painted demon head, the paint application for the main figure also saw a raise in quality.

Designed by famed artist Michael Golden, the figure was originally intended to have an additional accessory: snap-on magic spells, made from translucent vac-formed rubber. In the design notes, Golden also suggests light-up hands and a glow-in-the-dark Eye of Agamotto amulet (both of which would have been awesome additions to an already great figure).

With design drawings by an illustrator of Michael Golden’s magnitude, why his illustrations were not used for the package - instead of the sub-par artwork that did make the card - is a mystery.

I have seen notations that the design of this sculpt won awards, yet I have yet to discover what awards that might be. Most likely, some toy industry award of which I am unfamiliar.

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*Footnote # 1 (FUN FACT: )

After multiple entries in the IDOL PURSUITS series (and of the “Master of the PLASTIC Arts” sub-series {a complete run-down of previous entries can be found [HERE]}) we are FINALLY able to showcase a Doctor Strange figure that is BOTH an ACTION figure AND made of PLASTIC (as opposed to rubber, metal, or paper as have come before). Sure, the 1991 Doctor Strange PVC figure (seen [HERE]) is technically made of plastic, but it is in no way an “action” figure. Oh, I hear you matter-of-factly reminding me that the MEGO Doctor Strange figure was both “action” and plastic, but sadly, while it was originally intended to be a Doctor Strange figure (to cash in on the hopeful success of the Dr. Strange TV movie pilot in 1978), it was never released as such, and became instead (in 1981) a Jordache Male Fashion Model figure (as sadly related [HERE]).

As opposed to the failure of the Dr. Strange TV pilot securing an ongoing series, Spider-Man has always had better luck at mass media exposure. Thus, when the 1990’s SPIDER-MAN: The Animated Series was on the air, it was able to secure a plethora of ancillary wares of the star and his numerous villainous and heroic guest stars – which luckily for us included Action Figures!

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**Footnote # 2 (FUN FACT of  a FUTURE FEATURE):

As a testament of how much I love this particular figure, come back NEXT time to see all the CUSTOM action figures that I made using it as a base. Back in the late 1990’s I was dead-set on producing a custom of every costume and appearance of Doctor Strange. While not every custom used this figure as a base, many did. Come check them out – NEXT TIME!

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Previous entries in the
IDOL PURSUITS (and MASTER OF THE PLASTIC ARTS) series:


Part 1) - 1979 Ben Cooper “dangler-jiggler” figure – [HERE]

Part 1a) - ADDENDUM:  The pre-“Action Figure” figures
(Marvel World standees and "Rub-n-Play" standee) – [HERE]

Part 2) – The DOCTOR STRANGE MEGO figure that almost was – [HERE]

Part 3a) – Gaming figures: TSR Standees – [HERE]

Part 3b) – Gaming Figures: TSR Metal Figurines – [HERE]

Part 4) – The PVC Figurines: DOCTOR STRANGE – [HERE]

Part 4a) – The PVC Figurines - addendum 1: “MAN-THING” – [HERE]

Part 4b) – The PVC Figurines  - addendum 2: “DEFENDERS” – [HERE]

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SPECIAL EDITIONS:

Idol Pursuits: ROM SPACEKNIGHT "action figure" toy – [HERE]

Idol Pursuits: ROM SPACEKNIGHT model kits: full size and bust - [HERE]

Idol Pursuits: DR. ORPHEUS bobblehead - [HERE]

Idol Pursuits: DOCTOR STRANGE BOARD GAME - [HERE]


Of course, there were OTHER entries in the IDOL PURSUITS series (mostly ancillary and preview posts), but if you want to see ALL of the entries in the series (in reverse order) just click [HERE].

IDOL PURSUITS : "TOYS NIGHT OUT". A RECAP and PRELUDE EDITION

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IT FIGURES... this is going to be a multi-purpose post.

No, I'm not complaining or being sarcastic about anything.

"IT FIGURES" was the name I originally used as a subject header / tag-line for a continuing series of blog-posts that deal with "Action Figures", figurines and statuary. I soon realized that in keeping with the mystic nature of this blog's focus (i.e; Doctor Strange and the various magic characters which I collect), that "IDOL PURSUITS" would make more sense, since I am often in pursuit of these plastic (plaster, resin, rubber and/or paper) "idols".

One of the first series of posts when I began this blog were the "Idol Pursuits", wherein I started an extensive look into every action figure, figurine and statue of Doctor Strange, Man-Thing, Rom; Spaceknight and assorted other "6-Dimensions" characters.
However, somewhere in my 2nd year I got sidetracked into other posts (many epic essays and in-depth looks into the comics) and never got back to the "Idol Pursuits".

While I've been meaning to get back to it, I've sadly neglected to do so.

UNTIL NOW...

Since, as of late, I've been spending what (little) free time I have working on fixing up my "Sanctum Sanctorum" (man-cave), I've been surrounded by all of the many, MANY assorted "idols" that are stored within.

And so I feel compelled to light the candles on those alters and continue to pay homage to them here once again.

Just a glimpse of a VERY FEW of the many figures to be showcased in the weeks to come.


Since it has been a few years since I last posted an entry in the "IDOL PURSUITS" category, I feel it best to give a recap / run-down on what has come before with some pics and links to previous posts.

But then, make sure to continue on and read the comic story "TOYS NIGHT OUT" which was first printed as a back-up story in MARVEL FANFARE # 56 - and then come back next time for an IDOL PURSUITS SPECIAL EDITION deluxe entry!


So now in preparation of the continuance of the "IDOL PURSUITS" series, here's your recap of the posts dedicated to presenting detailed and comprehensive histories of DOCTOR STRANGE (and "6-Dimensions" characters) figures/statues/standees etc...:

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Part 1) - 1979 Ben Cooper “dangler” figure – [HERE]

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Part 1a) - ADDENDUM:  The pre-“Action Figure” figures
(Marvel World standees and "Rub-n-Play" standee) – [HERE]

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Part 2) – The DOCTOR STRANGE MEGO figure that almost was – [HERE]

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Part 3-A) – Gaming figures: TSR Standees – [HERE]

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Part 3-B) – Gaming Figures: TSR Metal Figurines – [HERE]

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Part 4) – The PVC Figurines: DOCTOR STRANGE – [HERE]

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Part 4a) The PVC Figurines - addendum 1: “MAN-THING” – [HERE]

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Part 4b) – The PVC Figurines  - addendum 2: “DEFENDERS” – [HERE]

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Special Editions:

Idol Pursuits: ROM SPACEKNIGHT "action figure" toy – [HERE]

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Idol Pursuits: ROM SPACEKNIGHT model kits: full size and bust - [HERE]

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Idol Pursuits: DR. ORPHEUS bobblehead - [HERE]

Of course, there were OTHER entries in the IDOL PURSUITS series (mostly ancillary and preview posts), but if you want to see ALL of the entries in the series (in reverse order) just click [HERE].

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Well. Before you go up and start clickety-clicking all those links, and (re)reading those previous entries, I'll post a special comic story here for you!

Originally printed in MARVEL FANFARE # 56, this is a story of a kid who can't seem to get his room in order and it's because he spends too much time playing with his... (NO, you filthy-minded people!) Action Figures.

But don't fret... there's a very good reason this story is being showcased here!

But don't worry, I won't spoil it here. I'll recap at the end...

Written by BILL MANTLO with art by DON HECK, enjoy...

 "TOYS NIGHT OUT".

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So, did you figure out WHY this is on my blog?

Not only is it a pseudo-biographical tale of my working on my "Sanctum" (well... except I don't have a mother breathing down my neck about it, and my wife is smarter than to threaten to "take my toys away") but it also comes down to DOCTOR STRANGE (and Dormammu) to save the day!

If only MY action figures and statues would do that.

I've got HUNDREDS of them... it would be a snap for them.

Better go check to see if any of their hands are smoking.

So, remember to come back next time for an IDOL PURSUITS SPECIAL EDITION deluxe entry - where I present the 

DOCTOR STRANGE BOARD GAME 

(Which was OFFICIALLY produced by MARVEL)!!

that YOU can download and print out!

[HERE]

MEET MacGOOT: SENTRY of the SANCTUM

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Of late, I've had the fortune of having some time to devote to getting my Sanctum Sanctorum "man-cave" organized  - as I mentioned [complete with a sneak-peak pic of some display units] in a post a week ago [HERE] - as well as this Tweet (with pic of new UV coated window) [HERE].


However, after more than a year of neglect (and a few years of partially-sorted comics), it's a time-consuming process.

Most likely I'll be rearranging everything!

However, I'd like to introduce you to a special little guy who has stood Sentry as the GUARDIAN of my Collection for many years...

Meet, MacGoot!

MacGoot has been with me since about 1993 - 20 years! 

Back then, I was working at an Antiquarian Book store / Comic Shoppe on Long Island, NY.
This little dragon was a promotional item for Cliffs Notes, and since the owners of the shoppe had no idea what else to do with him, he sat atop the display of those little, yellow plagiarist's handbooks study guides.

Looking into his sad, mournful eyes, I knew that he deserved a better home, and with an "OK" from that department's manager, I liberated the black and yellow dragon.

MacGoot gets a little meta as he approves photo choices for this article.

When I put the department manager, a friend of mine, on the spot to name the little guy, he blurted out the name, "Magoot". However, a proper dragon would probably be Scottish, and as such, I altered it to "MacGoot".

But the very first thing that needed to be done was to cover up the "Cliffs Notes" logo on his chest, so I whipped up an impromptu badge with a "MAGE" inspired lightning bolt symbol (hey, Dragons are magic, so a Mage-inspired badge seemed appropriate).

"I'm now a 21st Century Dragon!"

Thus, as Dragons are legendary guardians of treasure, has MacGoot watched over every incarnation of my Sanctum, in 4 different locations, over all these years.

A FINAL FLING 'fore FALL -and-A Glimpse Within My Sanctum

Well, it seems with September a mere day away, I've missed my opportunity to post SUMMERTIME themed blog entries ("Summer" movies and music featuring Doctor Strange and others, but don't worry, I'll get them on here soon enough), so before August ends, I'll "TOSS" (you'll get that joke in a moment) a blog post here about one item in my DOCTOR STRANGE collection (and tease about a bunch of others). The summer item in question?

...a DOCTOR STRANGE FRISBEE!

(See? Now the "toss" joke makes sense.)

I should note that this is NOT an official item (so don't go frantic trying to track one down on eBay. You won't find one). This is a custom made product by good friend, and fellow Doctor Strange fan, Howard Hallis!

I am often quite impressed with the extra mile that Howard will go to make his special items have an authentic flair. This time, he gathered art from other similar Marvel product from the 1960's, and photoshopped together a nice hang tag. Purchasing a frisbee flying disc, Howard pasted his customized decal over the wrap-around hangtag and also made a Dr. Strange decal to affix to the center of the disc, thus creating an awesome homage faux item.

Howard sent this to me a few years back, and while not an authentic product, it has - like all other items he has sent to me - always been kept in a highly visible place of honor within my "Sanctum Sanctorum" (aka: man-cave, hobby-haven, collectibles cavern, rumpus-room, etc...).

The reason I mention this (and why the frisbee was in my hand today) is that I've had some time to work on re-setting up that room (after years of being unable to do so) and obtained a new pegboard/slotwall segment upon which to hang the frisbee and other items, clearing room from a slotwall / display unit there.

As a tiny teaser of some things to come, here is a glimpse into that area of my Sanctum Sanctorum, just inside (and to the left of) the door, and at a few of the slotwall/pegboard items therein (there is another section of slatwall on the opposite side of the giant display unit shown on the right of the pic. But that's a part of the eventual "tour" post that will hopefully be made before long).

An assortment of goodies.

On the pegboard on the left:

Custom frisbee, complete set of 6 different "Marvel Magic" tricks, Marvel guitar picks,

Marvel/Maisto vehicles; Defenders coupe (3 different packs), Defenders Airplane, Defenders Motorcycle, and Doctor Strange mega-truck,

Ultimate Spider-Man fighter pods figures (3 different sized sets - all with Dr. Strange).

On the white slotwall unit on the right:

Marvel Legends figures (foreign Doctor Strange variant with gold poster, Man-Thing, Doctor Strange), 

HeroClix boxes that feature Doctor Strange on the box (along the left side of the unit)

Diamond exclusive Marvel "Dark Side" figures (Dormammu, Man-Thing [Vermin behind him], Astral Dr. Strange)

Spider-Man; Spider-Wars Doctor Strange figure (regular and 2 different variants)

Super-Hero Squad sets (Secret Invasion, Doctor Strange & Ant-Man, Doc & Iron Man)

Mini-Mates box sets (Defenders, Marvel vs Capcom3: Dormammu / Trish, and "Strange Tales")
Marvel Universe Doctor Strange (classic & classic foreign variant, astral variant, "defenders" set with Silver Surfer)

As I said, there are more hang-tag items on the other side (and awesome goodies inside the main unit), but that's for another time.

At first, all these items were jammed onto the slatwall on this side (and some on the other end) of the white display unit, but I had no extra space for more, so a section of pegboard was required to make a little room. With the added pegboard, now all three surfaces have extra room for more swag.

Each section is for different types of items:

- pegboard is for ancillary items

- main slotwall is for figures of Doctor Strange / Man-Thing

- slotwall on other side is for other "6-Dimension" characters (Scarlet Witch, Black Knight and others - some are cool secrets awaiting their own posts).

So, take this post as a farewell to summer, and an invitation to come back for more goodness as Autumn approaches.

MYSTIC GARB: DOCTOR STRANGE APPAREL - ANCILLARY ACCESSORIES: ARTIFACTS of FLAIR Part 4: MAGIC RINGS

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Welcome to yet another entry in one of the longest-running series of blog posts on this Sanctum Sanctorum Comix blog; wherein I showcase my collection of DOCTOR STRANGE related apparel (hats, ties, shirts, unmentionables…).

This time, we're in (what should be) the FINAL entry of a sub-series of posts which feature assorted Ancillary Accessorizing Artifacts; (patches, buttons and assorted bling).

Anyway… in THIS post, we’re taking a look at DOCTOR STRANGE related RINGS (official and non)!

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The first official Doctor Strange ring was the 1966 Vari-Vue Flicker Ring.

Sold either in gumball machines or carded the rings feature lenticular images which, when tilted slightly would show one of two different images (I've photographed the rings angled so that we can see both images - one on each).

This is the blister card- which, sadly, I do not own as of yet. I'll get one eventually - especially since Doctor Strange IS pictured on the card.

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The next (and sadly, last) officially produced Doctor Strange ring is the 1977 "gumball machine" ring.

The ring came in two different variations - either with 12 clasps holding the image disc in place or a later version with only 4 clasps.

Measuring about an inch wide, this item was also manufactured and sold as a pin and a keychain (see pic below).

These were available as prizes from carnivals, theme parks and yes... gumball vending machines.

There were a total of 6 rings, DOCTOR STRANGE, Ghost Rider, Hulk, Captain Marvel, Spider-Man and Spider-Woman.

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Once official product stops being produced, die-hard losers...er... fans, like me can only hope to make their own and/or find cheap stand-in items to satisfy their desires.

Luckily for you, I am such a loser - er, fan.

The first Custom-Made item that I had made was this solid silver ring with a stylized version of the window from Doctor Strange's Sanctum Sanctorum - as inspired from Doc's 1978 TV movie.

I actually had two of these made back around 1994. One to wear and one to keep in my display case. The one I wear is on the right. The display version is tarnished and is in need of a good silver-cleaning.

 If you want to read more about these rings and the film-ring that inspired them, feel free to check out the old post that I originally devoted to this item way back in 2009 [HERE].

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While on the subject of custom-made rings, there is this next item.

This solid silver ring is cast with the version of the curly-tailed demon-symbol which Doctor Strange briefly wore on his tunic.

However, like the Movie-ring above, it is also tarnished and in need of a cleaning, but also had a blog post all it's own several years ago in 2009. Read all about it- and see pics of it when it was still all nice and shiny [HERE].

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While looking for other Dr. Strange mystic-themed rings, I came across this silver ring shaped like an eye (complete with glass eye inside).

Sadly, like the other silver rings in my display case, I think it's time for it to be cleaned. I used to wear it often, but haven't in quite a few years,

Obviously, any "all-seeing-eye" item is thematically tied to Agamotto in my mind, as so when I saw these next cheap cosmetic jewelry rings I had to have them as well.

Made of a "non-metal" these were all found in a party supply / costume shoppe. The triangular one nearly identical to the amulet that I found at the same time (and seen in the post featuring amulets [HERE]).

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I do have a few "6-Dimensions" themed comic rings as well.

This ring is made of red plastic with a gold foil embossed "AVENGERS" iconic "A" symbol. It came with a Wonder Man action figure by ToyBiz from the "Avengers: United They Stand" cartoon in 1999.

 While I have owned it since then, I've been glad to have kept it since Doctor Strange has since joined the Avengers.

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Next, is the "metal" ring that was released as a promotional product for the PHANTOM film of 1996. Why do I have one? Well... while the Phantom has no ties to Dr. Strange, it IS pretty cool.

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My final ring that I have in my collection is a glow-in-the-dark GREEN LANTERN ring.

If anyone has to ask WHY a comic fan has a Green Lantern ring, well... I don't know WHAT to tell you! A more magic ring there can not be found.

And with that, I wrap up this sub-series (within a series) of assorted ARTIFACTS of FLAIR and DR. STRANGE GARB.

 Thank you for wading through all the assorted swag and gear in the series. And if you missed ANY of the previous entries, feel free to use the handy-dandy navigation menu below.

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Previous parts of the

MYSTIC GARB : DR. STRANGE APPAREL SERIES:

- part 1 : CAPS and TIES : [HERE]
- part 2 : SOLO APPEARANCE T-SHIRTS : [HERE]
- part 3 : TEAM-UP APPEARANCE T-SHIRTS : [HERE]
- part 4 : THE "OTHERS" / "6-DIMENSIONS" T-SHIRTS : [HERE]
- part 5 : "THE END" of GARMENTS  : [HERE]

And the sub-series...

ARTIFACTS of FLAIR:

- part 1: PATCHES of POWER: [HERE]

- part 2: BUTTONS & PINS: [HERE]

- part 3: MYSTIC AMULETS [HERE]

- part 3a: EYE of AGAMOTTO: [HERE]

- part 4: MAGIC RINGS: [THIS POST]