Marvel SUPER HERO SQUAD - ONLINE Game. As if I don't have little enough free time as it is!

*Sigh*... I'm not much of a video game player.
Don't misunderstand, I LIKE video games, but I have absolutely NO time to play them.
(I still have the last 2 MYST games sitting in the box waiting for my move to a retirement home, so while the other old bats are playing shuffleboard, I can solve weird mysteries and puzzles. Of course, by then, it'll be 3D-HD-SYNAPTIC-ENHANCED VIRTUAL shuffleboard, and my "advanced graphics" computer games will seem quaint and archaic by comparison, truly marking me as "that OLD guy who won't get with the times!" *Sigh*).

Anyway, even if I were able to plunk down some money for a video game, it would be better if it were an actual tangible console game (the last one that I purchased was the Marvel Ultimate Alliance - which I STILL haven't had a chance to finish).
I have absolutely no time or money for ONLINE gaming!
That way leads to madness.

So, now Marvel is teasing me with THIS!
The new Marvel Super Hero Squad ONLINE game - set for release in 2011.

DOCTOR STRANGE is featured in the teaser trailer.

Doc shows up twice. At the
:48 second mark
and again at the
1:17 mark.

And truthfully... he looks pretty darn cool!

See for yourself.
(I re-sized the video to fit my column width. Hopefully my HTML-fu is strong!).)




I'm going to have to win Lotto or something, so I can sit around all day in my underoos playing games and reading comics.
I mean, that IS the message being given to me by the release of all this swell stuff that I want to have. Right?
*Sigh!*

The "Magic" of Video - part II-(annex): Spider-Woman animated series: episode 2 - Realm of Darkness -featuring DORMAMMU and Mindless Ones

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

This entry in the "Magic of Video" series, (which looks into the many incarnations of Doctor Strange in the medium of video) takes a side-road, from the previous "Spider-Man & his Amazing Friends" universe into a linked dimension, where SPIDER-WOMAN had her own animated series (from September 01979 to January 01980).

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 casts an eye on one of Strange's most dangerous and powerful enemies;
Ruler of the Dark Domain, Lord of the Dark Dimension...

the Dread... Dormammu.

While his appearance is drastically altered from his comic book counterpart, his modus operandi is much the same;
Invade Earth and cast his evil over the entirety of the world!

You'll ALSO note that some of the denizens of the dark dimension also make their screen debut;

The MINDLESS ONES!

Those stone-figured hoards of destructive chaos are also altered from their comic counterparts, with their eye-blasts turning flesh (and costuming) to stone, however they are still thrilling to see on screen as they are now mountainous GIANTS.

This episode is "darker" than most Saturday morning fare; with cultists, demonic rituals, flaming pentagrams and spells of possession.

---

And now, in another "Sanctum Sanctorum Vidz" presentation, is the featured episode. *

-ROLL FILM-

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

The Sanctum Sanctorum Comix blog

presents a Sanctum Sanctorum Vidz presentation

- of -

"Realm of Darkness".
(Season 01, Episode 02)

---------

part 01

---

part 02

---------

You'll note the many style similarities in editing and animation of Spider-Woman's cartoon with that of the "Amazing Friends" series.

One major difference, however, is that, aside from this appearance by Dormammu, her series had no other Marvel guest-stars (except for Spider-Man, who appeared in two episodes), so I guess it would be pointless to wish that Dr. Strange (or at the very least the Ancient One) would have made an appearance here.

This isn't Dormammu's ONLY appearance in animated cartoons... as we'll see in a future entries of this feature!

-------------
All previous installments of this feature:
- The "Magic" of Video -
can be found HERE
-------------

* My apologies for the lesser quality of the clips.
I have a good, crisp original video, but am trying to get a handle on encoding for uploading to YouTube.

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~

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-

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

The Sanctum Sanctorum Comix blog

presents 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.

The "Magic" of Video - Part II : Dr. Strange in Animation - entry 1: Spider-Man and his Amazing Friends; 7 Little Super-Heroes - and more.

Another SANCTUM SANCTORUM VIDZ Presentation.

If you recall, in THIS post, we were talking about how truly criminal is Marvel's treatment of Dr. Strange in other media (not that he fares much better in their handling of him in PRINT oftentimes).

Unlike DC/Warner, who lavish truly mystical flourishes upon their Dr. Fate and his special niche in their mythos, while in animated ventures, Marvel can't seem to afford Dr. Strange the proper, sorcerous treatment, or even an approximation of his unique world(s) befitting his true, published, stature.

This started as far back as his 01978 TV movie (as showcased previously on this blog: the FILM, the SWAG, the ACTION FIGURE, the REVIEW).
An inaccurate and watered-down rendition of a character with an otherwise exciting and vivid potential.

Marvel's lackluster representations of Strange in other media then continued into the realm of animation. While he never had a starring role, he had guest-starred in several cartoons, the first of which was the series;

Spider-Man and his Amazing Friends.

Strange appeared in one episode, quite possibly the most favored episode of the series:

• "7 Little Super-Heroes" - episode # 06 of the series.
  

and his costume appeared in two others:

• "The Triumph of the Green Goblin " - episode # 01 of the series.
  

• "Spider-Man Unmasked" - episode # 17 of the series.
  

(both of which I'll showcase at the end of this post, after the main entry).

But, first, we'll discuss, and view "7 Little Super-Heroes".

Title card for the 01981 episode.

Before I get too far along, allow me the indulgence of showcasing some collector's pieces pertaining to this animated episode... the first, and primary one being the animation character model sheet, original production cel of DOCTOR STRANGE featured last post - HERE.
(But I'll paste the pic and some basic info of it here as well - for completeness sake - just make sure to go back to the original post for even more detail.)

This is an extremely rare, authentic production cel for the episode.
Not just any production cell, but a even rarer "model sheet cel"... of DOCTOR STRANGE!

It's a bit hard to read, but it states:
Spider-Man and his Amazing Friends
Series # 6000
"7 Little Superheroes"
Prod. # 6006
Model sheet # 0
"Doctor Strange"
(c) 1981 Marvel Productions LTD

 (Don't forget to go back later to check out more info on this cel at its original post - HERE.)
 



Another piece of swag for the episode is this, the actual VHS tape featuring the episode.

Goldstar Video's official VHS release of 7 Little Super Heroes.

Back of packaging with write-up.

Thanks. Now that I have that taken care of, we can go back to the review and watching the episode(s).

This episode takes a riff from the classic nursery rhyme; "10 Little Indians" (which was the inspiration for a mystery story, and then was, in turn, adapted into several films; "And Then There Were None", "10 Little Indians", as well as the hilarious spoof "Murder by Death"), wherein a group of individuals fall victim to various accidents, (or in the case of the film and animated versions; guests are slowly and methodically eliminated by a mastermind with a grudge,) until, ostensibly, only ONE remains.

This episode followed the events of the villainous CHAMELEON who invites the heroes to the mysterious "Wolfe Island Mansion" for a social gathering for super-beings.
(There's a Wolfe Island in Ontario, Canada and while only accessible by ferry - or helicopter- or the power of flight, as a superhero might possess, is indeed reachable by ferry from Cape Vincent, New York. Most likely, this is the location.)

Spider-Man, Iceman, Firestar, Sub-Mariner, Doctor Strange, Captain America & Shanna; the Jungle Queen are all unknowing "guests" of the Chameleon!
None are aware of the others' invitations until they are all gathered within the walls of the castle.

Wolfe Island Mansion

Several liberties are taken for the story.
The major one being; these heroes have all been targeted since they, purportedly, have all dealt defeats to the Chameleon.
For the life of me, I can't imagine Shanna "the Jungle Queen" having any reason to interact with the Chameleon, much less Doctor Strange. Although, if pressed, I could imagine a story-point where Strange may have been able to thwart the villain's illusions - except... Strange has never had any altercations with him, and judging from the events of this episode, Strange doesn't seem to be able to do even that.

Sadly, in this story, the "Spider-Friends" are the real action heroes, while the other characters are just there to point and say "Hey, Look!"... or worse; stand around, slack-jawed, waiting to be taken out like chumps.

While it's always exciting to see Strange in this famous episode, Doc says little... and does even LESS!

After paying the hair-stylist to care for those sideburns,
there was no more money left to pay Strange for a large speaking role.

In the course of the episode you'll THRILL to the sight of:

Doc chillaxin' and kickin' it - old school!

This chair is the Venerated Vibro-lounger of the Vishanti!

Strange and the others caught by a hackneyed ruse!

"Oh, there, voice come from cow on wall..."
"Moose, moose you imbecile!"
"Mr. Lionel Twain, I presume."

Strange protecting Ms. Lion - the Lhasa Apso dog!

Dogs usually run AWAY from Doctors. Or is it JUST Veterinarians?

Doc standing around uselessly!

Well... in his defense, they're ALL standing around uselessly.

Doc getting a headache!

A... Aquaman? Is that YOU? I told you never to call me here.

Doc flying and pointing - at the same time!

invizible uru-hammrz! i haz one!

Doc doing the batusi!

The Shadow tested, Batman approved!

Strange not fighting a robotic-demonic robot/demon!

No joke here. This thing IS pretty cool.

Doc held prisoner in a dog kennel!

Walls do not a prison make, nor iron bars a cage...
oh wait... they totally do.

...and much MORE (or less)!

OK... preview over.
Here...
Watch the episode via these three segments (sadly... my video editing software is still f.u.b.a.r. and as such, I'm recycling older clips - edited - poorly - by others).

We'll meet again and discuss after the episode.

-ROLL FILM-

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

The Sanctum Sanctorum Comix blog

presents a Sanctum Sanctorum Vidz presentation

- of -

"7 Little Super-Heroes".

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

part - 1




part - 2




part - 3




OK.

So...
Doc was exceedingly useless, was he not?

Remember the part early on, when the Chameleon gave that little roll-call while they were in the Mansion, and everyone is shown when he announces their name - except Dr. Strange?
When Doc is addressed, the director thought that a crotch-shot of Iceman was a better use of the time.
That exemplifies the overall gist of Dr. Strange's treatment in the episode;
Somewhere below Iceman's snowballs in priority.

The total extent of his "occult powers" was to receive a "psychic message" from Shanna, block a robotic-demon's zap with his cloak, use the Eye of Agamotto to make prison bars vanish and cast a spell to help Shanna fly off the doomed castle.

He couldn't even defend himself from a robot demon (or even TELL that it WASN'T the real thing!).
And, just between you and me, while it was VERY cool for the robot to be a take-off of the Dark Dimension's "G'Uranthic Guardian"... how the hell would the Chameleon know what THAT looked like?

The ONLY thing that this cartoon (like the others in the Spider-Man & his Amazing Friends series) got right is Dr. Strange's costume. They barely altered a thing.

And so, this appearance gets a rating of:
2.5 out of 5 G'uranthic Guardian robots.

/x X X

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

Now, remember that Strange (or at least his COSTUME) appeared in two other episodes as well.

A minor honor indeed, Strange's costume is shown, being worn by a party-goer at a Comic-book themed costume ball, in the FIRST episode of the series:

"The Triumph of the Green Goblin"

"Strange" is seen dancing in the back left corner of the doorway - with a woman dressed as... Princess Python perhaps?

Disco... Dis-co Doc!

That's pretty much the entirety of the appearance. You can watch the entire episode if you wish, but if you're just looking for Strange's costume in action, the above pic is pretty much all you need.

But, here ya go. As a detail-oriented collector-monkey, I'll include the episode as well.

part 1
Strange gets down and boogies at the 6:30 mark.




part 2

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

AND... if you're wondering just WHERE the guy obtained his costume... chances are it was from the same establishment shown in episode 17 of the series:

"Spider-Man : Unmasked"

"Stan's Costume Shop", as seen here specializes in super-hero costumes.

"Stan's Costume Shop" would totally be my personal haberdasher.

Strange's sorcerer's garb is shown along the back wall, worn by a mannequin.

This must be the "urban legends" section,
since the existence of all those figures is shrouded in mystery.
Especially "Dazzler". No way is she real.

That's all the Dr. Strange that you get for the episode. However, I'll present the entire episode for those who wish to view it.

Part 1




Part 2
Stan's Costume Shop comes in at 00:10. Strange's garb appears at 00:20.

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

And there you have it; Doctor Strange's first foray into animation with appearances in the "Spider-Man and his Amazing Friends" cartoon series.

As I pontificated in a previous entry (HERE) Strange's appearance in his animated excursions are... meh. Not great. Barely a Sorcerer of any strength or ability.
And what's worse, is that his world; the world of magicks and dimensional whatnot, has barely been shown. When it has, it's been a watered-down version, at best.

These first steps into the Saturday morning world have nothing to stand out as spectacular or noteworthy. No real mysticism is shown, no otherworldly realms are visited. No love for the character is shown.

For a Dr. Strange fan, the only thing going for these are... well... Dr. Strange is at least FEATURED in a cartoon that hundreds of thousands (if not millions) of kids (and their families) have seen.

That's some magic in and of itself.

The "Magic" of Video - Part I-A: DR. STRANGE - the 1978 TV Movie Promos, Design Art and Swag

Hopefully you watched and enjoyed the presentation of the 01978 "made-for-TV" pilot movie of

DR. STRANGE

(In case you missed it - as presented HERE)

(And then don't forget to check out my thoroughly in-depth review HERE)

Today we're just going to take a look at some (most) of the Promotional material, Design artwork and video releases for the film, which, as a collector of all-things Doctor Strange (eclectica and ephemera included), I have spent long hours (ok... years) to obtain.

---------

First up, is the actual television print ad for the original broadcast of the movie.

---------

which is found in THIS issue of TV GUIDE

--------

There were, of course, numerous production stills and promotional photographs.
Here is one featuring Jessica Walter (Morgan Le Fay) and Peter Hooten (Dr. Strange) in plain-clothes.

There were several with Strange in his more ornate sorcerer's garb, as well as ones featuring actors on the soundstage. Most of those images were stills from the actual film, unlike this photo, which shows the actors in a shot not seen on screen.


---------

This is a press-release notice that accompanied the pic giving all the pertinent information of the photo and the broadcast.


---------

These next three images are actual character costume design studies (and some conceptual set designs) by artistic consultant (and former Doctor Strange comic artist); Frank Brunner.

LINDMER

MORGAN

DR. STRANGE

These illustrations are from the fabulous art-book: After Image; the 2nd volume of the Brunner Mystique (although, I wholeheartedly recommend The Brunner Mystique as well).

If you're interested, After Image is available from: sellers like these.

Brunner Mystique available from here: as well.

One of the challenges for the costume design was the overall belief that costumes worn in the comics don't translate well into "real life", and as such, Doctor Strange's costumes were heavily retooled.

According to some of the interviews and articles, the first (and cooler of the two) was designed along the lines of "a man attending an opera", with a lush cloak (with a heck of a lot of 'bling').

It was far more favorable to the final costume that Strange wears at the end of the movie.
As opposed to his traditional "demon" emblem, the final costume features a "star-burst" symbol, which was actually one of Frank Brunner's trademark design elements.

(The brown bell-bottoms, however, were just a by-product of the times.
Hell, I had 'em too, back then, and I was certainly not a mystic master!)

Still, that final costume design is far worse and more outlandishly gaudy than the classic one(s) that Ditko designed.

---------

These are but some of the magazines that featured promotional photos, interviews, articles and/or copy blurbs pertaining to the film.
It was, of course, the subject of many "revisited" articles and interviews, but we're just dealing with the ones that were released at the time.

It's entirely possible that there may also have been other magazines that featured information on the film at the time (and heck... I may even HAVE some - with the sheer number of magazines that I have, I might have forgotten about them).

---------

What follows are the many video releases for the movie.

The 01987 U.S. release.

---------

The 01993 re-release

(note the different MCA logo at the bottom)

---------

The 01995 re-release

(still in shrinkwrap)
---------

01986 German Edition

Oddly enough, this one has a copyright date of 1971 printed on the front. Seven years BEFORE the movie was released. A typo, obviously, as on the back cover they have the correct year.---------

One version of the UK tape

(no date listed except for the original 1978 copyright)
---------

Another UK version

slightly redesigned from the one above

* I thought it would be interesting to reference from whence that UK cover art originated:
T'was from DOCTOR STRANGE v1 # 171, art by Dan Adkins...
Actually, I SHOULD say that it was RE-DRAWN by someone else, as there are differences between the original comic-art and the far cruder VHS cover-art.

If interested, original VHS tapes can be obtained HERE.

UPDATE:
It's FINALLY available officially on DVD!

2017 US DVD Release

DOUBLE UPDATE:
Not only do we get a USA (area 1) DVD. But they also released a UK (areas 2,4,5) DVD.

2017 UK DVD Release

-END UPDATE-

There are, of course, many bootleg DVD's available, but none of them are official releases, and many are of poor video quality (closer to the YouTube video picture quality) than the authentic VHS tapes.

Some are quite good, but they are few and far between.

I personally own 4 or 5 different DVD versions - mostly purchased for the interesting interpretations of cover art and menu design (and, y'know... the obsession).

UPDATE:

Just because i want to show you one of the bootlegs, THIS is one of the better ones, because the case art (by Kevin Nowlan, taken from his First Team Press Lithograph) is gorgeous and the detail put into the text, descriptions, and even the disc itself is a job well done. 

.

DOUBLE UPDATE:

HOWEVER. the single, most delightful version in my collection is the rarest:

A Hi-Fi BETA (BETAMAX) tape!

Much like the VHS tape (which may have won the "popularity contest" of home video tape delivery systems, the BETA is far superior), this one utilized a nearly identical case as the VHS (a money-saving move), but the BETA tape is about 2/3 the size of a VHS, so the bottom of the box ihas a protective filler.

Still in its shrinkwrap, only the various BETA ink-stamps and stickers let you know of the rarity inside. 

1987 MCA BETA TAPE

 

The copyright notice on the bottom says 1987, but while that is probably correct, I can't help but wonder if it's a dyslexic number error, kind of like one of the earlier VHS tapes. 

-END UPDATE-

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-UPDATE-

(APRIL 25, 2022)

And Lo! Once again we are called to bear witness, in this new, modern age and time..

BLURAY!

Produced and released by SHOUT FACTORY, this blu-ray comes with remastered video and extra commentary (tho not by any of the actors)

-END UPDATE-

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I'm going to end this entry with a portion of the 01980 Doctor Strange calendar (as shown in full detail in THIS POST).
These are the final panels in the calendar (December 31st and the following "free spaces" afterward).
The fun imagery for "Doctor Strange on TV!", the usage of the EYE of AGAMOTTO with the CBS logo, and Strange destroying a TV soundstage and film crew are cute, playful touches.


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Next time, we'll take a look at the one other piece of merchandise from the film...
A movie needs ancillary products, and a super-hero movie needs... an ACTION FIGURE!
We'll take a look at one that never quite made it to market... and the final fate to which it befell.