The Death of the Doctor Strange #5 review
Feelings, feelings everywhere.
We start the chapter with the conclusion of the fight between Stephen and Kaecilius.
While they’re at it, Wong is the one responsible for gathering the power of the sorcerers across the world, as I pointed previously. Thank you, anon, for clarifying the only one I couldn’t identify! I read the White Fox tie-in but I don’t remember if she appeared back in Agent of Atlas? It’s been a while since I last read this book and I was there for Luna and Silk, ngl haha
I’ll come back to the differences between 60′s and current Stephen, but this is one of the interesting aspects that allow us to bring light into his character development. Stephen has many friends now, even though he pushes people away. His deeds may stay hidden from most people and heroes, but sorcerers are pretty much aware of his importance. And he met all these people over the years and allowed them to build a safe magic community. And for those who missed the preview post, here are their names: Doctor Voodoo, Shaman, Jennifer Kale (I think?), Auntie Ante, Nico Minoru, Mahatma Doom, Médico Místico, Count Kaoz, Daimon Hellstrom, Professor Xu and Talisman.
The spell is preventing the other Sorcerers Supreme (Aggamon and Tiboro) from escaping to their respective dimensions, for they need them to execute the plan against the Peregrine Child and the Mothers.
Next, Stephen overcomes Kaecilius not with powerful attacks but a healing spell, which is absolutely in character since Stephen always does that in order to overcome powerful enemies. This is why I love him so much. IT’S NOT ABOUT POWER.
Stephen strangeplains that, since his soul is located in Kaecilius’ stolen hands, the healing spell regenerates his former body entirely. It demands flesh, tho, which kinda reminds me of Fullmetal Alchemist, you know. Very dark spell for 60′s Stephen to perform but hey, Kaecilius saw that coming.
Stephen is not one to be okay with killing his enemies, that much is true. But I consider this one an equivalent exchange. And 60′s Stephen does explain that the kind one who wouldn’t do it is no longer among them.
I think that... Listen, Stephen was supposed to have his hands healed, right? Because continuity and such. But do I care about v5? No. My mistake was to assume that there would be continuity, but I’m just so glad it didn’t because boi, you know the drill. V5 is definitely not my jam. And also, I don’t think this spell healed his hand (you can still see the scars). Instead, it healed Stephen’s “body” by transmuting it.
And so, our beloved Stephen is reborn (for a brief period, at least). He’s so confused haha poor thing. Also always a pleasure to see him in different clothes.
Next, Stephen is contemplating his younger self’s accomplishments while he was gone. It’s funny to see how he says he doesn’t remember being like that, especially the cold aspect of his personality. Mostly because, as you keep reading Stephen’s chronology throughout the years, you start noticing subtle shifts in his subjectivity. The Sanctum starts getting crowded, first with the Defenders, and then with Sara, Imei, Wong and Clea, even Morgana (ew) and Rintrah. For an introvert, he sure had many people around him, and he grows fond of them, no matter how hard he tries to get isolated from time to time (as I always post that panel from New Avengers Annual #2). Stephen is aware of his own growth, as he points out. Even ice can melt, and he doesn’t regret the man he has become. Reckless, depressed, afraid of relying on others? Yes. But also kind, passionate and loved by those around him. I can’t help but wonder what current Stephen would do in his place. Probably a less dramatic sacrifice, but a sacrifice nonetheless.
60′s Stephen then makes a demand of current Stephen. We do not know what it is yet, but we’ll find out.
And as I predict, a price will be paid. Because magic comes at a cost. Stephen contemplates Death. She has been chasing him for a while now (that beautiful cover from Doctor Strange v2 #4 is a nice homage), and he always managed to deceive her. But not this time, he’s afraid. Stephen knows the price of magic, he knows the sacrifices he has made in order to protect the world. The same way that he knows that, even though he admires the courage in the Avengers and the X-Men, magic will seal the final battle.
Five Sorcerers Supreme to distract the Peregrine Child. I’m a little bitter here because some time ago I saw discourse on Illyana, saying she isn’t powerful enough to be a sorcerer supreme. Ah, Jed is definitely my vindicator. She’s an X-man too, but look at her, having the spotlight. BECAUSE SHE’S A VERY POWERFUL SORCERESS, THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
Ahem. But back to the chapter. 60′s Stephen’s astral form then confronts the Peregrine Child, as planned. He’s consumed, and yet, he desires to be, for he’s their Trojan horse. The Peregrine Child is a concept that feeds upon magic, right? So imagine all the magic it has stored within? It’s beautiful, really, the way Stephen’s astral form ignites the fire.
I love these panels. It reminds me of Doctor Strange - The End, in which his sacrifice ignites and restarts magic. It’s beautiful, I really really really adore this.
With 60′s Stephen’s aid, the sorcerers have enough power to banish their enemies across the dimensions before the child detonates. And so they do. The chapter then finally gives us a moment of Stephen and Clea (YES!)
Here we learn what 60′s Stephen demanded of current Stephen. I’ve waited for this moment for SO LONG, since I last read Sorcerer Supreme #67. And I wonder about those who have been reading comics since then, or even before. 30 years!!!! And they finally, finally have a closure!! Literally, Jed can have my whole soul at this point. I’m just so grateful, even though, yes, Stephen is aware that he will not last.
I love how the chapters end with “the beginning” instead of “the end”. Because even though Stephen dies, this is not the end for him. Also it’s a new chapter in Clea’s life.
Stephen is right, though. It’s not fair for them but there’s literally no one else who could fit the job better than Clea. Let me remind people that a Sorcerer Supreme usually has to learn deity magic in order to become more powerful. Who are the four people Stehen has taught this kind of magic in the past? Jericho, Illyana, Victor and Clea. Jericho was once Sorcerer Supreme but the job took its toll on him. Illyana is the SS of Limbo and she cannot leave her realm unattended (things go south there). And lastly, Victor cannot stand the light of the Eye of Agamotto (also he wasn’t featured in DODS, glad to see that he will make an appearance in Strange #1 soon though heh).
It’s “easier” for Clea to leave the Dark Dimension in the meantime while she finds a way to bring Stephen back, not to mention that she was the one who learned the most while living with Stephen.
My heart is full and empty at the same time. Mostly because we have such a sad ending, but we’re also about to get more real soon, and I can’t wait!! One month, folks!
That said, Jed has been a blessing to my fan’s heart and I cannot stress this enough. There’s literally no one else I’d trust more to write Stephen nowadays. I felt it in my bones that he would do an amazing job as soon as I realized how deeply he admired Stephen through Felicia’s POV. He has been teasing his love for the character for a long time now and the fact that he fixed a relationship that has been ruined since the 90′s? That he has been delivering references and writing him exactly the way I see Stephen? That I’m not crazy for overthinking Stephen’s personality because it’s right there in a canon book? Really. I’m so so so so grateful.
My thanks to him, as well as Lee Garbett, Antonio Fabela and everyone involved in this book. This blog will have a quick shift to focus on Clea since she will be featured often in the next book, but this is not a problem since y’all been known my love for her since day 1 hehe.
10/10. A must read for sure!
