#lord strange

[doctorofmagic]

This splash page is simply amazing. Fiorelli and Sánchez-Almara were truly inspired.

Doctor Strange #8 (2026)

[comicwaren]

From Doctor Strange Vol. 8 #007

Art by Ivan Fiorelli and Dono Sánchez-Almara

Written by Derek Landy

[heckcareoxytwit]

A preview of Doctor Strange #9

DOCTOR STRANGE #9

THE LAST RITES OF LORD STRANGE!

Stephen Strange must find a way to return his soul to his body after his erratic alter ego Lord Strange is maimed by the dark entity DOWNFALL! Can he put himself back together in time to destroy Downfall and find his progenitor?

Doctor Strange #9 Written by: Derek Landy Art by: Ivan Fiorelli, Dono Sánchez-Almara Cover by: Alex Horley Page Count: 32 Pages Release Date: Aug 12, 2026

[rewvyu]

In case they are gone after the season, here is my picture of Sir Percy and Lord Strange 🥹

[doctorofmagic]

Now that Stephen and Lord Strange are two separate entities, here's my prediction for the last issue: while Vyrbodin will have his redemption, Lord Strange will not. This is the "bad" part Stephen tried to suppress, it's everything he's afraid of and it's real, it's manifest and it's more powerful than he currently is.

I love Lord Strange but this is not going to end well.

Doctor Strange #9 (2026)

[doctorofmagic]

I recommend reading the entire speech but just to highlight this moment... detail SO good it drives me crazy. We know from the very start that Lord Strange is the one narrating his own thoughts across the pages and flashbacks, but he uses the same yellow signature color as Stephen's. Then, the more his mind slips, the bubble grows orange then red, finally becoming Lord Strange's signature font.

But yellow is also Lord Strange, so what is he? A repressed side of Stephen? A fragment of his persona like Paradox and the others? An alt? I need answers!!!

Kudos to Landy and Petit for the awesome symbolism throught colors and letters!

Doctor Strange #8 (2026)

[doctorofmagic]

A few thoughts and predicts for Doctor Strange #10

Of course, I can't say for sure how things will end, this is more about my expectations and hopes than anything.

Let's start with Vyrbodin. I'm very hopeful that he gets the redemption he seeks. Stephen is apprehensive of his intentions for obvious reasons, he did try to execute every children across the realms. But Stephen's also a strong believer of second chances (see Infamous Iron Man). He'll watch Vyrbodin's actions up close, which is very fair. That said, I too believe the dark elf has a very good chance to redeem himself. Not just that but I'm expecting him to become Sorcerer Supreme of Asgard. Why? Because someone has to take the office as the status quo shifts to its previous state. More importantly, someone needs to impress Yggdrasil and be worthy. Vyrbody learned a lot about his past, he could have fooled Stephen with the memory pact but he didn't. I think he's genuine. And while Loki is the most obvious choice to become the next Sorcerer Supreme (especially now that Amora is All-Mother), Loki isn't fully themself right now. Or they are, but they're a completely different person/god/entity. They also mentioned they're not interested in getting involved anymore. So who else if not Vyrbodin?

Now Angela? To be honest, Angela's arc seems very bland if I'm being entirely honest. But there's something bothering me and it's the fact that Heven needs a queen. She's adamant on the matter, she doesn't want the throne. And we all know a sovereign is often chosen when they don't want it. I'm strongly inclined to believe she'll become queen. That's pretty much about her since I fail to see more development in her character throughout the book.

Lastly, Stephen and Lord Strange. There's a literal duality going on. I still can't put my finger on Lord Strange's allegory, what he's meant to represent, what his intentions are or where's headed. Is he truly evil? Is he just an amalgama of Stephen's "dark" side? The book keeps teasing that he's at least a little bit divergent from "whole!Stephen". Now he's more powerful and free. Will he become what Stephen fears the most? Of not being a good man? More importantly, they're separate now. And I expect this fact to have ramifications. Because you can't truly "kill" or "separate" the ugly parts of yourself (Illyana and the Darkchylde are proof of this). More importantly, I'm expecting Lord Strange to have the opposite outcome of Vyrbodin for his journey.

As for Stephen? Well, it's already stated that using Lord Strange damages his soul. He's definitely facing the consequences of his actions. And while it's fair to point out that Stephen has a plan or at least he's able to adapt along the way, I'm inclined to believe that said actions are considered quite reckless. It's giving v4/NAv3 vibes where he resorts to dangerous magic/actions to reach his goal. It's just how he is. That, of course, doesn't negate his wits and cunning. But let's just say he's aware of his limitations and, obviously, won't sit idly by. In all honesty, I'm tired of Stephen's suffering. I know comic book characters are eternally tied to a circle of endless misery, but at the very least Jed's v6 gave him glimpses of happiness. He was performing magic in a harmless way, he had his supporting network at his side, there was conflict but not awful ramifications. I'm just hoping he returns to Earth safe. Unscathed is too much to ask considering the damage in his soul, I'm aware of that. But safe. More importantly, accomplished.

I'm not gonna lie, it was a difficult and tiresome year. Overall, I'm just glad Landy was mindful of Stephen's nuances. This last issue and these characters' conclusions will consolidate my thoughts on his writing (most of it was discussed on previous posts, though). Kinda nervous but we endure the hardships ✨

[doctorofmagic]

Doctor Strange #9 preview!

I'm gonna be so honest, I was expecting anything but Lord Strange being able to sustain life after a decapitation. This is definitely not ending well and I'm scared :')