Amalgam Comics, a fascinating experiment born from the unprecedented collaboration between Marvel and DC in the 1990s, gifted comic book enthusiasts with a treasure trove of combined characters and storylines. Among these unique creations, Doctor Strangefate stands out as a particularly intriguing figure, merging the mystical might of Doctor Strange with the destiny-weaving power of Doctor Fate. Initially, I wasn’t planning on revisiting Amalgam Comics so soon after my Lobo the Duck review, which didn’t quite resonate as expected. However, a suggestion from a Twitter follower, Martin Beddoes, sparked my curiosity, leading me to delve into Doctor Strangefate #1. Was this Amalgam creation as captivating as it initially appeared? Let’s unravel the mysteries within.
Amalgam Comics Doctor Strangefate #1 cover art, showcasing the fusion of Doctor Strange and Doctor Fate in a powerful magical character.
The Genesis of Strangefate: Amalgam Comics in the 90s
The 1990s were a vibrant and transformative period, marked by cultural shifts and groundbreaking collaborations. Amidst the grunge era and the rap scene’s coastal rivalry, an unexpected alliance formed in the comic book world. DC Comics and Marvel Comics, the titans of the industry, joined forces to create Amalgam Comics. This imprint was dedicated to publishing titles that ingeniously merged their iconic characters, resulting in fascinating and often bizarre new heroes and villains. Doctor Strangefate #1 is a prime example of this creative synergy, taking two mystical powerhouses and forging them into a single, compelling entity. While I might not be the biggest devotee of either Doctor Strange or Doctor Fate individually, the concept of Doctor Strangefate immediately grabbed my attention as one of the most imaginative amalgamations. After finally reading it, my initial impression held true.
A Strange Fate Unfolds: Plot and Characters
The comic throws readers directly into the action with an opening scene that might initially puzzle those unfamiliar with the broader DC vs. Marvel crossover event. Access, the character tasked with maintaining the separation between the two universes, is pursued through the sewers. Instead of encountering a Killer Croc/Lizard hybrid as one might whimsically expect, Access faces Abominite, a formidable fusion of Abomination and Hellgrammite. Just as Abominite is about to overwhelm Access, he mysteriously vanishes, setting the stage for the entrance of the main character: Doctor Strangefate.
Before delving deeper into the plot, the comic offers a stylish interlude showcasing Doctor Strangefate preparing himself. This isn’t a mundane dressing sequence; it’s a visually striking portrayal of the character embodying both mystic elegance and formidable power. The intricate costume design alone is a testament to the artistic detail invested in this Amalgam creation.
Page 1 from Doctor Strangefate #1, introducing Access and Abominite in a dynamic sewer chase scene, setting the stage for the main narrative.
Doctor Strangefate is not alone in his grandeur. He is accompanied by Myx, his butler and confidant – an amalgamation of Mxyzptlk and Wong – who arguably rivals Strangefate in coolness. Furthermore, Strangefate commands a team of “Agents”: Skulk (Hulk/Solomon Grundy), Jade Nova (Jade/Nova/Kyle Rayner), and White Witch (Scarlet Witch/Zatanna). Writer Ron Marz masterfully utilizes the potential of these combined characters, creating a compelling ensemble. Strangefate tasks his agents with retrieving Access, and while the reason remains initially veiled, their pursuit is carried out with considerable force. The reader, much like Access, is kept in the dark regarding Strangefate’s motivations, but a private conversation between Strangefate and Myx hints at the profound significance of their mission.
Doctor Strangefate in his sanctum, showcasing his intricate costume and mystical aura, as he strategizes his next move in pursuit of Access.
Marz maintains a brisk pace, avoiding protracted searches or drawn-out battles. Skulk and Jade Nova swiftly confront Access, only for him to teleport away. These encounters, though brief, are dynamic and visually engaging. Skulk’s raw power is palpable, and Jade Nova proves to be a formidable opponent. However, Access’s teleportation doesn’t grant him complete escape, as he inadvertently lands directly in the path of the White Witch. Perhaps “in the arms” is a euphemism, as the landing is more accurately described as being in her groin area. The White Witch, portrayed with a clear sex appeal, captures Access, demonstrating that even a universe-hopping character has vulnerabilities.
Jade Nova and Skulk confront Access in a visually striking action sequence, highlighting the dynamic character designs and the raw power of Amalgam heroes.
White Witch delivers Access to Doctor Strangefate, who commences a mystical interrogation. Strangefate reveals his knowledge of multiple universes and his desperate quest for survival. He believes Access holds the key to restoring the pre-Amalgam universes, a prospect that would erase the Amalgam reality and everything within it. Unfortunately for Strangefate, Access lacks the necessary “shards,” leading to Access’s release and Strangefate’s brooding disappointment. Marz concludes the issue with a surprising cliffhanger: Doctor Strangefate is revealed to be Charles Xavier. This revelation adds a layer of complexity to the character and the overarching narrative.
The dramatic cliffhanger reveal of Doctor Strangefate’s true identity as Charles Xavier, adding a layer of intrigue to the Amalgam Universe narrative.
Art and Overall Impression
Despite the issue primarily serving as a setup for the larger DC vs. Marvel storyline and lacking a definitive resolution, Doctor Strangefate #1 is undeniably captivating. Ron Marz successfully captures the essence of Amalgam Comics: a blend of cool, reimagined characters engaging in visually striking conflicts. The art by Jose Luis Garcia-Lopez elevates the comic even further. Each character is rendered with a perfect balance of their constituent parts, creating designs that are both familiar and refreshingly new. Doctor Strangefate himself is visually stunning, and Skulk’s design particularly stands out, leaving one yearning for more stories featuring this character.
Final Verdict: 9.2/10
Doctor Strangefate #1 is a testament to the creative potential of Amalgam Comics. Ron Marz’s script and Jose Luis Garcia-Lopez’s art combine to deliver an issue that is both visually impressive and narratively intriguing. While the story is more of a chapter in a larger saga than a self-contained narrative, the introduction of compelling Amalgam characters and the mind-blowing cliffhanger ending make this a must-read for fans of the Amalgam Universe and those curious about this unique chapter in comic book history. If you have the opportunity to acquire this issue, it comes highly recommended.
