The mystical realms of Marvel Comics were shaken when Doctor Strange met his untimely demise in “The Death of Doctor Strange” storyline. This pivotal event rippled outwards, significantly impacting the students of Strange Academy, the school for young magic users he established. Strange Academy Presents: The Death of Doctor Strange #1 delves into the immediate aftermath, showcasing how the academy and its pupils grapple with the loss of their protector and mentor.
Strange Academy The Death of Doctor Strange Review
Set against the backdrop of Doctor Strange’s death (an event detailed in the main “Death of Doctor Strange” series, essential reading for context), this one-shot, Strange Academy Presents: The Death of Doctor Strange #1, written by Skottie Young with art by Mike Del Mundo, opens with a flashback illustrating Doctor Strange’s commitment to protecting the children of Enchantress. This promise becomes particularly poignant as the narrative transitions to the present day. With Doctor Strange gone, the magical safety net he provided vanishes, forcing Strange Academy to temporarily close its doors.
The initial focus of the comic book centers on Alvi and Iric, the Enchantress’s children. The story picks up as students bid farewell, and teachers prepare for the academy’s suspension. However, their departure is abruptly interrupted when Iric is kidnapped. This event propels Alvi and the Enchantress on a rescue mission to Weirdworld. Their journey, guided by a perplexing map and the warrior Goleta the Wizard Slayer, leads them to confront Pulsari, Iric’s captor. This adventure serves as a somewhat lighter, action-oriented plotline amidst the heavier themes of loss and uncertainty permeating the issue. The resolution of Iric’s kidnapping also subtly explores a possible shift in the Enchantress’s character, hinting at a more nurturing, maternal side.
Following this initial storyline, the comic broadens its scope to check in with other Strange Academy students as they return to their respective homes. This segment, featuring different artists illustrating various students, offers glimpses into how each character is coping with the academy’s closure and the wider implications of Doctor Strange’s death on their magical education and futures. This provides a valuable, albeit brief, look at the diverse cast that makes Strange Academy such a compelling series.
While Strange Academy Presents: The Death of Doctor Strange #1 provides an entertaining and accessible entry point into the world of Strange Academy, particularly for readers drawn in by the “Death of Doctor Strange” event, it does deviate slightly in tone from the main Strange Academy series. The focus on a more self-contained adventure for Alvi, Iric, and the Enchantress, while fun, sacrifices some of the deeper character development and intricate plotting that defines the regular title. Some readers might find the Enchantress’s portrayal in this issue leaning towards a somewhat simplified “reformed villain” archetype, which may not fully resonate with the established nuances of her character.
Ultimately, Strange Academy Presents: The Death of Doctor Strange #1 serves as a worthwhile tie-in that expands upon the emotional fallout of Doctor Strange’s death within the context of Strange Academy. It’s a solid read for fans of these characters and those interested in seeing how the magical youth of the Marvel Universe are affected by this significant loss. However, readers seeking the characteristic depth and complexity of the main Strange Academy series might find this one-shot a slightly lighter, though still enjoyable, diversion. It earns a respectable 3 out of 5 for its engaging art and fun, if somewhat less profound, storytelling.
For those invested in the ongoing narrative of Strange Academy and the wider ramifications of Doctor Strange 1‘s death on the magical landscape of Marvel Comics, this issue is a relevant piece of the puzzle. It sets the stage for the students’ uncertain future and hints at potential new directions for the series in the wake of their mentor’s absence.
