Doctor Strange, the Sorcerer Supreme, has captivated comic book readers for decades with his adventures into the mystic arts and battles against otherworldly threats. Central to many of these narratives is Clea, a powerful sorceress in her own right and a vital part of Doctor Strange’s life. For fans interested in delving into the rich history of Doctor Strange comics and the significant role of Clea, this guide explores key comic book series and collected editions that showcase their intertwined destinies.
Clea’s introduction into the Doctor Strange mythos added a fascinating dynamic. Hailing from the Dark Dimension and niece of the tyrannical Dormammu, Clea’s presence brought both complexity and romance to Stephen Strange’s world. Her journey from a captive in the Dark Dimension to a powerful sorceress and Doctor Strange’s love interest is a compelling arc that unfolds across numerous comic series.
For readers seeking to witness Clea’s early appearances and development, the Strange Tales era is essential. While the provided list does not explicitly detail Clea’s first appearance issue, exploring the Marvel Masterworks Doctor Strange v1 which covers Strange Tales 110-111, 114-141, and Epic Collection Doctor Strange v1 Master of the Mystic Arts which includes Strange Tales 110–111, 114–146 would be a great starting point to find those foundational stories where Clea is introduced and her relationship with Doctor Strange begins to blossom.
The 1968 Doctor Strange series further developed Clea’s character. Collected in Marvel Masterworks Doctor Strange v3, which includes Doctor Strange (1968) 169-179, this era likely presents more stories where Clea’s role expands beyond just a damsel in distress, allowing her to grow as a sorceress and partner to Doctor Strange. Similarly, the Doctor Strange (1974) series, represented in numerous Marvel Masterworks and Epic Collection editions, probably continues to explore their dynamic and Clea’s own magical prowess. Specifically, Epic Collection Doctor Strange v4 Alone Against Eternity and Epic Collection Doctor Strange v5 The Reality War cover a significant portion of this 1970s run and may contain key Clea storylines.
Moving into later series, Doctor Strange Sorcerer Supreme (1988) is a significant title that likely features Clea prominently throughout its long run. The Epic Collection Doctor Strange v8 Triumph and Torment, Epic Collection Doctor Strange v9 Vampiric Verses, Epic Collection Doctor Strange v10 Infinity War, and Epic Collection Doctor Strange v11 A Nightmare on Bleeker Street, all draw from this series, suggesting Clea’s continued importance in Doctor Strange’s adventures during this period. The sheer volume of Doctor Strange Sorcerer Supreme Omnibus editions – volumes 1, 2, and 3 – further underscores the depth of stories available featuring both Doctor Strange and potentially Clea during this era.
For more modern readers, series like Doctor Strange (2015), Doctor Strange (2018), and Strange (2022) represent contemporary takes on the characters. While the provided list gives titles, the actual content of these newer series in relation to Clea would require further investigation. However, given Clea’s established importance in Doctor Strange’s lore, it’s probable she plays a role in these more recent iterations as well.
In conclusion, tracing the comic book history of Clea and Doctor Strange offers a rewarding journey through decades of mystical adventures. From her initial appearances in Strange Tales and development in the 1968 and 1974 Doctor Strange series, to her significant role in Doctor Strange Sorcerer Supreme and potentially beyond in more modern series, Clea remains a crucial and captivating figure in Doctor Strange’s world. Exploring these collected editions and series is essential for any fan seeking to understand the full depth of the “Clea Doctor Strange” dynamic within the Marvel comic universe.
