Even for a seasoned comic book reader, diving into the world of Doctor Strange can be a trip. And while “funny” might not be the first word that springs to mind when you think of the Sorcerer Supreme, a closer look, especially at classic issues like Doctor Strange #1 (1974), reveals moments of delightful absurdity and visual humor. Let’s journey back to this landmark issue and explore some of its most memorable – and yes, even funny – panels.
This particular comic book, hitting stands in March 1974, might feel like a “first issue” in name only. After all, Doctor Strange had already headlined his own solo series way back in 1968, continuing the numbering from Strange Tales. That series lasted for fifteen issues before cancellation, and just prior to this “first issue,” Doc had been starring in Marvel Premiere. So, Doctor Strange #1 was arguably more of a relaunch than a true beginning. Yet, there’s undeniable prestige in having your own self-titled comic, solidifying Doctor Strange’s place in the Marvel universe. And let’s be honest, Frank Brunner’s cover for this issue? Absolutely iconic.
Doctor Strange looking mystical
But beyond the cover and the somewhat debatable “first issue” status, Doctor Strange #1 had big shoes to fill. The previous storyline had seen Doctor Strange encounter God and witness Creation! So, where do you go from there? Englehart and Brunner decided to plunge readers – and Doctor Strange – into an adventure that blends the mystical with the madcap, taking cues from a certain famous trip down a rabbit hole.
Doctor Strange splash page
The opening splash page itself is a visual feast, even if art history buffs might recognize a similarity to P. Craig Russell’s unpublished work. Regardless, Brunner and inker Dick Giordano set a striking tone right from the start.
Clea and Doctor Strange intimate moment
Clea expressing her feelings
The comic then quickly shifts gears, introducing a moment of unexpected sensuality – quite daring for a 1974 comic book. Clea’s heartfelt moment is abruptly interrupted by something decidedly less romantic…
Clea looking surprised
Clea encountering a white rabbit
Yes, a white rabbit. If that doesn’t scream Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, what does? For readers in 1974, even those unfamiliar with Carroll’s classic, this sudden appearance of a cloaked lagomorph must have been wonderfully strange. It’s a panel that’s both intriguing and inherently funny – a mystical being encountering a mundane, yet out-of-place, creature in a bizarre setting.
Silver Dagger attacking Wong
Wong being defeated
Speaking of humor, let’s talk about Wong. Doctor Strange’s loyal manservant is often called upon to demonstrate his martial arts skills, and just as often, he gets comically defeated. This panel is a prime example, playing into the running gag of Wong’s well-intentioned but often ineffective attempts at physical combat against supernatural foes. It’s a kind of slapstick humor that lightens the often heavy mystical tone of Doctor Strange stories.
Alarm bolt approaching Doctor Strange
Doctor Strange stabbed
Doctor Strange falling
Doctor Strange asking for help
The story takes a darker turn as Doctor Strange is attacked and seemingly mortally wounded. These panels, while not humorous, are crucial for setting up the stakes and driving the narrative forward. The drama is heightened as Wong reveals both Clea and the Eye of Agamotto have been taken.
Doctor Strange using the Orb of Agamotto
Doctor Strange entering stasis
Necromancy revealed
The Orb of Agamotto, we learn, has a rather surprising origin – necromancy! This revelation leads directly into one of Brunner’s most spectacular full-page splashes, a visual representation of Doctor Strange’s descent into… somewhere decidedly strange.
Doctor Strange falling into a psychedelic realm
Giant caterpillar on mushroom
And then, the Alice in Wonderland references become undeniable. A giant caterpillar, perched on a mushroom, smoking a hookah? It’s pure visual absurdity, and undeniably funny in its unexpectedness. Even without knowing the source material, the sheer weirdness of this panel is captivating.
Caterpillar asking "What is real?"
Caterpillar disappearing
Caterpillar disappearing style
Doctor Strange on a trip
The caterpillar’s dialogue and disappearing act, leaving only a smile, are further nods to Alice, specifically the Cheshire Cat in this instance. These panels blend the mystical Doctor Strange world with the whimsical, sometimes nonsensical, humor of Alice in Wonderland, creating a unique and engaging reading experience.
Doctor Strange #1 (1974) is more than just a comic book; it’s a journey into the strange, the surreal, and yes, even the subtly funny corners of the Marvel Universe. Brunner and Englehart crafted a story that is visually stunning and narratively intriguing, proving that even the Sorcerer Supreme can find himself in situations that are both magical and, in their own way, quite absurd. This issue is a testament to the creative risks and rewards of comic book storytelling, and a reminder that humor can be found even in the most mystical of adventures.
