Writer: Mark Waid

Art: Jesús Saiz and VC’s Cory Petit

Price: $3.99

Release Date: September 11th, 2019

Doctor Strange’s life was changed by a car accident in upstate New York. And now, a new catastrophe is going to change Stephen’s life in just as big of a way in this week’s all-new DOCTOR STRANGE #19 by the magical Mark Waid. By the Omnipotent Oshtur, let’s soar into this week’s bewitching tale and see what’s to come of our resident wizard!

Immediately out of the gate, the first aspect of the anecdote any reader will notice is how exceptionally amazing Jesús Saiz’s art is in each panel and every splash page. Saiz has some of the most thorough, crisp, bright, and vibrant art of any artist in the industry right now. This reviewer fancies a more realistic feel to his comic and Saiz doesn’t disappoint. His supernatural colors are raw, rich, and saturated while every character seems incredibly polished, precise, and flawless. From a road phantom to an otherworldy, ancient demonic caretaker, readers will certainly be awestruck by the talent that leaps off the page.

Additionally, Mark Waid recites another heart-racing story immediately after the first-page turn. Waid puts comic fans in the driver seat and makes readers feel like they’re apart of this woman’s family. This narrative was easy to follow, straightforward, fun to read, and won’t employ any background information to the tale making it a good jumping on point for the character of Doctor Strange. However, let this reviewer note the series is ending after issue 20 and the annual. So, try not to fall in love too much before the terrific series conclusion.

With all the glowing endorsement above, this reviewer did have a few minor qualms. Readers are told throughout Waid’s run, as well as many past Doctor Strange series, that magic has a price. Well, what was the price? The deal was struck and the bargain was rendered with some grotesque-looking, Hell-raising demon. This idea of ”a price” has been implanted into the back of our minds for years now. However, nothing is mentioned and no price seemed to be required… yet. This reviewer’s hope is that the issue rolls into the next and Strange fans get to see the true price of the Sorcerer Supreme’s actions. Technically, Waid’s story isn’t done yet. Therefore, this critic can give him a pass for now… unless this transaction is forgotten as the series expires.

With some of the most spectacular art by Saiz and high octane storytelling from Waid, fans will blaze through this issue on the edge of their seats. Readers will easily read this twice without feeling like it was a chore and sense a bit of a Biblical undertone from Matthew 18:12, which clearly boosts the Sorcerer Supreme’s composition. Waid makes the stakes feel high without the world being on the line and continues to show the compassion for the human spirit that Stephen Strange has making him a true hero.

FINAL THOUGHTS

If you’re falling in love with this series as it comes to an end, enjoy the ride while you still can. Hopefully, Marvel finds a way to extend this series and keeps this creative team together. It’s a fantastically fun and exciting read that this reviewer absolutely recommends. Head out to your shop, give this one a try, and let me know what you think.

8.5/10