- Written by: Jed MacKay
- Art by: Pasqual Ferry
- Colors by: Heather Moore
- Letters by: VC’s Cory Petit
- Cover art by: Alex Ross (cover A)
- Cover price: $3.99
- Release date: October 4, 2023
Doctor Strange #8 finds Clea offering her allegiance to General Strange while Stephen petitions the Vishanti to help put down the monster they created.
Is Doctor Strange #8 Good?
Doctor Strange #8 is all right. General Strange is one of the better new villains in years, and MacKay played his origin and introduction into the current conflict perfectly. However, this issue presents a personal interaction between Clea and General Strange that feels small and absent of the General’s overwhelming intimidation factor.
When last we left Doctor Strange and Clea, General Strange had absconded with Clea’s unborn half-sister and the souls of a number of children to create an army that would help the General win the war he wasn’t allowed to win. At the last second, Clea disappeared to be by the General’s side. Now, the General discusses his plans with Clea as his partner, while Stephen Strange visits the Vishanti to beg for help. When the Vishanti refuses, Doctor Strange petitions help from a darker and more dangerous source.
When I say this issue feels smaller, that’s because the General’s shock & awe tactics are on hold for the moment. The issue essentially breaks down into three scenes with a grand total of three (four counting a brief Bats appearance) characters. The plot makes some progress, but the overall narrative feels confined.
What’s great about Doctor Strange #8? Although the comic feels small, the scenes are meaningful and move the plot forward. Clea goes rogue, Doctor Strange goes rogue(er), and the ending promises an epic showdown. This isn’t the best issue in the General Strange arc, but it’s still strong.
What’s not so great about Doctor Strange #8? Clea makes a bold move to end the hostility, but her bold move comes across as hasty and poorly thought out. For a seasoned warrior like Clea, you’d think she would have a better plan than the one she executes here.
How’s the art? Pasqual Ferry’s style is as strong, if not stronger than, the script. The mystical backgrounds are a captivating mix of magic and science. The brief bit of action is well done. And Doctor Strange’s last-page arrival hits hard.
About The Reviewer: Gabriel Hernandez is the Publisher & EIC of ComicalOpinions.com, a comics review site dedicated to indie, small, and mid-sized publishers.
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Bits and Pieces
Doctor Strange #8 takes a step back on the pacing and epicness of General Strange’s plan to reignite war. Clea’s plan is dangerous but hastily executed, and Ferry’s art is amazing. However, it’s the last-minute arrival of Doctor Strange that steals the show.
Weird Science Marvel Comics 