- Written by: J. Michael Straczynski, Ashley Allen, Roger Stern, Christian Ward, Derek Landy
- Art by: Lee Ferguson, IG Guara, Ron Lim, Christian Ward, Ivan Fiorelli
- Colors by: Carlos Lopez, Fabi Marques, Israel Silva, Christian Ward, Dono Sanchez-Almara
- Letters by: VC’s Cory Petit
- Cover art by: Leinil Francis Yu, Romulo Fajardo Jr. (cover A)
- Cover price: $4.99
- Release date: September 3, 2025
Doctor Strange #450, by Marvel on 9/3/25, regales readers with five tales of sorceral suspense to commemorate Stephen Strange’s effect on the Marvel Universe.
First Impressions
Welp, Doctor Strange #450 is an odd choice for a milestone anthology issue, but it works well enough. Fans of Doctor Strange will be glad to see the hero in action in his traditional forms and garbs, without the current nuttiness surrounding his relocation to Asgard. That said, the issue puts a “strange” (heh) emphasis on other characters besides Doctor Strange.
The Language of Threads
Doctor Strange travels the magical highways and byways to find the tailor who constructed the Cloak of Levitation. The Cloak was recently damaged in battle, and the Doctor has returned to its maker for repairs. Before the repairs begin, Doctor Strange asks why the Cloak seemingly acts as if it has a personality, leading to an origin tale as strange as the one who wields the Cloak.
J. Michael Straczynski’s weird yet heartfelt origin tale about the Cloak of Levitation is an unexpected treat of surprises, tragedy, and heart. You could argue that an origin for the Cloak wasn’t necessary, but I’m glad Straczynski dreamed this one up.
One Student At A Time
Ilyana Rasputin, aka Magik, asks Doctor Strange to mentor her in a bid to help her control her powers. Strange agrees and beings with the most basic of skills – Alchemy. Magik isn’t happy with learning boring, low-level skills, but she soon learns that all magics are connected to each other and her, which can be a dangerous thing when not treated with respect.
Ashley Allen’s Magik-centric story showcases the potential for an interesting mentor/mentee relationship between Doctor Strange and Magik. Unfortunately, the short story is hampered by art that looks great but trips over confusing choreography and panel progression.
The Haunting Of Webster Hall
Doctor Strange investigates a supposedly haunted house when he’s attacked by a masked man. Strange quickly captures the stranger and learns he’s Robert Paine, the former vigilante known as Black Fox. Paine believed vandals were defiling the house, which belonged to Paine’s deceased love. Strange agrees to help Paine by showing him what supernatural events are plaguing the house, giving Paine a new lease on life.
Oddly enough, a pattern is emerging. These short stories are more centered on side characters rather than Doctor Strange. Roger Stern’s ghostly short is solid and sets up the return of a long-absent hero, but it has precious little to do with Doctor Strange.
Astral Scars
Doctor Strange encounters a native being in the Astral Plane who asks Strange why his non-physical form has scars on his hands. What follows is a thoughtful recounting of Doctor Strange’s origin story with a twist of clarity and emotion.
Now we’re cooking with brimstone. Christian Ward’s character piece hits the nail on the head as a short that explains Doctor Strange while elevating him with a fresh perspective. Plus, Ward’s art is fantastic.
Trolling
Doctor Strange, now the Sorcerer Supreme of Asgard, receives a visit from a healer looking for help to remove a troll from his shoulder. What follows is a somewhat witty exchange about manifestation and purpose.
Derek Landy’s interlude connects directly to Doctor Strange’s current status quo, which is a big plus. However, the short is little more than a reason for Strange to deal with a pest. It’s fine, but it doesn’t do much.
Positives
Doctor Strange #450 is filled with unique situations and scenarios of the supernatural variety to remind readers why he’s the best sorcerer around. Anthologies always risk mixing in good with bad stories to pad the pages, but this issue gives you plenty of bang for the buck.
Negatives
Unfortunately, a majority of the stories turn Doctor Strange into a plot device in somebody else’s story. With the exception of Christian Ward’s “Astral Scars,” this anthology misses the mark on its intended purpose – elevating Doctor Strange.anthology misses the mark on its intended purpose – elevating Doctor Strange.
About The Reviewer: Gabriel Hernandez is the Publisher & EIC of ComicalOpinions.com, a comics review site dedicated to indie, small, and mid-sized publishers.Follow @ComicalOpinions on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter
Final Thoughts
Doctor Strange #450 is a surprisingly value-packed anthology that celebrates all the different ways Doctor Strange impacts the Marvel Universe. Contrary to most anthologies, there isn’t a stinker in the bunch. That said, too many of the shorts use Doctor Strange as a supporting character in somebody else’s story.
6/10
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