DOCTOR STRANGE #15 (LGY #405)
Recap
As Mephisto is revealed to be the invisible puppetmaster behind everything, Strange discovers the games of Dormammu. But Dormammu fails to heed his warning and falls victim to Galactus himself. In a bold counter move Strange vows to put a stop to it once and for all by making a series of deals. First with Ykolon to get to Mephisto, then with the devil himself, who tries to hide his own desperation at unfolding events and their effect on his domain. Strange goes on to implore the Abstracts for the fate of mankind, to no avail. In a final bid to resolve things himself he calls on everyone in his little black book and rouses them for an epic battle between science and magic.
Review
Story/Characters: Much like Dormammu I feel Waid has bitten off a little more than he can chew here. The plan is bold, but the execution is falling a little short. And I don’t think this is actually the fault of the writer. It’s the format. It’s clear that the plot, backdrop and cast of characters involved are so grand in scope it all lends itself to something more deserving of the status of Marvel Event of the year, rather than just an arc within a title. Especially a title that has been announced to be finishing in a few issues. When you throw in the Who’s Who of science and magic within the hero community, add the major movers and shakers that are basically End Level Bosses such as Mephisto, Dormammu, Eternity and the Living Tribunal it has the potential for some epic confrontations, that concerns pretty much everyone in the Marvel Universe. Throw in several other worldly domains such as the Shi’ar Empire, halls of Asgard, the Kree and every previous herald of Galactus known to man and you have yourself a grand space opera worthy of War of Kings or Annihilation. If only there was a way this could have happened. Something like a major War? Perhaps fought between Realms?
Final Thoughts
An intriguing idea that just doesn’t seem to follow through on its potential. The magical tip of an iceberg that could have rocked the boat for all wielders of science and magic. If only it were given the stage it deserved.
Doctor Strange #15: Who You Gonna Call…Everybody
- Writing - 8/108/10
- Storyline - 7/107/10
- Art - 8/108/10
- Color - 8/108/10
- Cover Art - 9/109/10