Strange Tales #115: "The Origin Of Doctor Strange!"

Strange Tales #115

 "The Origin Of Doctor Strange!"
 December, 1963

 Story: Stan Lee
 Art: Steve Ditko
 Lettering: Sam Rosen

 Where did Doctor Strange come from? How did he receive his powers? Who is Doctor Strange?

 India is the land of enchantment and in a solemnly silent chamber, a tired figure's long month's of searching is at an end! Is the old man before him the one he seeks? Is he the Ancient One? He is the Ancient One, the one whose magical healing power this man of the western world desperately needs! The Ancient One only heals those who deserve it and his magic must never be wasted upon the undeserving! This mysterious traveler must prove his worthiness! He has come too far and waited too long... and soon finds himself in mid-air by a mystic gesture from the Ancient One! None may commit an act violence upon his person! As the traveler is held in mid-air, the Ancient One probes his mind... to learn more about him! In the past, he was Stephen Strange... the famous American surgeon! He was successful, proud, and haughty! Strange also didn't care much for his fellow men... When a patient's operation is successful and he wishes to thank the doctor, the surgeon just wants him to pay his bill! All that interested him was money...

 To Stephen Strange, the troubles of others meant nothing, and would not be interested in charity work unless he were paid! Some time later, there is an automobile accident, on an isolated road, and the injured victim is... Stephen Strange! Although his life was spared, he had received a terrible blow... The nerves to his hands have been severely damaged and the surgeon will never be able to perform an operation again! Although others tried to help him, he was too bitter and filled with self-pity! He went into seclusion and spent his days brooding! He had lost track of time and became a drifter! One day, he overheard two sailors talking about the Ancient One who could cure anything with his magic power!

 He had heard the name of the Ancient One mentioned in hushed tones! Could there be some truth to this legend? There have been men with healing powers throughout history... and what if he were such a man? He had sought out the Ancient One for his healing power, but for his own selfish reasons! Yet, the Ancient One senses a spark of decency within him... which he might be able to fan into a flame! If he were to remain here and study with the Ancient One... perhaps he would find the cure he seeks! Stephen Strange figures that the old man is nothing but a fraud! Stephen Strange is unimpressed with the parlor tricks and is determined to leave! He then notices the snow that wasn't there before! He could never make it down the pass now! For a moment, he wonders if the Ancient One had something to do with the snow, and dismisses the notion! The Ancient One's pupil, Mordo, shows him to his chamber! The pupil seems to be a creepy character and all he does is spend time reciting dirges from various scrolls! As he goes to ask the Ancient One how long it takes for the snow to melt, he sees a strange vapor swirling around him! The old man is under attack by the vapors of Valtorr!! An unseen enemy has used black magic to conjure them and only by black magic may they be dispelled!

The Ancient One summons the powers of the Vishanti! He calls upon the Dread Dormammu and the all-seeing Agamotto to command the forces of darknesss to begome! If the western man had not seen it with his own eyes, he wouldn't have believed it! The Ancient One finds it difficult to explain it to a non-believer, but he must always be on his guard against the forces of evil! Although he is no longer a surgeon, he is still a doctor, and can see the old man needs rest! The Ancient One must remain... until he finds his successor to continue the battle against the dark forces from arriving on Earth! If he were to remain any longer, Stephen Strange would end up becoming a believer! He must get away before he becomes part of this madness!! The snow is almost gone! He is about to leave when he sees what Mordo is up to! The pupil is offering Dormammu some incense and asks that the dread one's power descend upon his enemy! The western man recognizes the doll engulfed by vapor... a replica of the Ancient One and the one who is trying to kill him is his own pupil... Mordo!

 Since he is too weak to stop him, Mordo tells him how he has learned much more than the Ancient One suspects, and once he is gone, he will become the sole master of black magic! When the western man threatens to tell the Ancient One about his pupil's treachery, Mordo casts a spell upon him... one which will prevent him from revealing his secret! A greenish vapor forms and comes towards him! It forms into an iron clamp around his mouth and he-he cannot speak! Peering into a mirror, Stephen Strange sees that it isn't really there, but he is unable to speak! This is proof of the existence of magic! Although he cannot speak, he can still move, and is halted in his tracks by Mordo! The westerner is helpless against the ancient magics! A final spell will prevent others from seeing the iron clamp or mystic fetters that surround his wrists! But Stephen Strange can feel them and knows they are there!

 Once Mordo has left, the western man figures it was just the power of suggestion and is determined not to let this stop him! He will go to the Ancient One and... OWWWW!!! His feet are now trapped by bolts of pure force! Mordo does possess the power of black magic and Stephen Strange can only wonder how he will be able to warn the Ancient One! The pupil and his mentor are speaking now... and the Ancient One does not seem to suspect a thing! Mordo has shown much progress in his studies and has mastered several of the mystic arts! He is very eager to follow in his teacher's footsteps! When Stephen Strange tries to warn him, Mordo's spells stop him from speaking, and the pupil suggests the westerner be returned home, for there is no place for him here! This time, Stephen Strange broods upon his helplessness and understands the evil of Mordo's sorcery!

 He is only subject to Mordo's spell if he tries to warn the Ancient One and is able to speak about other matters... so there is still hope! If he were to learn the secrets of black magic, then he could battle Mordo on his own terms! He expresses his wishes to accept the Ancient One's offer to become a student and learn the mystic arts! The old man senses the real Stephen Strange has finally been reached and he accepts him as his disciple! His first act is to release him from Mordo's spell! The westerner is now able to speak and act as he had before! Mordo could not keep any secrets from his master! Although his pupil is evil, the Ancient One prefers to keep him here where he can watch over him! One day, when the Ancient One is gone, it will be up to the westerner to battle Mordo... to the finish! Stephen Strange has been tested and has passed his baptism of fire! There is a difficult path ahead of him, filled with many dangers, and he wishes to continue! And so it began, with the days becoming weeks, then months, and years, as Doctor Strange studied the mystic arts! He changed and his own life gained deeper meaning... as he prepared himself for the battles ahead, those which could only be fought as Doctor Strange, the master of black magic!

 This story was reprinted in Marvel Premere #11 (October, 1973).

 Doc got his origin story five issues after the first installment of his feature.

 Don Blake proved himself worthy by finding the hammer of the Mighty Thor.

 As drawn by Steve Ditko, pre-accident Stephen Strange reminds me of Don Adams as Maxwell Smart.

 The docks drifter who overheard the two sailors bears a close resemblance to western actor Richard Boone.

 Before he became the Master of the Mystic Arts, he was the master of black magic.

 Both Mordo and the Ancient One call upon the power of Dormammu, although it was later revealed that the dread one was the old man's bitterest enemy.

 Mordo was not incensed at being discovered by the westerner.

 Max Dillon would have loved Mordo's use of ancient magic.

 I first read this story when it was reprinted in Origins of Marvel Comics and partially reprinted in Dynamite.

 Steve Chung
 "The Review Of Doctor Strange!"

Strange Tales #117: "The Many Traps Of Baron Mordo!"

Strange Tales #117

 "The Many Traps Of Baron Mordo!"
 February, 1964

 Story: Stan Lee
 Art: Steve Ditko
 Lettering: Sam Rosen

 Never one to admit defeat, Baron Mordo launches another audacious attack upon Doctor Strange and the Ancient One!

 Using a simple spell, Baron Mordo has created a miniature replica of Doctor Strange's home! When he repeats the spell slowly... a mystical mist covers the miniature model! At Baron Mordo's next command, this enchanted mist drifts out of the window... and into the night sky! The mist settles over the home of Doctor Strange! It penetrates every brick, every stone and wood and mortar, until it becomes part of the structure itself! It is done! The trap is set and Doctor Strange's home is under Baron Mordo's spell! Some time later, the tall stately figure of Doctor Strange walks through the streets of New York City... He is lost in thought and has no suspicion of what is awaiting him! Mordo watches his arch-enemy's every move with sinister glee... By entering his home, the master of black magic has just doomed himself!

 As the door shuts behind him... and the lights go on within the Sanctum Sanctorum... the entire structure wavers and faded from sight... How easy it was for Mordo to imprison Doctor Strange and as the building reappears again... it is alone in an unknown dimension! Within the Sanctum Sanctorum, the master of black magic finds himself weightless and helpless! He is not exactly helpless, for he still possesses his mystic amulet! Since the spell is too strong to be broken by his physical form, Doctor Strange uses his amulet to utilize his ethereal form! His enchanted amulet guides him to the source of this sudden occurrence!

 The astral form of Doctor Strange spots Baron Mordo and seeks to find a clue to the type of magical spell used to trap his physical body in the dark dimension! An ethereal cylinder drops from above, and imprisons his spirit form! This enchanted cylinder is escape-proof and Baron Mordo sees for himself how his traps have succeeded! Mordo's goal is the Ancient One, who has been their master, and with Doctor Strange out of the way, he is now without protection! Mordo's magical spell is too strong for the amulet to set him free! Doctor Strange will not give up and he is determined to find a way out of this trap!

 As the astral form of Doctor Strange strives to come up with a solution, Baron Mordo is halfway around the world, and is standing before the great doors which lead to the Ancient One's retreat! The former pupil has returned to beg his mentor's forgiveness! When he claims to have learned the folly of evil and has come to make amends for his past misdeeds, he is admitted entry! Now that he is inside, the rest shall be very easy! As he approaches his former teacher, Mordo begs to be taught how to be good like Doctor Strange! When the Ancient One bids him to approach, the Baron feigns the desire to be taught hwo to use the magic powers for the benefit of mankind, and gets closer!

 Mordo is close enough and has no need for further pretense! The old fool is surely doomed and to his surprise, the Ancient One stands unharmed by the magical spell! The image of the Ancient One wavers and Doctor Strange stands in his place! Baron Mordo's traps were not good enough! Realizing he could not break through the prison, his ethereal body was not stopped by the ground itself! It was a simple matter for the astral form of Doctor Strange to sink beneath the floor... to pass through the cellar itself... and down into the Earth's core...

 The further down he went... the weaker the magical spell became... until he finally emerged on the other side of the world, free of Mordo's trap! Doctor Strange was able to reach the Ancient One first! After explaining the danger, the master of black magic is given a ring that will enable him to do everything he would do in his physical form... so that he may battle Baron Mordo! The Ancient One is weary but permits his disciple to transform himself into his own image, and battle Mordo in his stead! Now that he knows what happened, Mordo is prepared to defeat him! He calls upon the shadowy shapes and dread powers of Dormammu to come to his aid! Doctor Strange calls upon his enchanted ring to shield himself from whatever Mordo hurls at him! "By the power of the Vishanti... in the name of the All-Seeing Ancient One... he summons all the forces of good... and focuses their power upon Mordo through the facets of this enchanted ring!"

 Baron Mordo finds the brightness appalling and no matter where he turns, the enchanted light bathes him in its brilliant glow! The power of good have banished Mordo and now, Doctor Strange gathers the Baron's sinister spells... and hurls them back to him, before he can conjure up further defenses! Mordo is taken by surprise... he is struck by the sheer force and fury of various magical spells he had sought to use on Doctor Strange... he is cast out of the Ancient One's home, in utter defeat! At that very moment, his spells are broken... and the Sanctum Sanctorum reappears in its proper place, and the master of black magic regains his physical form! In Tibet, the Ancient One ascends his dais, and settles upon the soft cushions of his seat... Every time Baron Mordo attacks, he grows stronger and more dangerous! The master of black magic tells his master not to fear! No matter how awesome Mordo's power becomes, he will devote his own life to defeating him! And so he has... so he has.

 This story was reprinted in Marvel Premiere #11 (October, 1973).

 It's nice to see that Doctor Strange lives in a safe neighborhood and one wonders what his fellow neighbors make of him.

 Before he became the Master of the Mystic Arts, he was the master of black magic.

 Mordo's plan is running on all cylinders, but Doctor Strange has gone to ground, and made his escape.

 The Baron is one former pupil who could use some time in detention.

 Mordo calls upon the Dread Dormammu and the master of black magic relies upon an enchanted ring to defeat his foe.

 The Baron is unable to bear the light... the light of the Gr... master of black magic.

 Steve Chung
 "The Many Reviews Of Baron Mordo!"

Marvel Premiere #11: "Homecoming!"

Marvel Premiere #11

 "Homecoming!"
 October, 1973

 Stan Lee and Steve Ditko: Author/Artist
 John Costanza & Sam Rosen: Letterers
 Stan Goldberg: Colorist
 Introduction & Conclusion by Steve Englehart & Frank Brunner
 Roy Thomas: Editor

 He hears the wind whistling on the Himalayan Peaks. Even while others enjoy the mid-summer heat, the white winter lurks here forever.. and few would dare challenge it. Now -- an azure and scarlet mote strides through the swirling snow. He is a man of noble bearing who is about to end his grim odyssey. The magician has found his temple. It has been a long journey, but the Master of the Mystic Arts has returned to where it all began -- for the last time! He has reached the Ancient One's home!

 He could have used his magic to protect himself from the snowstorm -- but he needed to feel mother nature and life -- even at its most unpleasant. Hamir greets the young master and learns that the Ancient One will never return. In order to save the universe from Shuma-Gorath, Doctor Strange destroyed his teacher's ego -- the one from which the dread one drew his strength! In so doing, the barrier between man and nature was broken, allowing the Ancient One to be reborn... as one with the universe! He yet lives -- but he is beyond them now! Doctor Strange must assume the responsibility of assuming the mantle of Sorceror Supreme! The news makes Hamir's head spin! It will take him a moment to absorb this information! To the hermit, it seems but mere weeks since the Ancient One first encountered him...

 Where did Doctor Strange come from? How did he receive his powers? Who is Doctor Strange?

 India is the land of enchantment and in a solemnly silent chamber, a tired figure's long
 month's of searching is at an end! Is the old man before him the one he seeks? Is he
 the Ancient One? He is the Ancient One, the one whose magical healing power this man of
 the western world desperately needs! The Ancient One only heals those who deserve it and
 his magic must never be wasted upon the undeserving! This mysterious traveler must prove
 his worthiness! He has come too far and waited too long... and soon finds himself in
 mid-air by a mystic gesture from the Ancient One! None may commit an act violence upon
 his person! As the traveler is held in mid-air, the Ancient One probes his mind... to
 learn more about him! In the past, he was Stephen Strange... the famous American
 surgeon! He was successful, proud, and haughty! Strange also didn't care much for his
 fellow men... When a patient's operation is successful and he wishes to thank the doctor,
 the surgeon just wants him to pay his bill! All that interested him was money...

 To Stephen Strange, the troubles of others meant nothing, and would not be interested in
 charity work unless he were paid! Some time later, there is an automobile accident, on
 an isolated road, and the injured victim is... Stephen Strange! Although his life was
 spared, he had received a terrible blow... The nerves to his hands have been severely
 damaged and the surgeon will never be able to perform an operation again! Although
 others tried to help him, he was too bitter and filled with self-pity! He went into
 seclusion and spent his days brooding! He had lost track of time and became a drifter!
 One day, he overheard two sailors talking about the Ancient One who could cure anything
 with his magic power!

 He had heard the name of the Ancient One mentioned in hushed tones! Could there be some
 truth to this legend? There have been men with healing powers throughout history... and
 what if he were such a man? He had sought out the Ancient One for his healing power, but
 for his own selfish reasons! Yet, the Ancient One senses a spark of decency within
 him... which he might be able to fan into a flame! If he were to remain here and study
 with the Ancient One... perhaps he would find the cure he seeks! Stephen Strange figures
 that the old man is nothing but a fraud! Stephen Strange is unimpressed with the parlor
 tricks and is determined to leave! He then notices the snow that wasn't there before!
 He could never make it down the pass now! For a moment, he wonders if the Ancient One
 had something to do with the snow, and dismisses the notion! The Ancient One's pupil,
 Mordo, shows him to his chamber! The pupil seems to be a creepy character and all he
 does is spend time reciting dirges from various scrolls! As he goes to ask the Ancient
 One how long it takes for the snow to melt, he sees a strange vapor swirling around him!
 The old man is under attack by the vapors of Valtorr!! An unseen enemy has used black
 magic to conjure them and only by black magic may they be dispelled!

 The Ancient One summons the powers of the Vishanti! He calls upon the Dread Dormammu and
 the all-seeing Agamotto to command the forces of darknesss to begome! If the western man
 had not seen it with his own eyes, he wouldn't have believed it! The Ancient One finds
 it difficult to explain it to a non-believer, but he must always be on his guard against
 the forces of evil! Although he is no longer a surgeon, he is still a doctor, and can
 see the old man needs rest! The Ancient One must remain... until he finds his successor
 to continue the battle against the dark forces from arriving on Earth! If he were to
 remain any longer, Stephen Strange would end up becoming a believer! He must get away
 before he becomes part of this madness!! The snow is almost gone! He is about to leave
 when he sees what Mordo is up to! The pupil is offering Dormammu some incense and asks
 that the dread one's power descend upon his enemy! The western man recognizes the doll
 engulfed by vapor... a replica of the Ancient One and the one who is trying to kill him
 is his own pupil... Mordo!

 Since he is too weak to stop him, Mordo tells him how he has learned much more than the
 Ancient One suspects, and once he is gone, he will become the sole master of black magic!
 When the western man threatens to tell the Ancient One about his pupil's treachery,
 Mordo casts a spell upon him... one which will prevent him from revealing his secret! A
 greenish vapor forms and comes towards him! It forms into an iron clamp around his mouth
 and he-he cannot speak! Peering into a mirror, Stephen Strange sees that it isn't really
 there, but he is unable to speak! This is proof of the existence of magic! Although he
 cannot speak, he can still move, and is halted in his tracks by Mordo! The westerner is
 helpless against the ancient magics! A final spell will prevent others from seeing the
 iron clamp or mystic fetters that surround his wrists! But Stephen Strange can feel them
 and knows they are there!

 Once Mordo has left, the western man figures it was just the power of suggestion and is
 determined not to let this stop him! He will go to the Ancient One and... OWWWW!!! His
 feet are now trapped by bolts of pure force! Mordo does possess the power of black magic
 and Stephen Strange can only wonder how he will be able to warn the Ancient One! The
 pupil and his mentor are speaking now... and the Ancient One does not seem to suspect a
 thing! Mordo has shown much progress in his studies and has mastered several of the
 mystic arts! He is very eager to follow in his teacher's footsteps! When Stephen
 Strange tries to warn him, Mordo's spells stop him from speaking, and the pupil suggests
 the westerner be returned home, for there is no place for him here! This time, Stephen
 Strange broods upon his helplessness and understands the evil of Mordo's sorcery!

 He is only subject to Mordo's spell if he tries to warn the Ancient One and is able to
 speak about other matters... so there is still hope! If he were to learn the secrets of
 black magic, then he could battle Mordo on his own terms! He expresses his wishes to
 accept the Ancient One's offer to become a student and learn the mystic arts! The old
 man senses the real Stephen Strange has finally been reached and he accepts him as his
 disciple! His first act is to release him from Mordo's spell! The westerner is now able
 to speak and act as he had before! Mordo could not keep any secrets from his master!
 Although his pupil is evil, the Ancient One prefers to keep him here where he can watch
 over him! One day, when the Ancient One is gone, it will be up to the westerner to
 battle Mordo... to the finish! Stephen Strange has been tested and has passed his
 baptism of fire! There is a difficult path ahead of him, filled with many dangers, and
 he wishes to continue! And so it began, with the days becoming weeks, then months, and
 years, as Doctor Strange studied the mystic arts! He changed and his own life gained
 deeper meaning... as he prepared himself for the battles ahead, those which could only be
 fought as Doctor Strange, the master of black magic!

 Never one to admit defeat, Baron Mordo launches another audacious attack upon Doctor
 Strange and the Ancient One!

 Using a simple spell, Baron Mordo has created a miniature replica of Doctor Strange's
 home! When he repeats the spell slowly... a mystical mist covers the miniature model!
 At Baron Mordo's next command, this enchanted mist drifts out of the window... and into
 the night sky! The mist settles over the home of Doctor Strange! It penetrates every
 brick, every stone and wood and mortar, until it becomes part of the structure itself!
 It is done! The trap is set and Doctor Strange's home is under Baron Mordo's spell!
 Some time later, the tall stately figure of Doctor Strange walks through the streets of
 New York City... He is lost in thought and has no suspicion of what is awaiting him!
 Mordo watches his arch-enemy's every move with sinister glee... By entering his home, the
 master of black magic has just doomed himself!

 As the door shuts behind him... and the lights go on within the Sanctum Sanctorum... the
 entire structure wavers and faded from sight... How easy it was for Mordo to imprison
 Doctor Strange and as the building reappears again... it is alone in an unknown
 dimension! Within the Sanctum Sanctorum, the master of black magic finds himself
 weightless and helpless! He is not exactly helpless, for he still possesses his mystic
 amulet! Since the spell is too strong to be broken by his physical form, Doctor Strange
 uses his amulet to utilize his ethereal form! His enchanted amulet guides him to the
 source of this sudden occurance!

 The astral form of Doctor Strange spots Baron Mordo and seeks to find a clue to the type
 of magical spell used to trap his physical body in the dark dimension! An ethereal
 cylinder drops from above, and imprisons his spirit form! This enchanted cylinder is
 escape-proof and Baron Mordo sees for himself how his traps have succeeded! Mordo's goal
 is the Ancient One, who has been their master, and with Doctor Strange out of the way, he
 is now without protection! Mordo's magical spell is too strong for the amulet to set him
 free! Doctor Strange will not give up and he is determined to find a way out of this
 trap!

 As the astral form of Doctor Strange strives to come up with a solution, Baron Mordo is
 halfway around the world, and is standing before the great doors which lead to the
 Ancient One's retreat! The former pupil has returned to beg his mentor's forgiveness!
 When he claims to have learned the folly of evil and has come to make amends for his past
 misdeeds, he is admitted entry! Now that he is inside, the rest shall be very easy! As
 he approaches his former teacher, Mordo begs to be taught how to be good like Doctor
 Strange! When the Ancient One bids him to approach, the Baron feigns the desire to be
 taught how to use the magic powers for the benefit of mankind, and gets closer!

 Mordo is close enough and has no need for further pretense! The old fool is surely
 doomed and to his surprise, the Ancient One stands unharmed by the magical spell! The
 image of the Ancient One wavers and Doctor Strange stands in his place! Baron Mordo's
 traps were not good enough! Realizing he could not break through the prison, his
 ethereal body was not stopped by the ground itself! It was a simple matter for the
 astral form of Doctor Strange to sink beneath the floor... to pass through the cellar
 itself... and down into the Earth's core...

 The further down he went... the weaker the magical spell became... until he finally
 emerged on the other side of the world, free of Mordo's trap! Doctor Strange was able to
 reach the Ancient One first! After explaining the danger, the master of black magic is
 given a ring that will enable him to do everything he would do in his physical form... so
 that he may battle Baron Mordo! The Ancient One is weary but permits his disciple to
 transform himself into his own image, and battle Mordo in his stead! Now that he knows
 what happened, Mordo is prepared to defeat him! He calls upon the shadowy shapes and
 dread powers of Dormammu to come to his aid! Doctor Strange calls upon his enchanted
 ring to shield himself from whatever Mordo hurls at him! "By the power of the
 Vishanti... in the name of the All-Seeing Ancient One... he summons all the forces of
 good... and focuses their power upon Mordo through the facets of this enchanted
 ring!"

 Baron Mordo finds the brightness appalling and no matter where he turns, the enchanted
 light bathes him in its brilliant glow! The power of good have banished Mordo and now,
 Doctor Strange gathers the Baron's sinister spells... and hurls them back to him, before
 he can conjure up further defenses! Mordo is taken by surprise... he is struck by the
 sheer force and fury of various magical spells he had sought to use on Doctor Strange...
 he is cast out of the Ancient One's home, in utter defeat! At that very moment, his
 spells are broken... and the Sanctum Sanctorum reappears in its proper place, and the
 master of black magic regains his physical form! In Tibet, the Ancient One ascends his
 dais, and settles upon the soft cushions of his seat... Every time Baron Mordo attacks,
 he grows stronger and more dangerous! The master of black magic tells his master not to
 fear! No matter how awesome Mordo's power becomes, he will devote his own life to
 defeating him! And so he has... so he has.

 Hamir did well to remind the young master of these things. He did swear to oppose evil and has been well trained for such a duty. Hamir senses his loss that has slowed him and understands because he too is deeply grieved. The world continues to spin and tears will never halt its progress. The world does not know what they do, that none can fill the throne of the Ancient One! he hermit knows that the young master will forge his own destiny -- and his own place as the Master of the Mystic Arts. He goes now to his own Sanctum Sanctorum, where he will conjure the Ancient One's personal effects to come to him -- so that he may face the challenges ahead with all of its knowledge and power readily available to him! The temple is to be closed -- forever! Hamir thinks to himself that the master chose wisely when he selected Stephen Strange as his disciple! He also wonders... although he himself is called the hermit... which of them is now truly more alone?

 I've enjoyed Steve Englehart's work on Captain America, Detective Comics, and Doctor Strange.

 I first saw the art of Frank Brunner when it was reprinted in a Doctor Strange Marvel Treasury Edition.

 The names of Stan Lee and Steve Ditko are synonymous with their creation of Doctor Strange.

 "The Origin Of Doctor Strange" and "The Many Traps Of Baron Mordo!" from Strange Tales #115 and #117 by Stan Lee, Steve Ditko, and Sam Rosen are reprinted in this issue.

 As someone who was born prior to the end of the Silver Age, it was always a treat to come across these stories in reprint form, and catch up on the character's personal history.

 He has been the master of black magic, the Master of the Mystic Arts, and with the death of his mentor, Doctor Strange became the Sorcerer Supreme.

 Steve Chung
 "Homecoming Review!"

Strange Tales #120: "The House Of Shadows!"

Strange Tales #120

 "The House Of Shadows!"
 May, 1964

 Written At Midnight By: STAN LEE
 Drawn By Candlelight By: STEVE DITKO
 Lettered At Twilight By: SAM ROSEN
 Reviewed In Hindsight By: STEVE CHUNG

 The Master of the Mystic Arts does not walk the streets of the city often, nor is he usually seen by the public! When Doctor Strange does appear, all heads turn in his direction... He finally reaches a small cottage on the outskirts of the city. A television show is about to begin and viewers will see a reporter entering an actual "haunted house" to spend the night there! This is a live broadcast and the reporter is ready with his portable microphone! He will report on everything he sees and hears while the cameras are trained on the exterior of the house! Allan Stevens is determined to prove there is no such thing as a haunted house! A woman has heard about this old cottage and voices her concerns to a police officer! Since the program has a permit, the officer's job is to keep the crowds back! As the Master of the Mystic Arts remains to witness the proceedings, he overhears the murmurs from the crowd! When asked if he thinks the reporter will see a ghost, Doctor Strange admits there are things that most of us do not even dream exist! His presence is taken to be on the network's behalf to impress the viewing audience!

 As Allan Stevens enters the haunted house, the Master of the Mystic Arts frees his astral form from his body! Even in this ectoplasmic form, Doctor Strange is unable to enter the invisible barrier which surrounds the entire house! Returning to his physical form, the Master of the Mystic Arts concentrates, and calls upon his enchanted amulet... The amulet glows and its all-seeing eye opens! It rises until it rests upon Doctor Strange's brow!

 He is now able to follow the reporter's progress! As the reporter begins his report, he sees a lamp floating in the air! As mist swirls in and out of the walls, Stevens figures this must be due to the bad lighting, and his overactive imagination! As he continues his report, Stevens suddenly wonders if he has taken leave of his senses!

 The microphone is dead and the live broadcast has ended! As viewers speculate on the legitimacy of the proceedings, the Master of the Mystic Arts prepares to make his way through the crowd! Since none of them are willing to budge voluntarily, Doctor Strange summons the spells of the omnipotent Oshtur! The startled onlookers feel themselves being moved aside by invisible hands... and further opposition to his presence suddenly find themselves floating in the air!

 Reaching the front door, the Master of the Mystic Arts uses his enchanted amulet to unlock the door... and locking it once more upon entering... Doctor Strange sees the floating lamp and the mysterious mists that Allan Stevens had seen earlier! The Master of the Mystic Arts knows what the reporter did not... he knows the secret of the dweller in the shadows!

 He has come to free the reporter and does not fear the swirling mists around him! As the mists form a cell... Doctor Strange prays that his own strength exceeds that of his unseen foe! He calls upon the Dread Dormammu, the Hoary Hosts of Hoggoth, and upon the mystic realm! The fury of the ageless Vishanti is shown and by the Twelve Moons of Munnopor, his will is done! A mystical force-field causes the mists to part and to fade away... In the name of his aged mentor, Doctor Strange dismisses the powers that have served him well! The dweller has witnessed his power and now knows it is greater than his! The reporter must be released...

 The crowd outside see Allan Stevens emerge from the house and his mind is a blank from entering the structure! All the reporter knows is... he will never enter the house again! With the reporter's release, the house is allowed to retain its secret! It has come from another space-time continuum to observe humanity... and has come to be known as being haunted! The door opens once more and the Master of the Mystic Arts faces the living house... He prepares to banish it to the shadowy realm from whence it came!

 The house does not wish to leave, but Doctor Strange is determined to protect mankind, and his will is firm in this matter! The Vapors of the Vishanti drive the house from the sight of man and the mystic hosts of Hoggoth prevent it from ever returning again! The Master of the Mystic Arts has triumphed! The house's disappearing act has members of the crowd believing it was just a network publicity stunt, and the pre-fab house was quickly carted away under cover of smoke! Seeing Doctor Strange coming their way, the spectators are all too happy to let him pass! The Master of the Mystic Arts walks off into the night... while the crowd can only stare after him! They may not believe! They dare not believe! They may scoff and ridicule... but none of them will ever forget what they have seen with their own eyes!

 Doctor Strange comes off as an investigator of the supernatural than the master of black magic he had been in earlier issues.

 Harris Hobbs was a reporter who met Thor and who traveled to Asgard when the God of Thunder fought Loki and the Absorbing Man.

 A haunted house was featured in Journey Into Mystery #75 (December, 1961): "Mister Gregory And The Ghost!"

 One wonders what would happen if Doctor Strange had met Gandalf.

 Who would claim the title of hall pass monitor?

 The Master of the Mystic Arts calls upon the Dread Dormammu, whom he would meet, and duel a few short issues from now.

 Limbo is the home dimension of Immortus, the Space Phantom, and the Dire Wraths.

 Elsewhere in the Marvel Universe, Spider-Man was "Unmasked By Doctor Octopus!" in The Amazing Spider-Man #12 and a battle between the Thing and the Hulk ended when "The Avengers Take Over!" in Fantastic Four #26.

 Steve Chung
 "The Review Of Shadows!"

Strange Tales #131: "The Hunter And The Hunted!"

Strange Tales #131

 "The Hunter And The Hunted!"
 April, 1965

 Written In A Stygian Swampland By... STAN LEE
 Drawn In A Dismal Dungeon By... STEVE DITKO
 Lettered In A Conjurer's Castle By... ARTIE SIMEK
 Reviewed In A Massive Moat By... STEVE CHUNG

 Our story thus far... Baron Mordo has been aided by the Dread Dormammu and has Doctor Strange on the run!! Although the Master of the Mystic Arts in Hong Kong, he is capable of fighting back!

 A solitary figure makes his way along the gloom of a Hong Kong street... Doctor Strange has been using himself as a decoy to draw the threat of Mordo away from the Ancient One! He wonders how much longer can he elude the Baron's power. If only he could learn how Mordo has gotten so powerful! He cannot fight what he cannot understand! The minions of Mordo have spotted their prey and they know their master will reward them for this evening's work! As they attack, the Master of the Mystic Arts blinds them with his amulet!! Before they can assume a new attack, Doctor Strange uses both magical spells and bare fists to render his two assailants unconscious! Meanwhile, their master stands in the temple which once houses the Ancient One, and he is in communication with the Dread Dormammu! The follower knows there can be no second chances and he also knows that they are allies -- not master and slave! Their alliance only lasts as long as the Dread One finds him useful!

 Once contact has been broken, Mordo summons one of his disciples and sends him to Hong Kong to find Doctor Strange! The disciple will be his eyes -- his ears -- and his hands! The follower's mind goes blank as his masters recites these words -- "Let your body vanish -- and your atoms race -- with speed of thought through time and space!" Once the incantation and mystic sign have been made, Mordo's disciple finds himself in Hong Kong, and his brain throbs with a life all of its own! Mordo is inhabiting his body and directs him to a smuggler's den! Once inside the waterfront den, the disciple speaks for Baron Mordo, and commands them to search all of Hong Kong for Doctor Strange! When they refuse, Mordo appears in the air before them!

 The Baron makes an example of them by unleashing the Vapors of Valtorr and snaring one of their number! When they bow to his will, Mordo orders them to go, and releases the captive so that he may aid in the search! Now, the oriental underworld has joined with Mordo's followers in the search for the Master of the Mystic Arts! They continue to search under threat of Mordo's wrath! Ethereal sinister spirit forms also float in search of Doctor Strange in Hong Kong! It is known that the Master of the Mystic Arts is somewhere within the city, but there is no trace of the hunted! We are about to find him...

 In a crowded airport, an airline ticket changes hands, and Doctor Strange vows to remain hidden until his flight's departure! He is aware that anyone he passes may be in league with Mordo! Although others may not detect the grim spectres who search for him, the Master of the Mystic Arts can perceive them! The best place for him is down at the waterfront! Even if he is seen, it will be assumed that he will be escaping by boat, and not by air! His mystical senses warn him about several bystanders who are now surrounding him! As he unleashes the Shades of the Seraphim, they are upon him!

 The Master of the Mystic Arts is well-armed with his knowledge of sorcery, muscle power, and fighting skill! He is also one man fighting many foes! Doctor Strange uses a stronger spell and the powers of the Vishanti to cause them to disperse at his command! Mordo's disciple is just around the other corner, and his master is eager to locate his quarry! Before another attack begins, the Master of the Mystic Arts creates an illusion to make his enemies uncertain of which image is his true self! The illusion succeeds and he has to hold out a while longer!

 When Mordo's disciple arrives on the scene... his master disperses the illusion, vows to seek out his prey... and utterly destroy him! As Doctor Strange makes his way along the alleyways and back streets of Hong Kong, he can sense Mordo's sheer hatred radiating towards him! One of the wraths has spotted him! As others approach, Doctor Strange creates his multiple body illusion once more, and enables each illusory figure to hypnotize their opponent!!

 As the wraths are hypnotized in mystic confusion, the Master of the Mystic Arts continues on his way to the airport! He realizes he cannot successfully battle Baron Mordo here on his home territory and their next battle must be at a time and place of his own choosing! As long as Mordo possesses his increased power and the Anicent One remains in hiding -- Doctor Strange will never stop fighting the Baron! Mordo's agents are at the aiport and the Master of the Mystic Arts can feel their stifling auras of evil! If they see him, he will never make his flight! He must reach the aircraft and spots a cargo handler! By the Seven Rings of Raggadorr, the innocent one's will is his own and he will obey as commanded -- and when they are done -- he will remember nothing of what has happened!

 As the cargo handler changes direction, Doctor Strange knows that Mordo's followers will sense his presence, and will be unable to directly pinpoint his location! The cargo handler drives under the wing of the waiting aircraft -- concealing the Master of the Mystic Arts' movements! He senses another spirit hovering above! Once the evil wrath has departed, Doctor Strange makes his move, and boards his flight! The evil spirit enters the plane, under personal direction of Baron Mordo...! The moment of truth has arrived! The Master of the Mystic Arts assumes his astral form to battle Mordo's wrath! No matter what happens, the other passengers will remain unaware! "By the Omnipotent Oshtur!" "By the Hoary Hosts of Hoggoth!" "In the name of the Eternal Vishanti!" He bids the wrath begone and return to the nothingness from whence it came!

 Mordo senses that he has been thwarted and is no longer able to sense his victim! He can only see through the eyes of others and they are too far away from his foe! The Baron bids his wraths to fly and prepare for the imminent death of Doctor Strange! The Master of the Mystic Arts witnesses their approach and has time for a new plan! The astral form of Doctor Strange garbs himself in the manner of Mordo's wraths! Now what happens next depends upon deception -- and the sheer witlessness of his spirit pursuers! In his astral form, he can fly as they do! He waves his arms to signal that their quarry has vanished! The wraths return to their master for further instructions and have no reason to suspect one of their own! Mordo figures that Strange must have created an illusion of himself to lure them to the airport while he remained hidden elsewhere! Had the Master of the Mystic Arts attempted to flee in his astral form, Mordo would have found him with a mere spell! It is not likely for the Baron to search this airplane for a second time! This is no victory, but a brief respite! Doctor Strange must learn the secret of Mordo's newfound power -- and unless he does, his own life will be forfeit! By the Crimson Bands of Cytorak, the creative team promises their mortal readers a mystic enchantment unseen in the next issue, and for the Vishanti to speak their names softly!

 The eyes of Mordo may be everywhere, but the brains of his followers leave much to be desired.

 The fugitive Master of the Mystic Arts is clad in a blue suit, yellow shirt, and brown hat.

 Dormammu's fiery visage is greenish in hue rather than crimson.

 The uniform worn by Mordo's disciple resembles Hank Pym's Ant-Man attire.

 The denizens of the smuggler's den learn the important lesson of never arguing with a floating head.

 Doctor Strange talks a good fight between punches and spells.

 The Master of the Mystic Arts has made it from a harsh battleground to the friendly skies by the end of this story.

 Steve Chung
 "The Reviewer And The Reviewed!"

Strange Tales #135: "Eternity Beckons!"

Strange Tales #135

 "Eternity Beckons!"
 August, 1965

 Written And Edited By Marvel's Mystical Madman:STAN LEE
 Plotted And Illustrated By Fandom's Favorite Fiend: STEVE DITKO
 Lettered And Bordered By Comicdom's Cuddlesome Conjurer: SAM ROSEN
 Reviewed And Revered By Facebook Friend Fanatic: STEVE CHUNG

 The story thus far... As the Ancient One lies ill and infirm in Tibet, his disciple begins a desperate search for the meaning of "Eternity," the one word repeated over and over by his aged mentor in his delirium! Even as the Master of the Mystic Arts conducts his search, the evil Baron Mordo is ever present...

 Following his own intuition, Doctor Strange disembarks from a trans-atlantic jet at London Airport... He must be on guard every moment! Baron Mordo's agents are sure to be searching for him everywhere! Doctor Strange did not expect to find an agent so soon! A man turns from him as soon as the light revealed the Master of the Mystic Art's face! Even at this distance, he can sense the evil aura surrounding him! Pretending to stumble into him, the agent turns, and then... he gazes into Doctor Strange's eyes! His will is the Master of the Mystic Arts' will! He is a servant of Mordo! After giving the agent a memory block, Doctor Strange doubles his vigilance, and continues on his way! The agent cannot recall what he is doing at the airport! That evening, the Master of the Mystic Arts arrives at his destination, a lone castle overlooking a foggy moor... Sir Baskerville dwells in yonder castle! He had been a servant of Baron Mordo until he met with an accident and now lives in seclusion! There is a chance that Sir Baskerville knows the meaning of... Eternity! As Sir Baskerville greets him and offers a spot of tea, Doctor Strange insists that his own time is limited and his business is of the utmost urgency!

 When the Master of the Mystic Arts mentions Eternity, Sir Baskerville insists that he can be of help, and will search for an ancient scroll in his possession! Doctor Strange notes that Sir Baskerville seems almost too anxious to help! He must see this through and learn the secret of Eternity! With this, he will be able to save the Ancient One and defeat his arch-foe, Mordo! If only he could learn where the Baron gained his newfound power and who he now serves...! At that moment, in the Dark Dimension, the Dread Dormammu seeks the identity of the one who released the Mindless Ones! By using a simple mystic spell, the Dread One recreates an event which has taken place within the borders of his dimension! He witnesses the girl who tried to befriend Doctor Strange when he last entered the Dark Dimension!

 The girl uses a power drainer to weaken the enclosure holding the Mindless Ones! The image vanishes and Dormammu has seen enough! The girl will pay for her betrayal and Doctor Strange will pay for challenging the Dread One's power! He must plan his vengeance carefully, for their fate must be dire... Sir Baskerville stands in a musty scroll room, in communication with his master via mystic telepathy! Mordo is informed that the time to strike is now! Since he is unable to contact Dormammu, the Baron savors the power that continues to seep through to him... strengthening him for the upcoming battle!

 As Mordo remains to bask in the glow of power from the Dark Dimension, he dispatches once of his servants to Baskerville's castle! "By the Seven Rings Of Raggadorr... By Cyttorak's Crimson Bands... I send thee through the unseen door... Go Thou where my spell commands!" The follower is now converted into shimmering light which spans the globe... and reforms with a soul-shattering brilliance! Mordo speaks to Baskerville through his follower's lips! Doctor Strange must not escape and Baskerville will distract him while Mordo enters from behind! As Baskerville announces that he has found the scroll, the Master of the Mystic Arts insists that the scroll be brought to him to be tested for its authenticity!

 Mordo strikes! His target is not the Master of the Mystic Arts but an illusion! Baskerville sees a suit of armor moving slightly! It appears that Doctor Strange has made a fatal mistake! The armor is not proof against a mystic spell and yet the armored figure continues to escape from the room! Nothing could possibly withstand the force being hurled against him... a force backed by the power of the Dread Dormammu himself!

 As the armored figure burst through the door, his steps appear to falter, and passes through a doorway! When Mordo's follower pursues him, he is stopped dead in his track by a punch to the mid-section! WHOK! As the follower loses consciousness, Mordo's image vanishes from sight! Back in his sanctum, the Baron is at a loss to understand what has happened, and summons evil spirits to appear at once!

 These spirits are to be Mordo's eyes! He must learn what has happened before he can act once more! As the spirits move slowly with caution, Doctor Strange probes the follower's memory with the Eye of Aggamotto! He learns Mordo has been receiving his extra power from the Dread Dormammu! When asked by the Mystic Arts about Eternity, Baskerville admits that he knows nothing! He hated the Ancient One because he could not heal his injured hand and wanted to strike back at him! Mordo promised Baskerville to restore his hand if he would strike back at the Ancient One through his disciple! Having learned what he had sought, the Master of the Mystic Arts reveals to Baskerville that Mordo lied to him and that it is beyond the power of sorcery to heal his hand!

 Doctor Strange removes his cloak of levitation from the suit of armor to make Mordo think he was inside of it! He must do the unexpected once more by facing the approaching spirits! The next moment finds the spirits' advance halted by the Master of the Mystic Arts who calls out to them in the name of the Eternal Vishanti...! He claims complete control over their minds and their thoughts! No other command may supercede his own! The thought he gives them will become their own! Doctor Strange has fled to the netherworld! Seek him out there! Thanks to the element of surprise, the Master of the Mystic Arts has saved himself from Mordo's legions! They will waste precious time searching in vain!

 As the spirits enter the netherworld, Baron Mordo wonders why he cannot regain contact with Baskerville! He decides to go to the castle in person! He is now armed with as much of Dormammu's power as he can handle! Before the Baron can reach his destination... Doctor Strange sense he has won this encounter and out-maneuvered his arch-foe at every turn! This victory is not truly a victory, for he has failed in uncovering the meaning of "Eternity"! Seconds after the Master of the Mystic Arts has vanished into the misty seacoast, a shimmering light reaches the lone castle... Baron Mordo realizes his failure to trap his foe! His search begins anew, but his power grows stronger with each passing moment! The next time, the triumph must belong to him! For Mordo can never rest until Doctor Strange exists no more! As the mists close over the foggy seacoast, and the words of the evil one are lost to the murmuring midnight breeze... we have reached... The End.

 The riddle of Eternity beckons and the Master of Mystic Arts must harken to solve the puzzle.

 Yonda lies da castle of Baskerville.

 Doctor Strange may find the fireplace warm, but a fiery rage consumes the Dread Dormammu who seeks the identity of the one who betrayed him in the Dark Dimension.

 The Mindless Ones escaped from their prison in Strange Tales #134.

 Tony Stark uses armor to preserve his life as Iron Man.

 Doctor Strange beat Mordo's follower to the punch, but Mordo managed to keep up his spirits in the meantime.

 Ironically, Stephen Strange once sought out the Ancient One in order to heal his hands which were no longer steady enough to perform delicate surgical procedures.

 Victor Von Doom once sought to communicate with the netherworld, only to have his experiment blow up in his face.

 Steve Chung
 "Eternity Reviews!"

Strange Tales #140: "The Pincers of Power!"

Strange Tales #140

 "The Pincers Of Power!"
 January, 1966

 Script: STAN LEE
 Art: STEVE DITKO
 Lettering: SAM ROSEN
 (What More Can You Ask?)

 The Master of the Mystic Arts has battled Baron Mordo to a standstill! Upon the defeat of his catspaw, the Dread Dormammu intervenes, personally...

 The Dread One has seen enough! With a wave of his hand, he has sent Doctor Strange, the Ancient One, and Mordo to a neutral dimension! No longer will he stomach the witless incompetent Mordo battling on his behalf! Now, the Master of the Mystic Arts shall have to contend with Dormammu himself! A sleeping potion is created... and sent with blinding speed... to where the Mindless Ones battle among themselves beyond the protective barrier! The potion puts them to sleep... one which shall endure until Dormammu has accomplished what he must do! With no need to maintain the protective barrier, he allows it to fade into nothingness... and conserving his power! Dormammu sends mental messages to the rulers of neighboring dimensions! Each of them have reason to know his power... and to fear it! They will not dare ignore the Dread One's summons!

 The Master of the Mystic Arts, his aged mentor, and the Baron arrive in a lifeless dimension at the edge of infinity! The Ancient One knows that Mordo could never hope to defeat his disciple, a statement that the former disciple refuses to admit as fact! As Doctor Strange renders Mordo helpless with a gesture, the Ancient One urges him to conserve his own power! The deadly game is about to begin, but the method eludes them for the moment! They see others entering through doorways from other dimensions, and all have come in answer to Dormammu's summons! They are the lords of the netherworlds... the overseers of dimensions! The Ancient One is known to them... and these alien despots are known to him! Doctor Strange pledges his service and his own life to his master, just as Mordo identifies himself as servant to the Dread One himself!

 Dormammu demands the Baron remain silent! The Master of the Mystic Arts observes the Dread One arriving in person! As he strides down the golden path, Dormammu shoves his follower aside, and comments how the mere sight of Mordo serves to remind him how useless he has proven to be! The Dread One challenges Doctor Strange to meet him in mortal combat! To the victor goes the prize of prizes... total mastery of the Earth, and the supreme voice in the high council of the known dimensions! The Master of the Mystic Arts has no other choice but to accept the challenge!

 There are those who wish Dormammu to be the victor! There are others who realize that the Dread One may not be content with the Earth and seek out their realms next! Doctor Strange accepts the challenge! Their sole weapons shall be their mystic minds... and the enchanted pincers of power! Neither of them shall use any other spells or incantations! As the pincers are handed to him, the Master of the Mystic Arts agrees to the terms! He bequeaths his amulet and cloak of levitation to his honored master! No matter what happens, the Master of the Mystic Arts promises to not bring any dishonor to his master! The Ancient One hopes that the hoary hand of Hoggoth rests lightly upon his disciple's brow and the eternal eye of Agamotto not turn from him! His illness has sapped his strength and the Ancient One can only offer his blessing! This will suffice! The mortal turns to face his destiny!

 It is skill and not power that will determine the outcome! They are both evenly matched! Unbeknownst to the mortal magician, the girl from the Dark Dimension has been forced to watch the proceedings from her captivity! Mordo seethes with hatred for Doctor Strange and longs for his defeat to be long... and painful! The Dread One has more experience with the pincers... but Doctor Strange's arm is strong... and his eye is steady... and his own courage shall not falter! He does not battle only for himself, but for the fate of a world! CLAK! Dormammu's pincer locks upon his own! His hand will become paralyzed if he does not break free!

 The Master of the Mystic Arts employs an unexpected move to flip the Dread One over! Even while falling, Dormammu manages to kick his feet from under him! THOK! The Dread One manages to trap both of his pincers! It looks like Doctor Strange is surely beaten! As the Baron taunts his former mentor, the Ancient One's attention is upon his disciple! If Dormammu's pincer touches his head, his brain will become stupefied, and his will shall become the Dread One's! Doctor Strange whirls about, causing Dormammu's hands to strike each other...! The pain of the pincers causes the Dread One to lose his grip!

 Dormammu is no longer gloating, as he is thrown by the mortal magician! The Dread One regains his feet and is confident in his centuries of study in the art of combat! Doctor Strange reminds him how he has pledged his own life to be the Dread One's superior! Dormammu demands that the mortal yield! Doctor Strange smiles and assures his opponent that this will not be so, while there is still life remaining within him! In the Dark Dimension, the girl wonders when this nightmare will come to an end! The mortal magician's courage is admired by many, and Mordo calls out to Dormammu to end their common foe!

 The Dread One attacks with renewed vigor and keeps Doctor Strange's arms pinned back! His strength is such that no mere mortal could dream to match it! With both hands pinned, the Master of the Mystic Arts watches as Dormammu's other pincer comes closer! As the Dread One insists he beg for mercy, Doctor Strange hurls himself towards his opponent... and uses the element of surprise to seize the moment! The science of judo is used to turn the Dread One's own strength against him!

 Now, it is the Master of the Mystic Arts who has his opponent's hands pinned beneath him! The Ancient One's disciple has brought credit to his aged mentor! Mordo cannot believe his own eyes! Dormammu is being defeated by Doctor Strange! This must not be! Now, the Baron seizes his chance to redeem himself in the eyes of his dread master! He prepares an unseen spell...! Only the girl in the Dark Dimension sees his actions... and is powerless to halt the villainous Mordo...! The Ancient One senses his disciple's imminent danger... and tries to counteract Mordo's spell, only to have his recent illness weaken his once-formidable power... ZAPT! "UNHHH....! The mortal magician has been downed and his opponent stands over him!

 I first read this story when it was reprinted in Marvel's Greatest Super-Hero Battles.

 The Dread One knows how to reach out and touch someone.

 The sleeping potion manufactured by Dormammu resembles a green mace with a face.

 As the Mindless Ones enjoy their involuntary slumber, the protective barrier is gone for the duration, and one wonders if anyone would find the Dark Dimension to be the ideal vacation spot.

 It would be a few issues later when the girl from the Dark Dimension tells the Master of the Mystic Arts that her name is Clea.

 Both combatants talk a good fight, thanks to letterer Sam Rosen.

 Steve Chung
 "The Pincers Of Review!"

Strange Tales #119, "Beyond the Purple Veil!"

STRANGE TALES #119; April 1964; Marvel Comics Group; Stan Lee, editor; featuring the Human Torch in "The Torch Goes Wild!" and Dr. Strange in "Beyond the Purple Veil!"  (I don't own the original comic, so this review is based on the black and white reprints in ESSENTIAL DR. STRANGE, Vol. 1, and ESSENTIAL HUMAN TORCH.)  On the cover by Jack Kirby and George (Roussos) Bell, Torch is flying above a screaming, brick-throwing mob of people as the Rabble Rouser, a mustachioed, vaguely Hispanic-looking character, wields a strange wand which sends a cloud of evil energy toward the Torch.  An inset blurbs, "Another Great Feature-- Dr. Strange in Beyond the Purple Veil!"  (It's illustrated by an image of a bubbling test tube, which doesn't seem to have anything to do with the Doc story inside, or most any Doc story.)

Review by Bill Henley  I wasn't reading Marvel comics regularly when this issue first came out-- I didn't become a true Marvelite until late 1965 or 1966-- but I do remember picking up this issue and being intrigued by the Dr. Strange story and even by the "Rabble Rouser" Torch yarn.  As always in ST at this time the Torch story had the lead spot and more pages, but I'm more interested in reviewing the Dr. Strange story so I'll start with it.

"Beyond the Purple Veil" story is "conjured up by Stan Lee... illustrated by the strange sorcery of Steve Ditko... lettered at midnight by Artie Simek!"  (Did Marvel pay Simek so little that he had to keep working past midnight in order to make a living?)  The opening caption promises us, "Another journey to the shadowy world of black magic and strange enchantment... in the mystic Marvel manner!"  On the splash page, Doc is sending his amulet beam to pierce a cloudy barrier in the middle of which a giant purple gem hangs, while on the other side an ominous armored figure lurks in shadows!  Artie Simek isn't the only one working late, as Dr. Strange struggles against sleep in order to complete his latest mystic mission.  Holding a large purple gem enclosed within a spherical crystal container, he muses, "Can't stop now-- not until I learn all the secrets of this sinister gem!  Though it looks the same as many valuable gems, this object in my hand is far different from any other gem found on Earth!"  Meanwhile,a pair of common, garden-variety burglars find a window left open in Dr. Strange's sanctum sanctorum, and climb inside looking for loot.  "This place ought to be a cinch to rob!", says one of them as they observe the many strange objects found in Dr. Strange's opulent residence.  But then, Dr. Strange's keen senses detect the presence of the burglars, and he renders them immobile with a mystic spell.  But then, concluding that "You are not worthy of my time or talents!  I shall dispose of you in the quickest manner!", Doc sends them floating through a solid wall and dumps them on the street outside, taking no further cognizance of them.  One of the thieves is amazed not only at Doc's magical  powers but that "he doesn't even call the cops!"  The other thug draws a fallacious conclusion; "He must be on the lam, like US!  He CAN'T call the cops!  That means we can tackle him AGAIN!  We won't hafta worry about being arrested!  But NEXT time, we'll be more CAREFUL!"

The next evening, Doc gives the faithful Wong the night off and then settles in to "spend the rest of the evening in solitude, meditating and studying my ritualistic incantations!"  But the two thieves are already lurking on the scene, and they rejoice that while Doc is shut up in his study, they will have free run of the rest of the building!  And the item that first catches their eye is the large purple gem, which they judge to be worth a "cool million".  The more timid of the thieves "has a funny feeling there's something wrong with that hunk of ice," but the leader sneers, "The only thing wrong is that I gotta share the take with YOU!  C'mon, grab it!"   They do grab the gem and run, but a mystic alarm is set off in Dr. Strange's mind, and he sends his "ethereal self" (also known as his ectoplasmic or astral self) to check what is amiss.  Discovering the purple gem missing, Doc is highly alarmed and sends his ethereal self out over the city to hunt down the perilous jewel.  He spots the gem in the hands of the two burglars at their hideout -- "The FOOLS!  They don't realize what they're HANDLING!"-- but by the time Doc can reunnite with his physical self and travel to the thieves' hideout, the gem is there, but the thieves themselves are gone, leaving only a puff of purple mist behind!  For the purple gem is no mere bauble, but a "bridge between dimensions-- a means to enter the dread PURPLE DIMENSION from our own world!"  And now, as the mystic protector of humanity, Dr. Strange has a dread obligation.  "Even though they are enemies of society, my oath provides that I must aid ANY and ALL humans-- I dare make no exceptions!  So, I must go AFTER them--!  By the power of Dormammu, let me enter the Purple Dimension-- no matter WHAT the danger!"  (Evidently Doc didn't know at this point that he was dabbling with the Dark Side by invoking the power of Dormammu.) 

Arriving in the Purple Dimension, Dr. Strange spots the two mortal miscreants trudging along in a long procession of slaves held by the master of this realm!  Upon spotting another human intruder, the commander of the guards sends two guards to capture Doc, but our hero brushes them aside by raising his arms and uttering an incantation (again invoking Dormammu along with the "mighty Vishanti").  Seeing that they cannot handle Doc by themselves, the guards bring him to meet their master.  The figure sitting on an ornate throne introduces himself; "I am AGGAMON, the all-powerful!  I can sense why you have invaded my domain!  But you cannot have the two you seek!  NONE may ever return from this world, where all live just to serve me!"  Dr. Strange warns Aggamon that he has mystic power to match the overlord's; "I am Doctor Strange, master of black magic!  (Hmmm... maybe he is, if he's getting some of his power from Dormammu.)  You would do well not to defy me!"  Offended by Doc's peremptory tone, Aggamon offers a guided tour of his purple realm where his slaves from other dimensions toil endlessly to collect the gems he loves.  "In a thousand years, no one has ever escaped the Purple Veil!"   But Aggamon recognizes that Dr. Strange himself could be "the most treasured captive of all" and offers him a deal.  He will release the two humans back to Earth, if Dr. Strange will become his captive in their place!  "They are unworthy of such a sacrifice!  But I promised the Ancient One that I would aid ALL humans!  I must not betray that trust!"  And so Doc accepts Aggamon's offer. As the two thieves are wafted through the Purple Veil back to Earth,  one of Aggamon's guards fastens a set of shackles around Dr. Strange's outstretched wrists.

But as Aggamon boasts of his triumph, Doc points out that "I promised to take their place as a captive!  I made no promise to REMAIN a captive!"  And a beam from his amulet melts the shackles.  Sweeping Aggamon's non-magical guards aside "as seeds before the wind," Dr. Strange challenges Aggamon to one-on-one mystic battle.  Aggamon sends the purple beam of his "jeweled demolisher beam" to meet the brighter beam of Doc's amulet, and it is a stalemate as each beam meets the other and neither can penetrate farther!  In a striking series of Ditko-drawn panels, we see the battle continue over hours, as the two beams each grow weaker and fainter, and the two sorcerers also grow weaker, each slowly slumping to the ground.  "As the hours creep by, both antagonists feel the very life essence drain from their bodies, as they realize that BOTH are doomed, unless one surrenders first!"  Aggamon demands that Doc be the one to surrender in order to avoid "certain death".  But Dr. Strange replies, "IThe choice is also YOURS, Aggamon! I do not fear death!  Let us see if YOU can face it as unflinchingly as I!"  And Aggamon is the one to break, "I must not die!  I surrender!"  Aggamon urges his victorious foe to leave his dimension-- "May I never behold your hated countenance again!"-- but before doing so, Doc sets up a spell that will leave Aggamon permanently weakened unless he releases all his captives.  Arriving back on Earth, Doc muses, "Aggamon was stronger than I!  He could have held out longer!  But his own COWARDICE betrayed him!" 

Some time later, Dr. Strange is hailed on the street by a police officer who reports that "a couple of petty crooks" have just given themselves up, mumbling something abou the good Doctor saving them behind a purple veil.  Doc replies, "Pay them no heed, officer!  Who can fathom the senseless rambling of the criminal mind!"  But when the cop mentions that the two thieves have said "they want to serve time, pay their debt to society and go straight", Doc muses with gratification, " The ways of fate are inscrutable indeed! I feared I was risking my life in vain, and yet, because of my struggle, two humans have been put upon the right path!"  He vows to keep the Purple Gem and to be ready if ever again danger calls him to cross the Purple Veil! 

In this Ditko Dr. Strange story, Doc risks himself to save two criminals despite their "unworthiness".  A similar scene appeared in at least one early Spider-Man story, issue #12, in which Spidey risks his life to save Dr. Octopus from a fire that the villain started.  But a few years later, when Ditko started creating new heroes who were inspired by his new Ayn Rand-ite ideals-- Mr. A for fanzine publication and the Question for Charlton-- he made a point of writing scenes for both characters in which the heroes REFUSED to rescue crooks who had put themselves in danger, maintaining that it made no moral sense to sacrifice themselves to save the guilty.  On the other hand, there was also a Mr. A story in which the hero, exemplar of absolute good symbolized by whiteness (not in a racial sense-- Ditko was one of the first people to include good-guy African-American characters in comics) welcomes a genuinely reformed ex-crook back into the brotherhood of "white", telling him that having fully chosen "white", he no longer is tainted by "gray" nor has to feel lingering guilt for his "black" past.  And, possibly in defiance of Rand's strictures against any kind of self-sacrifice, the Question and Mr. A were willing to risk their lives for other people if they considered the others to be innocent and so worthy of the effort. 

The other story in this issue of STRANGE TALES was "The Torch Goes Wild, Featuring the RABBLE ROUSER, a truly DIFFERENT kind of super-villain!" (maybe not all that different, though, as we shall see).  The story is written by Stan Lee, drawn by Dick Ayers and lettered by Sam Rosen-- no "cute" credits on this one.  As the story begins, the Torch flies low over a crowd of people on the city streets, frightening and endangering them by the proximity of his flame.  Why is the Torch acting in this uncharacteristic manner?  Onlookers exchange various theories, apparently gleaned from superhero gossip mags.  Maybe the Torch is upset because his on-and-off girlfriend Doris Evans has thrown him over for another guy.  Maybe he's been told he can't play football for his high school because his flame might endanger the other players.  Maybe he's upset because the other Fantastic Four members went off on vacation and left him behind to attend school. Or maybe he's angry because his arch-rival Spider-Man is getting more publicity for his exploits!  Whether or not the Spider-Man theory is true, the Torch is about to learn how it feels to have a nemesis whipping up fear and fury against him among the general public.  Spidey's nemesis is J. Jonah Jameson, but here the JJJ role is being played by the Rabble Rouser, " a man with a powerful voice and a talented tongue!  A man able to sway ihs listeners... to arouse them... to INFLAME them!"  And here he's inflaming his listeners against the youthful master of flame, telling people that the Torch is liable at any moment to turn from the side of the law to crime, that he is a bad influence on children and teenagers.  Nor is his voice his only weapon.  Having whipped the crowd up to a suitable level of fury, the Rabble Rouser wields a "will-sapping ray" to keep them at a fever pitch!

At the otherwise deserted Baxter Building (apparently it's true about the rest of the FF going on vacation) the Torch muses that maybe he's overreacting, but the Rabble Rouser's attacks are really getting under his skin!  When Spider-Man shows up offering friendly advice-- "I'm an old hand at having people PAN me, so I thought I could give you some tips on how to keep it from getting your goat!"-- Torch drives him away with his flame, even though he later realizes that "old Web-head" really was trying to help.  Shortly afterwards, the Torch is accosted by a policeman, who warns him that City Council has passed an ordinance forbidding him to flame on without written permission from the mayor!  (I don't think you can have an ordinance that only applies to one person.  Presumably if other characters like the original Torch and Toro, DC's Firestorm and Fire Lad (of the Substitute Legion), etc., showed up in New York during this time, they too would be under the ban.)  And now the Torch has had enough; "If that's how you treat a fella who's risked his life dozens of times for the law, who needs it?  I'll go somewhere ELSE, where I'm appreciated!"  And he renders himself liable to arrest by flaming on and flying away.  Now his only choice is to go into exile in the most dreaded realm of all... worse than the Purple Dimension, the Negative Zone, or Latveria... New Jersey!

And as the Torch flees ignominiously, the Rabble Rouser glories in his victory in his secret lab.  No mere "street corner soap box fanatic" is he, but an "undercover Red agent" , tasked to use his "mesmerizing wand and persuasive voice" to confuse the American people into thinking their friends are really foes and vice versa.  And if he succeeds in this mission, "I too shall be rewarded  with a position of power... I might even become another Castro!"  (If he's supposed to be a Cuban agent, that would explain his vaguely Hispanic look.)   Having tested his power on the Torch, the Rabble Rouser gives another speech denouncing Prince Nagamo, visiting representative of a loyal ally of America.  (The name sounds like the ally nation is Japan, though like Cuba, it is not explicitly named.  If so, the Rabble Rouser probably wouldn't have too much trouble whipping up subliminal hatred of Japan.  When I was a kid, my mother was still bitter about Japan because of WWII and Pearl Harbor, wihch at that time were only twenty-odd years in the past..)  Then the Rabble Rouser checks out his secret weapon, a "Red prototype sub-surface vehicle built to operate in New Yorbutk's vast subway system!"  He notes in passing that the vehicle was "used by another", and, according to an editor's note, the previous use was in FANTASTIC FOUR #21.  Rabble Rouser plans to use the vehicle to kidnap Prince Nagamo. 

This brings up one of the odder features of this Torch yarn.  I don't know the whole behind the scenes story, but apparently this Torch story was originally plotted and maybe even drawn as a return appearance for the Hate-Monger, the villain of FF #21.  Not only does the Rabble Rouser use the same vehicle the Hate-Monger did, but his modus operandi is much the same and even his "mesmerizer wand" looks the same as the one the Hate-Monger used.  But apparently Stan Lee decided at the last minute not to use the Hate-Monger again. Possibly he thought it was awkward that the original Hate-Monger, who was a Hitler lookalike (or possibly HItler himself) wound up dead at the end of the FF story. 

Anyway, while cooling his heels and the rest of him in New Jersey, the Torch decides that he's not cut out to be a fugitive and defy the law.  He will return to New York, ask pardon, and refrain from using his forbidden flame.  While waiting for a bus, he does flame on one finger to aid a cigarette-smoking passerby who asks for a light, but then apologizes for the "reflex action".  Johnny Storm is distracted by the "excitement" happening nearby, which turns out to be crowds gathering for Prince Nagamo's state visit.  But he keeps his resolve not to flame on-- even when the Rabble Rouser's sub-surface vehicle pushes up from underground and the villain seizes Prince Nagamo!  This only puts Johnny in further bad odor with the crowds, who accuse him of being a slacker, unwilling to use his flame power to save Nagamo and prevent a foreign policy disaster.  Meanwhile, the Rabble Rouser gloats that he has neutralized the Torch, and since the rest of the Fantastic Four are out of town on vacation, no one can stop him!  (Never mind Spider-Man, the Avengers, Daredevil, etc. etc...) 

Fortunately, the mayor of New York is one of the dignitaries attending Nagamo's visit, and he gives Johnny legal permission to use his flame again!  Whooping in triumph, the Torch flies into the New York subway tunnels in pursuit of the Rabble Rouser, tracking his vehicle by the scent of its rocket fuel.  But as he reaches the sub-surface vehicle and ponders what to do next, Rabble Rouser spots him and fires up the craft's rocket engine to fry the Torch.  Our hero's only chance is to turn his own flame to a maximum in order to negate the rocket flames.  In a scene vaguely similar to the mystic duel in the Dr. Strange story, the Torch's flame overcomes that of the rocket engine, but the Torch himself is left weakened with flame exhausted, and the Rabble Rouser is able to grab him for use as a second hostage!  As the RR points his mesmerizing wand at our hero, the Torch finds that he is yet unable to flame on again.  Fortunately, the Rouser's other prisoner takes a hand-- a hand reaches out to knock the wand out of RR's grip with a karate blow, and it is the hand of Prince Nagamo.  Torch thanks Nagamo and tells him he can handle the bad guy from here, but he may be speaking too soon!  He is still unable to flame on, and it comes down to a hand-to-hand fight between Johnny Storm and the bigger, heavier Rabble Rouser.  Johnny figures his training will trump the RR's greater size and weight; "Mister, you're talkin' to a guy who spends his time sparring with the Thing and Mr. Fantastic!"  Nonetheless, the Rabble Rouser is able to pick Johnny up and throw him to the other side of the subway tunnel.  But this turns out to be part of Johnny's plan; he is now within reach of the Rabble Rouser's own mesmerizing wand!  He grabs the wand and uses it on its owner, ordering the RR to abandon his work as an enemy agent and become a loyal American.  "I don't know how long the effect will last, but at least he's defeated for NOW!"  The grateful Prince Nagamo offers to use his influence to get City Council to pardon Johnny for his previous use of flame and defiance of the police.  With his flame returning, Johnny uses it to melt the mesmerizing wand so that it cannot again fall into the wrong hands and be misused.  (I'll bet the CIA wasn't too happy about that.  I'm sure they could have found uses of their own for the wand.)  Soon, by order of City Council, the Torch is again free to use his flame at will, and he flies off to the sound of crowds who are again cheering rather than jeering him.  And to complete the happy ending, Johnny is reunited with the fickle Doris Evans, who confesses that "I only dated that other boy to make you jealous!  But now that I see what a TEMPER you have, I'll never do it again!"

This Torch story wasn't exactly a classic.  (I don't think any of the STRANGE TALES Torch stories approached classic status, unless maybe the one where Johnny Storm finds out that everybody in town knows about the "secret identity" he was trying to maintain in the early ST stories, but they were too polite to mention it.)  But it, like the Dr. Strange yarn, did make an impression on me when I first read the comic as a kid.  I was still pretty new to Marvel, and used to the DC heroes who were stainless public idols.  The idea of a hero who was hated by the public-- and fallible enough to deserve some of the opprobrium-- was new and exciting. 

Strange Tales #110: "Dr. Strange, Master Of Black Magic!"

Strange Tales #110

"Dr. Strange, Master Of Black Magic!"
July, 1963

Story: Stan Lee
Art: Steve Ditko
Lettering: Terry Szenics

They call him Dr. Strange! Never have you seen him before! It is a pleasure and privilege to present the first story based upon a new kind of Marvel super-hero -- "Dr. Strange, Master Of Black Magic!" Somewhere in New York City, between dusk and dawn, a tortured man tosses and turns in his bed, waiting for a peace that will not come... He cannot sleep! He dare not sleep! It is the same dream each night, but what could it possibly mean?? Unable to cope with it alone, the man knows he needs help! He has heard of Dr. Strange, who dabbles in black magic, and who may be able to help him!

The following day, on a silent street in Greenwich Village, the man has come to see Dr. Strange -- Before the visitor stands a tall, brooding man, wearing an amulet! The eyes of Dr. Strange are upon him! The visitor tells the Master of Black Magic about his dream -- a hooded figure, wrapped in chains appears -- and stares at him! This evening, Dr. Strange will visit him, and he will find an answer to this dream! When asked how he will find the answer, the Master of Black Magic simply says, "I will enter your dream!!!" Now alone in his room, Dr. Strange sits in silence before an incense burner, and his physical body goes into a trance... It is time for him to visit the Master, from whom he receives his power... His astral form leaves his body and drifts... passing through the building itself.. into the sky... across the ocean... across the continents... across all of space and time in its flight...

The astral form of Dr. Strange reaches a hidden temple in Asia... The Master is pleased to see him and reminds the Master of Black Magic that his own days are numbered, and it is Dr. Strange who must one day take his place in the battle against evil! The Master of Black Magic heeds his master's words about his amulet being his protection! That evening, Dr. Strange visits the man who sought his aid! As the man sleeps, the Master of Black Magic enters a trance, and his astral form drifts into the unfurling dream itself! Finding it a lonely and forboding place, Dr. Strange soon spots the man's tormentor, and learns the reason why he is being tormented!

The chained figure is the symbol of the man's evil -- and if there is any doubt, just ask Mr. Crang! Suddenly, the menacing figure of Nightmare appears, and challenges the Master of Black Magic for daring to enter the Dimension of Dreams! Meanwhile, the sleeper has awakened and pulls a gun from a drawer! Nightmare mocks Dr. Strange -- whose physical body is unprotected -- and about to come to harm! There is one who can save him! The Master of Black Magic calls upon the Master!! Dr. Strange's call is heard and the Master concentrates upon the enchanted amulet!

Halfway around the world, the amulet of Dr. Strange begins to glow ever brightly... until it slowly opens and reveals a metallic eye within... an eye which no mortal has ever beheld! And from that metallic eye, a single ray shoots out, freezing the would-be shooter in his tracks! In that moment, the Master of Black Magic passes his foe in the Dream Dimension... and returns to his own dimension! As the amulet loses its radiance, the astral form of Dr. Strange returns to his physical body! The man is relieved of his weapon and his hypnotic spell! When asked, he speaks only the following truth! He had been a fool to come to Dr. Strange -- he hadn't expected his dreams to reveal his past crimes against several businessmen! Mr. Crang had been the last of them he robbed -- but there was no way Crang could prove it! Now -- he must confess to the authorities! This will be the only way he will ever be able to sleep again! Dr. Strange beckons to the reader to return next month for another excursion to the world of black magic!

This story was reprinted in Marvel Collectors' Item Classics #3 (June, 1966).

I first read this story when it was reprinted in Origins Of Marvel Comics.

As drawn by Steve Ditko, Dr. Strange had a very distinctive appearance.

The raindrops on the window and the man's trembling hands as he attempts to light his cigarette provide the only source of illumination in the gathering gloom.

Dr. Strange's Master would later be referred to as the Ancient One.

His metaphysical spirit would later be referred to as his astral form.

The Sub-Mariner knows Warlord Krang.

The then un-named amulet of Agamotto and the All-Seeing Eye made their first appearance in this story.

Steve Chung

Strange Tales #111: "Face-To-Face With The Magic Of Baron Mordo!"

Strange Tales #111
"Face-To-Face With The Magic Of Baron Mordo!"
August, 1963

Script: Stan Lee; Steve Ditko (co-plot)
Art: Steve Ditko
Lettering: Terry Szenics

Men speak the name of Dr. Strange in whispers! But there is another -- whose very name is more dreaded! In this story of the occult, you are about to meet the Master of Black Magic's arch-foe, Baron Mordo when Dr. Strange comes "Face-To-Face With The Magic Of Baron Mordo!" In a hidden European castle, Baron Mordo stands alone, and broods... Only one man know more about black magic than he does! The man who taught him years ago -- the Master! The time has come for Baron Mordo to seize those secrets from him! For it is he who must become the most powerful magician of all! Once the Master has been conquered, then he never need fear the wrath of Dr. Strange, for he will be the stronger! The time has come for him to enter a trance once more...

The astral form of Baron Mordo travels thousands of miles away to the Master's study in Tibet... where he is too deep in thought to sense Mordo's presence! The astral form finds the Master's servant preparing his food! Hamir is helpless to resist Mordo's mental commands and must obey his orders! A powerful potion is placed in the Master's food, and minutes later... the Master is betrayed! Baron Mordo's potion has weakened him, so that his powers can not be used against his former pupil! Mordo demands that the Master reveal his most closely guarded secrets regarding black magic -- or else the potion will continue to weaken him until -- The Master remains defiant, even as the astral form of Baron Mordo moves closer to gloat!

But somewhere in North America, there is another who is as mighty as Mordo -- Dr. Strange, the Master of Black Magic! He has just completed his latest black magic experiment and attempts to contact the Master about the results. Since there is no response from the enchanted amulet, it means that the Master is in terrible danger! The Master of Black Magic enters a trance state and his astral form heads for Tibet with the speed of thought! Dr. Strange arrives to confront Baron Mordo, who threatens to crush him! He had tried to warn the Master for years about Mordo, but the Baron shall never triumph over him! Without the Master's aid, Baron Mordo is confident he is Strange's superior, and will make him pay with his life! As they both pass through a wall, Mordo is asked what changed him, and the Baron replies it is better to rule over mankind than to aid them! Dr. Strange realizes this is why the secrets of black magic have been closely guarded throughout the ages! In the wrong hands, they would spell the end of the world! Once Strange's astral form has been conquered, his physical form will perish! This will not be so, as long as the Master of Black Magic has a breath within him!

As the two astral forms continue their battle, the aged form of the Master manages to mutter one syllable over and over again... "Am... amm..." Dr. Strange realizes he can use his amulet to transmit pure energy to save the Master! He concentrates -- the very power of his own thoughts flow through the all-seeing eye... and the magic eye opens, as the energy goes forth. The Master is bathed in its life-giving glow! As the strength returns to his brain and his limbs, the Master of Black Magic grows weak! In saving the Master's life, it appears to Baron Mordo that Strange has forfeited his own life! The Master of Black Magic uses the last of his remaining energy in one desperate move, catching the astral form of Baron Mordo unawares, and hurling him away! Although Mordo believes he has won, Dr. Strange begs to disgree... His enchanted amulet can trace the Baron's physical form to wherever it may be, and prevent him from returning to it ever again! Mordo is convinced he is the stronger -- and will reach his mortal form before Strange can reach it!

The astral forms of Dr. Strange and Baron Mordo travel across the world, unseen by human eyes. Baron Mordo reaches his mortal form mere seconds before his weakened arch-foe! Mordo has won and is in control of his physical form! Since his mortal form is stronger than his astral form, the Master of Black Magic cannot hope to escape him now! Dr. Strange does not want to escape and it is he who has won! His enchanted amulet did not have the means to lead him to the castle, but Mordo, in his panic, did! With his return to his physical form, his hypnotic control over the Master's servant has ended! Even now, the servant is helping to restore the Master to full strength, and the power of Dr. Strange's amulet will hold Baron Mordo still until he can depart in safety! This is but a temporary victory because Mordo will not rest until he has destroyed both him and the Master! Back in Tibet, the Master considers that only one of his students has fulfilled his promise -- while the other remains a threat for as long as he lives! Dr. Strange can sense the death awaiting one of them when next they meet! The mystic arts of black magic are older than mankind's memory and Dr. Strange is determined to peer behind its enchanted veil!

This story was reprinted in Marvel Collectors Item Classics #4 (August, 1966).

I first read this story when it was reprinted in the 1975 Dr. Strange Treasury Edition.

We know instinctively that Baron Mordo is a bad guy because he is using a cigarette lighter, could stand to lose some weight, and he could also use a trip to the local barber for a haircut.

The Master would later be referred to as the Ancient One.

This is the first appearance of faithful Hamir, the Master's servant.

Spirit image would later be referred to as astral form.

For some reason, Dr. Strange's lean appearance in this story reminds me of Don Adams' Maxwell Smart, and I believe that Steve Ditko did draw "Get Smart" for Dell.

The Master of Black Magic would later become the Master of the Mystic Arts and his enchanted amulet would later be replaced by the Amulet of Agamotto.

Steve Chung
"Face-To-Face With The Review Of Baron Mordo!"