REVIEW: ‘Doctor Strange’ Issue #15

Doctor Strange #15 is published by Marvel Comics. The latest issue was written by Jed MacKay, with art by Pasqual Ferry and colors by Heather Moore and Cory Petit. This is part of the Blood Hunt event. Although Clea and Doctor Strange seek a way to vanquish the vampires, an unlikely enemy emerges to attack them in Doctor Strange #15.

This issue overlaps with the end of Dracula: Blood Hunt #1. The shocking betrayal is still raw and just as startling as before. It does not seek to answer questions; it simply generates more and thickens the drama for Clea.

One of the most distressing and important moments of the event so far occurs in Doctor Strange #15. It puts a dampener on any plans the sorcerors had to destroy the vampires. There is immense tension, and danger is always present despite the power within the Sanctum Sanctorum.

After the brutal reveal, trust in anyone has gone out of the window. Doctor Strange is among the most vital of the tie-in series among the event, with many story threads spinning straight out of the first issue of Blood Hunt and being continued within these pages. The first chapter moves very fast, covering ground rapidly to get all of the information and pillars of the plot set in their foundations.

The comic’s final part introduces another major party within the book, changing the topic at hand. It feels like a significant diversion from the rest of the book. However, it allows the reader and the characters to breathe in such an intense introduction to the tie-in.

Despite the name above the door, Doctor Strange #15 features extensive and excellent character development for Clea. The surprise at the start disables Strange from being helpful, and the attack initiates a defense from his wife. She is scary in this issue, almost as terrifying as a villain.

The parts within her inherited by her father, Dormmamu, start emanating from her. She is brimming with fury and vengeance, with much less restraint than her husband has.

MacKay’s dialogue within the issue is fantastic, with two ancient beings squaring off and delivering delectable threats against each other. It is dripping with mystical jargon and supernatural syntax, with the names of spells always being a delight in Doctor Strange comics.

As for Strange himself, what happens to him is distressing and remarkable. It takes one of the most prominent players off the board early on in the event. It is a show of force from MacKay and the villains. It sets up fascinating moral quandaries for Clea and any other ally that joins her.

Ferry’s mystical, adventurous art style now involves strands of horror. This is highly successful, with subtle inclusions all around figures that were considered friendly. Even the villain is unexpected, and so watching them perform unspeakable actions is horrifying.

What happens to Strange is brutal and freaky. A shiver runs down the spine every time Doctor Strange appears after the start of the book. The surprise is recreated from the end of Blood Hunt #1, but it is escalated even further.

In her rage, Clea’s true form is revealed. The blonde, feminine features are replaced with a flaming head. The pupils in her eyes have disappeared, yet they are still piercing. Her whole face contorts with rage and despair. The magical battle that ensues is phenomenal, showcasing a range of spellcasting and physical combat.

The colors are magnificent. The room where the bulk of the book takes place is given a dark green shade, one that is not replicated. It sets a peculiar baseline for the background and serves as a constant reminder of the unnatural surroundings.

The dazzling magic features enthralling patterns and bright flashes that inspire energy in the series. Clea is vibrant and pulsating with energy, which contrasts beautifully with the duller tones of her adversary. The lettering is flawless, only stepping out of uniformity for a spell’s name.

Doctor Strange #15 is a show of intent. MacKay does not hold back in the early part of the comic. It highlights the damage the writers are willing to do to some of the most integral superheroes within the Marvel Universe.

Clea has been a revelation in this series, and her display of power within these pages proves why she is on equal standing with the Sorcerer Supreme. The pace of the book can make it breathless at times, but it is incredibly enjoyable from start to finish, with a seemingly endless supply of surprises.

Doctor Strange #15 is available where comics are sold.