Doctor Strange (2025) Issue 1 is published by Marvel Comics. Written by Derek Landy, art by Ivan Fiorelli, colors by Domo Sánchez-Almara and letters by Cory Petit.
Doctor Strange is now the Sorcerer Supreme of Asgard in Doctor Strange (2025) Issue 1. He is trapped with travelling to Alfheim, home of the Light Elves, where he has to team up with Angela.
A sequel to Doctor Strange of Asgard, this series places Strange in unfamiliar territory. It’s one thing to protect Earth from magical threats, but the Nine Realms are practically made out of magic. The exposition is great, considering the amount of history that precedes this issue. Thor is dead, Earth is sealed off from the rest of the universe, and Strange isn’t trusted by Sif or the other Asgardians because he conspired with Loki.
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This is all explained early in Doctor Strange (2025) Issue 1, making it easy to settle into the book. And once the information is revealed, Strange is sent on his mission to a new world with its own politics and people. The pace is slow, but that’s because there is so much to unveil.
The detail within the realms is extraordinary, talking about characters before they even appear. So when they do emerge, they have a reputation and sense of dread. The action that breaks out begins as a mystical clash, as to be expected in Doctor Strange (2025) Issue 1. But it’s also a bloody and brutal massacre, which is surprising. With Angela involved, it was evident there would be a fight, but just how vicious and violent it gets is staggering and unexpected.
This series changes how Doctor Strange is perceived by those around him, affecting his reputation. On Earth, he’s respected and revered, known for his knowledge of magic. But on Asgard and across the realms, he doesn’t have that trusty. Quite the opposite, they are suspicious of him. He’s sent to Alfheim because Sif doesn’t consider him safe.
It’s no wonder, then, that his actions afterward in Doctor Strange (2025) Issue 1 are all about establishing trust. You can see him talking like a doctor, not just a spellcaster. Strange may give a promise to someone, and he will kill it, even if that goes against the mission he’s been tasked with. He is honourable and kind.
It’s terrific to see Angela once again, and Landy writes her dialogue beautifully. She’s got the honor of a warrior and a knowledge of the realms. With Thor gone, Angela is arguably the best fighter in the realms. It’s also the other characters included that shine in Doctor Strange (2025) Issue 1. Landy implements a culture and a history in more than just one world. The elves of Alfheim and the angels of Heaven are clashing over how to deal with a body, and how the conflict ends could have huge ramifications.
The art is stunning and evocative. Fiorelli’s art style is perfect for a fantasy setting. It’s a very angular style, especially in the faces. The eyes are massive and expressive, whilst other features, such as pointed ears, are also accentuated. All of the characters look incredible.
Those from Alfheim wear gorgeous, regal outfits, and the angels each have unique, breathtaking designs. Angela had a great deal of detail on her face, with a large headpiece and facial markings. There are many occasions where her fierce expressions are superbly captured, even when her eyes lack pupils. The silent stare with a clenched jaw says everything.
Doctor Strange also looks magnificent in this style, as it fits his distinctive features. The battle at the end of Doctor Strange (2025) Issue 1 is sensational, with two figures happening at the same time. Doctor Strange is casting spells whilst the angels are facing a brutal villain. The violence can leave you wide-eyed, with dismembered angels as the very first move. The staff blood is a breathtaking spectacle.
The colors are very pretty and have a wonderful contrast. The shades on Angela’s armor are instantly captivating, with gorgeous ginger hair and bright golden armor. Alongside Doctor Strange, there are some vibrant and dazzling visuals. But there is a deep darkness too, surely the more nefarious corners of the Ten Realms. The lettering is very clear and easy to read throughout the book.
Doctor Strange (2025) Issue 1 is fully encased in fantasy. It’s not a Doctor Strange comic where the Earth is infiltrated by magic. Instead, Strange is in completely magical worlds, with no other humans or normalcy in sight. It’s as hard fantasy as it gets.
There is a fascinating and intriguing storyline in Doctor Strange (2025) Issue 1 that forces Strange to adapt and learn, establishing a new reputation in Asgard. Angela’s inclusion adds a grit and specific sense of humour, as well as a delightful design.
Doctor Strange (2025) Issue 1 is available where comics are sold.
