Get With The Times, Dr. Strange

From mid-1963 until the end of '64, Dr. Strange's status as a sorcerer was already beyond that of an adept, though he still worked closely with the Ancient One and would occasionally call on his aid and counsel--while his reputation in dealing with the supernatural was growing and becoming more known in professional circles. To many, he was mostly regarded at the time as a "man of mystery" and was no doubt fodder for the rumor mill of New York City; formally, however, Strange was referred to in narrative as "the Master of Black Magic," and thus found himself appropriately garbed in dark colors as well as a sweeping cloak which often made his movements appear as if he were gliding on solid ground. He made for quite the sight for New Yorkers on the street, who knew of him but didn't quite know what to make of him other than what few impressions had been passed along the grapevine--a curiosity, to be sure, but quite aloof and not really one for small talk.

Sometimes, of course, it was difficult to see any colors of his clothing even in broad daylight, as these familiar-looking high schoolers realized when they spotted him "out and about." It was an encounter they likely wouldn't forget anytime soon.

I had begun reading stories featuring Dr. Strange only after he began wearing his newer threads that included his cloak of levitation and a different amulet, but I have to admit a fondness for his original attire which gave him that air of mystery as well as an austere quality and an almost stern countenance that set him apart from the budding super-hero scene and put him in a category of his own. But just as the character was about to round the corner to 1965, a situation arose which would result in an upgrade of his appearance and, to a certain extent, his abilities--a turning point for the character, if not so much for the man.

Which brings a new look to our next

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Marvel Trivia Question

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Under what circumstances did Dr. Strange change his costume--and why?

For the answer, we have to travel to the Ancient One's Tibetan temple, where Strange (in ectoplasmic form) has been summoned by his master to be warned of an ancient enemy who has threatened to invade the world of man. It will be Strange's first meeting with a mystic being whose power is beyond formidable--and consequently the greatest challenge of his life to date.

In Dormammu's realm, however, the young woman named Clea adds a complication to Strange's otherwise single-minded mission to stop Dormammu--the fear that all of the Dark Dimension will suffer, should Strange prevail. The source of that fear comes in the form of the Mindless Ones, beings that are safely contained--for now.

Yet, forced to choose between the fate of Earth and the welfare of those who inhabit the Dark Dimension, Strange chooses to proceed against Dormammu. And though he appears to be contrite about his decision, he makes it without any noticeable deliberation--which is a bit shocking in itself, since the Dr. Strange we've come to know would at the very least take a few moments to expore his options.

Regardless, Strange and Dormammu meet and engage in battle--and so we fast-forward a bit, to find Strange on the losing end of this struggle. With Dormammu's might incontestable, the end seems near--and all present have little doubt as to who the victor will be.

Yet a twist of fate shifts the tide of this life-or-death battle, when Dormammu is forced to turn his attention to the Mindless Ones who have broken through their containment and are now at large. It's a threat that can't be ignored even by Dormammu--but in order to stop them, he must grudgingly accept assistance from the enemy he nearly defeated.

It's a win for Strange on several fronts--and for the Ancient One as well, as we'll discover. But Strange has an additional surprise in store for him upon his return--an upgrade, of sorts, which will perhaps make him more marketable capable to face the threats still to come.

Up until now, when Strange needed to travel far and fast, he released his ectoplasmic (later called his astral) form to streak to whatever location he wished--and so, with his new cloak of levitation, his body has obviously been given more mobility without the need of sending a virtual ghost into battle, which was perhaps less visually exciting for the reader. (That speculation collapses if Strange was able to levitate with his old cloak--I'm really not 100% sure on that score.) As for the amulet, we know that it contains the Eye of Agamotto; yet his original amulet functioned much the same way, and he released an eye of some sort when he made use of its power, so it's not clear what the new amulet does for him aside from allowing transport between planes of existence (e.g., when confronting Eternity). Another thing to consider is that if Strange is on track to getting his own series (which would occur in roughly 3½ years), having your main character calmly gliding his way toward the threat just wasn't going to cut it.

At any rate, he certainly looks snazzy in his new look, eh?