Doctor Strange #48
Published and © by Marvel, August 1981
Title: “The Power of Dr. Strange!”
Synopsis: When Brother Voodoo is compromised by the extradimensional Damballah, it’s up to Doctor Strange to save the day.
Writer: Roger Stern
Penciler: Marshall Rogers
Inker: Terry Austin
Review: Doctor Strange had many Bronze Age brushes with greatness, but never quite got over the hump. This latest effort showcasing A-list talent features the legendary Detective Comics art team of Marshall Rogers and Terry Austin. While not quite on par with their classic DC run, the duo deliver nice work here with densely packed, detailed pages. The art also makes smart use of color holds for trippy special effects. Roger Stern’s story is undermined by too much alliterative nonsense like the Maze of Munnopor and Winds of Watoomb, but that’s typical of this title. Unessential reading but very pretty.
Grade: B+
Second opinion: “Is this issue the magic moment for the good Doctor? No, but the possibility does exist that this team might be able to weave magic in the future.” – David Stallman, The Comics Journal #65, August 1981
Cool factor: Exciting new tricks with the art …
Not-so-cool factor: … but the same-old, same-old story casts no spells.
Notable: First appearance of Morgana Blessing.
Collector’s note: According to the Grand Comics Database, there is a 20p British variant of this issue. … According to MyComicShop.com, there is also a Mark Jewelers variant.
Character quotable: “I grow weary of claims of godhood from every extradimensional entity who manages to gather a few earthly followers!.” – Doctor Strange, astral trash-talker
Editor’s note: This review was written June 12, 2024.
