Doctor Strange #52
Published and © by Marvel, April 1982
Title: “Life-Times”
Synopsis: As romantic tensions flare at home, Doctor Strange is again pulled back through time due to new acquaintance Morgana Blessing.
Writer: Roger Stern
Penciler: Marshall Rogers
Inker: Terry Austin
Review: As with the previous issue (see review), Roger Stern’s story is bogged down by the sort of mystical silliness frequently found in this title. This time out it’s something about soul shards, past lives and reincarnation. But Stern’s plot twists are fun and the story serves its main purpose: offering opportunities for Marshall Rogers and Terry Austin to draw lots of cool stuff. And, wow, do they deliver. Austin will always be best remembered for his X-Men work with John Byrne, but his pairing with Rogers is another career highlight. They’re the perfect art team for Doctor Strange.
Grade: A-
Second opinion: Recommended by The Slings & Arrows Comic Guide (second edition), 2003.
Cool factor: Gotta keep going with the Rogers/Austin art. So pretty!
Notable: According to the annual statement of ownership on the “Strange Mails” letters page, Doctor Strange had an average total paid circulation of 98,255 for the 12 months preceding Oct. 1, 1981.
Collector’s note: According to MyComicShop.com, there is a Mark Jewelers variant of this issue.
Character quotable: “What a bizarre concept!” – Doctor Strange (thinking the same thing this reviewer does most issues)
Editor’s note: This review was written May 14, 2025.
