Doctor Strange #381

Ultimately, this is pretty much a perfect jumping-on point with an exciting new creative team and a bold new direction for this iconic character. Cates, Walta and Bellaire are working in perfect harmony here, and the mixture of humour, drama and sorcerous shenanigans make this an easy series to recommended. Read Full Review

While its scarcity of the titular character and heavy reliance on other Marvel heroes might put off a few readers, Doctor Strange #381 will undoubtedly be an issue that finds its way onto a lot of new reader's pull lists. Not only does it deliver on the intrigue of its concept of Loki as Sorcerer Supreme, it also reveals a real strength in characterization in multiple characters. Read Full Review

Doctor Strange is in incredible hands with this new team. After meandering for a bit, the book finally feels like it has a direction and sense of purpose. Cate’s has knocked it out of the park, writing a compelling Loki and Doctor Strange. Walta and Bellaire make the book a treat to look at. Don’t sleep on this book. Even if you have never read a Doctor Strange book before, you’ll find that this is going to be a book that everyone is going to be talking about and you don’t want to miss out. Read Full Review

Loki being the Sorcerer Supreme is a bold decision, one that pays off immediately. This is a perfect jumping on point for new readers, without losing those of us who have been following along since Aaron's run. This could easily become a new dream team for Marvel with Cates, Walter, and Bellaire doing top-notch work. Read Full Review

This could be the start of something special. Read Full Review

With Loki taking on the title of Sorcerer Supreme, the future of Strange is in the air, and I look forward to seeing how this proceeds and resolves. While it may not be what I wanted from the Marvel Legacy relaunch (or whatever) of Doctor Strange, it is an engaging read. I can easily give it a recommendation, so check it out. Read Full Review

Dr. Strange comes out firing with a strong Legacy issue by Cates, Hernandez Walta, and Bellaire and one of my favorite single issues efforts so far for this latest Marvel Comics marketing initiative. While Loki takes the title of Sorcerer Supreme Dr. Strange still has a presence and both characters are more interesting for it.   Read Full Review

It feels psychedelic and larger-than-life while at once very intimate and ordinary. In other words, this series remains in good hands. Read Full Review

This is a fun issue that sets up some entertaining character dynamics as well as conflicts. Will pick up the next issue for sure. Read Full Review

The biggest stars for my money are Gabriel Hernandez Walta and Jordie Bellaire. Their work hasnt skipped a beat from Vision and the surreal quality of their art works perfectly for the bizarre world of Loki, as well as a visual counterpoint to the world Chris Bachalo defined for this comic. Also to my own joy, Loki doesnt have excessive facial hair like he does in The Mighty Thor, which helps to soften him a bit compared to his portrayal the last few years and as a protagonist. Overall though: if youre looking for a great jumping on point with Marvel, as well as with several of the biggest Marvel characters at the moment, youre in a great place to hop in. Read Full Review

In conclusion, I definitely think Doctor Strange #381 is worth reading, for both Doctor Strange and Loki fans alike. Read Full Review

Following on in the format of all Legacy initial issues we also have a great little recounting of the origin of Doctor Strange. Written by Robbie Thompson with art by Nico Henrichon its a fitting swan song for the artist of the last few issues who will be sorely missed. However, the title is in good hands as the colors of Jordie Bellaire are a good match for Gabriel Hernandez Waltas art. Similarly the writing talents of Donny Cates transition so smoothly it feels good to see the team is warming to the task, especially given the arc is a complete role change for everyone concerned, artist, writer, colorist, Dog Whispering Doctor and God of Lies alike. Read Full Review

TheImageIsStrong

Nov 15, 2017

Like Strange, but got on with Legacy #381 because Donny Cates is my favorite writer of many. Man just really enjoying this so far. Can't wait for 382 and also more exposure for Cates excellent writing and the art is solid.

Wolf Warner

Nov 15, 2017

Perfect jumping on point and iit actually ties into Marvel Legacy One Shot. Cates will rock out on this. I nstant Pull List status!!!

the green death

Nov 15, 2017

A great start to the new storyline and one of the better Legacy books in being a fully contained introduction to the book, it's characters and the primary mysteries that will grow from here. I loved Donny Cates' intro book at Dark Horse with the alcoholic superhero and I'm happy to follow him here.

Tior

Dec 17, 2017

Interesting ideas and really good art. Can´t wait to read more.

CrazyforRAMU

Jun 09, 2018

Loki is Sorcerer Supreme? How can that be?! Donny Cates pens a fascinating new chapter that builds directly on Jason Aaron's work. Some parts of the previous volume are accepted whole-heartedly (Zelma, yay!) and others are respectfully challenged (the "high cost of magic" concept). There are engaging mysteries stretching out both ahead of and behind this new status quo. Beautiful art, sharp character work, and successful touches of humor all combine to promise something special from this new story.

DDJamesB

Nov 20, 2017

I've read a lot about this new Doctor Strange arc. I've never read a Doctor Strange comic in my life. I thought this was very enjoyable and has a lot to look forward to. The art was very well done. I do hope we get more of a reveal as to what happens in the issues to come, but as a start, for someone who has no idea what came before,, it was easy to pick up and enjoy.

SloboSOY

Dec 20, 2017

Well never it's never too late for repair a wrong. At first I didn't like the art I see in the sneek pick. And in trust a loki pitch didn't interest me much. So I pass. Then I see the Seek Pick for the 383 and I tell me that could interest me after all. So their I am (Sadly I find issue 381 & 383, but I miss for now the 383. So I will wait for reading & reviewing the following issues). A first I find it a little to quiet, to taking is time. And in trust I see the tour that Zelma give a little too close of the one she had a the start of Aaron run. Their their is the part in the bar. I was in Scarlet witch side ^^ ... And I begin to start understanding Loki when he encounter Thor/Foster. A the end of my reading I wanted more. I see some one Dr Who reference (The house floating & Zelma with the stair in her bag remember me of The Snowmen ^^) and a Beetlejuice one (With the huge snake in the house ... I believe it's a snake too). Oh and I find Wanda very kind to going to Stephan (Dissassembled/House of M) Cover - So at least been late have some good. I have the lenticular. A little expensive, but so good. 2/2 Writing - I'm under is spell 2/3 Arts - So I have to talk of good art & bad art. Well each of us have their vision of art. And I prefer a art I have some trouble with but who will give me a story to read, than a hell of art but without any story. And their is part of his art I really Like (Zelma & Dr strange). I believe Loki is draw like that because he is a twisted character, and I find it very strong that at the end he succeed have me worried for him. 2.5/3 Feeling - I wish that next week I will have the 382 for keep going my reading. 2/2 more

ghostrobot

Nov 15, 2017

An interesting start to Cate's story.

RustonLF

Nov 16, 2017

The Sorcerer Supreme is no longer Stephen Strange, he has retired to become a doctor once again, just not a surgeon, and Loki is the new protector of the realm. We are placed into the story with the status quo already changed with what happened slowly being revealed. It makes things a bit interesting seeing a powerful being like Loki struggle to do the job and be loved after taking over. It also creates some mystery as to why Loki would want the position and why it was given to him. I am sure part of the why was explained in Legacy with Loki wanting the power to save the world, but we have yet to get details. Cates also tries to work from Aaron's run on the book by focusing some time on the cost of magic. Loki sees this as hindering and wan ts to change that. With his position as a master of lies it leaves the magic community uneasy. This also creates an obstacle for the new Sorcerer Supreme. The art and tone is fitting for the title. The struggle for me is if placing Stephen to the side for now will pay off in the end. What saves it for me somewhat is the inclusion of Zelma Stanton and familiar venues from the Aaron run. Cates is obviously working from what is established before. It gives me hope that this is a continuation of the story that will lead somewhere interesting. If you did not get into Strange during the earlier Jason Aaron run this might not have enough to change your mind. Unless you are big Loki fan. more

Gizmo

Jun 17, 2018

Loki is pulling the good guy routine again, we'll see how long this one lasts. I would have liked to see how exactly he became the sorcerer supreme; jumping straight into a concept like this works well for a short series, but it is jarring in an ongoing series that didn't even allude to such a development.