Gene Colan--Doctor Strange #172 Cover (1968) First Major Dormammu Battle Cover
Artists: Gene Colan (Penciller) , Dan Adkins (Inker)
92 Comments - 979 Views - 47 Likes
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DescriptionMIGHTY MARVEL MAGIC. Doctor Strange vs Dormammu! The Master of Mystic Arts against the Lord of Darkness! We’re talking a mystical matchup for the ages here! This is the cover to the 1968 Silver Age classic, Doctor Strange #172, featuring an all-out battle between Strange and his greatest enemy--the Dread Dormammu! This is Gene Colan’s first ever art on Doctor Strange, a title that would help build his reputation as one of Marvel's greatest artists. Here he’s inked by the fabulous Dan Adkins, a Marvel stalwart who’d been handling both the penciling and inking chores on Doctor Strange until this issue. Also, this is the first cover to feature Dormammu in a major role, having only appeared in small cover vignettes until now. So on this cover we get Dread Dormammu, with his flaming head, standing beside a swirling vortex from which he's summoned a horde of demons. The Evil Lord flings fiery energy bolts at Strange, who blocks the blasts with a potent spell. I love the way Colan depicted Strange here--legs parted in a combat stance, leaning forward with one hand to block the energy blasts, the other hand stretched out behind him. Strange’s entire body seems engaged in the mystical battle, even his Cloak of Levitation swirls behind him as if blown by the force of Dormammu’s energy blasts. It's just a classic Silver Age cover. Even the type treatment on the cover--"I, Dormammu!"--has a Silver Age feel to it. I’m thrilled with this one and delighted to add it to my collection.Social/Sharing |
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Comments on this Artwork
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Amir E 
Member Since 2020
1 - Posted on 2/6/2023
Fantastic cover Bill. Doesn't get better than this for a Doc Strange cover! Congrats!
Fisch Benz
Member Since 2019
1 - Posted on 2/6/2023
A beautiful and memorable cover, Bill! I, Dormammu, approve!
Nils E
Member Since 2014
1 - Posted on 2/6/2023
Spectacular! Always found Dormammu particularly creepy. Doc corner box not the same without Nick Fury to shampoo ;-)
Duke Fleed aka #1 Groo Fan
Member Since 2013
1 - Posted on 2/6/2023
An exciting set up to say the least! Love the way Colan draws in the viewer withe the composition
James S
Member Since 2017
1 - Posted on 2/6/2023
They've been fighting for almost sixty years. Dormammu just needs to bargain!
Paul P Spiderversity
Member Since 2011
1 - Posted on 2/6/2023
The best Doctor Strange covers are ones where he is fighting his arch nemesis Dormammu, and in my humble opinion, this cover is the best of the best! Gene Colan was fantastic on this book. I really enjoyed reading (and appreciating the artwork) of his run. Congrats, Bill, on another treasure!
Davide G.
Member Since 2009
1 - Posted on 2/6/2023
Great perspective, which makes the viewer feel right inside the action! Congrats on this spectacular Silver Age cover!
Steven biali001
Member Since 2005
1 - Posted on 2/6/2023
Another great addition to a fantastic collection! Congrats!
REDEMAGNI CLAUDIO
Member Since 2016
1 - Posted on 2/6/2023
I always find it inspiring to look at your CAF :)
every time a masterpiece to be admired :D
Thanks for sharing these gorgeous covers with all of us fans ;))
Great congratulations for new pick
E DLS
Member Since 2005
2 - Posted on 2/6/2023
Of course! OF COURSE! I mean, who else could kick off the new year like this? Wow! While I love seeing all the great art pop up on CAF, there are so very few galleries being curated here that generate the same level of excitement and anticipation I get when you update yours. Covers like this are a prime example of how and why I became a lifelong Marvel fan. It's a perfect Marvel cover in every way. From the classic logo design, the classic hero vs. archvillain theme, a succinct title that is so powerfully dramatic in its simplicity, and two artist legends at the top of their game. And if anyone should have the temerity to nitpick about wanting a Colan DD or Tomb of Dracula cover instead, or maybe preferring Palmer inks on Gene (yes, Colan and Palmer do go hand in hand, but Adkins absolutely KILLS IT here), tell them to get their eyes checked or just send them my way. I’ll set them straight. Can’t imagine wanting more in a classic Gene Colan Marvel cover. Congrats buddy! Oh, and happy new year!
Mark V
Member Since 2021
1 - Posted on 2/6/2023
Beautiful flowing lines from Colan and Adkins that take the eye from opposite sides of the page to a meeting point in the center. Love seeing his work from this period.
Ruben DaCollector
Member Since 2008
1 - Posted on 2/6/2023
This, to me, is one of the all-time classic Silver Age Doctor Strange covers. The deep green background of the published comic is seared into my memory, as is the image of Doctor Strange evading Dormammu's blasts, his body drawn so large that it feels like Colan purposely drew him bent over at the waist to make sure he could fit him under the title mast! The Dormammu figure is fantastic as well, as is the "I, Dormammu!" title proclamation. A real beauty, Bill, kudos to you!
Jordan Joanou
Member Since 2008
1 - Posted on 2/6/2023
Something very special about older art...part nostalgic and part awe inspiring. Congrats.
Andrew G
Member Since 2022
1 - Posted on 2/6/2023
Top tier Doctor Strange cover. Absolutely awesome as usual. Congrats, Bill!
Marcus Wai
Member Since 2005
1 - Posted on 2/6/2023
The Colan composition takes full advantage of the cover space to place us in this angle view on the side of Doctor Strange. Silver Age Marvel fandom assembles to bear witness to this battle for the ages. We'd often hear it, but this is what they mean when they say that Gene Colan's art has cinematic qualities.
Toni S
Member Since 2019
1 - Posted on 2/6/2023
It can't be better! Historic cover in one of the Marvel's flagship runs! IMHO the best that Colan did was on Dr. Strange (and DD). Huge congrats!
Steve N. Comic/Fantasy Art
Member Since 2017
1 - Posted on 2/6/2023
Two big boys going at it while a multiverse trembles...
Michael Kirton
Member Since 2009
1 - Posted on 2/6/2023
Wow, epic doesn't begin to describe this. Congrats!
Chris K.
Member Since 2008
1 - Posted on 2/6/2023
Speaking of Dr. Strange...really nice one, Bill. Great addition to your collection!
Rob R
Member Since 2019
Forum Moderator
1 - Posted on 2/6/2023
Wow! Incredible cover. Your collection never ceases to impress.
Troy C. Punswick
Member Since 2008
1 - Posted on 2/6/2023
I would be thrilled and delighted too! Congrats!!!
David Askani’Son
Member Since 2012
Forum Moderator
1 - Posted on 2/6/2023
Holy Insane! I'm always in Amazement when I see I post from you bud! Gorgeous Cover.
Derek Crabbe
Member Since 2020
1 - Posted on 2/6/2023
By the hoary hosts of hoggoth! What a classic!
Tyler T
Member Since 2020
1 - Posted on 2/6/2023
Wow, this is outstanding! The good doctor and Dormammu! Gotta love it.
Jeff Singh
Member Since 2004
1 - Posted on 2/6/2023
Really fantastic cover. I remember the comic and love this image.
Comicart Boston
Member Since 2010
1 - Posted on 2/6/2023
This is a fantastic cover, Bill. Many congrats!
JN 80
Member Since 2016
1 - Posted on 2/7/2023
Beautiful battle cover with the dreaded Dormammu. Congrats Bill
bob fish
Member Since 2011
1 - Posted on 2/7/2023
Awesome ! Thank's for sharing this memorable cover
Joe Murray
Member Since 2006
1 - Posted on 2/7/2023
✨Wow, that's just top-notch, I'm failing to think of a better Colan Dr. Strange cover 'cause this one's it, huge congrats!!✨
stephen yarish
Member Since 2004
1 - Posted on 2/7/2023
wow! That is an amazing Colan cover, congrats!
Jason Hussa
Member Since 2017
1 - Posted on 2/7/2023
FANTASTIC! Holy moley, this is absolutely spectacular, Bill!! Great composition, underlining Doc's impossible, unenviable position here. I love how Colan gave Strange everything here, too - the "power position", dominance on the cover - and yet he still feels hopelessly outmatched... And, yes - the "I, Dormammu" is the cherry on this incredible cake. I'm running out of superlatives to bestow upon this wonder! What a piece! Enormous congrats, Bill! Yowza!
Wolvie Fan
Member Since 2020
1 - Posted on 2/7/2023
Huuuuge Grail! Phenomenal cover, Bill, congrats on a tremendous takedown.
Tony Brischler
Member Since 2005
1 - Posted on 2/7/2023
A great addition to your phenomenal collection of covers! Congrats!
John Espinoza
Member Since 2014
1 - Posted on 2/7/2023
This is an amazing, historical acquisition! Where do you find these covers? Better question yet, with whom do you bargain with? :)
Sean Clarke
Member Since 2005
1 - Posted on 2/7/2023
Gene Colan and Dr. Strange are one of the great artist/character pairings in comics history, and this historic and wonderful cover marks our first exposure to Gene's take on the Master of the Mystic Arts. Another nice touch for fans of Dr. Strange, Dan Adkins inking this cover marks the conclusion of his well-drawn dozen issue run on the series (starting in Strange Tales), handing the series over to Gene in style. Peak comics!
David Bixler
Member Since 2016
1 - Posted on 2/7/2023
Definitely has the Colan feel to it. Such a great cover!
RS 88
Member Since 2018
1 - Posted on 2/7/2023
Doctor Strange covers are some of my very favourite - and this one is right up there with the best
congrats!!
Al Simpleton
Member Since 2013
1 - Posted on 2/7/2023
Outstanding cover! It's so nice to see some of these treasures can surface from time to time... And Colan made sure this cover jumped out of the racks! I mean, who wouldn't buy it?...
artless artmore
Member Since 2013
1 - Posted on 2/7/2023
What a classic! Colan's dynamism is unmistakable
A N H
Member Since 2018
1 - Posted on 2/7/2023
This one's a no-doubt-about-it homerun. Love the look of the black & white compared to the published cover.
F M
Member Since 2005
1 - Posted on 2/8/2023
Superb cover with a typical bold and challenging Colan composition.
Timothy Finney
Member Since 2006
1 - Posted on 2/8/2023
The Eye of Agamotto shines brightly upon your collection.
John C
Member Since 2014
1 - Posted on 2/8/2023
1. Lift your left leg up behind you.
2. Spin around for about a second.
3. Stop.
4. Double take 3 times.
5. Pelvic thrust to your left, then back to your right.
6. Stop on your right foot as you come back to your right after the pelvic thrust (don't forget it !)
7. "Bring it around town" by spinning your torso in a circle.
NEBUR ADLAN
Member Since 2009
1 - Posted on 2/8/2023
Fantistic first Colan Dr Strange cover ! Dormammu appareance is a plus , you cant ask for more !
Michael McIsaac
Member Since 2020
1 - Posted on 2/8/2023
A timeless cover that would stand out on any comics rack no matter which decade it's put on display.
Ian Saint
Member Since 2021
1 - Posted on 2/8/2023
Wow, thats an incredible battle cover between the two. That could be a one and done cover for those characters. It really is an excellent piece and will have to add this into my favorites.
A K
Member Since 2017
1 - Posted on 2/8/2023
This is just amazing. Of all the artists to follow Steve Ditko on the good doctor, my favorite has always been Gene Colan. Colan's sense of drama and his amazing figures make this one great cover! Congratulations!
Keith Becker
Member Since 2018
1 - Posted on 2/8/2023
I mean... I dont know that it gets much damn better for a Doc Strange cover... just fantastic! Congratulations Bill!
Sylvain R
Member Since 2014
1 - Posted on 2/9/2023
That's just a stunning cover, Colan at his very very best!
Kin Wong
Member Since 2007
1 - Posted on 2/13/2023
Awesome cover! One side effect of the aging art is that the white out on Dormammu now makes him stand out even more, like he's just glowing on the page.
J H
Member Since 2019
1 - Posted on 2/21/2023
By the Hoary Hoasts of Hoggoth, this is incredible! Colan strange is amongst his best work, and this Dormammu cover is a favorite of mine. Dude, you win with this one. Ala-Kazam!
K Gearon
Member Since 2011
1 - Posted on 2/21/2023
Seth Meyers Clapping GIF by Late Night with Seth Meyers - Find & Share on GIPHY
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Seriously, another winner, Bill! Really hard to top as a Colan OR Doc Strange example. Great depth, energy, line work...I mean this one's got it all. And first cover battle between him and big bad Dormammu?! Come on! Big congrats, man!
Gal Schwartz
Member Since 2005
1 - Posted on 2/28/2023
Amazing cover ! I can't think of a better image of Strange VS his arch foe !
Johnny M
Member Since 2014
Forum Moderator
1 - Posted on 3/1/2023
I don't know how you're sneaking these by me :) Needless to say, but this is Iconic!!
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