Ditko, Steve - Strange Tales, issue 129, page 8 (Feb 1965)
Artist: Steve Ditko (All)
40 Comments - 2,574 Views - 19 Likes
Artwork Details
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Description‘Dr. Strange - Master of Black Magic...a different kind of superhero.’ That’s how he’s described in his debut issue, Strange Tales 110. He’s not even on the front cover, nor even mentioned on it. In fact, he’s not mentioned on the cover until the 6th issue he is in and finally appears on the cover in a bottom blurb in ST 118 (7th appearance).His visual depiction here in ST 129 is much different than his first appearances. In his debut, he’s colored in orange and blue…and he has no cape. His gloves had a leopard-like print on them that almost made magic look like it was flowing from his arms through his fingertips. The Eye of Agamotto is huge and isn’t even named – it’s simply called a ‘mysterious gold amulet’ that has a metal eye within. It will also be called an ‘enchanted gem’ before taking on its final name. In reading through the entire early appearances, you can kind of tell that Lee & Ditko are playing with the character – both his story and his visual appearance – before electing to go long with him. By the time they get to ST 114, the good doctor now has a cape (but, blue) to go with his gloves and belt (which are back to orange after being briefly blue). The magic amulet is definitely different - smaller, more distinctly round/oval, no longer wrapped around his neck...and definitely easier to draw. Along the way, most of the action in the first three issues happens with Strange in his astral form in mystic dimensions. It’s not as much battling as it is problem solving and using magic to do so. From ST 115 and on, lots of twists, tweaks and settling-in to certain aspects of the character fall into place. The ‘all-seeing Agamotto’ is first referenced in a spell in ST 116. In ST 117, he’s intro’ed just as ‘Doctor Strange’ who ‘takes you behind the scenes of the world of enchantment and black magic’. In the same issue, he’s later referenced as the ‘Master of Black Magic’. In ST 118, he’s intro’ed as ‘Dr. Strange’ and the last line of book is, ‘Doctor Strange, Master of the Mystic Arts!’, the first time we see that designation. There’s one final reference to him being the ‘Master of Black Magic’ in ST 119, but in ST 120 he makes the lasting transition to ‘Dr. Strange, Master of the Mystic Arts’. In this issue, the eye of his amulet can actually come out and reside on his forehead to ‘see’ events he is not directly witness to. In ST 121, he’s now co-starring on the title and we’re getting strong flashes of the visual trippi-ness that will come later. By ST 123, he gets half the cover (Loki and Thor are part of the story, which likely contributes to why). And, in ST 126 & 127, he battles Dormammu and things really starting to firm visually. It’s a two-issue visual explosion that also introduces Dr. Strange’s love interest, Clea. It’s all fitting as Lee & Ditko appear to be hitting a modest reset button on the character - it’s almost like they had been talking about ‘if we could go back and do it all over again, what would we do differently?’ By triumphing over Dormammu, Strange gets a new cape (which interestingly looks yellow at first, but when he first wears in ST 128 is distinctly red) and a ‘more wondrous’ amulet. It’s in ST 128 that the character is now visually established (with exception of the red trim on his cape eventually becoming gold in ST 136) and the stories have a completely different look and feel. Backgrounds are much more complete and Dr. Strange is using magic in active battle. The Eye of Agamotto gets its name, but its not part for the amulet at this stage. Rather, it’s on a stand in his Sanctum Sanctorum. It’s not until ST 133 that the Mystic Eye of the Amulet and the incantations of Agamotto are linked for the first time. So, what’s the point of all of this? Outside of the fact that I clearly have too much time on my hands? Well, I really love this page – particularly the visual representation of Dr. Strange. And, I hope you enjoy, as well. Big thanks, as always, to DC!! Social/Sharing |
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Comments on this Artwork
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John Cogan
Member Since 2004
1 - Posted on 9/10/2019
Beautiful Ditko page, Chris. Congrats, nice pick up.
Bill J 
Member Since 2009
1 - Posted on 9/10/2019
Spectacular! Love Ditko's work on Dr. Strange. Great pick-up!
Rob Pistella
Member Since 2005
Forum Moderator
1 - Posted on 9/10/2019
I would enjoy this more hanging in my home... that said another spectacular addition to you rmuseum quality collection. This page is stunning and rare and a home run! Well done Chris!
Dino Mauricio
Member Since 2009
1 - Posted on 9/10/2019
Spectacular Ditko Dr. Strange page, simply spell-binding!
Jeremy Radisich
Member Since 2004
1 - Posted on 9/10/2019
This has truly everything anyone could want from a Ditko Doc Strange page--the fingers, the facial expressions, the mind-bending magic displays. It's perfect. In other words, I'm so damn jealous!
Mark Howland
Member Since 2004
1 - Posted on 9/10/2019
Wish I had an astral form. Might allow me to get a kickass page such as this. The whole rocks, but panel two: those splayed fingers and focused eyes. Such classic Ditko!
Timothy Finney
Member Since 2006
1 - Posted on 9/10/2019
Fifty-four years of copycats and homages has done nothing to dim the sheer perfection of Ditko's ability to transfer his imaginative powers, particularly regarding his depiction of magic, to the comic book page.
Gene Park
Member Since 2004
1 - Posted on 9/10/2019
Wow! So many great Dr. Strange poses and elements in this one - congrats!
Stephen F
Member Since 2005
1 - Posted on 9/11/2019
This just might be the finest Ditko Doc Strange page I have laid eyes on!! Congratulations. It found the perfect home.
Hans Kosenkranius
Member Since 2004
1 - Posted on 9/11/2019
That second panel clinches it for me. :) Great pick-up Chris!
Chris C
Member Since 2004
1 - Posted on 9/11/2019
Well, if you're going to go top shelf, you might as well go to the very top of that top shelf. Just a singularly perfect example.
Scott Williams
Member Since 2004
1 - Posted on 9/11/2019
Best thing on the internet today. What a page!
John Sisson
Member Since 2004
1 - Posted on 9/11/2019
Wonderful page! Maybe the best page of that broken-up issue. Congratulations on a rare Ditko Dr. Strange.
Ron S
Member Since 2007
1 - Posted on 9/11/2019
Yep, that's pretty great. An amazing page that shows Ditko at the top of his game.
Carlo M
Member Since 2006
1 - Posted on 9/12/2019
Not a major Ditko fan, but his work on Dr. Strange is mind-boggling. It is easy to take these images for granted today, after 50 years plus of renditions, but back then it took real imagination and genius. Museum quality!
Jason Hussa
Member Since 2017
1 - Posted on 9/12/2019
Absolutely, wondrously GORGEOUS; sincere congratulations on acquiring a true treasure by any standard or definition of thw word. Incredible!
K Gearon
Member Since 2011
1 - Posted on 9/12/2019
SO awesome. Every panel is awesome. A truely fine Ditko AND Doc Strange example. Wow. Sincere congrats!
J L
Member Since 2005
1 - Posted on 9/13/2019
What a spectacular page!!!! The good doctor conjuring up his spells. Awesome!!!!
Peter P
Member Since 2009
1 - Posted on 9/13/2019
Good god that's spectacular!! Congratulations Chris on this acquisition!
West Stephan
Member Since 2007
1 - Posted on 9/20/2019
Phenomenal page with superb Ditko action and dynamic layouts!
Peter Sullivan
Member Since 2006
1 - Posted on 9/21/2019
A beautiful page of prime Ditko magic.Your introduction is long.Its because you are in love with the art that you wrote so much.
COL (Ret) Churchill
Member Since 2004
1 - Posted on 12/1/2019
If you had to own a Ditko Dr. Strange panel page, then this is one that would be at the top of just about everyone's list. Just scintillating!
Lars Teglbjaerg
Member Since 2005
1 - Posted on 12/19/2019
Dr. Strange by Ditko! And with a close-up of his hand! Nuff' said!
CJ Design
Member Since 2018
1 - Posted on 5/24/2023
Oh, How much I love Ditko...a magical DR Strange page!
Mark Tomlinson
Member Since 2004
1 - Posted on 7/10/2023
I'm an adamant Spider-man guy, but even I can admit that Ditko was never better than when he worked on Dr. Strange. Congrats on another incredible page in your collection Chris!
Steven Dilworth
Member Since 2012
1 - Posted on 12/27/2023
I loved this story, and the second panel shot of Doctor Strange will always be the coolest!
NEBUR ADLAN
Member Since 2009
1 - Posted on 8/13/2024
Ditko doing his best with his creation ! Amazing and superclean page...a true grail and jewel for any collector ! Congrats
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