Dr. Strange, Sorcerer Supreme #44 Cover by Geof Isherwood (KEY ISSUE - FIRST APP CYTTORAK)

This has long been one of my favorite covers for a number of reasons. I truly loved this series as a kid. I started with issue 1 and it was one of the first comic titles I began with the #1 issue. Butch Guice and Geof Isherwood provided fantastic artwork on this title and I really loved how Doc could move between superhero, mystic, horror, and even the major cosmic events with ease. He really is such a linchpin character.

I also really loved the silver age bruisers like Juggernaut. He's such a cool villain that he transcends such a simplistic label. He seems like a brute but he has a mystic connection to Cyttorak - who first appears in this issue. I love that this cover seems like such a mismatch of polar opposites. I love the connection to the late silver age Juggernaut vs Doc battle in Dr. Strange #182 and I love the basic elements of conflict here...fisticuffs. My sister-in-law made the most succinct point ever regarding comic book movies at the end of Captain America movie. She said that no matter who they are or what their powers it always ends in a fist fight. I thought that was really observant and necessary, Adversaries locked in primal combat. Makes sense.

Dr. Strange, Sorcerer Supreme #44
August, 1992

"The Color Crimson"
Writer: Roy Thomas