Review – Doctor Strange #9 (Marvel)

Publisher: Marvel Comics
Writer: Mark Waid
Artwork: Jesus Saiz
Release Date: 5th December 2018

177A Bleecker Street, Greenwich Village, New York. Here stands The Sanctum Santorum, home of Doctor Strange. Over the years the Sanctum has come under fire from threats like Dormammu, Thanos and plenty of other nightmare demons. But perhaps more dangerous than any other is… a corporation? But why does a regular real estate business want the Sanctum and what does it have to do with next month’s Doctor Strange #400? Well, it turns out that, as always, in the life of Doctor Strange it’s those around him who end up paying the steepest price.

I’m having to be vague with this issue’s description because this is an emotional story about Strange and his community and because I believe that this whole issue will be directly connected to the events of issue #400 I really don’t want to spoil it. So without giving away too much, all I’ll say that this is a really good read.

This is a very human story for Strange as we get to see him helping out in his community and neighbourhood while the strange and fantastical happen right above it. But of course this isn’t just Doctor Strange shopping in his local store. We also get to see things go a little bit mystic when he continues to refuse to sell his house to a corporation, eventually leading to full-on magic battle with a demon – brought to life in terrifying fashion by Jesus Saiz.

Waid has crafted an engaging story about Stephen Strange’s world before next issue probably turns it on its head.

Speaking of Saiz, it’s wonderful to have him back here. We get some panels of classic Strange in his prime and with Saiz they’re real works of art. We are also provided with some truly great imagery here with Strange battling slowly escalating threats leading to a battle that literally reaches the moon. As much as all the other artists on this book so far have been good, Saiz is pretty much league of his own.

This book gives us all some much-needed breathing space before the titanic issue #400 and with an ending that I dare not spoil due to how shocking it is, well… let’s just say if you’re a fan of Doctor Strange you’re going to want to read this. It’s a well written story with some of the best artwork Marvel is currently producing. Pick it up and prepare yourselves because next month, Doctor Strange hits 400 issues and nothing will ever be the same again.

Rating: 4.5/5.

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