Doctor Strange has long been one of the Marvel Universe’s most interesting characters, exploring and bending dimensions. His part of the universe is probably the most mind bending and has brought readers to his sanctum for years on end. There is none too many and as sorcerer supreme his power rules absolutely. Throughout his canon, he has challenged what most think a comic book character is supposed to be, as he fights evil in ways other characters could not wrap their minds around.

In his sole animated movie, the character’s origins were revealed, but not explained, leaving a haphazard mess, which left diehards and newbies with a bad taste in their mouths. That effort left no faith that they could follow-up with a faithful adaptation. So when the news of the upcoming movie with Benedict Cumberbatch was going to be released, and with the few trailers that came out, it looked like they finally were able to capture his story the right way. So after I read Jason Aaron’s run on the new series, I was excited to read this one.

Doctor Strange: Mystic Apprentice is pretty much about when Stephen Strange was an apprentice at Kamar-Taj, as he struggles to project his astral form and master the fighting arts. We follow him as he makes misstep over misstep, as he a fast learning novice, as he masters one and then another. Eventually, he does learn how to project his astral form, to even read when he sleeps. Before issue’s end, the reader is treated to his origin story in Strange tales written by Stan Lee

Overall, it reminds me of those old 80s training montages, which makes this issue fun to read, watching this well-known character before he became the sorcerer supreme. The story by Will Corona Pilgrim, gives a reader a funny view of this character. The art by Andrea Di Vito, complements the story in the best way. Altogether, a fun first issue that will only bring readers back once the movie comes out.

Story: Will Corona Pilgrim Art: Andrea Di Vito
Story: 9 Art: 9 Overall: 9.4 Recommendation: Buy

Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review