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Marvel Graphic Novel #49
Doctor Strange & Doctor Doom: Triumph and Torment
Doctor Doom and Doctor Strange enter Mephisto's realm in an all-out effort to free the soul of Doctor Doom's mother! But what price must be paid before Mephisto will release it? And will Doctor Doom make the sacrifice?
80 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1989
17 people are currently reading
1163 people want to read
About the author
Roger Stern
1,555 books111 followersRoger Stern is an American comic book author and novelist.
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May 4, 2025
This 1989 tale of an unlikely team-up featuring Drs. Strange and Doom on a quest to rescue the soul of Doom’s mother from the clutches of Mephisto is a masterwork of character building and subverting reader expectations (it also features some pretty stellar early Mike Mignola art). If you’re at all a fan of Doom or Strange, or just good comics, you’ll want to add it to your reading list.
That said, I feel like Marvel really missed the boat here on a late-80s (or perhaps late 2010s) sitcom opportunity (I mean, who’s a better odd couple than these two?), so I’ve endeavored to remedy that failing with the pilot script below.
Networks and streamers—I’m willing to listen to offers. And I work cheap. Like, embarrassingly cheap. That gum you just spat out? Could totally have me for that. Anyway...
DOCTOR, DOCTOR
Season 1, Episode 1: “Strange Bedfellows”
DOCTOR, DOCTOR is filmed before a (mostly) live studio audience.
ACT ONE
INT. APARTMENT – EVENING
A tastefully but exotically decorated apartment, part Pottery Barn, part Hogwarts, on Manhattan’s Upper West Side. A handsome but serious and severe young man in his mid-twenties, VICTOR VON DOOM, sits at the kitchen table, his lips moving silently as he studies a massive leather-bound tome. His concentration is broken by the arrival of another handsome mid-twenties man, STEPHEN STRANGE, carefree and sporting an early-stage goatee.
STRANGE: Honey, I’m home.
Insert laugh track.
DOOM: Bah! Why do you always insist on spouting that hackneyed catchphrase every time you return from some fool errand?
STRANGE: Because they find it funny.
Strange winks knowingly at the audience. Insert laugh track.
DOOM: Who are you talking about? There is no one there! You are a madman!
STRANGE: Oh, am I?
Strange winks again at the audience. Insert laugh track. Again.
STRANGE: Anyway, what is it you’re failing to master today, Victor?
Doom scowls and closes his book.
DOOM: It is of no concern to you! Bah!
STRANGE: I’d offer to help, but I need to get ready—I’ve got a date.
DOOM: You waste your time with such trysts.
STRANGE: You’re just mad because such trysts won’t waste time with you.
Insert laugh track.
Cue theme song
One’s a handsome doctor of the medical variety
One’s an iron-fisted ruler of worldwide notoriety
They share an apartment on the Upper West Side
So they can go together on a mystical ride
One is shallow, one is deep
They split the rent because New York ain’t cheap
They’re not the best of friends and sometimes they like to fight
One’s an evil dictator; the other’s Tony Stark-lite
The sparks will surely fly when they’re in the same room
Oh, those wacky roommates, Doctor Strange and Doctor Doooooom!
INT. APARTMENT – EVENING
Doom is still sitting at the kitchen table, five empty coffee mugs spread around, head resting in his hand as he concentrates on the book he’s reading.
DOOM (muttering): Vector of the obtuse angle is equal to the hypotenuse of the—
A doorbell rings.
STRANGE (off-camera): Victor, be a dear and get the door, will you? I’m not quite finished making my toilet, as you Europeans might say.
DOOM (muttering again): I’ll make you INTO a toilet…my toilet…just need to find the right spell…
Doom opens the door, expecting to see Strange’s date for the evening. Instead, their neighbor from across the hall, SUSAN STORM, stands at the door. Susan is about the same age as Doom, blond, striking, and visibly upset.
DOOM: Susan!
Doom and Susan stand awkwardly for a moment.
SUSAN (sad, sniffling): Can I come in, Victor?
DOOM: Yes, yes, of course! Come in.
Doom moves aside and ushers Susan in, guiding her to a chair in the living room.
DOOM: Sit, please. I will get you some liquid refreshment.
SUSAN: Thank you, Victor.
Doom rushes to the kitchen to fetch a glass of water. He hands it to Susan, who takes it and drinks, offering Victor a grateful smile. We see Doom melt a little. Strange enters.
STRANGE: Ah, Suzy-Q! What brings you all the way across the hall to our humble abode? I refer only to the abode itself, of course, because more than fifty percent of its residents are exceedingly arrogant.
Doom scowls at Strange. Strange winks at him.
SUSAN: I need your help, Stephen. It’s…well, I need you to take a look at my Muffin.
STRANGE: I’m sorry, Suzy, but I’m just about to go on a date and even I draw the line at—
DOOM: Bah! She means her tiny dog, you fool!
Insert laugh track.
SUSAN (nodding): That’s right—she’s sick, Stephen. Can you examine her?
DOOM: You don’t need him! I will care for your ridiculously small canine.
SUSAN (gently): I appreciate that, Victor, but I thought I would ask Stephen because he’s…well, he’s…
STRANGE: A real doctor?
DOOM: I am a doctor as well!
STRANGE (snickering): Sure, Victor—those Ph.D.s will solve all of his problems. Maybe you can help Muffin with his organic chem homework.
Insert laugh track.
DOOM: Bah! With your wasted hands, you would be better served having Rictor perform surgery on the canine.
SUSAN: Huh?
STRANGE: I think, though I may be wrong, our friend Victor is trying to make a joke—you see, Ms. Storm, my hands were badly injured in a car accident and I can no longer perform surgery, so “Doctor” Doom was suggesting that a D-list superhero with earthquake-based powers, namely Rictor, would be more effective in operating on your dog. Jokes, you may have guessed, are not Victor’s strong suit.
Pause.
STRANGE: I might have gone with Michael J. Fox…
Insert laugh track.
Doom looks confused. Susan offers a disgusted sigh.
STRANGE: Too soon?
SUSAN: Forget it—I’ll just call Reed.
STRANGE: I’m sure “Mister Fantastic” will make everything all right with his super-stretchy—
Susan storms out, slamming the door behind her and drowning out Strange’s last word.
STRANGE: Well, that was fun. I need to finish getting ready.
DOOM: Are you planning to remove the tiny and poorly groomed rodent from your face before your date? I would recommend it, as I am given to understand that people do not usually enjoy rodents rubbing against their faces during the act of saliva exchange.
STRANGE: Rodent…?
Strange rubs his hand across his chin, feels his goatee, and grins.
STRANGE: That was actually pretty good, Victor. Maybe there’s hope for you after all.
Strange goes into the kitchen and looks in the sink. He sighs.
STRANGE: Dammit, Victor! You know you’re on dish duty this week.
Strange gestures toward a multicolored paper plate on the refrigerator.
STRANGE: Did you not look at the chore wheel?
DOOM: Bah! The wheel is rigged.
STRANGE: How dare you suggest that the assignation of chores is not entirely fair and random.
Strange spins the wheel.
STRANGE (muttering softly): Winds of Watoomb blow softly and with grace…make sure the wheel ends up in the right…place.
The wheel comes to a stop on a blue square.
STRANGE: Ah, see! “Be handsome.” That’s my chore for today. The wheel never lies.
DOOM: One day I will laugh over your broken corpse.
STRANGE: Well, until then, I need to finish getting ready for my date.
Strange moves off screen to return to the bathroom; Doom resumes studying.
DOOM (reading): Titration must be executed to the proper amount within 1000 parts per mL or the spell will—
There is a knock at the door. Victor glares malevolently at it.
DOOM: Doom will not brook further interruption!
Doom mutters the words of a spell and flings his left hand toward the door. An eldritch bolt of light shoots out and melts the doorknob.
Strange enters the room, surveys the situation, and shakes his head in frustration.
STRANGE: You know that Howard won’t come and fix our doorknob anymore, right? You were standing here when he told us that. When he told you that, really.
DOOM: Bah! I have Ph.D.s in physics, engineering, and biochemistry. Doom can fix a doorknob.
STRANGE: Well, you know what they say—you are what you fix…
Insert laugh track.
Strange approaches the door.
STRANGE: Who is it? I’d open the door, but we’re having a minor mechanical problem with it.
There is no answer. Strange and Doom look at each other. Both men nod slightly and prepare to conjure spells.
STRANGE: Be right with you…opening the door just now…
Strange yanks the door open, ripping it from its hinges, as he and Doom prepare to blast whoever is on the other side.
BRICK JONES, a handsome African-American man in his late-20s, stands in the hallway, looking sad.
STRANGE: Brick! You’re early. I’m…still getting dressed.
Strange looks down at his attire, which is a satin bathrobe and his red magical cape.
STRANGE: Though maybe I don’t need to get any more dressed than this…
Strange smiles wickedly at Brick.
BRICK: Look, Stephen…I’ve been thinking.
STRANGE: It’s never good when someone says that.
DOOM: Bah! I am always thinking.
STRANGE: Thank you for proving my point.
Insert laugh track.
BRICK: This just isn’t working.
STRANGE: This?
BRICK: This…us. This whole thing. I just can’t.
STRANGE: Why?
DOOM: Perhaps he does not enjoy having a rodent rubbed against his face.
Strange glares at Doom, who resumes studying at the table.
BRICK: It’s all this magic, man.
STRANGE: What about it?
BRICK: It’s too much. It’s freaking me out.
STRANGE: Why?
BRICK: Flying ghost snakes…tiny little demons…horny lady devils…I can’t deal with it, Stephen. It creeps me out, and I’m tired of worrying that every time my boyfriend goes to work, he’s going to get his soul eaten. Or have sex with a horny lady devil.
STRANGE: The Sorcerer Supreme does what the Sorcerer Supreme must do to protect the Earth. Even horny lady devils, if that’s what the job calls for.
Brick shakes his head.
BRICK: I’m sorry, Stephen—I really am. You’re an easy man to care about. Maybe even love. But I need something…something more normal. Not this.
Brick hugs Strange, who stands stiffly and does not return the hug.
BRICK: Goodbye, Stephen. Be safe.
Brick leaves and closes the door behind him. Strange stands staring at the door for a moment before walking over to the kitchen table and flopping down into the chair next to Doom. He sits silently, staring into space. Doom continues to study his book. Finally, Stephen lets out a long, slow breath and stands up.
STRANGE: Pancakes?
Doom looks up from his book.
DOOM: What are pancakes?
STRANGE: You don’t know what pancakes are?
DOOM: Is it not generally standard rhetorical practice to ask a question of someone when one does not know what someone is talking about?
STRANGE: Seriously? Are there no pancakes in Latveria?
Strange begins rummaging around the kitchen, getting out the ingredients for pancakes.
STRANGE: They’re light, golden, fluffy, flat little breakfast cakes that you top with butter, maple syrup, whipped cream, fruit…whatever you want.
DOOM: Like a Doomcrepe.
STRANGE: A Doomcrepe?
DOOM: You do not know what Doomcrepes are?
STRANGE: No. What’s a Doomcrepe?
DOOM: It is like a pancake, as you describe it. It is a traditional Latverian breakfast food.
STRANGE: And it’s named after you?
DOOM: It is named for my family. Everything in Latveria is named for the Von Dooms.
STRANGE: Toilets?
DOOM: Doombowls.
STRANGE: Chicken fingers?
DOOM: Doomnuggets.
STRANGE: Vibrators?
DOOM: We do not have such things in Latveria. Von Dooms properly satisfy their lovers.
Insert laugh track.
STRANGE: Touché.
Strange busies himself mixing up the ingredients for the pancakes while Doom yawns, stretches, and rises from his seat. Doom picks up a cup from the table and moves over to the kitchen sink to fill it with water. Just at that moment, Strange moves to drop an egg shell in the sink, and the two very nearly collide, ending up face-to-face just inches away from each other.
DOOM: You impede Doom's path to hydration!
Strange looks sad, almost on the verge of tears.
DOOM (softly): I am sorry, Stephen. About your friend. He does not understand the difficulties faced by one who would be Sorcerer Supreme. He is a lesser mind.
STRANGE (sniffling): I…thanks, Victor. It’s just…it’s hard.
Doom stares at Strange. It’s clear that there is tension between the two, and not just because Strange is preventing Doom from getting water.
DOOM: Yes. It is indeed…hard.
The two move closer, their lips very nearly touching.
STRANGE: I thought you had a thing for Sue Storm.
DOOM: I find Susan intoxicating.
STRANGE: Then….then what’s this all about?
Their lips very nearly brush together.
DOOM: Von Dooms are sexual omnivores.
STRANGE: Then maybe we should…
Doom pulls away.
DOOM: Bah! Doom must visit the doombowl. Stand aside, wizard.
Doom moves past Strange toward the bathroom, but stops and looks back.
DOOM: But perhaps…in the fullness of time.
Doom moves off screen, headed for the bathroom. Strange stands still for a moment, his gaze following Doom, both confused and intrigued.
STRANGE: You’re just full of surprises, Victor. Hopefully Strange surprises…
Insert laugh track.
INT. APARTMENT BATHROOM – EVENING
Doom stands in the bathroom, staring into the mirror. As he looks, a woman’s ghostly face appears. The woman looks anguished.
DOOM (talking to the face in the mirror): I will save you—I swear it. I will save your soul, Mother. No matter what it takes. Even if it means…even if it means climbing into the sack with...strange bedfellows.
END ACT ONE—APPLAUSE
(In the eight years since this was written, it has probably become too woke for the American mainstream to stomach. It's astonishing that we are getting LESS socially progressive as time passes. Even Dr. Doom is more enlightened than we are now, and he says words like "twaddle." Sigh.)
That said, I feel like Marvel really missed the boat here on a late-80s (or perhaps late 2010s) sitcom opportunity (I mean, who’s a better odd couple than these two?), so I’ve endeavored to remedy that failing with the pilot script below.
Networks and streamers—I’m willing to listen to offers. And I work cheap. Like, embarrassingly cheap. That gum you just spat out? Could totally have me for that. Anyway...
DOCTOR, DOCTOR
Season 1, Episode 1: “Strange Bedfellows”
DOCTOR, DOCTOR is filmed before a (mostly) live studio audience.
ACT ONE
INT. APARTMENT – EVENING
A tastefully but exotically decorated apartment, part Pottery Barn, part Hogwarts, on Manhattan’s Upper West Side. A handsome but serious and severe young man in his mid-twenties, VICTOR VON DOOM, sits at the kitchen table, his lips moving silently as he studies a massive leather-bound tome. His concentration is broken by the arrival of another handsome mid-twenties man, STEPHEN STRANGE, carefree and sporting an early-stage goatee.
STRANGE: Honey, I’m home.
Insert laugh track.
DOOM: Bah! Why do you always insist on spouting that hackneyed catchphrase every time you return from some fool errand?
STRANGE: Because they find it funny.
Strange winks knowingly at the audience. Insert laugh track.
DOOM: Who are you talking about? There is no one there! You are a madman!
STRANGE: Oh, am I?
Strange winks again at the audience. Insert laugh track. Again.
STRANGE: Anyway, what is it you’re failing to master today, Victor?
Doom scowls and closes his book.
DOOM: It is of no concern to you! Bah!
STRANGE: I’d offer to help, but I need to get ready—I’ve got a date.
DOOM: You waste your time with such trysts.
STRANGE: You’re just mad because such trysts won’t waste time with you.
Insert laugh track.
Cue theme song
One’s a handsome doctor of the medical variety
One’s an iron-fisted ruler of worldwide notoriety
They share an apartment on the Upper West Side
So they can go together on a mystical ride
One is shallow, one is deep
They split the rent because New York ain’t cheap
They’re not the best of friends and sometimes they like to fight
One’s an evil dictator; the other’s Tony Stark-lite
The sparks will surely fly when they’re in the same room
Oh, those wacky roommates, Doctor Strange and Doctor Doooooom!
INT. APARTMENT – EVENING
Doom is still sitting at the kitchen table, five empty coffee mugs spread around, head resting in his hand as he concentrates on the book he’s reading.
DOOM (muttering): Vector of the obtuse angle is equal to the hypotenuse of the—
A doorbell rings.
STRANGE (off-camera): Victor, be a dear and get the door, will you? I’m not quite finished making my toilet, as you Europeans might say.
DOOM (muttering again): I’ll make you INTO a toilet…my toilet…just need to find the right spell…
Doom opens the door, expecting to see Strange’s date for the evening. Instead, their neighbor from across the hall, SUSAN STORM, stands at the door. Susan is about the same age as Doom, blond, striking, and visibly upset.
DOOM: Susan!
Doom and Susan stand awkwardly for a moment.
SUSAN (sad, sniffling): Can I come in, Victor?
DOOM: Yes, yes, of course! Come in.
Doom moves aside and ushers Susan in, guiding her to a chair in the living room.
DOOM: Sit, please. I will get you some liquid refreshment.
SUSAN: Thank you, Victor.
Doom rushes to the kitchen to fetch a glass of water. He hands it to Susan, who takes it and drinks, offering Victor a grateful smile. We see Doom melt a little. Strange enters.
STRANGE: Ah, Suzy-Q! What brings you all the way across the hall to our humble abode? I refer only to the abode itself, of course, because more than fifty percent of its residents are exceedingly arrogant.
Doom scowls at Strange. Strange winks at him.
SUSAN: I need your help, Stephen. It’s…well, I need you to take a look at my Muffin.
STRANGE: I’m sorry, Suzy, but I’m just about to go on a date and even I draw the line at—
DOOM: Bah! She means her tiny dog, you fool!
Insert laugh track.
SUSAN (nodding): That’s right—she’s sick, Stephen. Can you examine her?
DOOM: You don’t need him! I will care for your ridiculously small canine.
SUSAN (gently): I appreciate that, Victor, but I thought I would ask Stephen because he’s…well, he’s…
STRANGE: A real doctor?
DOOM: I am a doctor as well!
STRANGE (snickering): Sure, Victor—those Ph.D.s will solve all of his problems. Maybe you can help Muffin with his organic chem homework.
Insert laugh track.
DOOM: Bah! With your wasted hands, you would be better served having Rictor perform surgery on the canine.
SUSAN: Huh?
STRANGE: I think, though I may be wrong, our friend Victor is trying to make a joke—you see, Ms. Storm, my hands were badly injured in a car accident and I can no longer perform surgery, so “Doctor” Doom was suggesting that a D-list superhero with earthquake-based powers, namely Rictor, would be more effective in operating on your dog. Jokes, you may have guessed, are not Victor’s strong suit.
Pause.
STRANGE: I might have gone with Michael J. Fox…
Insert laugh track.
Doom looks confused. Susan offers a disgusted sigh.
STRANGE: Too soon?
SUSAN: Forget it—I’ll just call Reed.
STRANGE: I’m sure “Mister Fantastic” will make everything all right with his super-stretchy—
Susan storms out, slamming the door behind her and drowning out Strange’s last word.
STRANGE: Well, that was fun. I need to finish getting ready.
DOOM: Are you planning to remove the tiny and poorly groomed rodent from your face before your date? I would recommend it, as I am given to understand that people do not usually enjoy rodents rubbing against their faces during the act of saliva exchange.
STRANGE: Rodent…?
Strange rubs his hand across his chin, feels his goatee, and grins.
STRANGE: That was actually pretty good, Victor. Maybe there’s hope for you after all.
Strange goes into the kitchen and looks in the sink. He sighs.
STRANGE: Dammit, Victor! You know you’re on dish duty this week.
Strange gestures toward a multicolored paper plate on the refrigerator.
STRANGE: Did you not look at the chore wheel?
DOOM: Bah! The wheel is rigged.
STRANGE: How dare you suggest that the assignation of chores is not entirely fair and random.
Strange spins the wheel.
STRANGE (muttering softly): Winds of Watoomb blow softly and with grace…make sure the wheel ends up in the right…place.
The wheel comes to a stop on a blue square.
STRANGE: Ah, see! “Be handsome.” That’s my chore for today. The wheel never lies.
DOOM: One day I will laugh over your broken corpse.
STRANGE: Well, until then, I need to finish getting ready for my date.
Strange moves off screen to return to the bathroom; Doom resumes studying.
DOOM (reading): Titration must be executed to the proper amount within 1000 parts per mL or the spell will—
There is a knock at the door. Victor glares malevolently at it.
DOOM: Doom will not brook further interruption!
Doom mutters the words of a spell and flings his left hand toward the door. An eldritch bolt of light shoots out and melts the doorknob.
Strange enters the room, surveys the situation, and shakes his head in frustration.
STRANGE: You know that Howard won’t come and fix our doorknob anymore, right? You were standing here when he told us that. When he told you that, really.
DOOM: Bah! I have Ph.D.s in physics, engineering, and biochemistry. Doom can fix a doorknob.
STRANGE: Well, you know what they say—you are what you fix…
Insert laugh track.
Strange approaches the door.
STRANGE: Who is it? I’d open the door, but we’re having a minor mechanical problem with it.
There is no answer. Strange and Doom look at each other. Both men nod slightly and prepare to conjure spells.
STRANGE: Be right with you…opening the door just now…
Strange yanks the door open, ripping it from its hinges, as he and Doom prepare to blast whoever is on the other side.
BRICK JONES, a handsome African-American man in his late-20s, stands in the hallway, looking sad.
STRANGE: Brick! You’re early. I’m…still getting dressed.
Strange looks down at his attire, which is a satin bathrobe and his red magical cape.
STRANGE: Though maybe I don’t need to get any more dressed than this…
Strange smiles wickedly at Brick.
BRICK: Look, Stephen…I’ve been thinking.
STRANGE: It’s never good when someone says that.
DOOM: Bah! I am always thinking.
STRANGE: Thank you for proving my point.
Insert laugh track.
BRICK: This just isn’t working.
STRANGE: This?
BRICK: This…us. This whole thing. I just can’t.
STRANGE: Why?
DOOM: Perhaps he does not enjoy having a rodent rubbed against his face.
Strange glares at Doom, who resumes studying at the table.
BRICK: It’s all this magic, man.
STRANGE: What about it?
BRICK: It’s too much. It’s freaking me out.
STRANGE: Why?
BRICK: Flying ghost snakes…tiny little demons…horny lady devils…I can’t deal with it, Stephen. It creeps me out, and I’m tired of worrying that every time my boyfriend goes to work, he’s going to get his soul eaten. Or have sex with a horny lady devil.
STRANGE: The Sorcerer Supreme does what the Sorcerer Supreme must do to protect the Earth. Even horny lady devils, if that’s what the job calls for.
Brick shakes his head.
BRICK: I’m sorry, Stephen—I really am. You’re an easy man to care about. Maybe even love. But I need something…something more normal. Not this.
Brick hugs Strange, who stands stiffly and does not return the hug.
BRICK: Goodbye, Stephen. Be safe.
Brick leaves and closes the door behind him. Strange stands staring at the door for a moment before walking over to the kitchen table and flopping down into the chair next to Doom. He sits silently, staring into space. Doom continues to study his book. Finally, Stephen lets out a long, slow breath and stands up.
STRANGE: Pancakes?
Doom looks up from his book.
DOOM: What are pancakes?
STRANGE: You don’t know what pancakes are?
DOOM: Is it not generally standard rhetorical practice to ask a question of someone when one does not know what someone is talking about?
STRANGE: Seriously? Are there no pancakes in Latveria?
Strange begins rummaging around the kitchen, getting out the ingredients for pancakes.
STRANGE: They’re light, golden, fluffy, flat little breakfast cakes that you top with butter, maple syrup, whipped cream, fruit…whatever you want.
DOOM: Like a Doomcrepe.
STRANGE: A Doomcrepe?
DOOM: You do not know what Doomcrepes are?
STRANGE: No. What’s a Doomcrepe?
DOOM: It is like a pancake, as you describe it. It is a traditional Latverian breakfast food.
STRANGE: And it’s named after you?
DOOM: It is named for my family. Everything in Latveria is named for the Von Dooms.
STRANGE: Toilets?
DOOM: Doombowls.
STRANGE: Chicken fingers?
DOOM: Doomnuggets.
STRANGE: Vibrators?
DOOM: We do not have such things in Latveria. Von Dooms properly satisfy their lovers.
Insert laugh track.
STRANGE: Touché.
Strange busies himself mixing up the ingredients for the pancakes while Doom yawns, stretches, and rises from his seat. Doom picks up a cup from the table and moves over to the kitchen sink to fill it with water. Just at that moment, Strange moves to drop an egg shell in the sink, and the two very nearly collide, ending up face-to-face just inches away from each other.
DOOM: You impede Doom's path to hydration!
Strange looks sad, almost on the verge of tears.
DOOM (softly): I am sorry, Stephen. About your friend. He does not understand the difficulties faced by one who would be Sorcerer Supreme. He is a lesser mind.
STRANGE (sniffling): I…thanks, Victor. It’s just…it’s hard.
Doom stares at Strange. It’s clear that there is tension between the two, and not just because Strange is preventing Doom from getting water.
DOOM: Yes. It is indeed…hard.
The two move closer, their lips very nearly touching.
STRANGE: I thought you had a thing for Sue Storm.
DOOM: I find Susan intoxicating.
STRANGE: Then….then what’s this all about?
Their lips very nearly brush together.
DOOM: Von Dooms are sexual omnivores.
STRANGE: Then maybe we should…
Doom pulls away.
DOOM: Bah! Doom must visit the doombowl. Stand aside, wizard.
Doom moves past Strange toward the bathroom, but stops and looks back.
DOOM: But perhaps…in the fullness of time.
Doom moves off screen, headed for the bathroom. Strange stands still for a moment, his gaze following Doom, both confused and intrigued.
STRANGE: You’re just full of surprises, Victor. Hopefully Strange surprises…
Insert laugh track.
INT. APARTMENT BATHROOM – EVENING
Doom stands in the bathroom, staring into the mirror. As he looks, a woman’s ghostly face appears. The woman looks anguished.
DOOM (talking to the face in the mirror): I will save you—I swear it. I will save your soul, Mother. No matter what it takes. Even if it means…even if it means climbing into the sack with...strange bedfellows.
END ACT ONE—APPLAUSE
(In the eight years since this was written, it has probably become too woke for the American mainstream to stomach. It's astonishing that we are getting LESS socially progressive as time passes. Even Dr. Doom is more enlightened than we are now, and he says words like "twaddle." Sigh.)
August 3, 2024
DOCTOR DOOM
vs
DOCTOR STRANGE
Well, sorta.
It's more of a team-up than anything else, but there's not much love lost between these two powerhouses. Especially not at first.
This was a pretty cool to read, and considering what happened in Secret Wars, it sort of helped put their relationship into perspective for me. Plus, (other than recently) this was one of the few times I'd seen them on the page together, so that in itself was interesting.
There are two parts to Triumph and Torment.
The first deals with a time-honored battle between the most powerful magic users on Earth for the title of Sorcerer Supreme.
The fight itself was pretty lame, especially by today's standards, and the way that Strange won just seemed cheesy. But maybe back in '89 it was cooler?
Then again, weren't we all cooler? <--NO.
The second half is the meaty part. Here's where you to the main plotline about Doctor Doom's mother, her deal with Mephisto (the devil for all intents and purposes), Victor's origin story, and how he basically arranged for everything to fall in place so that Stephen would have no choice but to help him rescue her soul from Hell.
Dude, you coulda just asked. Pretty sure you didn't need the complicated scheme ...
I say that, but actually, as his nefarious (or not!) plans unfold, it makes you sorta love Doom a little bit. When you get to look back on what all the guy did to save his mom?
*chokes up*
Hang on...
Anyway. It's an older comic, so take that into consideration, but I thought it held up pretty well. Plus, there's just not a lot of stuff with Strange in it, so if you've been looking around, this one is worth checking out.
Recommended.
vs
DOCTOR STRANGE
Well, sorta.
It's more of a team-up than anything else, but there's not much love lost between these two powerhouses. Especially not at first.
This was a pretty cool to read, and considering what happened in Secret Wars, it sort of helped put their relationship into perspective for me. Plus, (other than recently) this was one of the few times I'd seen them on the page together, so that in itself was interesting.
There are two parts to Triumph and Torment.
The first deals with a time-honored battle between the most powerful magic users on Earth for the title of Sorcerer Supreme.
The fight itself was pretty lame, especially by today's standards, and the way that Strange won just seemed cheesy. But maybe back in '89 it was cooler?
Then again, weren't we all cooler? <--NO.
The second half is the meaty part. Here's where you to the main plotline about Doctor Doom's mother, her deal with Mephisto (the devil for all intents and purposes), Victor's origin story, and how he basically arranged for everything to fall in place so that Stephen would have no choice but to help him rescue her soul from Hell.
Dude, you coulda just asked. Pretty sure you didn't need the complicated scheme ...
I say that, but actually, as his nefarious (or not!) plans unfold, it makes you sorta love Doom a little bit. When you get to look back on what all the guy did to save his mom?
*chokes up*
Hang on...
Anyway. It's an older comic, so take that into consideration, but I thought it held up pretty well. Plus, there's just not a lot of stuff with Strange in it, so if you've been looking around, this one is worth checking out.
Recommended.
July 15, 2016
Every Midsummer's Eve, Doctor Doom tries to rescue his mother's soul from hell and every year he fails. This time, he has Doctor Strange in tow. Will the two of them be successful? Let's find out!
Back in the day, I read a Fantastic Four annual in which Doctor Doom tried to use Franklin Richards against Mephisto to free the soul of his mother. When I found out about the existence of this graphic novel, I became intrigued... then forgot about it until a couple weeks ago.
The story starts out promisingly. Doctor Strange is summoned to the Temple of the Three where he battles other sorcerers for the title of Sorcerer Supreme and winds up forced to give Doctor Doom a boon. Strange instructs Doom in the magic arts for a few weeks and they head down to hell.
I'm happy to say that this graphic novel by Roger Stern and Mike Mignola does a great job standing the test of time. Stern's writing is way ahead of the curve for the time period and Mignola was heading down the artistic trail that would lead him to creating Hellboy years later. Mignola's hellish vistas resemble Steve Ditko's without being an outright copy and his depiction of Mephisto in his true form knocks the ball out of the park.
Triumph and Torment also had enough twists to keep it interesting, far from the two guys punching each other it could have easily devolved into.
Also contained in this volume were two stories containing seeds for this tale. One was from an issue of Astonishing Tales that depicted one of Doom's failed attempts to rescue his mother. The other was a Doctor Strange tale where Doctor Doom considered filling the vacancy left by Clea and becoming Strange's disciple. Neither were essential but gave the plot of the main story a little more depth. As opposed to the two Namor tales in the collection that had little to do with the story other than being drawn by Mignola.
Since I suspect a lot of people will be giving Doctor Strange a shot based on the upcoming Cumberbatch-fest, this would be a good tale to read to see Strange in his element. Four out of five stars.
Back in the day, I read a Fantastic Four annual in which Doctor Doom tried to use Franklin Richards against Mephisto to free the soul of his mother. When I found out about the existence of this graphic novel, I became intrigued... then forgot about it until a couple weeks ago.
The story starts out promisingly. Doctor Strange is summoned to the Temple of the Three where he battles other sorcerers for the title of Sorcerer Supreme and winds up forced to give Doctor Doom a boon. Strange instructs Doom in the magic arts for a few weeks and they head down to hell.
I'm happy to say that this graphic novel by Roger Stern and Mike Mignola does a great job standing the test of time. Stern's writing is way ahead of the curve for the time period and Mignola was heading down the artistic trail that would lead him to creating Hellboy years later. Mignola's hellish vistas resemble Steve Ditko's without being an outright copy and his depiction of Mephisto in his true form knocks the ball out of the park.
Triumph and Torment also had enough twists to keep it interesting, far from the two guys punching each other it could have easily devolved into.
Also contained in this volume were two stories containing seeds for this tale. One was from an issue of Astonishing Tales that depicted one of Doom's failed attempts to rescue his mother. The other was a Doctor Strange tale where Doctor Doom considered filling the vacancy left by Clea and becoming Strange's disciple. Neither were essential but gave the plot of the main story a little more depth. As opposed to the two Namor tales in the collection that had little to do with the story other than being drawn by Mignola.
Since I suspect a lot of people will be giving Doctor Strange a shot based on the upcoming Cumberbatch-fest, this would be a good tale to read to see Strange in his element. Four out of five stars.
April 24, 2017
“Greetings, Dr. Strange. I, Victor von Doom, have come to offer you an opportunity to assist me in a magical quest.”
“You must be mad, Doom. As the Sorcerer Supreme you know that I’d never use my powers to help a villain like you. I’ll see you in hell first!”
“Funny you should say that….”
Dr. Strange and Dr. Doom are summoned to a magical trial with some other contestants to determine who will be the next Sorcerer Supreme. Strange walks away with the title, but Doom wins the right to make a request of him. Doom wants help in freeing his mother’s soul from Mephisto which means going to Hades and fighting the devil himself on his home turf. Hilarity ensues.
This one started out with two strikes against it with me. First, it was written back in the late ‘80s so I knew going in it’d probably seem somewhat dated. Second, I’m not a fan of Mike Mignola’s art. However, I was pleasantly surprised by this.
While the dialogue is very overblown and comic booky it actually kinda works when you’re dealing with a couple of verbose characters like Strange and Doom. Teaming up a hero with one of Marvel’s worst baddies adds a fun mismatched partners dynamic like you find in a good buddy action movie. The story itself is pretty strong and the battle between them and Mephisto features some really clever twists in the way it uses as magic and plays with the idea that Doom will almost certainly betray Strange to save his mother’s soul.
I also liked it because I generally find Doom to be a hoot because he is just such an unbelievably arrogant jerk, but this manages to add a tragic dimension to the character. By the end you feel almost bad for the guy.
“You must be mad, Doom. As the Sorcerer Supreme you know that I’d never use my powers to help a villain like you. I’ll see you in hell first!”
“Funny you should say that….”
Dr. Strange and Dr. Doom are summoned to a magical trial with some other contestants to determine who will be the next Sorcerer Supreme. Strange walks away with the title, but Doom wins the right to make a request of him. Doom wants help in freeing his mother’s soul from Mephisto which means going to Hades and fighting the devil himself on his home turf. Hilarity ensues.
This one started out with two strikes against it with me. First, it was written back in the late ‘80s so I knew going in it’d probably seem somewhat dated. Second, I’m not a fan of Mike Mignola’s art. However, I was pleasantly surprised by this.
While the dialogue is very overblown and comic booky it actually kinda works when you’re dealing with a couple of verbose characters like Strange and Doom. Teaming up a hero with one of Marvel’s worst baddies adds a fun mismatched partners dynamic like you find in a good buddy action movie. The story itself is pretty strong and the battle between them and Mephisto features some really clever twists in the way it uses as magic and plays with the idea that Doom will almost certainly betray Strange to save his mother’s soul.
I also liked it because I generally find Doom to be a hoot because he is just such an unbelievably arrogant jerk, but this manages to add a tragic dimension to the character. By the end you feel almost bad for the guy.
July 25, 2023
Best Marvel Team-Up ever!
Almost 30 years old, painted by a young and still unknown Mike Mignola, this Roger Stern's Marvel Graphic Novel really aged well for good.
A great tale of magic, damnation and redemption. A descent to hell and back of two arrogant characters whose pride is second only to the one of Mephisto, the Prince of Lies.
A quest to save the immortal soul of Cynthia Von Doom, Victor's mother.
An origin story and maybe the best one of the two most famous doctors of Marvel and pop culture (Dr Jones? Dr Who? Who are them?).
Still one of my most fan favourite comic reads ever.
A real masterwork.
January 16, 2025
Back in the 80's, Marvel used to create the occasional stand alone graphic novel. This one is from 1988 and still holds up pretty well today. Doctors Strange and Doom are summoned to a mystic temple to battle it out for the title of Sorcerer Supreme along with a bunch of other magicians. The battle is a bit cheesy but out of it Dr. Strange owes Doom a boon. Each year Doom battles Mephisto for his mother's soul on Midsummer's Eve. So after a training montage complete with an 80's soundtrack, Strange and Doom descend into Hell to rescue the soul of Doom's mommy. This is where the book gets really good. Mignola was made to draw hellish creatures. (Four years later, he'd create Hellboy and start his own cottage industry of comics.) Mephisto looks menacing and evil. You can feel the heat of Hell come off the pages. All in all it's just great stuff as Strange and Doom battle and attempt to outwit Mephisto.
March 3, 2017
Sadly not exactly a household name these days, even among comicbook readers, Roger Stern is the reason I’m hooked on superhero books. Waaaay back in 1982, our paperboy accidentally delivered a copy of The Amazing Spider-Man to our house instead of my Scooby Doo comic (I was seven at the time). My mum was gearing up to go to the newsagent and complain but I’d already read the comic and fallen in love with Spidey. I asked her to cancel my Scooby Doo comic and replace it with The Amazing Spider-Man. If she’d have known I’d still be reading The Amazing Spider-Man thirty five years later, I’m pretty sure she’d have said no. That first issue of Amazing? Written by Roger Stern… so it’s all HIS fault.
Anyway, blast from the past aside, Mr. Stern delivers the goods again in this Dr. Strange/Dr. Doom team-up book. This graphic novel (and it is actually a graphic novel, rather than a collection of previously published issues) tells the tale of how Stephen Strange won the title of Sorcerer Supreme and has more magical shenanigans going on than you can shake the Wand of Watoomb at. I’m not a huge Dr. Strange fan but this is a solid story well told and it also features everybody’s favourite villain (everybody who hasn’t seen any of the Fantastic Four movies anyway) Dr. Doom! When he’s not being pointlessly ruined by movie makers, Doom is one of the most engaging, fleshed-out and downright eeeevilll bad guys Lee and Kirby ever devised and he’s on top form in this book.
Stern builds upon the work of Stan and Jack (and John Byrne) in further expanding Doom’s origins.
The artwork’s pretty damned (pun intended) good, too. This was released in 1989, so there was still four years to go before Mike Mignola would unleash Hellboy on the world, but his work here is still excellent. You can see hints of what’s to come here, mainly in his fantastic sense of composition, but there are still aspects of his earlier influences on display here, mainly John Buscema and Jack Kirby but, if I’m not mistaken, even a few traces of Mike Zeck here and there. The other reason this doesn’t look exactly like the Mignola work we’ve come to know in Hellboy is because Mike’s only doing the pencils on this book. He’s being inked and coloured by Mark Badger, who does a pretty good job but is doing what all Mignola’s early inkers tried to do, namely make his rather unique drawing style adhere more closely to what superhero comic art was ‘supposed to’ look like at the time. It still looks pretty good, but I’d love to see a re-release of this book with Mignola inking his own pencils, with colours by Dave Stewart. I know, I know… never gonna happen.
Overall, this is a really solid read and I recommend it to fans of either doctor.
Anyway, blast from the past aside, Mr. Stern delivers the goods again in this Dr. Strange/Dr. Doom team-up book. This graphic novel (and it is actually a graphic novel, rather than a collection of previously published issues) tells the tale of how Stephen Strange won the title of Sorcerer Supreme and has more magical shenanigans going on than you can shake the Wand of Watoomb at. I’m not a huge Dr. Strange fan but this is a solid story well told and it also features everybody’s favourite villain (everybody who hasn’t seen any of the Fantastic Four movies anyway) Dr. Doom! When he’s not being pointlessly ruined by movie makers, Doom is one of the most engaging, fleshed-out and downright eeeevilll bad guys Lee and Kirby ever devised and he’s on top form in this book.
Stern builds upon the work of Stan and Jack (and John Byrne) in further expanding Doom’s origins.
The artwork’s pretty damned (pun intended) good, too. This was released in 1989, so there was still four years to go before Mike Mignola would unleash Hellboy on the world, but his work here is still excellent. You can see hints of what’s to come here, mainly in his fantastic sense of composition, but there are still aspects of his earlier influences on display here, mainly John Buscema and Jack Kirby but, if I’m not mistaken, even a few traces of Mike Zeck here and there. The other reason this doesn’t look exactly like the Mignola work we’ve come to know in Hellboy is because Mike’s only doing the pencils on this book. He’s being inked and coloured by Mark Badger, who does a pretty good job but is doing what all Mignola’s early inkers tried to do, namely make his rather unique drawing style adhere more closely to what superhero comic art was ‘supposed to’ look like at the time. It still looks pretty good, but I’d love to see a re-release of this book with Mignola inking his own pencils, with colours by Dave Stewart. I know, I know… never gonna happen.
Overall, this is a really solid read and I recommend it to fans of either doctor.
January 30, 2015
***This is the second of my "Green Theme" Buddy Reads with the Shallow Readers, criteria being: well Dr. Doom’s entire wardrobe is green.***
Firstly I got this only for Mike Mignola’s art but was pleasantly surprised with the wordsmithing Roger Stern provides. Speaking of the art it’s not quite as polished as his later Hellboy work but it’s still pretty great considering the time period (here’s a sample).
I know what you’re thinking what in the Holy Hoggoth would make these two polar opposites teamup? Actually the reason is very well done (i.e. Dr. Doom is a huge mommy’s boy) and I found it pretty compelling. Also I’m not terrible familiar with either character so I did like that both characters had condensed origins so it’s very new reader friendly. My only complaint about the main story is the conflict did seem to be resolved a bit quick considering how powerful Mephisto is.
Also included in my trade were a few classic tales featuring Dr. Doom and/or Dr. Strange that came off a bit dated but weren’t a total grind to read.
If you enjoy the mystical side of the Marvel U or just looking for some early Mignola art give this a go.
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June 22, 2018
Thanks to Anne and Dan, my two Goodreads buddies with the master plan, for recommending this one to me!
This isn't just a great story with fantastic art (it very much is), but it is also an important story. It gives Doom a bit more personality than "DOOM NEEDS NO PERSONALITY!" and a bit more humanity than...none. It also reinforces what a good ruler he is. There have been Doom stories in the past that went to show that if he did indeed end up ruling the world, it would actually be one of the world's best possible futures. This story played into that by showing how beloved he was by his own people.
I also want to point out that the main villain in this one, Mephisto, was a genuinely scary villain--which is something that comics rarely achieve. When he kicks the crap out of Strange and Doom in hell, and is seen towering over them, you can physically feel how much shit our heroes have gotten themselves into.
This isn't just a great story with fantastic art (it very much is), but it is also an important story. It gives Doom a bit more personality than "DOOM NEEDS NO PERSONALITY!" and a bit more humanity than...none. It also reinforces what a good ruler he is. There have been Doom stories in the past that went to show that if he did indeed end up ruling the world, it would actually be one of the world's best possible futures. This story played into that by showing how beloved he was by his own people.
I also want to point out that the main villain in this one, Mephisto, was a genuinely scary villain--which is something that comics rarely achieve. When he kicks the crap out of Strange and Doom in hell, and is seen towering over them, you can physically feel how much shit our heroes have gotten themselves into.
March 22, 2015
Does anyone wonder what their young mother looks like naked, kneeling before the prince of hell? Neither do I, but apparently Doom has thought enough about it that his manservant Boris can conjure a fantastically detailed mental image of this very fact for Dr. Strange. Bravo?
Holy hell does this story jump from plot idea to plot idea quickly. An origin-of-Doom's-magical-powers, a new ancient mystic, a quest among the greatest magicians...a boon to Doom? Then some great origin (re)tellings, and a colourful series of battles on the planes of Hell.
This classic tale of Doom and Strange teaming up to battle Mephisto for the chance to release Doom's mother from Hell...quite a storytelling challenge, and a fascinating snapshot of some of the silly bombastic dialogue from the 80's. In that, this book is great - even now, the bombast suits most of the players - not only the villain and the "heroes", but this Aged Ghengis and a few of the bit players too.
I don't usually like the Grand Pronouncements style of attacking every empty corner of the panels, inflating the drama with the great cymbal clashes of Plot Details. This story is a product of its times, but maybe because Doom is ALWAYS an arrogant ass, and Strange ain't no Empathetic Edgar either, it gets easier to breeze through and ride the insanity to the end.
Yes there's a little visual insanity (or better, imagination) to carry these ambitious asses to their goals too - not quite Kirby or anyone paired with Morrison, but some little treats - and subtle touches too. Mignola is definitely at the start of his career, so it doesn't always work, but Mark Badger lays down some pretty pretty colours to make sure the acid is working.
Rest of the book are background tales ripped from Marvel's archives, good enough. Skimmed them.
This is a classic tale - something you should know about Doom - but not necessarily something you should spend big money to get your hands on. More like if you see it in a friends' collection, borrow the hell out of it.
Holy hell does this story jump from plot idea to plot idea quickly. An origin-of-Doom's-magical-powers, a new ancient mystic, a quest among the greatest magicians...a boon to Doom? Then some great origin (re)tellings, and a colourful series of battles on the planes of Hell.
This classic tale of Doom and Strange teaming up to battle Mephisto for the chance to release Doom's mother from Hell...quite a storytelling challenge, and a fascinating snapshot of some of the silly bombastic dialogue from the 80's. In that, this book is great - even now, the bombast suits most of the players - not only the villain and the "heroes", but this Aged Ghengis and a few of the bit players too.
I don't usually like the Grand Pronouncements style of attacking every empty corner of the panels, inflating the drama with the great cymbal clashes of Plot Details. This story is a product of its times, but maybe because Doom is ALWAYS an arrogant ass, and Strange ain't no Empathetic Edgar either, it gets easier to breeze through and ride the insanity to the end.
Yes there's a little visual insanity (or better, imagination) to carry these ambitious asses to their goals too - not quite Kirby or anyone paired with Morrison, but some little treats - and subtle touches too. Mignola is definitely at the start of his career, so it doesn't always work, but Mark Badger lays down some pretty pretty colours to make sure the acid is working.
Rest of the book are background tales ripped from Marvel's archives, good enough. Skimmed them.
This is a classic tale - something you should know about Doom - but not necessarily something you should spend big money to get your hands on. More like if you see it in a friends' collection, borrow the hell out of it.
April 10, 2016
The main focus of this book, two story arcs that focus on Doctor Strange and Doctor Doom, are magnificent. Written by Roger Stern and Bill Mantlo, and drawn by legendary artists Mike Mignola and Kevin Nowlan, you'd be hard pressed to find a better example of who these two characters are, and why they are so beloved by two generations (at least) of readers. Even though these stories were written in the mid and late 80s, they evoke the very best elements of Marvel's Silver Age in the 70s.
Still, I'm only giving it 4 out of 5 stars, because a decision was made to include two Sub-Mariner stories to pad out the book. The only good thing I can say for these stories is that Mignola's pencils are sensational. The writing, though, is boring, demonstrative, and in one case profoundly sexist. These two stories add nothing to the book but pages, and should have been left out. If anything, they remind us why we love Strange and Doom, and why Namor is such a forgettable character, clearly created to give the Marvel stable its Aquaman.
Oh, and if you're a fan of Strange, but you haven't read Neil Gaiman's 1602, you really should.
Still, I'm only giving it 4 out of 5 stars, because a decision was made to include two Sub-Mariner stories to pad out the book. The only good thing I can say for these stories is that Mignola's pencils are sensational. The writing, though, is boring, demonstrative, and in one case profoundly sexist. These two stories add nothing to the book but pages, and should have been left out. If anything, they remind us why we love Strange and Doom, and why Namor is such a forgettable character, clearly created to give the Marvel stable its Aquaman.
Oh, and if you're a fan of Strange, but you haven't read Neil Gaiman's 1602, you really should.
November 19, 2013
Roger Stern & Bill Mantlo - writers
Mike Mignola & Kevin Nowlan - illustrators
First there is a mystical contest among the best sorcerers in the world to determine who shall have the title of Sorcerer Supreme! The Dr. Strange agrees to help Dr. Doom on his yearly quest to save his mother's soul from Hell! But Dr. Doom is ever untrustworthy, and certainly has some treachery planned.
Overall solid story with interesting art about two Doctor's adventures in hell. Also contains a couple older stories about Dr. Strange and the Defenders.
3.5/5
Mike Mignola & Kevin Nowlan - illustrators
First there is a mystical contest among the best sorcerers in the world to determine who shall have the title of Sorcerer Supreme! The Dr. Strange agrees to help Dr. Doom on his yearly quest to save his mother's soul from Hell! But Dr. Doom is ever untrustworthy, and certainly has some treachery planned.
Overall solid story with interesting art about two Doctor's adventures in hell. Also contains a couple older stories about Dr. Strange and the Defenders.
3.5/5
May 11, 2016
Doctor Doom and Doctor Strange team up to save the soul of Doom's mother from eternal torment. Cool. It makes sense of the two characters to meet, considering their overlapping interest in sorcery. And one of the things about Doom as a character that interests me is his prowess as both scientist and sorcerer, something that I don't think other Marvel characters share. Reed Richards is no more likely to cast a spell than Stephen Strange is to program a robot, but Doom could do either with relative ease. Stern easily delivers on a very promising concept.
Now, this book is 35 years old, and in some ways it reads and looks that way. But it's solid writing and solid art that's minimally dated, aging much better than most of its contemporaries. It feels much more fresh than, say, Chris Claremont's writing from the same time. The plotting could maybe be tighter, but it does reflect the amount of exposition required to explain Doom's situation and the complexity of his plans. He desperately wants to help his mother, but is only willing to enlist aid on his own terms, and I really liked that.
I've been on the lookout for good Doctor Strange stories in advance of the movie, and this one held up beautifully. Maybe not the best and easiest early primer on the character, but a great read in any event.
Now, this book is 35 years old, and in some ways it reads and looks that way. But it's solid writing and solid art that's minimally dated, aging much better than most of its contemporaries. It feels much more fresh than, say, Chris Claremont's writing from the same time. The plotting could maybe be tighter, but it does reflect the amount of exposition required to explain Doom's situation and the complexity of his plans. He desperately wants to help his mother, but is only willing to enlist aid on his own terms, and I really liked that.
I've been on the lookout for good Doctor Strange stories in advance of the movie, and this one held up beautifully. Maybe not the best and easiest early primer on the character, but a great read in any event.
June 7, 2012
I always like it when a hero is teamed up with a villain for a mutual cause and this early Marvel graphic novel delivered in spades.
The story essentially teams Dr. Strange with Dr. Doom in a fight against the hordes of hades and their dreaded "king" Mephisto.
Roger Stern is on top of his game mixing in the origin of Doom along with a glimpse of Strange's origin to boot. Stern is on top of his game again giving voice to Doom and making Doom even more three dimensional as both a villain and in a way a tragic hero.
Mike Mignola provides some great early career art work here as well and creates some truly wicked demons in Mephisto's realm. Mark Badger provides wonderful inks and colors as well.
The book came out in 1989 and could very well have come out today. It seems more Doom's story then Strange's but the story works and is always an enjoyable read to visit and re-visit.
The story essentially teams Dr. Strange with Dr. Doom in a fight against the hordes of hades and their dreaded "king" Mephisto.
Roger Stern is on top of his game mixing in the origin of Doom along with a glimpse of Strange's origin to boot. Stern is on top of his game again giving voice to Doom and making Doom even more three dimensional as both a villain and in a way a tragic hero.
Mike Mignola provides some great early career art work here as well and creates some truly wicked demons in Mephisto's realm. Mark Badger provides wonderful inks and colors as well.
The book came out in 1989 and could very well have come out today. It seems more Doom's story then Strange's but the story works and is always an enjoyable read to visit and re-visit.
October 19, 2016
A fantastic telling of Doctor Doom's origin and his pursuit to free his mother's soul from the Devil. The ending was unexpected and showcased the genius of Doom perfectly!
September 26, 2013
I was really looking forward to reading this, but unfortunately I didn't enjoy it as much as I'd have liked. Doctor Strange is mostly sidelined in favour of stroking Doom's ego, and that's the last thing he needs. This does explore his character very well though, so I guess it's worth it for that, but it is a very lopsided team-up story. The book gets infinitely better in the later half once the pair descend into Hell, where Mike Mignola's art really comes into play - it's not that impressive in the first half, being mostly just blotchy and unrefined, but it's definitely better when capturing the intensities of Hell.
May 18, 2022
Increíble todo lo que se puede contar en apenas 80 páginas de novela gráfica. Roger Stern y Mike Mignola hacen equipo al igual que Doctor Muerte y Doctor Extraño para construir una historia repleta de magia, fuerzas demoniacas y tramas redentoras.
El viejo Genghis convoca un peculiar torneo de magia, que tiene lugar cada siglo, entre todos los grandes Hechiceros. Esto unirá el destino del Doctor Muerte y el Doctor Extraño, que viajaran hasta el infierno para desafiar a Mefisto.
Un guion bastante redondo que sirve para perfilar el retrato más intimo del monarca de Latveria y disfrutar del viaje a los dominios de Mefisto con brujeriles batallas. El estilo de Mignola, más cercano aquí a Kirby, brilla al máximo cuando visitamos estos dominios.
Una novela gráfica muy disfrutable para todo seguir del Doctor Extraño y de los cómics Marvel en general. Se sube a mi top de favoritos desde ya.
El viejo Genghis convoca un peculiar torneo de magia, que tiene lugar cada siglo, entre todos los grandes Hechiceros. Esto unirá el destino del Doctor Muerte y el Doctor Extraño, que viajaran hasta el infierno para desafiar a Mefisto.
Un guion bastante redondo que sirve para perfilar el retrato más intimo del monarca de Latveria y disfrutar del viaje a los dominios de Mefisto con brujeriles batallas. El estilo de Mignola, más cercano aquí a Kirby, brilla al máximo cuando visitamos estos dominios.
Una novela gráfica muy disfrutable para todo seguir del Doctor Extraño y de los cómics Marvel en general. Se sube a mi top de favoritos desde ya.
July 24, 2021
I've had a fascination with Doctor Strange ever since I was a kid sneaking peeks at the Marvel comics of various friends when I wasn't under the watchful eye of my parents who did not approve. Once I went to college and started to buy comics for myself, Doctor Strange was one I tried and found myself still intrigued, but also kind of disappointed. I think he was always weirder in my head than ever on the printed page, and the incantations ended up seeming kind of silly. That's still the case now, with this book full of bombastic dialog and portentous posing, but somehow I still enjoy it sheer ridiculousness of it all. This book has an absurd grandeur with densely colorful art and lots of magical bolts flying from hand (or gauntlets). The best thing to do is just revel in it.
September 11, 2021
Doctor Strange and Doctor Doom are two names one would not expect teaming up together. But here they are. The unlikely duo team-up against Mephisto, himself to free the soul of Doom's mother.
Roger Stern has conjured an incredibly exciting story, and added depth to the titular characters. Mike Mignola's artwork is in its incipient stage, but it's still amazing.
Triumph and Torment is a must read for the fans of either character.
Roger Stern has conjured an incredibly exciting story, and added depth to the titular characters. Mike Mignola's artwork is in its incipient stage, but it's still amazing.
Triumph and Torment is a must read for the fans of either character.
February 10, 2016
Very good story. Doc Strange and Dr Doom are like two sides of a coin but of very different views. Very good art and story. Very recommended
February 6, 2024
4.2/5.0
Watching Doctor Doom being brought to one of his most humane acts was a different, but pleasurable experience in this story. This also has only built the anticipation for the devil that is Mephisto even more for the MCU... if we ever happen to get that.
Watching Doctor Doom being brought to one of his most humane acts was a different, but pleasurable experience in this story. This also has only built the anticipation for the devil that is Mephisto even more for the MCU... if we ever happen to get that.
April 23, 2022
A journey into hell brings the best out of Marvel's best characters
Strange: Von Doom, if you have worked so long for your mother's salvation, why did you subject yourself to the contest of the Vishanti… …why did you not simply seek me out and ask for my help?
Von Doom: I will bear any ordeal, Strange… but Doctor Doom does not beg. Good Night.
After enduring a grueling mystical tournament organized by the Vishanti, Dr. Strange emerges victorious, and he is declared Sorcerer Supreme. The catch: The Sorcerer Supreme must give the prize to the other sorcerer who endured the challenge, and that is Doctor Doom. Strange is furious and refuses the demands of the Vishanti, citing that Doom is a dictator and a villain. But Doom has only one request from Strange: help him rescue the soul of his mother from Mephisto's realm. Strange sees this as a noble effort and complies. They travel to Latveria to prepare. During that time, Strange learns of the creepy and tragic events that led to Doom's mother being imprisoned in the underworld. But what horrors await these two in the demon underworld? And can Strange put his trust in the notorious Doom?
When people enumerate what they think are the best comics around, they usually spout the same books: Watchmen, Maus, 100 bullets, classic Stan Lee with whoever runs, etc. Doctor Strange, Doctor Doom: Triumph and Torment belongs in that list.
Reasons:
1. Doom and Strange have ample opportunity to shine and be their very best. Roger Stern, one of the leading experts on Marvel Continuity, knows and augments the personality of each character well. Strange's best qualities are on display: humble, optimistic, and introspective while Doom is ever cocky (but assured), focused, arrogant, and devious. Also, we are used to seeing Dr. Doom operate under his megalomaniac tendencies; how many times have we seen him defending something personal and dear to him?
Doom's mystical prowess is also discussed and elaborated on, especially the fact that he was into sorcery even before his fateful encounter with Reed Richards. We rarely see him use his training in spells and magic in regular Fantastic Four comics. (except for that scene where Doom was ah comic fans know) In this TPB, he gets to display his talent for the mystic arts, and it is a reminder of how good Doom is in any field.
If you only knew these characters from their respective movies, then be prepared to be introduced to their best incarnations.
2. The combination of action, horror, and drama is top-notch. Marvel "action" is seen in the early battles, complete with colorful displays of mystical power. The proceedings soon turn dark with the revelation of the fate of Doom's mother (a mini-horror tale in itself). The journey into Mephisto's underworld, however, is where these elements interplay beautifully; Doom's technology and Strange's mystic arts do battle with ALL the forces of darkness of Mephisto (including those pesky morale-diminishing illusion demons). Oh, and the art by Mike Mignola. (yeah, you know him)
3. There are a lot of strong themes on display here, and it goes beyond "good and evil" shenanigans. For one, there is the theme of trusting your worst enemy for the greater good. Strange is probably aware of the many times collaborations with Doom ended with treachery and betrayal, and yet he still strives to help the desperate villain. This conflict rears its ugly head later in the story as they face Mephisto. Also, the tale of Doom's mother touches on the ole Devil's Bargain dilemma and mixes it with righteous vengeance. And of course, the Devil wins.
But as they say, the proof of the pudding is in the eating. If you don't believe me, then read it for yourself. And be prepared to witness a great Marvel tale.
Strange: Von Doom, if you have worked so long for your mother's salvation, why did you subject yourself to the contest of the Vishanti… …why did you not simply seek me out and ask for my help?
Von Doom: I will bear any ordeal, Strange… but Doctor Doom does not beg. Good Night.
After enduring a grueling mystical tournament organized by the Vishanti, Dr. Strange emerges victorious, and he is declared Sorcerer Supreme. The catch: The Sorcerer Supreme must give the prize to the other sorcerer who endured the challenge, and that is Doctor Doom. Strange is furious and refuses the demands of the Vishanti, citing that Doom is a dictator and a villain. But Doom has only one request from Strange: help him rescue the soul of his mother from Mephisto's realm. Strange sees this as a noble effort and complies. They travel to Latveria to prepare. During that time, Strange learns of the creepy and tragic events that led to Doom's mother being imprisoned in the underworld. But what horrors await these two in the demon underworld? And can Strange put his trust in the notorious Doom?
When people enumerate what they think are the best comics around, they usually spout the same books: Watchmen, Maus, 100 bullets, classic Stan Lee with whoever runs, etc. Doctor Strange, Doctor Doom: Triumph and Torment belongs in that list.
Reasons:
1. Doom and Strange have ample opportunity to shine and be their very best. Roger Stern, one of the leading experts on Marvel Continuity, knows and augments the personality of each character well. Strange's best qualities are on display: humble, optimistic, and introspective while Doom is ever cocky (but assured), focused, arrogant, and devious. Also, we are used to seeing Dr. Doom operate under his megalomaniac tendencies; how many times have we seen him defending something personal and dear to him?
Doom's mystical prowess is also discussed and elaborated on, especially the fact that he was into sorcery even before his fateful encounter with Reed Richards. We rarely see him use his training in spells and magic in regular Fantastic Four comics. (except for that scene where Doom was ah comic fans know) In this TPB, he gets to display his talent for the mystic arts, and it is a reminder of how good Doom is in any field.
If you only knew these characters from their respective movies, then be prepared to be introduced to their best incarnations.
2. The combination of action, horror, and drama is top-notch. Marvel "action" is seen in the early battles, complete with colorful displays of mystical power. The proceedings soon turn dark with the revelation of the fate of Doom's mother (a mini-horror tale in itself). The journey into Mephisto's underworld, however, is where these elements interplay beautifully; Doom's technology and Strange's mystic arts do battle with ALL the forces of darkness of Mephisto (including those pesky morale-diminishing illusion demons). Oh, and the art by Mike Mignola. (yeah, you know him)
3. There are a lot of strong themes on display here, and it goes beyond "good and evil" shenanigans. For one, there is the theme of trusting your worst enemy for the greater good. Strange is probably aware of the many times collaborations with Doom ended with treachery and betrayal, and yet he still strives to help the desperate villain. This conflict rears its ugly head later in the story as they face Mephisto. Also, the tale of Doom's mother touches on the ole Devil's Bargain dilemma and mixes it with righteous vengeance. And of course, the Devil wins.
But as they say, the proof of the pudding is in the eating. If you don't believe me, then read it for yourself. And be prepared to witness a great Marvel tale.
January 23, 2015
This is, quite frankly, a stupendous compendium. If more classic Marvel comics were treated like this, the world would be a better place.
Firstly, the title story: Triumph and Torment. Originally published as part of the Marvel Graphic Novel line, this is fantastic comic story. Mike Mignola had really come together by the time this was released (1989) and his illustrations of demons and sorcerors are beautiful. Stern does a great job with the story, although it is still a 1980s Marvel comic, so look out for some Claremont-esque purple prose but it's not too glaring considering this is about Dr. Strange and Dr. Doom, two of the most melodramatic of Marvel's roster, so it actually works.
Marvel could have stopped there but they didn't (shout out to Jennifer Grunwald, who edited this collection together). Instead, you also get several more classic comics. There's a Dr. Doom story from Astonishing Tales #8, the impetus for Triumph and Torment, in which the concept of his annual fight for his mother's soul. There's Doctor Strange #57, which may be one of the few weak points, as it wasn't a particularly interesting story from Stern but does have a brief scene in which Doom considers being Strange's disciple.
And just because, they also included two Mignola illustrated Namor tales from Marvel Fanfare #16 and #43, never before reprinted, written by Mignola's frequent early collaborator, the great Bill Mantlo.
This is pretty much a must have for Mike Mignola fans but it's also simply a great story involving Strange, Doom and occult fun.
Firstly, the title story: Triumph and Torment. Originally published as part of the Marvel Graphic Novel line, this is fantastic comic story. Mike Mignola had really come together by the time this was released (1989) and his illustrations of demons and sorcerors are beautiful. Stern does a great job with the story, although it is still a 1980s Marvel comic, so look out for some Claremont-esque purple prose but it's not too glaring considering this is about Dr. Strange and Dr. Doom, two of the most melodramatic of Marvel's roster, so it actually works.
Marvel could have stopped there but they didn't (shout out to Jennifer Grunwald, who edited this collection together). Instead, you also get several more classic comics. There's a Dr. Doom story from Astonishing Tales #8, the impetus for Triumph and Torment, in which the concept of his annual fight for his mother's soul. There's Doctor Strange #57, which may be one of the few weak points, as it wasn't a particularly interesting story from Stern but does have a brief scene in which Doom considers being Strange's disciple.
And just because, they also included two Mignola illustrated Namor tales from Marvel Fanfare #16 and #43, never before reprinted, written by Mignola's frequent early collaborator, the great Bill Mantlo.
This is pretty much a must have for Mike Mignola fans but it's also simply a great story involving Strange, Doom and occult fun.
November 3, 2016
I read this as part of research for a Doctor Strange stories you should read article I recently wrote and out of all the stories I read this was one of my favourite.
While it's a Doctor Strange story, it's equally a Doctor Doom one too as it digs deeper into his past and motivations in a way that has never been before. Doom has always been a cool super-villain, but Triumph and Torment is the first time I have ever felt empathy for him. That's an impressive feat considering he's selfish, condescending and overall a pretty bad dude.
Mike Mignola's art is impressive too. I'm used to his current style through his work on Hellboy and other creator-owned series of his, but this particular style is great too look at too. It's got shades of Frank Miller and is more European leading than the general superhero comics of the time. The watercoloured colours are great too and partner with his loose line-work well.
It's not long read, but it definitely is an enjoyable one. If you're looking for a solid story featuring Doctor Doom or Doctor Strange this one should be high on your list.
While it's a Doctor Strange story, it's equally a Doctor Doom one too as it digs deeper into his past and motivations in a way that has never been before. Doom has always been a cool super-villain, but Triumph and Torment is the first time I have ever felt empathy for him. That's an impressive feat considering he's selfish, condescending and overall a pretty bad dude.
Mike Mignola's art is impressive too. I'm used to his current style through his work on Hellboy and other creator-owned series of his, but this particular style is great too look at too. It's got shades of Frank Miller and is more European leading than the general superhero comics of the time. The watercoloured colours are great too and partner with his loose line-work well.
It's not long read, but it definitely is an enjoyable one. If you're looking for a solid story featuring Doctor Doom or Doctor Strange this one should be high on your list.
September 24, 2016
Doctor Strange and Doctor Doom travel to the underworld and back whooping all kinds of ass along the way. The setup to get Strange and Doom together is a bit disconnected from the meat of the story but fun to read nonetheless. Outside of that the plot was great and really explores Dr. Doom in a way I haven't seen before.
Plus all of the art in the underworld is just fantastic:
Essential reading to any Doom fan.
Plus all of the art in the underworld is just fantastic:
Essential reading to any Doom fan.
June 1, 2015
Great main story, and excellent collection. Roger Stern and Mike Mignola have put together one of the best team-up,books out there, with Dr Doom and Dr Strange taking on Mephisto. A ton of ideas are well written and drawn, adding up to a great story. The GN also has some extra back up,stories, including an excellent reprint from Stern on Dr Stranges monthly, plus some early Mignola backups and some pin ups. A very strong collection, a great read.
March 27, 2015
Let's see... Mignola drawing Dr. Strange: sounds great.
Mignola drawing Dr Doom do sorcerous things added on: even better.
The two Doctors team up to save Doom's mother from Mephisto and again, all drawn by Mike Mignola: I can go for that, yeah sure, sign me up.
Totally lived up to the billing. And I don't wanna sell Roger Stern short, he made the kind of story for which Mignola was made.
Mignola drawing Dr Doom do sorcerous things added on: even better.
The two Doctors team up to save Doom's mother from Mephisto and again, all drawn by Mike Mignola: I can go for that, yeah sure, sign me up.
Totally lived up to the billing. And I don't wanna sell Roger Stern short, he made the kind of story for which Mignola was made.
November 29, 2018
This was my first Doctor Strange graphic novel, but also my first Doctor Doom one too, and I have to say I loved it. The story follows Doctor Strange as he is summoned to the Temple of the Triumph where he battles other mages for the title of Sorcerer Supreme. He wins, but with that comes with a task of helping Doctor Doom with anything he orders him to do. This becomes an interesting collaboration between the two that gives us an origin story of Doctor Doom. As I said this was the first graphic novel about Doctor strange that I've read, so I'm not really a person to come for recommendations about this, but I feel like it was a nice place to start with Doctor Strange and I can't wait to read more about both characters.
May 8, 2022
بیاین فرض کنیم که شاید یه نفری که این ریویو رو میبینه دوست داشته باشه کامیکبوک بخونه:
اول این که من هرچی درمورد دکتر دووم باشه رو دوست دارم و خب این قضیه احتمالا روی نظرم درمورد این کامیکبوک هم بیتاثیر نیس ولی واقعا خوب بود و حجمش هم زیاد نیس. اگه وقت داشته باشین یکی دو روزه هم میشه تمومش کرد.
این اولین کامیکبوکی بود که به زبون فارسی میخوندم (با تشکر از سایت اسپایدی) ولی باید بگم با اینکه ترجمه خوب بود و این حرفا ولی یه جوریه فارسی خوندنش و اصلا حسش فرق داره با نسخه اصلی خوندن! واسه همین یه ستاره کم میدم :) اما اینکه یه سایتی فارسی زبون وجود داره که خییییلی از کامیکبوک های معروف رو رایگان ترجمه کرده واقعا ارزشمنده و امیدوارم به اندازه کافی توی این ریویو بهشون کردیت داده باشم :)
اول این که من هرچی درمورد دکتر دووم باشه رو دوست دارم و خب این قضیه احتمالا روی نظرم درمورد این کامیکبوک هم بیتاثیر نیس ولی واقعا خوب بود و حجمش هم زیاد نیس. اگه وقت داشته باشین یکی دو روزه هم میشه تمومش کرد.
این اولین کامیکبوکی بود که به زبون فارسی میخوندم (با تشکر از سایت اسپایدی) ولی باید بگم با اینکه ترجمه خوب بود و این حرفا ولی یه جوریه فارسی خوندنش و اصلا حسش فرق داره با نسخه اصلی خوندن! واسه همین یه ستاره کم میدم :) اما اینکه یه سایتی فارسی زبون وجود داره که خییییلی از کامیکبوک های معروف رو رایگان ترجمه کرده واقعا ارزشمنده و امیدوارم به اندازه کافی توی این ریویو بهشون کردیت داده باشم :)
February 11, 2017
A short and satisfying comic. It's been on my shelf in the shrink for 28 years(!). It took me back to the Doctor Doom solo stories from the 70's. Excellent artwork throughout, although I didn't like the black framing chosen by the book designer.
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