Doctor Strange: The Oath by Brian K. Vaughan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
After seeing “Dr. Strange” in theaters for the second time in 36 hours, I came home and insisted my husband find me any Strange comic books he had. Luckily, this was the top of the pile.
I already love Brian K. Vaughan for his work in Y: The Last Man, Vol. 1: Unmanned and Saga, Volume 1, so this was a shoe-in for my affections.
And boy did it hold up!
This is a great starter comic version of Strange after seeing the movie because, even though some things are different in the Cinematic Universe, The Oath recounts part of Strange’s magical origin story, which should be fresh on moviegoers’ minds. Plus if you watch the Netflix shows, you’ll already be familiar with the whole cast of the book. In other words, go read this one!
In The Oath, Strange is already a famous Sorcerer Supreme, but someone has made an attempt on his life! Strange must try to solve the mystery while trying to keep Wong (cast here as a servant of the Dark Arts and Stephen’s friend) alive from an inoperable brain tumor. He teams up with Night Nurse, and there’s some really wonderful reparte—such as when she insists she may be CALLED Night Nurse, but she’s actually a general practitioner. Brilliant, classic BKV. My favorite moment of all is toward the end, so I can’t give too much away, but let’s just say there is a stunningly clear reference to the Disney animated “The Sword and The Stone,” which is a win in and of itself.
I really enjoyed this comic and will be looking for more as I continue my Strange education!
M.E. Kinkade 