Expelling Galactus With Doctor Strange #13
by Josh Davison
[*Mild Spoilers Ahead!]
Galactus has been transported to the mystic realms, and this misplacement of a cosmic force could disrupt all of reality. Doctor Strange is working to expel the Devourer of Worlds as quickly as possible, but Galactus is reluctant to be shepherded around by such an insignificant being. Galactus rebuffs all of Strange’s attempts to restrain him…until the Sorcerer Supreme receives some help from Clea. She helps Strange, and the two begin to form a plan to remove Galactus from this place.
Doctor Strange #13 continues “Herald Supreme,” the story which has brought Doctor Strange into conflict with Galactus, Devourer of Worlds. This is the first time Strange has had to take on Galactus, and he feels woefully unprepared.
There’s something wonderfully classic-feeling about this story, and that’s not just because of the excellent Barry Kitson artwork. The story is straightforward, weird, and deals in broad concepts.
The explanation of the conflict being “you got science all in my magic” is a little weak, but the premise is strong enough to work regardless.
Bringing Clea and some other past Doctor Strange associates back into the fold adds some nice drama and complication, and it reiterates the idea that Strange’s stomping grounds are being invaded by an alien force (both literal and figurative) in Galactus.
As already stated, Barry Kitson’s artwork is excellent, and his texturing and detail work serves the tone and ideas of the story very well. Is rendition of the mystic realms is very Jack Kirby-esque. The finishes of Scott Koblish and Scott Hanna adds a lot to the visuals. Brian Reber’s color work is wild and fantastical, which is exactly what a story like this needs. The overall visual design of this book is excellent.
Doctor Strange #13 is another strong issue in Mark Waid’s run with Stephen Strange. Having Strange run afoul of Galactus is a simple yet brilliant premise for a comic, and it’s coming together in a very engaging fashion. This one gets a recommendation. Check it out.
Doctor Strange #13 comes to us from writer Mark Waid, artist Barry Kitson with finishes from Scott Koblish and Scott Hanna, color artist Brian Reber, letterer VC’s Cory Petit, cover artist Jesus Saiz, and variant cover artist Declan Shalvey.
