| Doctor Strange’s return to the Marvel Universe was not celebrated with a red carpet or a firework. But through a major crisis that is building up from behind the scenes of the first story arc from the 2015 series, which would be relatable to what world is facing now in 2020. This is certainly was something to delve deep in the world of Stephen Strange’s realm that is rarely seen in the Marvel Universe.
The Last Days of Magic was brewing from the page of the first issue of Doctor Strange when Marvel revived the series five years ago, which brought a refreshing perspective of the character and new adventures that would take him to worlds readers have not seen in such a long time. Jason Aaron and Chris Bachalo put together what would be one of the best partnerships in bringing back Doctor Strange to the mainstream with this second volume compiling issues #6-10 and Dr. Strange: The Last Days of Magic #1 that also previews Civil War 2. But the entirety of the narrative focuses on the supernatural and magical side of the Marvel Universe that has not been fully explored in this modern era that is populated by technology and science fiction. The Last Days of Magic can be relatable to the real world crisis with the COVID-19 pandemic happening all over the planet with countless deaths with the incurable virus that disguises itself as a ‘common flu’ that fatally has claimed a lot of lives and putting everyone out of work. |
Published: 11 July 2017
Age Rating: Teen
Language: English
This graphic novel can certainly be relatable to the real world events with “Magic” being erased by the Empirikul a cult of anti-magic that plans to wipe out anything that stands by them namely, Strange. Though the Imperator’s back story is a tragic one who believes magic needs to extinguish as if it is a plague, but turns out what the Empirikul is trying to do is spread destruction in its path by eliminating the Sorcerer Supreme from different realms. But the remaining band of magi wielders led by Strange won’t stop fighting for the sake of magic.
It is one of the best premises that cover the second chapter of Dr. Strange’s adventures showing his human side despite being the protector and Sorcerer Supreme of Earth It also features supporting characters from the realm of magic that already included Wong and his new librarian Zelma Stanton. There are other characters through besides Scarlet Witch and the sword wielding mutant named Majik. The graphic novel also shows you that not every hero’s fight ends in a victory, but a loss by the Imperator and his Imperikul.
Chris Bachalo’s art style has evolved and continues to be well-detailed at the same time works for this type of genre since his earliest career as the illustrator for Death: The High Cost of Living from DC Comics. But he also expands his horizon in illustrating some of the iconic characters from Marvel like Spider-Man and characters from X-Men series. His run with Jason Aaron on Dr. Strange was one of the best series to ever grace the Marvel pages. Though the art work is impressive the story line doesn’t entirely an explosive ender, but rather a desperate hope of survival, which mirrors the reality why this book is relatable in a way of preserving life is to Magic.
This storyline was definitive in dealing the major crisis in the realm of magic, though the ending was not in a sterling fashion it gives you that perspective that not all victories are worth winning. But it shows that Strange and his friends can be good at surviving and saving Magic before it was really gone for good.
Libby App and Marion Library
This digital copy of Doctor Strange Vol.1, Way of the Weird was borrowed through Marion Libraries using the Libby App, which is good for 21 days and it’s free of charge. All you need to do is download the app on your mobile phone and have your library card. The app has partnered with libraries and online reading sites all over the world. It is a digital library that lets you access ebooks, audio books, and magazines, all for the reasonable price of free. Sign in, link your library card, and go—it’s that simple.
Dr. Strange: The Last Days of Magic is a digital copy loaned at Marion Libraries through Libby App. Check your local comic shops and bookstores for its physical copy availability.
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