Sorcerer Supreme

Doctor Strange
Doctor Strange on the cover of Doctor Strange vol. 4, #2 (January 2016); art by Alex Ross
Publication information
Publisher	Marvel Comics
First appearance	Strange Tales #110 (July 1963)
Created by	Stan Lee (writer) Steve Ditko (artist)
In-story information
Full name	Stephen Vincent Strange
Team affiliations	Avengers New Avengers Illuminati Defenders The Order Midnight Sons
Partnerships	Clea Wong Ancient One
Notable aliases	Stephen Sanders, Vincent Stevens
Abilities	Mastery of magic Trained physician

Dr. Stephen Vincent Strange is a fictional superhero appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by artist Steve Ditko and writer Stan Lee, the character first appeared in Strange Tales #110 (cover-dated July 1963). A former neurosurgeon, Strange serves as the Sorcerer Supreme, the primary protector of Earth against magical and mystical threats. Debuting in the Silver Age of comics, the character has been featured in several comic book series and adapted in a variety of media including video games, an animated television show, and films. Inspired by story tellings of black magic and Chandu the Magician, Strange was created to bring a different kind of character and themes of mysticism to Marvel Comics.

Doctor Strange was a brilliant but egotistical surgeon. After a car accident destroys the nerves in his hands and hinders his ability to perform surgery, he searches the globe for a way to repair them and encounters the Ancient One. After becoming one of the old Sorcerer Supreme's students, he becomes a practitioner of both the mystical arts as well as martial arts. Along with knowing many powerful spells, he has a costume with two mystical objects—the Cloak of Levitation and Eye of Agamotto—which give him added powers. Strange is aided along the way by his friend and valet, Wong, and a large assortment of mystical objects. He takes up residence in a mansion called the Sanctum Sanctorum, located in New York City. Later, Strange takes the title of Sorcerer Supreme.

In 2008, Doctor Strange was ranked 83rd in Wizard's "200 Greatest Comic Book Characters of All Time" list, and in 2012 was ranked 33rd in IGN's list of "The Top 50 Avengers". He was also ranked 34th on IGN's list of "Top 100 Comic Book Heroes". The character was first portrayed in live-action by Peter Hooten in the 1978 television film Dr. Strange. Benedict Cumberbatch stars as the character in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, first appearing in the role in the 2016 film Doctor Strange.