Doctor Strange: The Oath [New Printing]

Brian K Vaughn really brought Doctor Strange and the people around him to life in this story. From the beginning to the end, this book is a fantastic read that definitely goes down as a classic story in true comic book form. The art also seems to fit the story as well, and really places you in the scenes of each page. It was a nice complete all around story that I truly recommend to not only any Doc fan but also to any comic fan.

Dr Strange discovers an elixir than can cure every disease known to man. But when a pharmaceutical company attempts to steal the magic potion, all but a drop is destroyed, leaving Strange with an ethical dilemma. Should he fulfill his Hippocratic Oath by using the remaining drop to manufacture more, or by administering the drop to a dear friend under immediate threat of death from a crippling brain tumor. Under less capable hands, the story might have been a dour fable of friendship and the greater good dressed up in pseudo-Eastern mysticism. Writer Brian K. Vaughan, though, has tongue firmly planted in cheek, spicing up a fairly mediocre story with some wonderful one-liners. Brought into an emergency medical clinic after having been shot, Strange goes through an abbreviated version of his origin story, revealing himself as the Sorcerer Supreme, to which the attending physician reacts: "You're serious? You call yourself the "Sorcerer Supreme"? And you say you _used_ to be arrogant?" When Strange observes that the physician has an unusually strong interest in superheroes, she replies in reference to Strange's servant Wong: "I'm not sure anyone with his personal slave boy should be talking about other people's fetishes." Later Strange recites from a book of incantations a spell written in Latin and ending with - "Abracadabra." And these examples are just a few of the gags found in the first chapter alone. This book reprints all five issues first published in booklet form in 2006 and features the art of Marcos Martin, a man who obviously enjoyed reading the early Dr Strange stories. In many of Strange's poses, in the framing and layout of panels, and in his depiction of the spirit worlds, Marcos lovingly evokes the charm of Steve Ditko. Art and script work well together for an hour's worth of lightweight reading, a far better choice when compared to the hours you'd have to invest in the voluminous pretension of Marvel's Civil War. #

Wonderful blend of Doctor Strange's early medical career/Hippocratic Oath with his magical destiny as the Sorceror Supreme. 'The Oath' was so engaging that I believe that it could make for a great animated DVD. I was very impressed with Brian K. Vaughan's writing. Since this is my first exposure to him, I will definitely try out some of his other projects. Hope he does another Doctor Strange mini... or better yet, and ongoing series!

OK. I've been reading Dr. Strange off and on for over 30 years; and I found this to be just about the BEST Dr. Strange I've ever seen. Beautiful artwork by Marcos Martin; nice story by Vaughan with a touch of humor. If you enjoy this title I'd highly recommend Batgirl: Year One (Batman) also amazingly illustrated by Marcos Martin. And winner of Wizard's Best Mini-Series of 2003.

I have not been an avid reader of Doctor Strange, but when I saw that Brian K. Vaughn was behind this project, I HAD to pick it up! The Oath is a wonderful play on Doctor Strange's Hippocratic oath as a Doctor and the oath made to protect those around him. The pacing of this book is fun and it's a great introductory read for this character. Funny, Good Action, and cool plot twists in this one! No prior knowledge is needed and the story wraps up really nicely. So if you're just looking for your one and only Doctor Strange book to check out, The Oath is the way to go. Check out more of Brian K. Vaughn's work: Pride of Baghdad Running (Runaways (Marvel)) Y: The Last Man Vol. 1: Unmanned