{"id":9349,"date":"2025-12-04T10:44:31","date_gmt":"2025-12-04T15:44:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/comicphilosophy.com\/?p=9349"},"modified":"2026-04-27T15:23:02","modified_gmt":"2026-04-27T20:23:02","slug":"doctor-strange-of-asgard-ethics","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/comicphilosophy.com\/index.php\/2025\/12\/04\/doctor-strange-of-asgard-ethics\/","title":{"rendered":"Doctor Strange of Asgard Ethics"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>I know you, Stephen Strange. I know you are not a murderer. I know you are not an evil man.<br>But I know, also, that you are capable of great acts of darkness if you feel they be for the greater good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Thor, Derek Landy&#8217;s Doctor Strange of Asgard Vol 1, 2025, issue #4<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>Well said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With the launch this week of the latest ongoing Doctor Strange comics series &#8211; <em>Doctor Strange <\/em>Vol 8, 2025, by <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Derek_Landy\">Derek Landy<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/marvel.fandom.com\/wiki\/Ivan_Fiorelli\">Ivan Fiorelli<\/a> &#8211; I thought I&#8217;d fill in the background of what had happened since my <a href=\"https:\/\/comicphilosophy.com\/index.php\/2025\/02\/01\/doctor-strange-ethics\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"3099\">Doctor Strange Ethics<\/a> overview from the start of this year. And the most significant development was the limited series <em>Doctor Strange of Asgard<\/em> Vol 1, 2025, written by Landy with <a href=\"https:\/\/marvel.fandom.com\/wiki\/Carlos_Magno\">Carlos Magno<\/a> (pencils and inks), <a href=\"https:\/\/marvel.fandom.com\/wiki\/Espen_Grundetjern\">Espen Grundetjern<\/a> (colors) and <a href=\"https:\/\/marvel.fandom.com\/wiki\/Cory_Petit\">VC&#8217;s Cory Petit<\/a> (letters).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As background, with the conclusion of the major Marvel cross-over event of 2024 (<a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Jed_MacKay\">Jed MacKay<\/a>&#8216;s excellent <em>Blood Hunt<\/em>), Doctor Strange was at loose ends. He was no longer the Sorcerer Supreme, having ceded his power and title (along with the Eye of Agamatto and Cloak of Levitation) to Doctor Doom in order to save the Earth. Of course, Doom reneged on his promise to return said powers and set himself up as world Emperor &#8211; setting in place the recently completed major cross-over event of 2025, <em>One World Under Doom<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Even worse for Doctor Strange fans, he lost his own comics title as MacKay and <a href=\"https:\/\/marvel.fandom.com\/wiki\/Pasqual_Ferry\">Pasqual Ferry<\/a> departed for other projects, bringing to a close the three-year run MacKay started in 2021 (with <em>The Death of Doctor Strange<\/em>). For an overview of the Doctor Strange character and history &#8211; including MacKay&#8217;s turn at the helm &#8211; please see my <a href=\"https:\/\/comicphilosophy.com\/index.php\/2025\/02\/01\/doctor-strange-ethics\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"3099\">Doctor Strange Ethics<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/comicphilosophy.com\/index.php\/2025\/02\/04\/clea-ethics\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"3169\">Clea Ethics<\/a> overviews.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>By the end of 2024 it was announced that the good Doctor would be returning in the new year in his own solo series, <em>Doctor Strange of Asgard<\/em>. I must admit, I was surprised by the title &#8211; and more than a little dubious about how the concept would play out (having been a huge fan of the <a href=\"https:\/\/comicphilosophy.com\/index.php\/2025\/02\/04\/clea-ethics\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"3169\">Strange-Clea duo<\/a> in the recent comics). Apparently, this title was set by Marvel&#8217;s editorial team, as a tie-in to planned events in <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Al_Ewing\">Al Ewing<\/a>&#8216;s ongoing <em>Immortal Thor <\/em>Vol 1 series. But I was greatly relieved when I found out that Irish author and comics writer Derek Landy would be writing this series.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Landy wrote my favorite issue of the excellent <a href=\"https:\/\/comicphilosophy.com\/index.php\/2025\/04\/21\/the-8-deaths-of-spider-man-ethics\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"5193\">8 Deaths of Spider-Man<\/a> story arc in <em>Amazing Spider-Man<\/em> Vol 6 (issue #65.DEATHS, 2025, with art by <a href=\"https:\/\/marvel.fandom.com\/wiki\/Kevin_Walker\">Kev Walker<\/a>). His earlier 2023 <em><a href=\"https:\/\/marvel.fandom.com\/wiki\/Avengers_Beyond_Vol_1\">Avengers Beyond<\/a><\/em> limited series was also a great read, and demonstrated he can weave a dramatic superhero tale around characters with differing normative ethics. It would appear <em>Doctor Strange of Asgard<\/em> was a success, as Landy was subsequently announced for the new ongoing series that launched this week.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I will walk you through the major character, plot and ethics developments of <em>Doctor Strange of Asgard<\/em> here, as an introduction to the new series. As always, if you would like to know more about the terms I&#8217;m using on this site, please follow the links throughout or check out my <a href=\"https:\/\/comicphilosophy.com\/index.php\/ethics-101\/\">Ethics 101<\/a> page or <a href=\"https:\/\/comicphilosophy.com\/index.php\/2025\/01\/27\/glossary\/\">Glossary<\/a> post.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Introduction to the story<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p>Issue #1 of this series wastes no time in getting into the heart of the story. The opening page shows Doctor Strange approaching the palace of Asgard on a wintry day, while narrating how he is a man who has lost his station and his way &#8211; and is looking to get them both back. Inside, he is warmly greeted by All-Father Thor:<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/hosting.photobucket.com\/7f94707c-da1b-49ed-9987-8c1a46606668\/d9de4052-0455-4ca0-a09e-005e5161ea26.jpg\" alt=\"\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" class=\"lazyload\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/hosting.photobucket.com\/7f94707c-da1b-49ed-9987-8c1a46606668\/5c5412a0-9790-44b4-af63-6f64ff728977.jpg\" alt=\"\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" class=\"lazyload\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Thor is happy to help (although he doesn&#8217;t want to hear about his banished brother, Loki). But Strange must convince the sorceress Hulda himself. With Thor&#8217;s blessing, Strange wanders out to find his own lodgings &#8211; among the common people of Asgard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As an aside, I really appreciate how Magno&#8217;s art immediately shows how out of place Strange is in these stories. Even with his old friend Thor, the point of view and angles in the panels above are very unusual &#8211; accentuating that Strange is a man out of his element. This disorienting effect is further accentuated when Strange encounters some of local populace in the streets of Asgard (see below).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Petit&#8217;s lettering also has just the right level of distinctiveness and subtlety for my tastes. While Strange has a standard sans-serif, all-caps type of font, Petit&#8217;s Asgardian font is a lot more understated than some of his contemporaries (I&#8217;m not a fan of the overly flowery and ornate Asgardian font and language of some creative teams).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/hosting.photobucket.com\/7f94707c-da1b-49ed-9987-8c1a46606668\/e809430a-6627-46cd-ae0d-28e39df08c12.jpg\" alt=\"\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" class=\"lazyload\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>An inconsistency I&#8217;ve long noted in stories involving Asgard is how strong and powerful the common (non-noble birth) Asgardians are. Some stories make them out to be nearly as strong as the high-born (so, superhuman strength). Other stories have them as just slightly larger and stronger than the average human &#8211; with regular humans being able to overpower them on occasion (especially those with physical or martial training).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>How will it be in this series?<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/hosting.photobucket.com\/7f94707c-da1b-49ed-9987-8c1a46606668\/13a12798-9dba-4320-9446-1e282c74d4ad.jpg\" alt=\"\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" class=\"lazyload\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>I&#8217;m glad to see this series explicitly resolve the matter up front (I suspect Landy had the same observation I did!). While Strange is clearly at a physical disadvantage against the Asgardians, his significant martial arts training allows him to hold his own for at least part of the time (and his magics do the rest).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I&#8217;m really enjoying how Magno&#8217;s dark, disjointed, and heavily shaded style sets the darker mood for this series. In some ways, it reminds me of <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Gene_Colan\">Gene Colan<\/a>&#8216;s classic pencils from the late 1970s Doctor Strange comics &#8211; a moody, heavily-shaded style with a lot of gothic overtones. That was probably my favorite art style for Doctor Strange, and it&#8217;s great to see overtones of it here. The backstreets and taverns of Asgard fit the imposing vibe perfectly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There are a great number of new supporting characters introduced in this issue (and series overall) &#8211; more than you would normally expect to see in a typical Marvel limited series. This issue alone introduces us to eight named local Asgardians of relevance to this story (i.e., Hulda, Holt, Liva, Aslak, Roskva, Gorm, and two villains, Knud and Geirmundr), beyond classic characters like Thor and Loki. Most of these new characters reappear in the subsequent four issues, along with a bunch of other new ones (e.g., Eileifr, Hrafen, Steingrtmr, Solvei, Ivar, Queen Tyrlaug, and Geirrod), plus classic characters like Clea and Sif and a host of unnamed Asgardians (in various brawls).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Significantly, there is a lot of humor in the interactions of Strange with his new potential allies (and adversaries). Many of these involve his fish-out-of-water nature as a mortal from Midgard in a very different culture. For example, after both the victim and the attackers above ridicule Strange for his size, this subsequent scene with Holt (the one Strange interceded to help above) gave me a good chuckle:<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/hosting.photobucket.com\/7f94707c-da1b-49ed-9987-8c1a46606668\/67761be3-1872-4b02-b4a3-a9ed3998171a.jpg\" alt=\"\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" class=\"lazyload\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>The sorceress Hulda soon sends for Strange, through her somewhat obsequious assistant and sorcerer-in-training Aslak, who also provides a lot of comic relief through the run:<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/hosting.photobucket.com\/7f94707c-da1b-49ed-9987-8c1a46606668\/5a7c6aac-fc6c-43dd-972d-280a931e2f85.jpg\" alt=\"\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" class=\"lazyload\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p id=\"asgard\">Hulda wastes no time in challenging Strange &#8211; beginning with his having previously &#8220;taken&#8221; a piece of the world tree, Yggdrasil. Yggdrasil is the mystical energy field that supports and connects the ten realms, including Midgard (aka Earth and our visible universe) as well as Asgard.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/hosting.photobucket.com\/7f94707c-da1b-49ed-9987-8c1a46606668\/7ddca4aa-d5f3-4d62-8922-0b1b7b93889e.jpg\" alt=\"\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" class=\"lazyload\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>In actual fact, it was freely provided to him by Yggdrasil, due to the touching nature of his offering. This was from a great issue during <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Donny_Cates\">Donny Cates<\/a>&#8216; run of Doctor Strange (<em>Doctor Strange<\/em> Vol 4, issues #381-390, 2017-18) &#8211; although the events referenced above were actually from issue #383. \ud83d\ude42<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/hosting.photobucket.com\/7f94707c-da1b-49ed-9987-8c1a46606668\/c5e02e93-42ca-4978-bde8-ba1de6a5e9d5.jpg\" alt=\"\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" class=\"lazyload\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>At this point, the banished Skald Loki makes a not-unexpected appearance:<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/hosting.photobucket.com\/7f94707c-da1b-49ed-9987-8c1a46606668\/61e056bc-442c-451b-80b4-890cfa050745.jpg\" alt=\"\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" class=\"lazyload\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Now that&#8217;s a surprising twist &#8211; and one no one would believe to be genuine on Loki&#8217;s part.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As a side note, Loki was indeed the Sorcerer Supreme of Earth for awhile &#8211; again, during Cates&#8217; Doctor Strange run (issues #381-385). Loki had deceived Strange with an elaborate illusion to steal his title, but it did result in the restoration of magic to the Marvel universe (which I consider a very positive outcome). In a way, Strange owed Loki a debt for his previous intervention (despite the chaos and hell it put Strange through). It makes sense that this series would lean into plots from that run, especially as Cates subsequently wrote <a href=\"https:\/\/comicphilosophy.com\/index.php\/2025\/05\/05\/thor-ethics\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"5403\">Thor<\/a> for nearly three years (<em>Thor<\/em> Vol 6, issues #1-28, 2020-22). Oh, and fun fact, Petit had also lettered Cates&#8217; run of Doctor Strange.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/hosting.photobucket.com\/7f94707c-da1b-49ed-9987-8c1a46606668\/9151c5b5-13aa-4a16-8921-515c5d4ec10b.jpg\" alt=\"\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" class=\"lazyload\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>After Loki&#8217;s heart-warming and ringing endorsement of Strange, he then proposes the novel <em>spell of Ahkrynon<\/em> &#8211; which is basically this series&#8217; <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/MacGuffin\">MacGuffin<\/a>, and one that Strange will be pursuing for the rest of the run. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So, everything seems to moving along swimmingly for Strange, until Loki bizarrely stabs Hulda to death completely out of the blue, and for no apparent reason:<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/hosting.photobucket.com\/7f94707c-da1b-49ed-9987-8c1a46606668\/90744ff8-1b88-47de-a686-2d759bb18368.jpg\" alt=\"\" style=\"width:740px;height:auto\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" class=\"lazyload\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/hosting.photobucket.com\/7f94707c-da1b-49ed-9987-8c1a46606668\/2cf18155-062d-4a56-b15e-f049d8eea429.jpg\" alt=\"\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" class=\"lazyload\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>What a great finish to the first issue!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I won&#8217;t go through the rest of this series in as much detail, except to show key aspects of Strange&#8217;s character development (and normative ethics) in Landy&#8217;s hands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"ethics\">Introduction to Doctor Strange Normative Ethics<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p>As I explained in my <a href=\"https:\/\/comicphilosophy.com\/index.php\/2025\/02\/01\/doctor-strange-ethics\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"3099\">Doctor Strange Ethics<\/a> overview, over his long run I consider Strange to be primarily a consequentialist, with deontological leanings. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Consequentialism<\/em> is the branch of <a href=\"https:\/\/comicphilosophy.com\/index.php\/ethics-101\/#normative\">normative ethics<\/a> that prioritizes the outcomes of one&#8217;s acts. These theories typically focus on the moral burden of making good decisions (that is, <em>doing the good thing<\/em>). Its most famous example is <em>utilitarianism<\/em>, which seeks to maximize \u201cutility\u201d, which can be simply defined as moral good &#8211; specifically, the greatest good of the greatest number.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But there are two main forms of utilitarianism, as I describe in on <a href=\"https:\/\/comicphilosophy.com\/index.php\/2025\/03\/27\/x-men-ethics-professor-x-charles-xavier\/#utilitarian\">my Charles Xavier page<\/a>: <em>act utilitarianism<\/em> and <em>rule utilitarianism<\/em>. I would say Strange tries to be a rule utilitarian (pursuing the rules that brings about the greatest good overall) but frequently needs to resort to act utilitarianism (committing sometimes morally dubious acts in the name of the greatest good). See that link above for a detailed explanation of how they differ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Strange&#8217;s refusal to be forthright with Thor and Hulda are examples of his act utilitarianism: he needs to acquire more power to stop Doom and regain his title, and plans to leave Asgard as soon as he acquires what he needs. There are many examples of comparable behavior on Strange&#8217;s part over the character&#8217;s long run in the comics (including Cates&#8217; earlier story arc of Strange and Loki)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Rule utilitarianism in contrast draws upon a key aspect of <em>deontology<\/em> &#8211; which is concerned with doing your duty to other people, often through the lens of rights or justice. These theories are often rule-based and focus on the moral value of the acts themselves (that is, <em>doing the right thing<\/em>). Lying (even by omission) is a no-no in rule utilitarianism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Moreover, the rules of magic are fundamentally very deontological in their nature &#8211; but Strange is very accomplished at finding creative workarounds when needs arise. This moral flexibility puts him primarily in the consequentialist camp in my view (and Thor&#8217;s, evidently!). But it is also true that his (previous) role as Sorcerer Supreme of Earth made it his <em>duty<\/em> and responsibility to safeguard the world from mystical threats. This is why I consider him to have strong deontological leanings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The third main branch of normative ethics is <em>virtue ethics<\/em>, which shifts the focus from the act to the actor &#8211; being the best person you can be, typically by practicing virtues that align with your values and goals (that is, <em>being better<\/em>). <a href=\"https:\/\/comicphilosophy.com\/index.php\/2025\/05\/05\/thor-ethics\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"5403\">Thor<\/a> is actually a good example of classical <a href=\"https:\/\/comicphilosophy.com\/index.php\/2025\/09\/10\/a-x-e-judgment-day-conclusion\/#virtue\">Aristotelian virtue ethics<\/a> in the Marvel universe. While there were always some aspects of virtue ethics to Strange&#8217;s character (e.g., his pursuing his mystical studies in the first place), this tends not to be the focus of modern stories. Again, his attempts to deceive Thor and Hulda at the start of this series don&#8217;t speak well of him from a virtue ethics perspective.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Series Story Arc<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p>Strange magically hides Hulda&#8217;s dead body, and heads back to Midgard (Earth) temporarily to interrogate Loki (who is hiding in his Sanctum).<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/hosting.photobucket.com\/7f94707c-da1b-49ed-9987-8c1a46606668\/10bf2e19-f2af-46d0-8356-323d363323f8.jpg\" alt=\"\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" class=\"lazyload\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/hosting.photobucket.com\/7f94707c-da1b-49ed-9987-8c1a46606668\/e9846396-4b3c-49a1-8ef9-23ff2314ba5e.jpg\" alt=\"\" style=\"width:733px;height:auto\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" class=\"lazyload\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p id=\"care\">Committed to his dual path of solving Hulda&#8217;s murder and achieving mastery of Asgardian magic through the <em>spell of Ahkrynon<\/em>, Strange makes a very interesting ethical decision in this issue: he tells Aslak the truth about Hulda.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/hosting.photobucket.com\/7f94707c-da1b-49ed-9987-8c1a46606668\/8df48d9a-2e86-411e-a1b9-e8b537e210cf.jpg\" alt=\"\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" class=\"lazyload\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>This is a very interesting development &#8211; and line of reasoning. First, I&#8217;m impressed Strange chose to trust Aslak and tell him the whole truth. Yes, he needs his help, but he didn&#8217;t need to disclose everything. This is encouraging from a rule utilitarian point of view.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But Strange also seems to be demonstrating a <em><a href=\"https:\/\/comicphilosophy.com\/index.php\/ethics-101\/#care\">care ethics<\/a><\/em> perspective &#8211; I discuss the history, relevance and criticisms of care ethics in a <a href=\"https:\/\/comicphilosophy.com\/index.php\/2025\/10\/09\/can-caring-be-wrong\/\">detailed post here<\/a>. This modern form of virtue ethics differs from earlier theories (that focused on <em>universality<\/em> and <em>impartiality<\/em>) by instead emphasizing the importance of responding to the <em>relative<\/em> needs of individuals. Care ethics holds that moral action should be based on interpersonal relationships and the duty of care we have to each other. Empathy and compassion for others is thus core to care ethics, which seeks to bring others closer to us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I am encouraged to see care ethics becoming increasingly common in modern comics \u2013 and particularly noted it in MacKay&#8217;s revival of <a href=\"https:\/\/comicphilosophy.com\/index.php\/2025\/02\/04\/clea-ethics\/#care\">Clea<\/a>. Perhaps the good Doctor&#8217;s wife is rubbing off on him? For all his supposed abstract concern for the cosmos, it does seems like Strange is really concerned with Thor and Loki (despite their differences, and his frustrations with the later).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In any case, Strange seems to be on the right path, given what happens when he returns to his quarters at the end of issue #2:<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/hosting.photobucket.com\/7f94707c-da1b-49ed-9987-8c1a46606668\/784a6c3d-c6dd-4999-9481-f394bb08b933.jpg\" alt=\"\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" class=\"lazyload\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>The fight goes on for several pages, as Strange holds his own quite well &#8211; and narrates how one should deal with an axe-wielding assailant. Specifically, how to engage them in &#8220;meaningful dialogue&#8221;:<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/hosting.photobucket.com\/7f94707c-da1b-49ed-9987-8c1a46606668\/337a3258-8d31-47e2-b958-77a43f97a012.jpg\" alt=\"\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" class=\"lazyload\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p id=\"noir\">But I particularly like this final point Strange makes &#8211; as he knocks his assailant out the window:<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/hosting.photobucket.com\/7f94707c-da1b-49ed-9987-8c1a46606668\/a7afdbf8-129a-44f3-8e3c-5e31f3ce20fb.jpg\" alt=\"\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" class=\"lazyload\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>I&#8217;m struck by how much this series reminds me of a certain style of murder mystery that you will find in parts of the UK and Ireland (with more than a touch of Scandinavian sensibility). I am a fan of the mystery genre, and there is a noticeable difference between North American and UK\/Irish murder mysteries &#8211; and an even more stark comparison with Scandinavian ones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While all styles can have a driven protagonist, European murder mysteries are typically darker, with more overtly flawed protagonists (and less happy endings). Scandi noirs are the darkest by far, with gritty atmosphere and sometimes gruesome plots (it seems incongruous for such happy countries to have such nihilistic entertainment!). British murder mysteries are typically much lighter, and favour complex plots with a lot of characters, each of whom could easily be the secret antagonist. Indeed, it is common for individual episodes of an overall story arc to focus on one suspect at a time, based on misleading information (my wife and I still affectionately call <em><a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Broadchurch\">Broadchurch<\/a><\/em> the &#8220;<a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Red_herring\">red herring<\/a> show&#8221;). Irish, Scottish and Welsh productions tend to bridge the gap between the lighter British mysteries and darker Scandi noirs, keeping the complex plots with diverse characters, but introducing darker themes. Just like this comics series does. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Did I mention Landy is also the author of the dark fantasy mystery book series, <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Skulduggery_Pleasant\"><em>Skulduggery Pleasant<\/em><\/a>? It seems to me that Doctor Strange is an excellent place for Landy to find himself at Marvel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In any case, issue #3 puts the axe plot on hold (while Holt investigates further on Strange&#8217;s behalf), and Strange gets on with completing his other main goal, the <em>spell of Ahkrynon<\/em>. Having hit a setback in sourcing a Dark troll skull, Strange sets off on an adventure in Dark troll territory with some of his new comrades. After getting waylaid by bandits, Strange and crew are rescued by none other than &#8230;<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/hosting.photobucket.com\/7f94707c-da1b-49ed-9987-8c1a46606668\/350e8ec5-feda-4156-8179-d99cd761270a.jpg\" alt=\"\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" class=\"lazyload\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/hosting.photobucket.com\/7f94707c-da1b-49ed-9987-8c1a46606668\/e142b3a7-2996-4314-a8f7-74e86af39c05.jpg\" alt=\"\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" class=\"lazyload\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>However, Strange&#8217;s mysterious, red-robed assailant has managed to procure another sharp implement and attacks the group &#8211; although seemingly misses his mark, and the unfortunate Queen loses her head instead. Her comrades don&#8217;t look too favorably on Strange and company as a result, and they are forced to beat a hasty retreat to Asgard. But of course, there is always a bright side &#8230;<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/hosting.photobucket.com\/7f94707c-da1b-49ed-9987-8c1a46606668\/b07b5aeb-5b07-4998-8fdc-5ad9e371bcbc.jpg\" alt=\"\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" class=\"lazyload\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Until Strange returns home to find (on the final splash page) Thor and Lady Sif waiting for him in his rooms &#8211; wanting to &#8220;&#8230; have words. About Hulda.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Issue #4 begins with a very interesting observation about Strange&#8217;s utilitarianism (quoted in my opening):<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/hosting.photobucket.com\/7f94707c-da1b-49ed-9987-8c1a46606668\/7f65be76-0ecf-4c86-8430-c44fec5f6470.jpg\" alt=\"\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" class=\"lazyload\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>I find it interesting that Thor feels he &#8220;shares&#8221; that burden with Strange. <a href=\"https:\/\/comicphilosophy.com\/index.php\/2025\/05\/05\/thor-ethics\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"5403\">Thor<\/a> is about as singly focused on classical virtue ethics as anyone in the Marvel universe (maybe he was trying to be kind, in terms of a shared burden of knowledge and action?). To learn more about the specific burdens of utilitarianism, see my discussion of <em>negative responsibility<\/em> and other criticisms in my <a href=\"https:\/\/comicphilosophy.com\/index.php\/2025\/04\/01\/x-men-ethics-charles-xaviers-redemption\/#utilitarian\">Redemption of Charles Xavier post<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In any case, this is where Strange really leans into his new-found care ethics perspective, as he explicitly details his reason for running. Of course, the all-seeing Sif is a tough one to elude, until Strange finds the right combination of teleportation and shielding spells.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Strange realizes his time as free man may be coming to a swift close, so he follows up on his first clue &#8211; Strange learns more about his assailant&#8217;s axe:<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/hosting.photobucket.com\/7f94707c-da1b-49ed-9987-8c1a46606668\/a95d2fe9-9583-4ead-85d7-d5daa51f0b3c.jpg\" alt=\"\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" class=\"lazyload\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Unfortunately, Strange is not able to linger, as the barkeep Geirrod suggests a reason they might want to move along:<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/hosting.photobucket.com\/7f94707c-da1b-49ed-9987-8c1a46606668\/78b96fda-5dc7-4665-b165-106852410587.jpg\" alt=\"\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" class=\"lazyload\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>As an aside, I love the return of the hilariously-named &#8220;Thunder Guards&#8221; (invented by <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Jason_Aaron\">Jason Aaron<\/a> during his extensive <a href=\"https:\/\/comicphilosophy.com\/index.php\/2025\/05\/05\/thor-ethics\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"5403\">Thor<\/a> run).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There are some additional red herrings thrown up about the possession of the (delightfully named) <em>Axe of Exquisite Decapitations<\/em>, but Strange eventually realizes that Loki&#8217;s memory of the murder doesn&#8217;t match his own, and they sort out the discrepancy:<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/hosting.photobucket.com\/7f94707c-da1b-49ed-9987-8c1a46606668\/cc31b764-06ff-4791-bd40-a8f474839553.jpg\" alt=\"\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" class=\"lazyload\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>The issue shifts to Strange finally trying to complete the s<em>pell of Ahkrynon<\/em> in his chambers and ends on yet another cliff-hanger of his attempted murder by yet another ally, Roskva.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But as we see in the opening of the final issue #5, this is another feint.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/hosting.photobucket.com\/7f94707c-da1b-49ed-9987-8c1a46606668\/1e406342-3807-4523-90c7-f644ba77cf17.jpg\" alt=\"\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" class=\"lazyload\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>But the revealed attacker (Gorm) is not the true villain here. After more illusory feigns, Strange eventually figures out the true villain of the piece: it was Aslak all along. And just in time for the big show-down in front of the world tree, Yggdrasil.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Aslak sacrifices his love for Roskva for a measure of power from Yggdrasil &#8211; which it grants him. Before the final fight with Strange, all is revealed:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/hosting.photobucket.com\/7f94707c-da1b-49ed-9987-8c1a46606668\/122464e0-c0ab-43b1-8b03-2bd586f9c875.jpg\" alt=\"\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" class=\"lazyload\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/hosting.photobucket.com\/7f94707c-da1b-49ed-9987-8c1a46606668\/f875689c-09cb-4b49-a8e3-f8d43db6569b.jpg\" alt=\"\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" class=\"lazyload\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Ah yes, with the murder of Hulda, I guess Strange hung on to the Staff of Yggdrasil. It is still a tough slog with Aslak though, given his gift of powers. And Aslak calls out Strange for his intentions in this story:<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/hosting.photobucket.com\/7f94707c-da1b-49ed-9987-8c1a46606668\/321dad0d-eb79-4d93-ba28-ac6917f7897f.jpg\" alt=\"\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" class=\"lazyload\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/hosting.photobucket.com\/7f94707c-da1b-49ed-9987-8c1a46606668\/ff86527a-dc55-47e0-9f71-0b26d52490e8.jpg\" alt=\"\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" class=\"lazyload\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Strange finally comes clean and faces the truth. And makes a fateful decision, given how Aslak reacts &#8211; attempting to steal all the power from the world tree. As the tree screams:<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/hosting.photobucket.com\/7f94707c-da1b-49ed-9987-8c1a46606668\/2919033c-7a98-482a-b241-a7b6cb6269f2.jpg\" alt=\"\" style=\"width:714px;height:auto\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" class=\"lazyload\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>I love these panels. Recognizing his failure of intention, Strange chooses to intervene to stop Aslak and save the world tree &#8211; even at the cost of his own life. This is much more of a classic virtue ethics take than we usually see from Strange, and I welcome it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But then, a surprising intervention:<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/hosting.photobucket.com\/7f94707c-da1b-49ed-9987-8c1a46606668\/f5e3f318-1f5d-45d1-8df3-67c6be1fd185.jpg\" alt=\"\" style=\"width:716px;height:auto\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" class=\"lazyload\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>It had been intimated previously that not everyone could see or remember Holt, and now we know why. His final judgment of Strange is interesting &#8211; especially in regard to motives, which Strange now acknowledges were wanting on his part:<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/hosting.photobucket.com\/7f94707c-da1b-49ed-9987-8c1a46606668\/7c0391ba-768c-4ca5-86d2-0be6a3acbb80.jpg\" alt=\"\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" class=\"lazyload\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>In the Marvel universe, extra-dimensional beings (or, in this case, a personified energy field that links different realms) typically judge mortals by their own unique &#8211; and often ill-defined &#8211; standards. It&#8217;s rare to see a comprehensive ethics theory applied by these sorts of entities. But sometimes you do get interesting and complex gems &#8211; see for example my <a href=\"https:\/\/comicphilosophy.com\/index.php\/2025\/09\/10\/a-x-e-judgment-day-conclusion\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"7647\">analysis of the Progenitor<\/a> (a Celestial) from <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Kieron_Gillen\">Kieron Gillen<\/a>&#8216;s <a href=\"https:\/\/comicphilosophy.com\/index.php\/2025\/01\/28\/axe-judgment-day-introduction\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"2955\">A.X.E.: Judgment Day<\/a>, the major Marvel cross-over event of 2022.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So it&#8217;s hard to know what Yggdrasil means by not caring about motives (given that it typically demands a sacrifice). But its point that, at the end of the day, Strange chose to do the <em>right<\/em> thing (deontology), not the <em>good<\/em> thing (consequentialism), seems to be enough for Yggdrasil to judge him worthy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And that &#8220;cost&#8221; to the ten realms of Strange&#8217;s generosity of spirit? Well, let&#8217;s just say the events between Thor and Loki in Ewing&#8217;s<em> Immortal Thor<\/em> have caught up with us by the time this series ends, as Strange soon discovers:<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/hosting.photobucket.com\/7f94707c-da1b-49ed-9987-8c1a46606668\/06873976-fb4e-4477-9478-c449bb9cbe6c.jpg\" alt=\"\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" class=\"lazyload\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>And thus the setup for the new ongoing <em>Doctor Strange<\/em> Vol 8 series &#8211; finding a way home to Midgard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This isn&#8217;t the first time the rainbow bridge has been destroyed (although this time Asgard also lacks an All-Father to help restore it). It has previously been established that there are other ways through the ten realms themselves &#8211; but they are hazardous and not simple. Strange will need allies, and is bound to have many (mis)adventures along the way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But I find it is significant that it ends on the positive note that he doesn&#8217;t intend to leave Asgard and the other realms behind &#8211; instead, he intends to serve as Sorcerer Supreme for all the realms, once he resolves the business with Doom (which has since been taken care of without him). It will be interesting to see how that pans out for the good Doctor &#8211; since a contested fight for the Sorcerer Supreme is taking place in his absence (see the new <em>Sorcerer Supreme<\/em> Vol 1 launching at the end of the month). And in his absence, Clea is busy dealing with some Strange-adjacent problems of her own in the ongoing <em>New Avengers<\/em> Vol 5.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It seems like magic is rising in the Marvel Universe!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The last word &#8230; for now<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p>This <em>Doctor Strange of Asgard<\/em> series has been a fun adventure romp, with a lot of humor and a sense of mystery (and misdirection) that you don&#8217;t typically see in Marvel comics. But more than that, I&#8217;m glad to see Landy is not ignoring Strange&#8217;s ethical core. There have been a number of creators over the years that have misunderstood (or purposefully re-imagined) Strange&#8217;s moral leanings, often to the detriment of the character and his personal relationships. Like with his earlier <a href=\"https:\/\/comicphilosophy.com\/index.php\/category\/moonknight\/\" data-type=\"category\" data-id=\"37\">Moon Knight<\/a> series, MacKay had a lot of work to right the good ship of Doctor Strange. But based on this strong outing, it looks like Strange remains well on course. I&#8217;m looking forward to seeing where Landy takes the character.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There was an amusing story by Landy and new regular series artist Fiorelli in the single-issue anthology <em>Doctor Strange<\/em> Vol 7, issue #450. As Strange is preparing to leave on his voyage back to Midgard, his former employer Steingrtmr pays him a visit for a &#8220;health complaint&#8221; that Strange amusingly resolves. But we get to see Strange set off in his new finery at the end of this issue &#8211; with apparently new weapons that he expects to need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/hosting.photobucket.com\/7f94707c-da1b-49ed-9987-8c1a46606668\/136a9ada-eeae-4636-8b5f-341c26ce0b1f.jpg\" alt=\"\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" class=\"lazyload\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Landy has done a good job reiterating the key details of the <em>Doctor Strange of Asgard<\/em> series in the first issue of the new <em>Doctor Strange<\/em> Vol 8 (released yesterday). Although I miss the sombre and dark tones of Magno&#8217;s art, it is clear that Strange will be embarking on a dark fantasy adventure in this new series &#8211; as befits the other realms. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>See my <a href=\"https:\/\/comicphilosophy.com\/index.php\/2025\/01\/27\/glossary\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"5118\">Glossary<\/a> post for a list of the key philosophical concepts and related links on this site.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Further Reading<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/comicphilosophy.com\/index.php\/2025\/02\/04\/clea-ethics\/\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"622\" data-src=\"https:\/\/comicphilosophy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/strange_mackay-1024x622.jpg\" alt=\"Strange Vol. 1: I Belong To Death (Trade Paperback) 2022 by Jed MacKay (Author), Bjorn Barends (Cover Art). Vol. 2: The Doctor Strange Of Death (2023) by Jed MacKay (Author), Lee Garbett (Cover Art, Artist)\" class=\"wp-image-5635 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/comicphilosophy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/strange_mackay-1024x622.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/comicphilosophy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/strange_mackay-300x182.jpg 300w, https:\/\/comicphilosophy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/strange_mackay-768x466.jpg 768w, https:\/\/comicphilosophy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/strange_mackay.jpg 1120w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/622;\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>For more Doctor Strange: <a href=\"https:\/\/comicphilosophy.com\/index.php\/2025\/02\/04\/clea-ethics\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"3169\">Clea<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/comicphilosophy.com\/index.php\/2025\/02\/01\/doctor-strange-ethics\/\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"622\" data-src=\"https:\/\/comicphilosophy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/doctor_strange_mackay-1024x622.jpg\" alt=\"Doctor Strange By Jed Mackay Vol. 1: The Life Of Doctor Strange (Trade Paperback), 2023, by Jed MacKay (Author), Alex Ross (Cover Art)\" class=\"wp-image-5633 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/comicphilosophy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/doctor_strange_mackay-1024x622.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/comicphilosophy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/doctor_strange_mackay-300x182.jpg 300w, https:\/\/comicphilosophy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/doctor_strange_mackay-768x466.jpg 768w, https:\/\/comicphilosophy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/doctor_strange_mackay.jpg 1120w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/622;\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>For more Doctor Strange: <a href=\"https:\/\/comicphilosophy.com\/index.php\/2025\/02\/01\/doctor-strange-ethics\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"3099\">Doctor Strange<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/comicphilosophy.com\/index.php\/2025\/04\/21\/the-8-deaths-of-spider-man-ethics\/\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"622\" data-src=\"https:\/\/comicphilosophy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/8Deaths-1-1024x622.jpg\" alt=\"Amazing Spider-Man Vol 6 issue 61 by Joe Kelly (cover art by Ed McGuinness and Marcio Menyz), Issue 65.DEATHS by Derek Landy (cover art by Mark Bagley and Richard Isanove). Issue #70, by Joe Kelly (cover art by Ed McGuinness, Cliff Rathburn and Marcio Menyz)\" class=\"wp-image-5363 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/comicphilosophy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/8Deaths-1-1024x622.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/comicphilosophy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/8Deaths-1-300x182.jpg 300w, https:\/\/comicphilosophy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/8Deaths-1-768x466.jpg 768w, https:\/\/comicphilosophy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/8Deaths-1.jpg 1120w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/622;\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>For more existential ethics: <a href=\"https:\/\/comicphilosophy.com\/index.php\/2025\/04\/21\/the-8-deaths-of-spider-man-ethics\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"5193\">The 8 Deaths of Spider-Man Ethics<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Well said. With the launch this week of the latest ongoing Doctor Strange comics series &#8211; Doctor Strange Vol 8, 2025, by Derek Landy and Ivan Fiorelli &#8211; I thought I&#8217;d fill in the background of what had happened since my Doctor Strange Ethics overview from the start of this &#8230; <\/p>\n<div><a class=\"more-link bs-book_btn\" href=\"https:\/\/comicphilosophy.com\/index.php\/2025\/12\/04\/doctor-strange-of-asgard-ethics\/\">Read More<\/a><\/div>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":9453,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":"","_wp_rev_ctl_limit":""},"categories":[7],"tags":[43,41,40,50],"class_list":["post-9349","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-strange","tag-care","tag-consequentialism","tag-deontology","tag-marvel"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/comicphilosophy.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9349","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/comicphilosophy.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/comicphilosophy.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/comicphilosophy.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/comicphilosophy.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=9349"}],"version-history":[{"count":9,"href":"https:\/\/comicphilosophy.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9349\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":11251,"href":"https:\/\/comicphilosophy.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9349\/revisions\/11251"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/comicphilosophy.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/9453"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/comicphilosophy.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=9349"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/comicphilosophy.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=9349"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/comicphilosophy.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=9349"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}