Writer – Chris Claremont
Artist – Gene Colan
Inker – Dan Green
Colours – Ben Sean
Letters – Diana Albers

In his search for Wong and Clea, Doctor Strange has found himself in a land far from home courtesy of the black mirror, with additional thanks to Chris Claremont and Gene Colan. At first the mage is besieged by a man named Bayan and his forces and as Strange attempts to fight back, he is stopped by Clea, miraculously safe and sound. It is here that Strange and the reader are made aware of what happened to Wong, how he was needed to pay a centuries old debt and how Clea ended up here with him thanks to the Sorcerers of the Dragon whom Stephen defeated last issue. Clea has been in the company of Bayan ever since and for her it has been weeks while for Strange, it has only been days. Colan paints a fantastic land in the telling of this tale, showing the reader not only the past events, but he current as well as the evil that rules this land who goes by the name of the Shadowqueen. As expected, Stephen agrees to help and the issue takes on a Conan/Lord of the Rings feel thanks to Claremont. it is a different vibe for the book and it definitely shakes up the status quo by doing so. The Shadowqueen is a formidable foe, a woman who has ruled mercilessly for a very long time and unbeknownst to Strange, he and his companions are walking straight into a trap. One of the most important things that Claremont has done with this particular tale is give it and its character a very rich history, providing the reader all they need to know to care for the rebels and to dislike the evil queen. Additionally intriguing was learning about Wong’s ancestor, though it is a sure thing that there is more to be learned of the man, much like there is of Wong, of whom readers know very little. What should be quite exciting is seeing how Stephen will fare against the Shadowqueen, a sorceress of no small means and confidence. Also, it seems like there is trouble once again brewing between Strange and Clea, though time as they say, will tell.

4 out of 5

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