Occult Origins
Vain, egotistic surgeon Stephen Strange lost the use of his hands in a horrific auto accident caused by his own recklessness. In turn, he lost his fortune through a series of costly, complicated and experimental surgeries and therapies in an attempt to save his livelihood. In the end, destitute and desperate, he sought a cure far off the beaten path of modern medicine.
In Nepal, after being saved from muggers by the powerful sorcerer Mordo, Strange met the person who had taught Mordo—Earth’s Sorcerer Supreme, the Ancient One, who held many mysteries of the Old World, including the potential to heal Strange’s hands. The Ancient One refused to guide Strange through the process until he relinquished his selfishness and opened his mind to a higher truth. Having done so, the doctor began to learn of the Multiverse and the ancient science of magic, as well as forbidden knowledge the Ancient One was not inclined to share.
Tools of the Trade
A Master of the Mystic Arts, Doctor Strange has phenomenally powerful magical abilities that enable him to skillfully conjure myriad spells. Strange has been able to use his spells to bind opponents and create complex shields and barriers, among many other uses for both defense and attack. Strange is also adept at astral projection, sending his astral self away from his body and allowing him to observe events without the knowledge of those present.
Strange discovers that certain artifacts can bolster magical spells and extend their benefits. At the New York Sanctum, he is adopted by the Cloak of Levitation, a seemingly sentient cape that not only protects him, but also fights for him. The doctor also makes use of Sling Rings to create portals to cross great distances and to enter other realms.
Arguably, the Eye of Agamotto provides the greatest source of power to Strange. In truth the Infinity Stone known as the Time Stone, the Eye possesses the incalculable ability to control time itself. With it, Strange can alter time around objects, locations or other beings, moving forward and backward through their existence. It can also be used to trap enemies in time loops, as well as giving Strange the ability to look forward into potential futures.
The Gentle Art of Making Enemies
Strange accelerates his mystical learning by mastering the use of his astral form, but as he dips deeper into magic, he encounters Kaecilius, a former student of the Ancient One and a disciple of Dormammu, a powerful entity from the Dark Dimension. Though still a relative novice, Strange opposes Kaecilius and his followers when they reveal their plans to bring Dormammu to Earth for utter destruction. At this same time, Strange also learns of Earth’s magical hierarchy, including a trio of Sanctums placed around the globe and overseen by Masters to protect the planet from magical threats.
Later, Thanos and his mission to acquire all six Infinity Stones poses a direct threat to Strange and the Time Stone in his possession, putting Strange into conflict with Thanos’ followers Ebony Maw and Cull Obsidian as well.
Seeking Aid
In his struggle with Kaecilius and Dormammu, Strange finds himself aided by Mordo, another accomplished student of the Ancient One, and Wong, a Master who watched over the Ancient One’s library in Nepal. Mordo proves himself a staunch ally until he witnesses his teacher’s use of magic she herself had forbidden and loses faith in her guidance. After Strange’s defeat of Dormammu, Wong travels with him to a Sanctum in New York City to stand at his side for the uncertain times ahead.
The Ancient One falls due to the treachery of Kaecilius, and though she wielded dark magic to further the cause of good, she dies urging Stephen Strange to continue his magical studies and become a champion for Earth.
Doctor Christine Palmer and Strange once dated, and she offers him assistance and comfort in the wake of his accident, only to be rejected by him at his darkest point. He does care for and trust her, as later, Strange seeks her medical expertise when he himself—and later the Ancient One—are injured during his battles. He also reveals his magical abilities to her and apologizes for how he’d once acted.
Some dueling egos aside, in the stand against Thanos, Strange finds support and help in Tony Stark AKA Iron Man, Bruce Banner, and Peter Parker AKA Spider-Man. Strange also fights alongside Guardians of the Galaxy members Star-Lord, Drax, Mantis, and their enemy turned ally, Nebula.