I have to admit that I was relieved when Dr. Strange ended his short stint with the New Avengers.For one thing, his character just doesn't work in a team setting. Because his focus is on magic, his abilities don't work as well in stories set in Marvel "reality." The same problem always cropped up when he was the leader of the Defenders.
And like Thor, he's so powerful that it's difficult to find a foe who can challenge him without completely overpowering the other members of the team. In one issue of the Defenders he was unconscious throughout - that way he couldn't cast a spell and solve the problem immediately.
The other reason I was relieved was because of the writer, Brian Bendis. I never felt he had a good grip on the character. Dr. Strange seemed hesitant and uncertain through most of his run in the New Avengers. That's certainly not typical of that character. Also, Bendis has a habit of killing off characters I like, and I didn't want to see Strange go there.
The ongoing storyline, though, seems to feature the return of the "real" Dr. Strange. He's smart, capable, and in this issue, has to fight the Hood, one of the baddest villains around.
Strange is looking for his successor as Sorcerer Supreme - a title the Hood is trying to get by a hostile takeover (so to speak). It's a tense, exciting story and it has me anxiously awaiting the next issue.
The art is something of a mixed bag (again). Six artists are credited here, and the art is mostly good. Chris Bachalo is the standout, with some amazing work here - although to balance it out, a few of his panels are almost impossible to follow.
But so far, I'm really enjoying this story. I still don't think Dr. Strange fits as a member of the New Avengers - but as a guest star, he's most welcome. As long as he survives the experience.
Grade: A-
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