Summary
Warning: contains spoilers forDoctor Strange#16!
Marvel is redefining one ofDoctor Strange’smost powerfulMCUvillains as a hero. The Marvel Universe is currently under siege by vampires in the epicBlood Huntcrossover. Realizing early on thatDoctor Strange represented a huge threat, they took him off the table. Now, inDoctor Strange#16, one of Strange’s oldest foes may hold the key to saving him–and stopping the vampire invasion.
Doctor Strange#16 is written by Jed MacKay and drawn by Pasqual Ferry. Early in the vampire invasion, Doctor Strange is bitten, turning his physical form into a vampire. Strange was able to separate his astral self, preventing his soul from being corrupted. Strange’s brother Victor, also a vampire, frees himself from the Crypt of Shadow. Possessing Stephen’s body, he fights Wong. Wong will not kill the body of his friend, and Victor escapes. At issue’s end, Baron Mordo and Babs are seen in the Crypt of Shadows, holding a ritual.
Babs says “so let’s save the day.”
Baron Mordo Began as a Good Guy–But Went Astray
Mordo Became One of Doctor Strange’s Greatest Foes
Baron Mordo is one of Doctor Strange’s oldest foes. Mordo, like Strange, was once a disciple of the Ancient One. Mordo was well into his studies when Strange arrived, sparking jealousy on Mordo’s part. Mordo, who also had less than admirable intentions, sprung a trap on Strange that would keep him neutralized until the villain could carry out his evil plans. Strange and the Ancient One thwarted Mordo, and a rivalry was born. Mordo was instrumental to Doctor Strange’s development as a hero, and he made the leap to the MCU, where he was played by Chiwetel Ejiofor.
Baron Mordo might seem to be the last character anyone would trust to save the day, butBlood Hunthas put the heroes' backs up against the wall, forcing them to think outside the box. The vampires were correct in their assessment of Doctor Strange: he was the biggest threat they faced. Strange’s knowledge of the Montesi Formula, which can destroy vampires, necessitated he was dealt with early on. Although Strange has possession of his astral form, it is still useless for actually fighting vampires or performing other physical tasks.
Marvel Just Made Doctor Strange’s Sorcerer Supreme Title Meaningless
In Doctor Strange #9, fans get new insight into Strange’s friendship with Wong, and it makes the title of Sorcerer Supreme meaningless.
Will Baron Mordo Save the Earth?
There is Great Potential in an Anti-Hero Baron Mordo
Enter Baron Mordo. Mordo, who was seen imprisoned in the Crypt of Shadows, is just as powerful asDoctor Strange. The Montesi Formula is a powerful spell requiring a skilled sorcerer to use. While there are a number of characters who could perform the spell, Mordo’s talent and skill make him the ideal candidate to cast it. Mordo was initially good before being corrupted, andBlood Hunthas given him the ideal slate on which to redeem himself. TheMCUshowed that Mordo was once a good guy, and he may well be again.
