The three must-see runs of Doctor Strange are the founderLee/Ditko on Strange Tales(1963-1966), the psychedelicEnglehart/Brunner(1972-1974) and the masterfulStern/Rogers(1979-1981).
Doctor Strange is one of the most visually bold characters in the Marvel Universe. Since its creation in 1963, the Sorcerer Supreme has inspired visionary artists who pushed the graphic boundaries of the medium, offering collectors runs that are as rare as they are artistically exceptional.
This ranking lists the best continuing series of the character, those which define his canon and represent the most sought-after pieces on the market. Whether you're starting your Doctor Strange collection or looking to complete a specific run, here are the essential storylines to have.
Top 1 — Lee & Ditko on Strange Tales (1963-1966)
Screenwriter:Stan Lee |Designer:Steve Ditko |Numbers:Strange Tales #110-146 |Period :1963-1966
The founding run that invented everything: the Dark Dimension, Dormammu, the Eye of Agamotto, Baron Mordo. Ditko creates a hallucinatory visual universe unprecedented in mainstream comics. "The Eternity Saga" arc (ST #130-146) is considered the pinnacle of this period, with groundbreaking graphic storytelling.
Key numbers:Strange Tales #110 (1st appearance), #126 (1st Dormammu), #130-146 (Eternity Saga).Market value:ST #110 in VG: €2,000-4,000 | Full run: €8,000-15,000.
Top 2 — Englehart & Brunner (1972-1974)
Screenwriter:Steve Englehart |Designer:Frank Brunner |Numbers:Marvel Premiere #9-14, Doctor Strange #1-5 |Period :1972-1974
The ultimate psychedelic run. Englehart and Brunner take the character into pure occultism with dense, visually explosive narratives. The “Silver Dagger” arc in DS #1-5 is a masterpiece of esoteric storytelling. This run relaunches the character after years of relative obscurity.
Key numbers:Marvel Premiere #14 (Sise-Neg), Doctor Strange #1 (new title).Market value:DS #1 in French: €80-150 | Full run: €200-400.
Top 3 — Stern & Rogers (1979-1981)
Screenwriter:Roger Stern |Designer:Marshall Rogers |Numbers:Doctor Strange #35-53 |Period :1979-1981
Roger Stern brings a narrative rigor which finally structures the mythology of the character, while Rogers delivers plates of incomparable graphic elegance. Morgana's Blessing arc and the confrontation with Dormammu remain models of the genre. An underrated run that deserves re-evaluation.
Key numbers:DS #45 (Dormammu confrontation), #55 (Stern final).Market value:Complete run in VF: €60-120.
Top 4 — Aaron & Bachalo (2015-2017)
Screenwriter:Jason Aaron |Designer:Chris Bachalo |Numbers:Doctor Strange vol.4 #1-26 |Period :2015-2017
Aaron modernizes Strange by revealing the physical cost of magic, while Bachalo deploys a perfectly suited chaotic style. “The Last Days of Magic” arc confronts Strange with a world without magic, providing a brilliant deconstruction of the character. Very accessible run for new readers.
Key numbers:DS #1 (relaunch), #6-10 (Last Days of Magic).Market value:DS #1 in NM: €15-30 | Full run: €80-150.
Top 5 — Waid & Saiz (2018-2019)
Screenwriter:Mark Waid |Designer:Jesus Saiz |Numbers:Doctor Strange vol.5 #1-20 |Period :2018-2019
Waid reimagines Strange as a reality surgeon, brilliantly blending science and mysticism. Saiz delivers plates of exemplary narrative clarity. The space arc of the Herald Supreme offers a new cosmic dimension to the character. An elegant and intellectual run, ideal for sci-fi fans.
Key numbers:DS #1 (New Beginning), #12-16 (Herald Supreme).Market value:Full run in NM: €50-90.
Top 6 — Gillis & Case (1988-1989)
Screenwriter:Peter B. Gillis |Designer:Richard Case |Numbers:Doctor Strange vol.3 #1-24 |Period:1988-1989
A dark and ambitious run where Strange gradually loses his powers and descends into black magic. Gillis explores the moral consequences of witchcraft with a maturity rare for the time. Underrated but cult among discerning collectors.
Key numbers:DS #1 (vol.3), #8-10 (black magic arc).Market value:Full run: €30-60.
Top 7 — Cates & Walta (2020)
Screenwriter:Donny Cates |Designer:Gabriel Hernandez Walta |Numbers:Doctor Strange #381-390 |Period :2017-2018
Cates places Loki as Sorcerer Supreme in a daring twist, relegating Strange to the role of veterinarian. Short but punchy, this run injects humor and cosmic horror. Strange's final return is cathartic. Ideal to complete a collection without a big investment.
Key numbers:DS #381 (Loki Sorcerer Supreme), #390 (finale).Market value:Full run: €25-50.
Also consult our guide tokey numbers Doctor Strangeand theeditorial history of the characterto contextualize these runs in the full timeline.
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