It Took Decades, But Marvel Is Ready to Explore Asgard Like We've Always Wanted
The time has finally come for Asgard's many mysteries to be explored... by none other than former Sorcerer Supreme Doctor Strange. The ousted master magician of Earth is coming to Thor's homeland in Doctor Strange of Asgard in an attempt to become the magical realm's new Sorcerer Supreme, a journey that will reveal the truth about everyday Asgard.
Doctor Strange was tricked into giving up his title of Sorcerer Supreme to Doctor Doom in the finale of the Blood Hunt event, and now the lost magician is searching for a new world to help.
In a new interview with CBR, Doctor Strange of Asgard series writer Derek Landy - which features art by Carlos Magno - explains that the ongoing series will finally explore the "average Asgardian," taking a more street-level view of the magical realm in a way that Thor's godly exploits have never been able to do:
"And this is another major part of our series! Our brief from Alanna Smith, the editor, was basically “Tell some kickass stories, but also take the opportunity to peer at Asgardian society from a new perspective.”
We’re used to looking at Asgard from Thor’s point of view. We see the leaders and the warriors, but what about the average Asgardian? Are THEY gods, too? Surely they can’t all be gods. What about the carpenters? The tavern-owners? The poets? What about the normal Asgardians, the ones late for appointments or the ones standing in line for their groceries?
Strange enters into this with the same questions, and part of his journey is uncovering the little details that make Asgard what it is. Having Carlos Magno on art is, of course, an incredible boon when it comes to fleshing out the world and making it real. No one can draw someone trudging through snow quite like Carlos."
Doctor Strange Unveils a New Costume That Reinvents the Hero After Losing His Sorcerer Supreme Title
Marvel has shown off the new costume that Doctor Strange will be rocking as he seeks out a type of magic he’s never messed with before.
Doctor Strange Is About To Become The Daredevil Of Asgard
Stephen is transforming into a street-level hero
Doctor Strange has always been a hero of cosmic importance, protecting the people of Earth from demonic incursions as their Sorcerer Supreme. Of course, that doesn't mean that he doesn't engage in street-level battles as a hero of Earth, teaming up with heroes like Daredevil many times in the past, either as a solo agent or a member of the Avengers. Stephen is used to warring with Big Bads like Dormammu as well as more casual forces of evil, making him an ideal candidate for Asgard's Sorcerer Supreme, a realm filled with magical beings of every level.
My focus is on Asgardian society on a smaller, more manageable scale. What are the people like? What must the culture be like?
Conceptually, all Asgardians have been considered "gods" when compared to Earthly mortals, possessing some degree of super strength, speed, durability, and longevity. However, no Marvel series has explored the differences between an everyday Asgardian citizen and the hero Thor, or even the less godly Asgardians known as The Warriors Three. It is truly exciting that Landy and Magno are going to have the chance to expand upon the lives of more street-level Asgardians, those who work regular jobs in taverns, as janitors, or those in the arts. Doctor Strange of Asgard follows Strange as he investigates a mystical murder while avoiding assassins throughout Asgard, giving the hero the chance to get closer to the average Asgardian than Thor perhaps ever has.
Strange Will Explore A Fascinating New Magical System
The sorcerer will need to adapt to new forms of power
The upcoming series will view Asgard through a fresh, unique lens, as newcomer Doctor Strange adjusts to Asgardian culture, and explores what his role as the realm's Sorcerer Supreme could look like. Strange's magical abilities stem from the Vishanti, a trio of extradimensional entities, who use a magical system completely different from Asgard's Odinforce-based magic. Stephen will need to learn the ins and outs of Asgard's magic while integrating it into his own, which is another chance for Landy and Magno to provide a glimpse into the inner workings of Asgard.
The iconic Doctor Strange is on a mission, to integrate himself into Asgardian society and become a defender of its people, giving Marvel readers the chance to finally see what the "day in the life" of a normal Asgardian citizen might look like.
Dr. Strange of Asgard #1 from Marvel Comics debuts on March 5th, 2025.
Source: CBR
