In this Dr. Strange tale Nightmare is back, and seeking vengeance on Dr. Strange.  In fact, it is likely the ruler of the world of nightmares has waited some time to extract his vengeance.  Until now however, Dr. Strange has not let his guard down, making it a possibility.  But in this story, as an exhausted Dr. Strange drifts off to sleep, Nightmare gains the chance he has waited for, to imprison Strange without his magic or powers.  But without wasting more words, let’s get on to my comic book review.

Artwork

From the first page, it had the look, and feel of what has become the identity of Dr. Strange.  The mystical appearance that I feel Steve Ditko captured so well.  I feel that the  introduction page, shows this style, as well as a feel for what to expect in this issue quite well.

I feel Steve Ditko captured the mystical worlds just as well as Jack Kirby captured alien worlds. giving a feeling of foreign, and even strangeness to them.  The Nightmare dimension is not of our own, it is not physical, and in Steve’s artwork it is easy to see that. Same with nightmare himself,  you get the feeling of his power, but also his very inhuman being; the realization that he is something more.  He is apart of his world.

Originality & Continuity

This is the third time we encountered nightmare, and his world; but this time it’s the most personal.  In the past, we encountered Nightmare with Dr. Strange intervening on his plans, but this time revenge is the plan, and it fits into their existing past so well; becoming a tale that I found myself enjoying and captivated by for the all too few pages.

Characters & Development

In this issue, we see that both characters have flaws and make mistakes. Doctor Strange forgetfulness in the face of fatigue is what lets him be captured; but it is nightmares flaws that gives the doctor his only edge in their battle of wits.   It is also a tale showing just what I like about Dr. Strange; the battle being in the wits and words but not in the form of combat.

Story

I found myself drawn into this comic book story, and liked it a lot, I just hope nightmare does not seek vengeance on me now for getting such joy out of it.