For the first time that I recall seeing,  Dr. Strange stole half the cover away from The Human Torch;  to promote his feature, guest starring Thor. In this tale, Loki aims to trick Dr. Strange into helping him defeat Thor, but can such a trick work, or will Dr. Strange realize the truth in time to stop the evil plan?

Artwork

I feel Steve did a satisfying job on this comic, and presenting our Asgardian guests, just as well as he does with Dr. Strange.  While his title, does bring a unique look to Thor, one that i like less than what I usually see, I do not feel it hindered his appearance or the story being told.

Originality & Continuity

In this issue, we have Dr. Strange coming the closest to defeat that we have seen yet.  In doing this, we see him employ all the tricks  including use of an item he acquired in an earlier issue. This shows great development of the story line, and a sign that the actions of the past do matter.  Loki also seems quite constant with what one would expect from him, Only Thor seems a little off (but his appearance is relativity minor for a guest star anyway)

Characters & Development

In this issue, Loki almost defeats Dr. Strange, only feeling with the approach of Thor.  it is in this near defeat that I see both this issues greatest strengths and weaknesses.  it would be fair to say, not all hero’s and villains are equally matched.  In fact, that may be the point of this tale; yet  to see Dr. Strange even beginning to accept his defeat is disheartening,  he seems like a man who aways searches for a way, even to his last breath,  as we have seen in the past. In this issue, to see him about give up; just does not work for me.

The Story

I feel the ending of this tale, just left me with a gap in the story, something that needs to be closed for this tale to be good,  without it, it seems to fall as just lacking.  Even a huge Thor fan would have little reason to read this tale, as his appearance, is mostly just a fly by.  I really hoped for, and expected more in this comic book tale.