[[{“value”:”
Warning: Contains major spoilers for Ultimate Black Panther #9!The sinister new version of Doctor StrangeforMarvel’s bold new Ultimate Universe has officially debuted. Teased in Ultimate Black Panther’s previous issues and solicitations, the first appearance of the new Sorcerer Supreme offers a creepy and nightmarish display of their mysterious abilities. The still-unnamed new character opens up supernatural possibilities in the Ultimate Universe, not to mention adding a new wild card to Black Panther’s war with Moon Knight.
To help Black Panther unlock the secrets of vibranium, Storm and Killmonger search for Earth-6160’s Sorcerer Supreme in Ultimate Black Panther #9, written by Bryan Hill with art by Stefano Caselli. This Sorcerer uses a disturbing power that lets them speak through a possessed henchman being used as a puppet by the muzzled magic-wielder. Much remains unexplained about the Ultimate Universe’s Doctor Strange, particularly regarding their identity. Whether they’re some altered version of Stephen Strange, or another Marvel hero or villain, this strange doctor brings the character back to its horror roots.
The New Sorcerer Supreme Officially Debuts in Ultimate Marvel Canon
Stephen Strange’s mastery of the mystic arts in Marvel Comics has led him to the most malevolent corners of Earth-616, but the Sorcerer Supreme’s scary use of power could bring the character to new horror heights as they’re unleashed in the Ultimate Universe. Dr. Stephen Strange was first introduced in 1963’s Strange Tales #110, in a tale by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko that introduced Strange as a different type of hero, battling occult threats. Over decades of fighting various magical or supernatural villains, including demons, vampires, and other monstrous creatures, Doctor Strange is one of Marvel’s more horror-adjacent characters.
Though Doctor Strange is a major player on the supernatural side of the Marvel Universe, the new Sorcerer Supreme seems to be a more sadistic and scarier version of the hero than Stephen Strange has ever been. Doctor Strange has been featured in the horror-focused team Midnight Sons, and has had his fair share of horror comics, but Stephen is usually presented as a level-headed hero who works on the side of good. Immediately showing a more unhinged and sinister energy, the mysterious Ultimate Sorcerer Supreme could turn one of Earth’s mightiest heroes into one of their most terrifying villains.
What is The True Identity of Doctor Strange’s Replacement?
Many theories are swirling about the new Sorcerer Supreme’s identity, with a wide range of possibilities, from various iconic hero options to a completely new invention for Ultimate Black Panther. It’s completely possible that this is actually an alternate universe version of Stephen Strange with an entirely new origin. One of the biggest hints provided is that Storm and Killmonger have to travel to Eastern Europe to find the sorcerer imprisoned in an off-the-grid facility, seemingly made only to hold them prisoner, mouth covered so they can’t share spells beyond the whisper that helped free them via the possessed guard.
Other magical heroes being theorized to take on the role of Sorcerer Supreme include Scarlet Witch, Agatha Harkness, and Clea. Agatha and Wanda in particular are interesting choices and match the Eastern European setting for their personal maximum security prison. Caselli’s cover for Ultimate Black Panther #11 shows the new character in Doctor Strange’s famous red cloak, but shades of purple in the costume that may also point to Agatha. However, the creators building the new Ultimate Universe have already invented plenty of great original characters from scratch for the world and that option can’t be totally counted out either.
The New Ultimate Universe Leans Into The Horror of The ‘Sorcerer Supreme’
Whoever the new Ultimate Sorcerer Supreme may be, their creepy introduction in Ultimate Black Panther has instantly made them one of the more interesting character transformations between this universe and Earth-616. Embracing the horror roots of Doctor Strange and his corner of the universe, the Strange Doctor is immediately established to be a nightmarish twist on the Sorcerer Supreme’s legacy, with their extraordinary powers being used to create a truly disturbing scene. Painful human possession and what looks like a massacre in their prison are just the first taste of what’s to come for this sinister version of the sorcerer.
Upon Storm and Killmonger’s arrival, the gagged sorcerer tells them through possession that they “know the ways of above and below” and the secrets of vibranium. With a clear connection to the occult and a twisted use of magic abilities, Ultimate Black Panther’s strange doctor becomes a major player in the war with Moon Knight and an unpredictable factor in The Maker’s grand plan. Though the identity of the horrific new Doctor Strange remains a mystery in the Ultimate Universe, Black Panther and his allies must try to use the Sorcerer Supreme’s knowledge and power to protect Wakanda.
Ultimate Black Panther #9is out now from Marvel Comics.
“}]] Ultimate Sorcerer Supreme makes a horrific debut. Read More