A new Sorcerer Supreme has been named by Marvel: Clea. She debuted in comics in the 1960s and has made numerous appearances within Doctor Strange related comics. This Dark Dimension citizen is Doctor Strange's ex-wife and a powerful sorceress, even though she may not get as much recognition as her husband. Following The Death of Doctor Strange, the titular hero's successor is fittingly someone he not only mentored but has loved and fought alongside for many years. While their relationship fell apart in recent years, there is no question they loved each other and might have sought reconciliation. Clea isn't the most well-known sorceress in Marvel's comic universe, but she could have a more prominent role in the near future.
Early History
Clea debuted in Strange Tales #125 in 1964. She's a princess in the Dark Dimension. Her father was Prince Orini (a Mhuruuk) and her mother was Umar, the sister of Dormammu (a Faltine). She's therefore half-mortal and half-magical being. Clea's mother left her with her father, who kept her mother's identity hidden. Eventually Clea would discover who her mother was and even lead a rebellion against her. She first met Doctor Strange in the Dark Dimension and the two fought against Dormammu. Clea was imprisoned by her uncle twice for her efforts in dethroning him, with Doctor Strange saving her both times. She was often used by her main two enemies (her mother and uncle) as a pawn to get to Doctor Strange. Clea has repeatedly fought her uncle and has gone back and forth between the Earth and the Dark Dimension. She spent time living with Strange in New York as an apprentice and his lover. They married in Doctor Strange, Sorcerer Supreme #3 in 1988. However, they were often forced to be apart due to their responsibilities.
Most often, Clea's time is split between helping Doctor Strange on Earth and rebelling against her tyrannical family in the Dark Dimension. This has been a strain on their relationship, as has her growth in power. While living with him on Earth after their marriage, Clea was much stronger and therefore was less dependent on Strange's teaching. This led to partial problems in their relationship. Eventually the two would divorce, though their paths would still occasionally cross. In 2016, the magical aspect of their marriage was formally ended in Doctor Strange Annual #1. They would eventually seem to reconcile, though Strange would erase her memories of him in Doctor Strange #17 in 2019.
Powers and Future
Clea is the Sorceress Supreme of the Dark Dimension. She can astral project herself, throw energy blasts, and she can move objects. She can also create illusions, control minds, and teleport. She studied under Doctor Strange and likely has even more skills similar to his that haven't been revealed thanks to her sporadic appearances in recent years. Most of her adventures in Marvel Comics have been in Doctor Strange titles or have revolved around his adventures. She hasn't had many solo adventures or focus on her own, though this will be changing with her newly gained role.
Following the death of Doctor Strange, Clea has returned to Earth. She has regained the memories Strange erased and now seeks help in a fight against the Three Mothers. She's also assisting in the investigation of Doctor Strange's murder to allow the role of Sorcerer Supreme on Earth to pass down from Strange. Marvel announced she would be taking over his position and she's a great choice. Earth has been her home before, her love for Doctor Strange is still strong (as is her desire to have him back), and she learned a lot from him. Clea is Earth's new Sorcerer Supreme and she'll finally be taking the spotlight.