The symbolism of Doctor Strange’s Sanctum Sanctorum is living on even when Stephen Strange is not, though it is set to come under attack by Moon Knight's dark opposite in Strange #4. Much to the current resident Clea Strange's chagrin, the well-known residence on Bleecker Street exists as one of this dimension’s most obvious targets for those wishing to do ill, containing the largest concentration of occult paraphernalia anywhere and serving as a focal point for mystical forces. This means that Doctor Strange has long had to be one of the most vigilant superheroes, knowing full well that some of Marvel Comics’ darkest villains know exactly where to find him - and that many of their plots involve his home directly. To emphasize this tireless aspect of the Sorcerer Supreme’s responsibilities, the dimension’s current Doctor Strange (for now) isn’t even getting a chance to settle in before the fight is taken to her by an unlikely foe – Shadow Knight.
Shadow Knight, or Randall Spector, is the brother of Marc Spector and has followed much the same path, even believing himself to be the Egyptian moon god Khonshu’s avatar at one point. Though they were close as children and each Spector became a world-class mercenary, their relationship took an antagonistic turn when Randall killed or attempted to kill multiple of Marc’s girlfriends. This twisted sibling, who was terrifying enough when he was just a nurse-targeting serial killer called the Hatchet Man (not to be confused with Harvestman, who is Doctor Strange’s dark opposite), eventually got a major power upgrade from the Princess Nephthys, bringing him well within Moon Knight’s power levels. Randall also received a free slate to terrorize humanity again, with his previous death being attributed to an imposter.
With a backstory like that, Shadow Knight brings a healthy dose of horror to the Blasphemy Cartel’s intimate attack on the Sanctum Sanctorum in Strange #4 by Jed Mackay and Marcelo Ferreira. To highlight the multitude of ways that her new home is being violated, Marvel Comics’ cover art for the issue, releasing on July 27, 2022, indicates that an uncomfortable family reunion will already be underway when Shadow Knight strikes. Knowing the discomfort that visiting Clea Strange in her new environment would cause, her villainous mother Umar has planned a surprise visit that is certain to have nefarious motives, putting one of the many Sorcerer Supremes on edge.
With two characters who are all too familiar with tormenting their loved ones arriving on her doorstep, this drives home that there is no safe place for a Sorcerer Supreme. Considering that he lived in one of the dimension’s biggest targets grants more insight into why Stephen Strange often seemed so detached. Unwanted visitors come in all shapes and sizes, but having it be family-turned-evil highlights that even the concept of home is denied to him and Clea.
Though grand in its architecture, scope, and purpose, the Sanctum Sanctorum for Sorcerer Supremes has to rank among the worst real estate in comics. Whereas elaborate schemes are needed to breach the Batcave, villains are all too often able to just show up at the Bleecker Street address. That is why Doctor Strange and Clea should be forgiven when coming across as aloof hosts to guests of the Sanctum Sanctorum, never knowing if characters like Umar or Moon Knight's brother will put the “hospital” into their hospitality.
Strange #4 will be released by Marvel Comics on July 27th, 2022.
Source: Marvel Comics