Doctor Strange has long been known to fans as the Sorcerer Supreme, but what some might not know is that this is actually a title, passed down from sorcerer to sorcerer. That means if something bad happens to Strange, be it death or dishonorable actions, the title of Sorcerer Supreme goes to someone else. There are several other Marvel characters who could take up the mantle, and some of them already have.

Every world (and there is some ambiguity on what “world” means) in the Marvel Universe has at least one Sorcerer Supreme at any given moment (some have two), and they protect their world from any and all mystical threats. Earth’s first Sorcerer Supreme was Agamotto, who created the Eye of Agamatto used by Strange. Already powerful - being the child of a god - Agamotto served in the role during Earth’s Stone Age. The role has since passed down through the ages; some notable Sorcerers Supreme include Merlin, Solomon, the Queen of Sheba, Isaac Newton and the Ancient One, who bequeathed the title to Strange.

Related: Doctor Strange Gives Up His Eye for Agamotto

Strange has lost the title on at least two occasions. In 2008’s New Avengers #28, set after the events of Civil War, Strange reflects that his recent reliance on risky, forbidden magic has rendered him unworthy of the position. The title goes to the former Brother Voodoo, who rechristens himself Doctor Voodoo. Chosen for his purity of heart, he serves in the role until his demise. Loki, Thor’s half-brother, also served in the role; in true Loki fashion, he tricked Strange into giving him the title by creating an elaborate illusion where Strange was judged unworthy. In Doctor Strange #385, it was revealed there was a deeper motive behind Loki’s ploy: magic had been waning on Earth, and Loki wished to jump-start it. Becoming the Sorcerer Supreme was his way of accomplishing that. Once his task was complete, he returned the title to Strange.

Doctor Voodoo and Doctor Doom

There have been others who have come close to the title of Earth’s Sorcerer Supreme. Strange’s arch-nemesis Baron Mordo is one; as detailed in Strange Tales #115, Mordo was originally the Ancient One’s star student until Strange arrived. Doctor Doom has also come close on occasion, and other dimensions have Sorcerer Supremes as well; Clea, a former lover of Strange’s, holds the title in the Dark Dimension. The most promising candidate to take over from Strange in the event of his death is Colossus’ sister Magik. She spent a long time studying under Doctor Strange, and 2015's Uncanny X-Men Annual #1 revealed a possible future where she holds the title. Another likely candidate is William Kaplan of the Young Avengers, though his recent spacefaring adventures make it less likely he'd take on the role as things currently stand.

The title of Sorcerer Supreme is not an easy one to handle. The bearer must not only defend their world from magical enemies, but also themselves against a seemingly endless chain of challengers, each eager to take the title for themselves. Doctor Strange has held the title off and on for many years, and even when he loses it, it always comes back to him somehow. There are a large number of beings who could hold the title of Sorcerer Supreme, and when Strange permanently lets it go, the Marvel Universe can probably expect a mystical fight like no other.

Next: Doctor Strange's New Ancient One is Actually [SPOILER]