There’s a significant level of hype surrounding Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness as the movie will conclude many arcs in MCU’s Phase Four. So far, he's become involved in stories including characters like Loki, Scarlet Witch, and Spider-Man. Those aware of the comic book version of Doctor Strange will know that he’s played a significant role in shaping the Marvel Universe, and the MCU promises to make Benedict Cumberbatch’s version just as important and influential.
There have been enough appearances by the Sorcerer Supreme to consider who between the original and live-action Doctor Strange can be considered as the better character. By examining their powers, characterization, emotional depth, and accomplishments, fans can determine which one is the best version of the popular superhero.
Emotional Quality: MCU Doctor Strange
Fans are encouraged to really feel for the MCU version’s plight because of Benedict Cumberbatch’s empathetic performance and the poignant quotes Doctor Strange utters to describe his tragic accident. He’s also had another layer of guilt due to his involvement in Tony Stark’s death to save the universe. The comic book version has also had some moving arcs dedicated to him, but these are largely relegated in favor of his superhero exploits, which means not as much time is dedicated to his emotional attributes.
Storylines: Comic Book Doctor Strange
The MCU has provided a solid base for Doctor Strange to build on in the future, but he hasn’t had the sheer number of adventures the original has. There are many great stories starring Doctor Strange in the comics, ranging from him battling his personal demons to saving the universe, and even going to the beginning of time, as seen in Marvel Premiere.
There’s a lot more to check out with where the comic superhero is concerned, with pretty much no boundaries to his quests. The live-action Doctor Strange has been central in multiverse conflicts but with only 5 movie appearances in 6 years, he just hasn't had the time or the opportunity to become involved in as many adventures as his comic book counterpart.
Fight Sequences: MCU Doctor Strange
The comic book medium allows great potential for creativity since there’s no need for special effects, yet the live-action Doctor Strange still wins here. His fights have been exceptionally entertaining, no matter if he’s battling a magical being such as Dormammu or Thanos with the Infinity Gauntlet in one of Avengers: Infinity War's best action sequences.
Comic books tend to include a lot of unneeded dialogue in battles and it can be a bit of a chore to read through several pages to follow one sequence. The film medium benefits the MCU's Doctor Strange as the flow of action on-screen remains seamless, allowing viewers to enjoy watching the character enact magical spells without the action being broken up by static comic book panels.
Dialogue: Comic Book Doctor Strange
While MCU’s Doctor Strange does have the edge on emotional dialogue, he doesn’t have the same level of wisdom as the original. The comic book version of Doctor Strange has become wise through years of study that makes his stories a treat to read.
This interpretation of the character is both well-read and well-spoken, leading into interactions with both superheroes and supervillains where their conversations themselves are the most entertaining aspects of their encounters. For instance, in the graphic novel Triumph & Torment, Doctor Strange engages with Doctor Doom in a metaphysical discussion about the afterlife and the value of a mother's love. While the MCU Doctor Strange has adapted this loquacious quality as well with Tony Stark and others, he hasn’t been part of that many immersive arguments or debates with other characters just yet.
Chemistry With Supporting Characters: MCU Doctor Strange
Aided by the blend of comedy and action-packed situations the MCU provides, the live-action Doctor Strange has had enough material to have good chemistry with both villains and heroes. His exchanges with characters like Tony Stark and Wong were filled with snarky lines, while scenes with Christine Palmer have been poignant and heartbreaking.
The comic book version has been more of a one-man show, with the main appeal about him the aura of mystery that he cultivates. As far as interactions with fellow superheroes go, these have been based on the particular conflict rather than having natural chemistry with them. While a member of both the Defenders and the Avengers, this version usually prefers to keep to himself and only interacts with others when it is needed.
Long-Lasting Potential: Tied
With the character having debuted in Strange Tales #110 all the way back in 1963 and still active today, the comic book Doctor Strange has proven his long-lasting legacy. However, the MCU version is equal in this aspect, as there’s a lot more of him to follow.
The live-action Strange has been active for more than half a decade and has filled roles of both the lead and supporting protagonist, which will continue with Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness and Spider-Man: No Way Home. The comic book version has similarly been featured in crossover events like the House of M and team books like Secret Defenders and his solo series over several volumes that have lasted for more than half a century.
Powers: Comic Book Doctor Strange
This is a department where the comic book version very easily prevails as he’s shown to be capable of impressive displays of power worthy of the Sorcerer Supreme moniker. This Doctor Strange has traversed the Marvel Universe, completed feats like matching Adam Warlock with the Infinity Gauntlet, escaping the Living Tribunal’s bonds, and bending reality to save humanity.
The MCU version has also gone up against a fully-powered Thanos but was ultimately defeated. In addition, he had to bargain with Dormammu at the end of Doctor Strange as his only option to defeat the powerful villain. There’s no doubt that the MCU Doctor Strange's powers will be expanded in the future, but he doesn’t have the incredible ability to alter reality on his own as the comic book version does.
Character Development: MCU Doctor Strange
While the origins of both characters are essentially the same (they lost control of their hands and changed from arrogant individuals to humble heroes), the MCU version deserves credit for showing this change in quicker succession than his comic book counterpart.
In addition, the MCU version of Doctor Strange has shown true selflessness by erasing himself from existence so that heroes in the future would have a chance at victory. This is an incredible change from the arrogant man he was in the first movie, and the gradual humility he’s gained has been a pleasure for fans to watch. This arc doesn't necessarily exist for the comic book version as he has been typically portrayed as being noble and selfless in his early adventures in the late 1960s.
Established Feats: Comic Book Doctor Strange
While it’s debatable just how cool or lame Doctor Strange’s villains are, there’s no doubt that he has among the most powerful foes. In addition to contending with the likes of Dormammu, Galactus, and Mordo, Doctor Strange has also completed feats of extreme importance that have shaped and save the Marvel Universe time and again.
These include garnering the respect of Galactus, defeating the In-Betweener, being the one to help Doctor Doom retrieve his mother’s soul, and even breaking the magical spell on Mjolnir, proving he has power akin to Odin. The MCU Doctor Strange’s greatest feat has been to hold off Dormammu, but he hasn’t completed universe-level missions the way the comics version ofDoctor Strange has throughout the decades.
Winner: Comic Book Doctor Strange
History ultimately favors the comic book version of Doctor Strange as there are just too many storylines revolving around him that the MCU version can’t match. Although Benedict Cumberbatch has no doubt helped the character gain mainstream popularity, the live-action Strange still needs a few more onscreen experiences to become fully developed.
For now, the comic book version holds the edge as fans can point toward his many universe-trailing adventures, clashes with cosmic beings, and his breadth of magical powers. It will be interesting to see where MCU’s Doctor Strange will stand in the near future even though he’ll have to concede defeat for the time being.