I Guess I Never Figured You For The Religious Type.

I guess I never figured you for the religious type.

Uncanny X-Men #165: The Brood Saga

The Incredible Hulk vs. Wolverine Sideshow Collectibles Print Exclusive (2019)

[Todd McFarlane’s the Incredible Hulk Vol. 1 340 (1988) homage/recreation]

Art by: Ben Oliver

The evolution of Doctor Strange's outfit

Notes:

- When I say “classic outfit”, I’m referring to the blue robe, Eye of Agamotto and red Cloak of Levitation. The sash/belt may change.

- Some pictures are from different issues in order to offer a better view of the outfit. Every issue is addressed with its proper numbers.

- I left civilian outfits out of this list because I wanted to focus on combat uniforms.

- I left some “variants” (such as Paradox) out of the list because he’s one of Stephen’s sides that became sentient so not really him. Same goes for minor changes (such as Anti-venom and venomized Doctor Strange).

- I left alternate universes out of the list because it would be too much to make a comp but I can make a separate post on that matter.

History

Doctor Strange debuted in Strange Tales #110 (1963) wearing a blue long-sleeved robe, orange gloves and sash, the Amulet of Agamotto and black/bluish pants. As I was doing my research, I noticed that Stephen’s debut  didn’t feature his blue “lesser” cloak of levitation, which was only introduced in Strange Tales #114, thus becoming a permanent part of his outfit. It was substituted with the red Cloak of Levitation in Strange Tales #128 (1964), along with the Eye of Agamotto after Stephen triumphs over Dormammu.

From Strange Tales #115 and #128, respectively.

In Doctor Strange v1 #177 (1974), as part of the plot, Stephen begins to wear a more “heroic” looking, adopting a blue mask and… underwear over pants. The look doesn’t last much and Stephen goes back to the classic red Cloak and no mask.

From Doctor Strange v1 #177.

In Doctor Strange - Sorcerer Supreme #10 (1989), a small change can be seen: Stephen loses the “skirt” in his robe, which is now under the sash (reference from issue #12).

From Doctor Strange - Sorcerer Supreme #17.

After long years of no apparent change, the 90′s came and gave us this atrocity in Sorcerer Supreme #75 (1995). Stephen now wears a black suit with white ornaments, mask/dark glasses and long hair. No goatee/beard (outrageous!).

From Doctor Strange - Sorcerer Supreme #76.

Thank the Vishanti, the outfit only lasted 5 issues, being substituted with a white shirt featuring golden ornaments and black pants, while the Cloak of Levitation took the shape of a trench coat in Sorcerer Supreme #80 (1995 - reference from issue #82).

From Uncanny X-Men #329.

The next outfit only lasted two issues in the pages of Spider-Man Family v2 #5 (2007) and it’s not like anything we’ve seen before: long-sleeved red and blue shirt with yellow shoulder pads and edges, blue pants and a yellow sash. All the rest featured Stephen either in his Sorcerer Supreme lastest outfit or his classic one with the red Cloak of Levitation.

From Spider-Man Family v2 #5.

Stephen will only leave his classic outfit behind when he finds himself unworthy to be the Sorcerer Supreme. He then wears a long-sleeved black turtleneck and gray pants and trench coat in New Avengers v1 #51 (2009 - reference from issue #59). Little changes are made, mostly based on colors. First of them is recognized by both his pants and trench coat that now become brown in Fear Itself - The Deep #1 (2011). Next, the pants become gray while the trench coat remains brown in New Avengers v2 #1 (2010). Lastly, the trench coat gets a greenish shade in New Avengers v2 #34 (2013). You can also notice a regular belt. Note: it is not the first time we see him in turtleneck and brown pants and trench coat, as seen in Quasar #19 (1991). This look, however, is not a battle outfit like the others. Still, the inspiration is clear.

From Quasar #19 and New Avengers v2 #2, respectively.

Finally, Stephen debuts his black and red outfit in Defenders v4 (2012). The sash and gloves are now red, as well as the symbol on his chest. No cloak is featured but he can still fly. When he takes the mantle of Sorcerer Supreme back, little changes except for the Cloak of Levitation and Eye of Agamotto, although the black suit gets some shades of blue due to Mike Deodato Jr.’s art.

From Defenders v4 #1.

It’s only in Secret Wars (2015) that Stephen gets a really bad haircut and a full black suit with ornaments in yellow, along with a lilac cape.

Stephen then is “rebooted” to Doctor Strange v4 (2015), having his Cloak and Eye back, although with a new belt featuring a bag and new boots. In Doctor Strange v4 #12, however, Stephen has his cloak tore by Imperator, and begins to wear a blue cloak (not confirmed to be the original from Strange Tales).

From Doctor Strange v4 #18.

In Doctor Strange v1 #384 (2018), Stephen momentarily takes the shape of the God of Magic, wearing a long robe in white and gold and holding a staff. His hair also grows a little bit. It doesn’t last much, but I figured it was worth mentioning it.

Back in Doctor Strange v5 #5 (2018), Stephen crafts the space suit, also known as kink suit: a black (and tight) suit with belts and white ornaments, Cloak of Levitation, Eye of Agamotto, jackboots and a golden checkered gauntlet on his right wrist. Hair is all pulled back.

From Doctor Strange v5 #10.

Lastly, Stephen is back to his classic outfit in a modern rereading within the pages of Dr. Strange - Surgeon Supreme #1 (2019): the “skirt” now has a V shape, the yellow sash is larger and a small belt with a bag crosses his waist transversely. It’s the standard for today’s comics.

From Black Cat v2 #1.

And this it! Lemme know if I missed anything and feel free to share your favorite! Mine is obviously the kink suit but I also adore the newest version.

Tarot of Marvel - “Loner” 

Art by Jack Bloom || IG

I love it when artists get Logan’s height right.