Doctor Strange Epic Collection: Master Of The Mystic Arts (Strange Tales (1951-1968) Book 1)

I have purchased almost all of the Marvel Epic Collections. In the case of Doctor Strange vol. 1, story wise this is a great collection of how Dr. Strange began. If just talking about the stories in this book I would give it 5 stars.The reason for the 3 star rating instead is due to the poor quality of the book itself. Previous Epic Collections that I have purchased the cover was a harder paper it wouldn't bend quite as easily. When I received this book, it was stacked on a much smaller book. When gravity pulled it around the other book, it caused the cover to become extremely warped and therefore will not stand up straight on the shelf. The paper inside the book is also much thinner than older Epic Collections (easier to rip).Marvel if you are reading this get rid of your manufacturer from the last several epic collection books (pretty much all the epic collection books published since the beginning of 2018); go back to your previous manufacturer. OR lower the price. Lower quality should mean a lower price.

I was looking forward to this collection. Unfortunately, was disappointed by the quality . The cover is definitely thinner, hope it does not fall apart at the spine. The paper is about half the thickness. I did not really read the reviews before buying, I planned on buying the Punisher vol1 one on Xmas eve. but not sure if from Quad graphics, who seems to be the culprit . unsure where to get a listing from this publisher. Again, this was a disappointment, but could have been avoided with a different publisher.

These are the very first stories.You are being introduced to a whole new magical world.Stans imagination runs wild!He delivers many hits,and of course,a few misses.Steve Ditkos art is a special,brillant take on this mysticial universe!The second,and third seasons of almost all of Marvels early books,shine the brightest.Characters are developed,refined,artists styles,are properly matched up.So I do recomend this book,with the above in mind.

Wonderful stories and art, perfect, five stars. However the paper is very thin and the paper used for the cover is not only thin but curls too much. The epic line must check their printing process.

BUYER BEWARE!The Quad Graphics crisis continues with this, now the 5th epic collection produced by this below standard manufacturer. The paper stock is far too thin, the cover has not been cut or even put on staight as it does not line up with the pages, the front cover even wraps slightly around the spine.It's almost become a running joke. Marvel refuses to respond to, or even acknowledge their customers, I myself have been waiting far too long for a response.With the quality of this epic line going down the drain so rapidly and no end in sight I am beginning to regret my decision to collect these books.I recommend you avoid ordering any more books from Marvel unless you know who they are manufactured by, otherwise your book may just fall apart on you after your first reading.Very dissapointed customer.

Renewed interest since the movies. Fun to read

I liked it just fine! Slightly thinner means I get more epic books on my shelf! And it is a great read too!

After every book I read I cannot complete it intil I gov a review. Its like I don't have a choice in the matter, and that is annoyimg.

Okay, before I start, I would actually rate the stories contained within this volume as 5 stars - I am taking a star off for the quality of the book; I haven't experienced any of the horror stories that other buyers have, but I will say that the paper used for this trade, and the card used for the cover, are extremely thin, so if that's a worry, I recommend buying a copy that you can pick up and check over first.With that caveat out of the way, on to the actual comics themselves! They've managed to squeeze Steve Ditko's entire run on Dr Strange into one book, and it's a fine showcase for his artistic achievements. His style was unique even when he first pencilled the good doctor's debut appearance in Strange Tales, but as the series went on and he grew in confidence, Ditko would produce a myriad of phantasmagoric realms and spectacular magical effects quite unlike anything that had been seen in comicbooks.Of course, the dialogue by collaborator Stan Lee only adds to the unique flavour of the character. Strange's incantations, oaths and spells are a gloriously over-the-top suggestion of a sorcerous world, hinting at the Vishanti, the hordes of Hoggoth, and more. As the two creators pitch Dr Strange against ever more bizarre, other-dimensional foes, the stories seem to create a universe all their own.It's all here; the debuts of the diabolical Baron Mordo, the dread Dormammu, the lovely Clea and the mysterious and awesome Eternity. By the end of Ditko's run, such is the swagger of the book that the final epic storyline spans an incredible 17 issues, unheard of at the time. Also included is the team-up with the other Lee-Ditko master creation, the webhead himself, from Amazing Spider-Man annual #2, ensuring that this really is as complete a Ditko Strange volume as you could want.Extras include two pages of original Ditko art, a pin-up, T-shirt ads, covers for Marvel Tales annual #2 and Dr Strange Classics 1-4 (which reprinted stories collected here), two introductions from the latter, as well as the covers of the first two Strange Masterworks volumes and the first omnibus. A magical collection (paper issues notwithstanding) for a magical run of comics.

All the early Doctor Strange stories from 1963 to 1966 in colour in just under 400 pages, which is of course great. Yes, the paper could be a bit thicker and it is a paperback, so Amazon's usual packing might mean it arrives with an odd slight crease on the cover, but far from as bad as some reviews would have it, which indicate it might fall apart! Maybe those were an earlier print run. My only real gripe is that the pages have been printing too near to the binding/spine of the book (see my picture), which means it's only just possible to read see the edge of the affected panels. Could so easily have been avoided with some basic quality checks at the printers

The stories are great...especially if, like me you like the nostalgic stuff! The artwork is full colour, unlike the ‘essential series’, do it knocks spots of it in every way! Quirky, fun and very collectible!

All the genius Lee and Ditko stuff that started it all. Very retro and stylised but all the better for it. Ages very well .

All the Ditko stories in colour, in one volume. It's genius! 'Nuff said!