This novelization of Stan Lee and Steve Ditko's original “Doctor Strange” stories sees Doctor Strange transform from a vain egoist to one of Earth's greatest defenders. A self-centered healer, Stephen Strange is arrogant, but it's almost justified. After all, he is one of the best surgeons in the country. However, that all takes a dark turn following a horrific car crash. The doctor survives but at a great cost: his hands are irreparably damaged, and he can no longer perform surgery. No doctor can help him. Nor can faith healers or gurus. Nearing the end of his rope, he seeks out mystic help from the Ancient One, a man rumored to possess unearthly talents. The Ancient One isn't able to heal his hands, but he teaches Stephen the mystic arts as well as discipline, self-restraint, and, eventually, selflessness. These qualities soon lead him to clash with his fellow student, Baron Mordo. After completing his training, Doctor Strange leaves the temple and uses his magical powers to defend the Earth from arcane threats that few humans can conceive of-battling rival sorcerers, thwarting Nightmare, the malevolent ruler of dreams, and daring to defy the terrifying despot of the Dark Dimension, Dormammu.
