For decades, Marvel has been releasing comic books. Their superhero comics have a long history, and figures such as Captain America and Iron Man have become cultural icons. For a long time, these characters have also been seen on TV and in movies. However, there are some personalities who have clearly outperformed their source material in terms of quality. Dr. Strange is one of them. Thus, here are 5 reasons why Dr. Strange is way better in the movies than the comic books:
1. The movies do a better job of defining Wong:
Wong is one of the most popular characters of Doctor Strange’s cast, as the one who helps Strange in his numerous responsibilities. However, Scott Derrickson, the film’s director and co-screenwriter, said that he almost left the character out, saying, “He was an Asian sidekick manservant, what was I supposed to do with that?” Many comic book enthusiasts may argue that Wong has progressed significantly from his early comic book portrayals much before the “Doctor Strange” movie. However, the film smartly avoids this debate by significantly revising Wong’s position in Stephen’s life, making him a great wizard and one of the Masters of the Mystic Arts.
2. Dr. Strange is kept colloquial in the movies:
While formal communication is one of Strange’s defining qualities, it’s also among the factors that makes him seem a little tough to relate to for certain fans. The MCU’s Doctor Strange, on the other hand, is well-versed in the jargons. While he doesn’t use the most up-to-date lingo, he speaks in a manner that normal people do, while still striking viewers as the wise magician we’ve always recognized him as. Incidentally, in the 2015 Doctor Strange series, the doctor speaks in a less formalized setting than normal. Maybe it’s a means to strengthen the bond between the two versions of the sorcerer.
3. Dr. Strange is powerful in the movies, but within limits:
Doctor Strange, in the Marvel Comics, is by nature much more competent than many others trained in that field, capable of executing improbable miracles. While the MCU doesn’t explicitly express them, it does give Strange more defined abilities and limitations, while being careful not to overdo it. For instance, Stephen can manipulate and travel across time with his own sorcery in the comics. However, all of his time-related abilities are relegated to the Time Stone in the films. He has no time superpowers without it, as he explains in “No Way Home.”
4. The movies keep Dr. Strange’s significance consistent:
There have been several times in Marvel comics history when Strange has been AWOL for extended periods of time. On the other hand, Strange has remained a constant presence in the MCU. He helps Thor and Loki locate their father in “Thor: Ragnarok,” and he becomes an even more significant figure in “Avengers: Infinity War,” not just by confronting Thanos, but also by disclosing that there is still a way to defeat him. Furthermore, Strange is the one who teleports every superhero and soldier resurrected to face Thanos in “Avengers Endgame”. Basically, the MCU understands that Strange is not someone to be overlooked and makes him consistent through the movies.
5. The movies make Dr. Strange’s magic less complex:
Stephen Strange himself may be easy to understand, but the realm of magic is not. Because of their medium and format, the Marvel comic books immerse readers in the world of the magical sciences far too rapidly. Fortunately for moviegoers, the films had to bring magic in a way that delivered the narrative very slowly, while keeping sufficient action to keep fans interested. This makes the film far more palatable and accessible for the mass audience, and it also effectively establishes Strange’s premise.
