Jason Aaron and Chris Bachalo just keep knocking this book out of the park month after month. After last month's slightly slower installment, this issue starts off at the top of the big hill on the roller coaster and flies down the track from there. They're approaching the finish for this storyline and they are putting together a great examination of just who Stephen Strange is and what drives him. This may be the title I look forward to the most each month (although Moon Knight is a close second), and I will be counting the days until next month's book comes out to see how they wrap this up. Read Full Review

There's a little bit of a swagger about this issue, self-assured that Stephen Strange is every bit the hero without his magic as he is with it. It's designed to make all of these characters as proudly epic as their spandex-clad Avengers friends. With a film due out in only a matter of months, Jason Aaron's take on Strange is becoming close to a definitive one, perfectly accessible to the layman while providing something new and exciting to reward those who have stuck with it. Read Full Review

Doctor Strange #9 is a fast read, though a solid set-up for the final confrontation to come. You could call this a war, but at the end of the day it is a new experience for all when the importance of magic is being established on a global scale. There is something to admire about the exploration of lives that would be nothing without magic in there lives to some extent. Read Full Review

Jason Aaron and Chris Bachalo set up what looks to be the final showdown with Doctor Strange and the magic killers, the Empirikul. The Doc is ready for war and it looks like these inquisitors have bitten off more than they can chew. Read Full Review

The Sorcerer Supreme has saved the world countless times, but maybe the cure has been just as bad as the disease " and if that's the case, the healing has to start at home. With that new twist in mind, Doctor Strange is proving to be some of the most exciting and complex superhero storytelling on the stands today. Read Full Review

Overall I've been truly impressed with this latest arc, and chapter four sets the stage for a climactic three-way battle between the Empirikul and Stephen and Wong's own demons come to life. It's shaping up to be well worth the wait. Read Full Review

There seems to be a lot of this going around lately in the current era of comics, and Jason Aaron and company are churning out a very iconic take on the Sorcerer Supreme and the world(s) he lives in. A new angle on the character, giving him a depth previously unseen, accented flawlessly by an art team who are having loads of fun and playing to their strengths. The last page of this issue features Doctor Strange's version of “I'm Your Huckleberry“, setting up the big finale in issue #10. There are real stakes here, not just for Stephen Strange, but for the entire world of magic, and I cannot wait to see where it goes. Read Full Review

Issue #9 mostly works as setup for the looming showdown between the last purveyors of magic and the Empirikul hunting them, but its setup that comes with its own investment. Read Full Review

If you ever get the call from an ethereal beacon to trek to a monastery in the Himalayas, here's a tip: don't heed it! It's freezing cold up there and you'll probably have wasted your time. Doctor Strange continues to gather artifacts in preparation for his final conflict, in this story arc that looks to be about two issues too long, yet somehow each issue is a freakishly quick read. You get a lot of bang for your buck, however, poring over the exquisite artwork and layouts. Read Full Review

Not a huge fan of Magic titles but this I do really enjoy! Aaron seems to have a great understanding of Strange and nobody draws weird better than Bachalo. What I really love is the creation of the Empirikul, they seem like a great addition to the Marvel Universe and while some Marvel heroes have a huge list of adversaries I think Doctor Strange is in need of a few more.
The current storyline could almost have been a big Marvel event but I'm glad they decided to keep it fairly small & tight.

Two story points begin to come together, the cost of magic and the last of magic being destroyed. There are subtle details in the art that add to the story in interesting ways. It feels as if now that magic is vanishing the surreal art becomes more grounded. The writing gets me with the supporting cast. I think Aaron tries to make them just as deep as Strange himself and it is appreciated. This series seems to have a great team behind it.

I'm enjoying this semi-reboot of Dr. Strange. What attracted me originally, besides my old love of the character, was Jason Aaron. After what he did with Thor, well, it wasn't hard to try this out. I'm not a huge fan of the art, sometimes it's not real clear what's going on, but I'm sure many would think that's a great asset to a book about magic.

I liked how Aaron tied in the idea of Strange "messing up" and having to fix what he did, and of course the whole "using magic takes a toll on you" trope is well-used here. Looking forward to the conclusion, and then hope that the hint of "The Old Ones," Shuma-Gorath, and the Lovecraftian stuff is explored more.

This issue really seems to build for a huge epic finale that seems like Doctor strange will sacrifice it all to save magic

Strange has prepared as best he can and now it is time for the final showdown... Actually, did anyone think to use non magic weapons? I hear RPGs are effective against just about anything. Oh comics, don't ever change.

The story is great but man o man you have to wait so long for another issue lol.
It was a nice build up for issue 10.