In this review of Doctor Strange of Asgard #2, the former sorcerer supreme plots his next move after he is forced to cover up a crime for a murderer who might actually be innocent.
DOCTOR STRANGE OF ASGARD #2
Writer: Derek Landy
Artist: Carlos Magno
Main Cover: GEOFF SHAW
Variant Covers: GODTAIL, DAN PANOSIAN, CHRIS GIARRUSSO,
Page Count: 32 pages
Release Date: April 9, 2025
This review contains spoilers
Doctor Strange of Asgard #2 begins shortly after Stephen Strange witnesses the murder of Asgardian sorceress Hulda, (however long it takes to turn a body invisible and travel back to Earth) as Strange confronts the apparent murderer in New York. The suspect adamantly professes their innocence, and a magic spell confirms that they’re telling the truth.
Strange considers his options as he returns to Asgard, where he picks up a paying gig as a healer from an unnamed Asgardian doctor who repeatedly mocks him. During the marathon session of weird Asgardian maladies and random axe wounds (a common occurrence), Strange’s new acquaintance Roskva enters the clinic with a knife embedded in her shoulder blade (it was an accident).
Roskva and Strange have a friendly conversation about her boyfriend Aslak, and discuss the tragic story behind her unfortunate nickname the “Troll Strangler”. Strange leaves the scar from Roskva’s injury intact as a memento.
At Roskva’s behest, Strange consults Aslak on acquiring ingredients for a spell, and later confides in his new friend about Hulda’s murder (and the identity of the alleged killer). A suspicious Aslak surveys the murder scene, admitting to Strange that Hulda was not well liked by many Asgardians.
Doctor Strange of Asgard #2 ends with Strange being ambushed in his rented room by a large, helmeted attacker wielding a giant battle axe. Strange manages to overpower the mystery attacker (without magic), forcing the assailant to escape out a window, while leaving the ornate axe in Strange’s possession.
Analysis
Doctor Strange of Asgard #2 moves the story in an unexpected direction after last issue’s shocking twist, and also explains Strange’s rationale for not alerting his longtime ally Thor to the murder (and to the identity of the alleged murderer).
Writer Derek Landy mixes in tense murder mystery vibes with some nice character work (along with a hilarious montage set in the Asgardian healing clinic). The levity is a welcome surprise, and it makes Strange more relatable as he continually finds himself out of his depth.
The new Asgardian supporting cast are an interesting mix of personalities for Strange to play off of while he investigates Hulda’s murder (his efforts to become Asgard’s first ever sorcerer supreme have been put on the backburner for now).
Holt, the barfly/romantic comedy-loving playwright is witty and charming, Roskva presents herself as a noble and honorable Asgardian warrior, but also has a soft spot for Aslak, (who himself is kind, funny and trusting).
Strange’s new friends are also the obvious prime suspects in these attacks, even if Strange hasn’t considered that possibility yet.
Artist Carlos Magno (Planet of the Apes) provides some solid artwork complemented by computer generated effects which adds a murkiness to the backgrounds., The magic spell visual designs and colors are dazzling. Magno’s face and figure work is exceptional.
The intense multi-page fight scene between Strange and his mystery assailant is the standout in Doctor Strange of Asgard #2. The brawl is gritty and visceral, as Strange is forced into close-quarters hand-to-hand combat. This is a bare knuckle street fight in an Asgardian rooming house where anything can be a weapon. The panel showing a near miss as Strange ducks under his mystery attacker’s axe swing is also impressive.
Final Thoughts
Doctor Strange of Asgard #2 adds some welcome humor and humanity to the mix, as Stephen Strange is thrust into the middle of a dark and compelling murder mystery.
