Ebook Doctor Strange Into Shamballa Marvel Graphic Novel by J M DeMatteis 19860101 J M DeMatteis Dan Green Books

Product details Paperback Publisher Marvel Comics Group (January 1, 1986) Language English ISBN-10 0871351668

Doctor Strange Into Shamballa Marvel Graphic Novel by J M DeMatteis 19860101 J M DeMatteis Dan Green Books Reviews

• I read this graphic novel many, many years ago. When I was too young to actually appreciate it. Even then, I knew I had read something special, I liked it, but I didn't love it. Now, many decades later, reading it for the second time, I will use a word that is not normally associated with super heroes. Beautiful. The art and the voice of the novel are incredibly in sync. The pacing and coloring work together to set the mood for this philosophical story. I'm so glad I hunted down a copy and truly enjoyed returning to Shamballa.
• Amazing artwork. Fantastic look into the world of the sorcerer supreme. A must own for Dr Strange fans.
• EXCELLENT ONE OFF
  
  MIND BENDING TWISTY
  
  VERY NICE ART
• Good service, great product.
• While Dr. Strange is enjoying a resurgence in the movies lately, his current comics incarnation as a wisecracking, womanizing sorcerer-superhero is a far cry from the character as he was at his best ... a formerly self-centered, shallow man remade into a master of the mystic arts ... and even more importantly, as a spiritual seeker. It's been a long time since DeMatteis' excellent but all-too short run on the good doctor's comic; but even better than that is this graphic novel, which embraces the psychological, philosophical, and spiritual heart of an often-misused character.
  
  The story? Dr. Strange receives a gift from his late master, the Ancient One, which leaves him bewildered & frustrated ... until it explodes his world & sends him on a journey to save the world ... or is it himself? Or are the two the same, in the end? While there are mystical foes a-plenty here, and dynamic action scenes, it's the ideas that really matter in this case. I don't want to go into them, lest I spoil the story for those who haven't read it yet. But let me say this, at least -- if you're looking for the usual superhero action, with a trendy "edgy" protagonist, then look elsewhere.
  
  This story is about a man who is aware of his flaws, who is constantly working to grow in understanding & soul, and who genuinely wants to do good -- not for the sake of ego, but because he sees such a life as the only one worth living, as best he can. It's a story meant to make the reader both think & feel ... and yet, it never stints on pure entertainment value, either, a difficult thing to pull off properly. But such a tightrope walk is DeMatteis' particular gift as a comics writer, and he knows exactly what he's doing here.
  
  Until this graphic novel, I was mainly familiar with Dan Green as an inker. After seeing these pages, I've wished that he'd do much more full artwork. He manages to fuse an ethereal, almost pastel style with real energy & vivid power, perfectly suited to the material. It has a dreamlike quality, but always remains strong & gripping for the reader. It's how I can easily imagine the landscape of the Psyche as looking, both somewhat vaguely unreal & also more real than real, at the same time. Just beautiful work!
  
  This graphic novel has been out of print for much too long, and deserves reprinting. I'd also like to see the real Dr. Strange who's depicted here return to comics as well, kicking out the one-dimensional imitation who's currently (mis)using his name in the comic, preferably written by DeMatteis (or someone with similar sensibilities) ... but I won't hold my breath. For the time being, an older story such as this one is the only place you'll find a Dr. Strange who embodies the full potential of the character, by the Hoary Hosts of Hoggoth!
• Part comic book, part spiritual parable, and part storybook (complete with calligraphy and gorgeous watercolor art), "Into Shamballa" is a real treat for longtime Doctor Strange fans looking for a different take on the Master of Mystic Arts.
  
  J.M. DiMatteis' tale transforms a typical challenge to the Sorcerer Supreme into something much more personal, subjective, and reflective. DiMatteis is a devotee of Meher Baba, and the story is rich with symbolic reflections and insights on the struggle faced by any spiritual aspirant. It's a book to read and then ponder.
  
  Dan Green's illustrations are evocative and graceful, and the use of color is excellent. The panels have a vaguely Asian quality to them, but are firmly rooted in the Marvel universe. The story takes Strange from Tibet to South America to Britain, and all locations are rendered with subtle, loving care. Another reviewer compared the book to an illuminated manuscript, and that captures the feel of "Into Shamballa" perfectly.
  
  Many longtime Doctor Strange fans (this reviewer included) are of a more philosophical bent, and this graphic novel is a must-read for them. That said, the book is far from action packed, and readers looking for slam-bang spellcasting will find this a fairly dull exercise. But the idea of taking the figure of Doctor Strange and turning him into the protagonist in a deeply symbolic spiritual parable is one I find deeply appealing.
  
  This is a rewarding work. Just make sure you read it with the eye of Agamotto.