Doctor Strange's Magic Still Can't Beat X-Men's [SPOILER]
Doctor Strange may be Sorcerer Supreme, but even he can't defeat the X-Men's Magik. As Sorcerer Supreme, Stephen Strange considers himself one of the most powerful beings in the universe. He is Earth's first line of defense, confronting all the magical threats that would conquer this entire reality.
But that doesn't mean he is the most powerful sorcerer of all, nor is he unbeatable. In fact, Strange himself seems to believe Doctor Doom may be his equal - if not even his better. During time travel stories, Strange has encountered previous Sorcerers Supreme, and several of them seemed to be even more powerful than he is; no doubt some of his successors will make him look like a common street magician.
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But Doctor Strange could never have expected to be defeated, in the most humiliating manner, by a member of the X-Men. The first battle of the "Avengers Vs. X-Men" event saw Earth's Mightiest Heroes triumph, and Cyclops ordered Magik to create a back-door. As Magik teleported away, Captain America ordered Doctor Strange to pursue her. Magik took him to the Hellish dimension of Limbo, which she rules, and the two prepared to do battle.
The battle was never shown, but a short while later Doctor Strange appeared, holding the unconscious Magik. "Just a temporary holding spell," Strange assured Cyclops. "There's nothing to worry about, Scott." In reality, this wasn't Doctor Strange at all - the Sorcerer Supreme had been defeated, and Magik was using a simple illusion to hide the truth from the Avengers. She spirited the captive X-Men away, with an embarrassed Strange struggling to his feet. "Magik took me out my element," he told the Avengers. "That's all."
It's a poor excuse, given the Multiverse itself is Doctor Strange's element. What's more, notice that this was clearly Cyclops' plan all along; his backdoor strategy involved Magik drawing Doctor Strange to Limbo, where he was confident she could beat him. And he was absolutely right, which surely pricked Doctor Strange's ego. For readers, though, the most annoying part of this is the fact they never got to see this magical showdown. Doctor Strange's defeat happened entirely off-page, which made perfect narrative sense in the context of the "Avengers Vs. X-Men" event, but means one of the most exciting magical fights of Marvel history has never been shown.
Ironically, it wouldn't be long before Magik's growing powers - including her bond to Limbo - meant she needed Doctor Strange's help. She became Strange's apprentice, learning further secrets of sorcery, and she now works with him at Strange Academy. Hopefully they will eventually cross spells once again, though, and this time Marvel will let readers see it.
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