Doctor Strange and Doctor Doom: Triumph and Torment (Marvel Graphic Novel) - Hardcover

Stern, Roger

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0871355590 ISBN 13: 9780871355591

Publisher: Marvel Enterprises, 1989

Synopsis

Book by Roger Stern

About this title

From the Back Cover:

In the sulfurous, shadow-laden realm of the demonic Mephisto, a woman's tormented soul cries for sweet release.  Only one man possesses the will and courage to rescue her from the hordes of Hades.  That man is her vile son, the infamous despot of Latveria, known to the trembling world-at-large as ... Doctor Doom!  Yet, even within this blackest of hearts, the yearning to be reunited with a loved one is overpowering.  Thus, with the sorcerous assistance of Earth's master mage, Doctor Stephen Strange, von Doom embarks on a treacherous journey into the domain of absolute evil.

Few themes in literature are as compelling as the Great Quest.  From Gilgamesh to the Holy Grail on through The Lord of the Rings, a man is defined by that which he seeks.  And, in this mesmerizing odyssey, writer Roger Stern places a unique twist on the most ancient of motifs.  His protagonist is the most singularly malefic figure in the entire mythos of Marvel Comics.  Victor von Doom.  In superbly capable hands, the good doctor has never been more deceitful, despicable, and yes -- noble.

The graphic complement to such stylish writing is provided by two towering talents of contemporary illustrated fiction:  Michael Mignola, penciler/designer, and Mark Badger, inker/painter.  A more harmonious blending of techniques has rarely been achieved.

Similarly, a more delightful dance with the Devil than Triumph and Torment can scarcely be imagined.
                                                                                              -- Ralph Machio

Review:

"Arguably one of the most overlooked gems in Marvel's immense library, this story by Roger Stern, Mike Mignola and Mark Badger pits Dr. Strange in the unlikely role of savior as he's tasked by the Vishanti to assist Dr. Doom in rescuing Doom's mother from Mephisto. As you can guess, Dr. Doom takes over the book to some extent, but Dr. Strange carves out a place for himself like a surgeon as an ally and adversary to Doom." -- Chris Arrant, ifanboy.com

"In this graphic novel written by Roger Stern with art by a young Mike Mignola, Doctor Strange is forced to help Doctor Doom try to save the soul of Doom's mother, who has been doomed to hell. During their battle against Mephisto in hell, there are a number of twists and turns, all beautifully illustrated by Mignola and Mark Badger. While he had won the title of Sorcerer Supreme over Doom (Doom's second-place finish is what put him into a position of requesting Strange's help), it was this story that proved that Strange truly had earned the title."  -- Brian Cronin, comicbookresources.com

"Roger Stern and a young Mike Mignola (Hellboy) oversaw the magnum opus graphic novel Triumph and Torment, a dark and tragic tale starring not only Strange but Doctor Doom as well. The story shows just how compassionate Strange could be as he helps Doom try and rescue the despot of Latveria's mother from the fires of Hell. The result is a terrifying journey around the darkest edges of magic in the Marvel Universe. The care and skill that went into this project has to be seen to be believed, but it was arguably the greatest self-contained Doctor Strange story of all time." -- Marc Buxton

"Stern tells a highly-charged story or magic, emotion and destiny, and makes it look effortless. His love for these characters, their histories, and more importantly, their creators really comes through on every page, and in the end, you're left absolutely heartbroken and in awe. For a lot of folks, the big draw here is probably Mike Mignola. While this is still pretty early on in his career, it's kind of impossible to not see this as one of his most gorgeous and brilliantly rendered projects. But plan accordingly, because, baby, this one's gonna hit you in the heart!" -- Chad Bowers

"There are some critics who perpetually sneer at the idea of comics having literary qualities. This story proves them wrong." -- Rachel Swords

About this edition

• Publisher: Marvel Enterprises
• Publication date: 1989
• ISBN 10: 0871355590
• ISBN 13: 9780871355591
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 80
• Illustrator: Mignola Mike, Badger Mark