Doctor Strange and Doctor Doom: Triumph and Torment Roger Stern; Mike Mignola and Mark Badger

Every year on Midsummer's Eve, Victor von Doom clashes with the forces of evil in a vain attempt to free his mother's soul from Hell. Only when Doctor Stephen Strange -- Master of the Mystic Arts and Earth's Sorcerer Supreme -- is convinced to join the fight, does the outcome have any hope of changing. But first these unlikely allies must journey to Mephisto's infernal realm ... where they find that the cost of one soul may be more than they are willing to pay!

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