Doctor Strange Introduces 'Scythe Magic' to Marvel Lore

A new era just began for Doctor Strange, as he officially begins his tenure as Sorcerer Supreme of Asgard in Doctor Strange Volume 8. And alongside his new costume, new magical artifacts and new enemies, Doctor Strange just introduced a new type of magic to Marvel lore…

Doctor Strange’s New Era Introduces ‘Scythe Magic’

In today’s Doctor Strange #1 – from Derek Landy, Ivan Fiorelli, Dono Sánchez-Almara and Cory Petit – Strange witnesses the return of the ancient wizard Vyrbodin. A truly ancient being, Vyrbodin is schooled in techniques that died out eons ago, including “Scythe Magic.”

As explained by Vyrbodin, most magic gains power from the cosmic balance of the universe, making it incredibly reliable. However, Scythe Magic is powered by gaps in reality, harnessing the energy of all potential events that didn’t come to pass. This new type of Marvel magic is incredibly difficult to wield, but equally difficult to counter or even detect.

Vyrbodin notes that Scythe Magic is most powerful where the universe has diverged from its intended path, seemingly setting up a meta edge where this new power will tie into past retcons and reality/time travel stories.

Marvel’s Scythe Magic Is Its Darkest Magic Twist Yet

Scythe Magic is named for the impossibly narrow gap between potential and actuality, “finer than the blade of the keenest scythe.” However, Vyrbodin has totally mastered the art, and plans to use it for a chilling mission.

While battling Vyrbodin, Doctor Strange learns that the villain’s plan is to visit all those whose lives were almost totally different and siphon the potential energy from them. Once empowered, the evil Elf then plans to “kill all living children throughout the realms.” In response, Strange summons a dark new form, which is where the issue ends.

Our Take on Doctor Strange’s New Type of Magic

Most fans of Doctor Strange will quickly point out that Marvel has never shown its magical stories enough love, especially in the modern era. Unlike time travel, alternate realities and gamma energy, Marvel has never fully locked down ‘rules’ for its magic stories, which can leave Strange’s world feeling ephemeral.

However, this new issue brings some of the specificity the franchise needs. Vyrbodin’s debut quickly and effectively spells out the difference between Strange’s earthly magic and Vyrbodin’s Scythe Magic. We quickly know why Strange is struggling against this villain, and what his foe needs to accomplish his dark goal.

At the same time, Strange’s new place in Asgardian lore adds even more structure, with both the Elves of Alfheim (airy, fairytale aristocrats) and the Angels of Heven (mercenary, bargain-obsessed warriors) dragged into the conflict over Vyrbodin.

The result is shaping up to be Strange’s greatest modern era – one where Doctor Strange will have to thread the needle of a complex web of systems and civilizations to bring down exactly the kind of oversized evil that only the Sorcerer Supreme can combat.

Doctor Strange #1 is available now from Marvel Comics.