“The Mightiest Magician In The Cosmos”
Marvel’s own writers referred to Strange as the “mightiest magician in the cosmos,” and it’s a title he lives up to. After the Ancient One (who is very much alive during Doctor Strange’s standalone) is killed in an effort to trap Lovecraftian creep Shuma-Gorath, Doctor Strange assumed the mantle of Supreme Sorcerer. It was a title he held, on and off, for many years.
Although he renounces the mantle after losing faith in his abilities – giving it to Brother Voodoo for a time – he eventually regains it due to his selfless acts in defense of the world. Since then, Stephen Strange is the go-to guy for the Avengers and other characters when it comes to fighting the esoteric forces of evil. And while Marvel has a number of mystical characters at their disposal, excluding their Vertigo imprint, Doctor Strange is without a doubt the most powerful of the magically-enhanced superheroes associated with the Avengers.
In fact, he was one of the founding members of the Illuminati – an elite group assembled by Tony Stark after the Kree-Skrull War. The secret order consisted of Marvel luminaries like Charles Xavier, Black Bolt (Inhumans), Reed Richards, Stark and Namor. As a member of the Illuminati, Strange aids this mystical group in defending the planet from all varieties of astral-weirdos and demonic ne’er-do-wells.
Unfortunately, the team lost faith in one another following the Secret Invasion storyline and the order disbanded. However, there’s always a chance the super-order could put aside their differences and reform in the MCU (hint hint).
Strange’s magical prowess has proven itself time and time again. Whether saving the Avengers‘ bacon or repairing rifts in the space-time continuum, his powers only seem to get stronger, and more interesting, as his character evolves.
