For my second Marvel Age book, I'm sticking with writers I have read talking about comics I haven't, though even then I've doubtless read more stuff Moore edited (he's a Vertigo veteran) than written. But for whatever reason (the acknowledgements thank a non-fiction veteran spouse for pointers), he feels like more of a natural fit for the project, perhaps less overawed than Paul Cornell was at getting paid to tell people about seventies Avengers. And to be clear, I say that having liked Cornell's book. But Moore is flashier without being flimsy, writes with an updated version of Stan Lee's conspiratorial patter, making the reader feel like they've lucked into an invite to an exclusive club, even as he heretically (though quite correctly) admits to wincing when transcribing some of Stan's riper dialogue. This survey follows Marvel's master of the mystic arts from his creation by Lee and Ditko through promotion to his own title, cancellation, the convening of the Defenders and one of Marvel's first relaunches, leaving him in the hands of Steve Englehart (who also loomed large in Cornell's book) and Frank Brunner. I'm not sure I could point to a grand thesis – though it's probably better at tying the art to the times than that Higgs Beatles misfire I just read*, especially when it parallels Ditko taking over the plotting with Dylan going electric. But Moore knows his stuff, offering solid insights on the differing approaches and strengths of the sundry writers and artists involved, and is fun to read even on the wobblier material, wrapping up with his own brief glimpses of Strange's creators, and maybe of the man himself.

*It's pure coincidence that I've been on such a sixties kick this past couple of weeks. Assuming you believe in coincidence, anyway.

(Netgalley ARC)

I really enjoyed this book. It’s a simple but fun look at Doctor Strange’s early years and how the character grew in the ’60s. It’s easy to read and made me appreciate him even more. Definitely a great pick for Marvel fans.