We get a sneak peek at the daring trick used by Englehart and Bruner in Doctor Strange’s Time Doom comic and its impact on Marvel.
In December 1973, Marvel Comics was a universe where creativity could flow unfettered. But even in this free world, what happens when a story touches on very sensitive subjects and requires deception to be protected? We delve into the fascinating story of how Steve Englehart and Frank Brunner came up with a plan to keep one of Doctor Strange’s most controversial stories under the title, “The Wreck of Time.”
Freedom Sea
In the early 70s, Marvel was known for its editorial rotation. Innovators like Steve Englehart and Frank Brunner had carte blanche to explore any idea. However, there was one detail: Stan Lee. Although Lee ran Marvel with a relatively light hand, his approval was still crucial. If he doesn’t like something, the consequences can be severe. This dynamic was evident when Jim Starlin was fired from “Iron Man” due to creative disagreements with Lee, though he later found a new home in “Captain Marvel.”
Englehart and Brunner knew they were going to touch on sensitive topics when working on the Doctor Strange comedy “Marvel Premiere #14.” The story involves Sise-Neg, who takes his power from other realities and is ultimately revealed to be a representation of “Genesis”. It was a bold narrative suggesting that it was the source of God himself. Realizing the comic’s controversial nature and to avoid Stan Lee’s displeasure, the creators came up with a special plan.
Englehart and Brunner’s trick
To calm Lee’s anxiety, Engelhat and Brunner create a fictional letter from a Texas Reverend Bilinsley, praising his sense of humor. To add to the authenticity, the letter, with a Texas postmark, praised the comic’s approach to divine imagery. Impressed by this positive feedback, Stan Lee allowed the story to move forward.
Englehart and Brunner’s machinations not only saved their story, but also became legendary in the world of comics. This event highlights the importance of innovation and creativity in the comedy industry, showing that sometimes it is necessary to go beyond conventions to maintain an artistic vision.
A journey beyond magic and controversy
The “Time Doom” episode not only marks a bold move in Marvel’s publishing history, but it’s also a pivotal moment in Strange’s character evolution. This comic reflects the complexity and depth that Marvel is allowed to explore in its narratives. Known for his mystical journeys and encounters with cosmic entities, Doctor Strange finds himself immersed in a story where the lines between magic and existential questions are blurred. This innovation established a precedent for philosophical and less common themes in the character of superheroes, showing that they can be not only crime fighters, but also explorers of the boundaries of reality and morality.
Compared to popular superheroes of the time, The Sorcerer Supreme stood out for its focus on mystical and occult themes, a theme that was rarely explored in earlier comics. While characters like Spider-Man and Iron Man face more mundane villains and everyday problems, Doctor Strange opens the door to a universe where the impossible happens every day. This contrast has enriched the Marvel Universe, showing its diversity in genres and themes. The story of “Time Doom” highlights this difference in Doctor Strange, likening him to a mystical and philosophical character rather than the usual action superhero.
Creativity and limitations in the world of comics
The issue of “Time Doom” invites us to ponder the limits between creative freedom and editorial limitations. Although Marvel is known for its openness, English and Brunner’s story shows that even the most freewheeling environments can require careful maneuvering to tackle certain subjects.