As Earth’s Mightiest Heroes assemble to keep Thanos away from the Infinity Stones in Avengers: Infinity War, a similar scramble for the cosmic gems is taking place in Marvel’s comic book event series Infinity Countdown.
Though that story is still just getting underway, the publisher’s July 2018 solicits offer a peek at who walks away with one of the Infinity Stones and the hero who is determined to take it back, revealing a new connection to his Marvel Cinematic Universe counterpart.
When Doctor Strange relaunches for Marvel’s “Fresh Start” initiative, writer Mark Waid and artist Jesus Saiz will take the Sorcerer Supreme to the far reaches of space after his connection to the mystic arts goes missing. This will bring a new status quo to the Earth-bound and Astral-based sorcerer, as Doctor Stephen Strange interacts with the cosmic side of the Marvel Universe.
During his adventures, Stephen Strange will cross paths with the Super-Skrull, who is currently in possession of the Time Stone in Infinity Countdown. Of course, fans of the MCU will remember Doctor Strange’s Eye of Agamotto is, in fact, the Time Stone, meaning the comics and films are keeping the “It’s All Connected” tradition going.
Making this upcoming adventure even more intriguing is the fact that Marvel Comics’ Doctor Strange no longer has the Eye of Agamotto; he lost is when the Empirikul succeeded in ridding the Earth of all magic. It remains to be seen whether the Time Stone will be retconned to take the original Eye’s place, though it wouldn’t be out of the question for Marvel Comics to re-align an aspect of its continuity to fall in one with the films. It is curious timing, after all, that of all six of the Infinity Stones for Doctor Strange to come in contact with, it just so happens he’ll be dealing with the exact same one he wields in the MCU.
Infinity War is be the culmination of Marvel Studios’ 10-year run with the MCU, and Doctor Strange’s Time Stone is only one of the Infinity Stones that the Mad Titan has his sights set on. The Vision was essentially birthed by the Mind Stone, meaning the Avengers and Guardians of the Galaxy have their work cut out for them if they are going to keep their comrades — and the world — safe.
Below is the solicitation text for Doctor Strange #3, which arrives in July from Marvel Comics. Avengers: Infinity War opens April 27.
DOCTOR STRANGE #3
MARK WAID (W) • JESUS SAIZ (A/C)
CAROL DANVERS 50TH VARIANT COVER BY EMA LUPACCHINO
INFINITY WARS IGNITES!
INFINITY COUNTDOWN TIE-IN!
When Earth’s magic dried up for him, Doctor Strange took to the stars.
He expected to find alien sorcerers and magical artifacts, not one of the INFINITY STONES!
The Super-Skrull has the Time Stone, and Doctor Strange can’t let him keep it!
32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99
