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The Death of Doctor Strange: Bloodstone #1 introduces a mysterious new character into the Bloodstone family in an action-packed story full of cliches.
Despite famed monster hunter Elsa Bloodstone being raised in a wealthy family, she still had a tough childhood. Under the guise of strictness, the immortal Ulysses Bloodstone raised Elsa and her brother Cullen in conditions that can be tantamount to child abuse and scarred both siblings physically and mentally. Ulysses may be no more, but the Bloodstone family now has a rotting manor and an equally dysfunctional familial dynamic. The death of the Sorcerer Supreme Doctor Strange has left Earth without its magical barrier, and Elsa has her hands full protecting the world from monsters. However, unbeknownst to her, a new addition to her family is dropping soon.
Written by Tini Howard with artwork from Ig Guara and Dijjo Lima, The Death of Doctor Strange: Bloodstone #1 gives the Bloodstone family much-needed stability. Elsa Bloodstone is in London fighting a monster when she notices a comet heading towards the Bloodstone Manor. She returns home just in time and greets her brother, Cullen. Suddenly, the comet crashes right in front of them and starts reacting to the alien Bloodgems that the siblings carry. When the dust settles, they carefully approach the rock only to find a little girl inside who claims to be their eldest sister, Lyra Bloodstone.
Writer Tini Howard, who has been collaborating with Marvel Comics on their X-Men titles, is already familiar with Cullen Bloodstone, having used him in a pivotal role in Excalibur. In The Death of Doctor Strange: Bloodstone #1, Howard places Cullen’s famous sister Elsa at the forefront of the story and uses her as a conduit to pass on information to the reader. Howard uses narration boxes from Elsa’s point of view for moments of introspection. However, the story also has a deuteragonist — the mysterious girl who claims to be a Bloodstone and whose presence acts as the catalyst that moves the story forward. Even though the plot has plenty of McGuffins and clichés, it’s an enjoyable read.
Another frequent collaborator of Marvel Comics, artist Ig Guara keeps the readers on their toes with dynamic lines. Guara’s precise linework and expansive shots complement the fast-paced narrative. The design of the monsters and the story’s antagonist successfully convey a menacing vibe. Colorist Dijjo Lima uses a wide array of colors to bring out the energy and ferocity of the characters. One drawback, however, is the comic’s background is often lit with muted colors as a chunk of the story plays out in the dark of the night.
The Death of Doctor Strange: Bloodstone #1 unites the Bloodstone family as they fend off mystical threats. The latest addition to the Bloodstone family, Lyra Bloodstone, makes a huge splash in her first appearance and becomes Marvel’s first new character of 2022. However, her arrival raises more questions in the Marvel Universe. While the main issues of The Death of Doctor Strange miniseries are concerned with the larger perils of the Marvel universe, the one-shot issues have been giving an in-depth view to the otherwise overlooked characters. The Death of Doctor Strange: Bloodstone #1 is a great addition to the latter.
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