*Marvel: Although Marvel’s Master of the Mystic Arts had premiered some issues earlier, it was Strange Tales #115 which explained how dissolute and egotistical surgeon Stephen Strange had sought help from mystical sources and been drawn on to the path of heroism following a life-altering accident. This, however, was a secret well-kept by Marvel, who were still plugging the Human Torch as a solo star at this point, and as such gave his match-up with Spidey foe the Sandman all the cover space, without even mentioning the Doctor was In! Nevertheless, this is the first telling of Strange’s origin, as greatly expanded upon in the widely-acclaimed cinematic blockbuster. This copy is GD; Initially it looks much nicer, with good cover colour and minimal edge wear, but closer examination reveals three small ‘punctures’ which penetrate the entire body of the book, albeit having minimal impact on the story pages. Despite that, this is a copy with considerable eye appeal.
PICTURED: STRANGE TALES #115 p GD £65 SOLD

More from the Square Mile Collection next week!