Our ‘Book of the Dead: Where Are They Now?’ series continues as we look back at the Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe: Deluxe Edition #16-20 from 1987 to 1988 – the ‘Book of the Dead’ issues – to find out if anyone has had the courtesy to stay dead since those OHOTMU issues were released!
See our BOOK OF THE DEAD: WHERE ARE THEY NOW? INDEX for more.
Our second entry features Doctor Strange’s mentor, the Ancient One. While his history would be expanded following his apparent demise (oops! Spoilers!), we’ll just focus on his history as it stood at the time when the Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe: Deluxe Edition #16 was released.
DEATH: (or at least, the destruction of his physical form) Marvel Premiere #10 (1973)
RETURN: Doctor Strange #9 (2019)
YEARS DEAD: 46
Under the guide of a Tibetan High Lama, the Ancient One is approached by Dr Anthony Droom (Amazing Adventures #1, 1961), with Droom later revealed to be Doctor Druid) who he tests as a possible successor to the role of ‘Sorcerer Supreme’. Before long, Dr Stephen Strange locates the Ancient One, asking for his assistance in restoring the damaged nerves in his hands (Strange Tales #115, 1963). Instead, Strange goes on to become a ‘Master of the Mystic Arts’ under the Ancient One’s guidance (Strange Tales #110, 1963). But Strange quickly finds himself protecting the Acient One from assassination attempts, beginning with Baron Mordo’s efforts to poison him (Strange Tales #111, 1963 – when he’s first names as the Ancient One) and later by Kaecillius and his cronies on behalf of Dormammu of the Dark Dimension (Strange Tales #130-131, 1965).
After the origin of the Ancient One is finally revealed, Doctor Strange faces his greatest test yet, when Umar gains control of the Dark Dimension. Strange is forced to release Zom as a weapon against Umar, but the demonthen magically imprisons the Ancient One within Stonehenge (Strange Tales #148-157, 1966-1967). Following a battle with Yandroth, Strange is transported to Stonehenge where he’s confronted by the Ancient One’s spirit. The Ancient One quickly regains his physical form, explaining he let Zom believe he was dead and has now escaped his fate. He resumes his role as Strange’s mentor (Strange Tales #166-168, 1968). However, the Ancient One ultimately meets his fate when he guides Doctor Strange in defending Earth from the threat of the ancient demon Shuma-Gorath who uses the Sorcerer Supreme’s mind as a gateway to the Earthly plane. Doctor Strange is left with no choice but to kill his master in order to end the threat of Shuma-Gorath. With the Ancient One physically dead but now one with the universe, Doctor Strange sorrowfully picks up the mantle of Sorcerer Supreme (Marvel Premiere #3-10, 1972-1973).
Despite the death of his physical form, the Ancient One would continue to grant guidance to Doctor Strange in his spirit form from time-to-time. First, he congratulates Strange on passing the first of a series of trials to cement his role as Sorcerer Supreme (Doctor Strange #4, 1974). He briefly loses his oneness with the universe and his transformed into a homeless man, but Strange returns the Ancient One to the Cosmic Wheel of Change (Doctor Strange #26-28, 1977-1978 – during INTO THE QUADRIVERSE). He appears to Doctor Strange a sparse number of times over the years, but none more notably than when he restores his lost title of Sorcerer Supreme (New Avengers #34, 2013 – during END TIMES).
In more recent times, the Ancient One shocks Strange by emerging in the Sanctum Sanctorum in full physical form, having been restored to life by Dormammu (Doctor Strange #9-10, 2019). Strange helps the Ancient One reclaim the part of his brain that was stolen by Dormammu (Doctor Strange #10, 2019). He decides to remain in the corporeal realm and becomes a member of the faculty at Strange Academy (Strange Academy #1, 2020).
Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe Deluxe Edition #16 – Ancient One
Art: Carl Potts & Josef Rubinstein
Marvel Premiere #10 (interiors)
Story: Steve Englehart & Frank Brunner
Art: Frank Brunner & the Crusty Bunkers
Doctor Strange #9 (interiors)
Story: Mark Waid
Art: Jesús Saíz
Reading Order © Omniverse Comics Guide 2025
Leave a Reply