The other day I was typing away at my computer, when I said to myself: "Self, let's write a Dr. Strange story." I had never done anything even close to Dr. Strange, so I decided to challenge myself and see what I could do with it. So, as always when I write a story about a favorite hero of mine, I asked myself arguably the most important question: Who's going to be the villain? In my view, the entire plot almost always depends on the villain. Whatever the villain does and whatever kind of villain he is is then reflected on the hero. While of course it's the hero that is most important, but the villain is a pretty damn close second.
After going through a quick little list I compiled in my head, it came down between
Baron Mordo
and Dormammu, whom I'll give an argument for later.
Both of whom are arch nemeses of The Sorcerer Supreme. I couldn't decide on whom, both are just such great villains in their own way. I still haven't decided. So I'm going to present the benefits, and the disadvantages of having either villain, and will let you, the CBM-goers decide.
First Up: Baron Mordo
Background information
Originally a Transylvanian nobleman (born in Varf Mandra), Mordo became a student of the Tibetan sorcerer known as the Ancient One. When Mordo plotted to kill his teacher, the Ancient One's visitor Dr. Stephen Strange learned of the plot, forcing Mordo to cast restraining spells to prevent him from warning his Master or attacking him. Unfortunately, when Strange selflessly decided to accept the Ancient One's offer to learn magic in order to help the old man, the Ancient One freed him from those spells, which he was fully aware were in place, and trained him as a formidable enemy of Mordo. Eventually Mordo was exiled by the Ancient One. Mordo's abilities were similar to those of Doctor Strange, but Mordo was particularly skilled at astral projection and hypnosis, as well as mesmerism. He was more than willing to use powerful black magic and invoke demons, both of which Strange was reluctant or unable to do, although both acts would sometimes backfire on Mordo.
Benefits:
As a student of The Ancient One at the same time as Strange, Mordo could easily transition into the always entertaining betrayal-style villain, making the battle much more personal. Mordo could also serve as a "Join me and together we will be unstoppable" type of villain, which would be very easy to do. Maybe a little something like: Mordo knows that, while he is powerful, The Ancient One is still much more powerful than him, so he attempts to use his knowledge in the black arts to seduce Strange into joining him and taking down The Ancient One together. Adding to all this, Baron Mordo would be a great origins villain.
Disadvantages:
We've seen his type of villain before. Lots and lots of times. While betrayal villains almost always make for great entertainment, they're slowly growing stale.That, and his name. I man really, Mordo? Sounds like an old monster movie name. It's not that there's anything wrong with it, it;s just...too evil. I mean just look at The Fifth Element. Zorg? That's a stupid name. None the less, when it comes to Baron Mordo the positives far outweigh the negatives.
So that's it for Mordo. Look out for my next editorial where I discuss the positives and negatives of Dr. Strange's other main villain, the awesome Dormammu!
Well, that's all the time I got for today, my girlfriend and I are gonna go see Predators. Until next time...
Ciao!