Here it is, Day Two of Ditko Week, and have I got a goodie for you!

Although Sturdy Steve is probably best remembered for co-creating the very memorable Spider-Man, let us try to remember and not forget his other unforgettable character: Dr. Strange. With mystical powers beyond human understanding, and an all-seeing eye of Agamotto he wears as bling, Dr. Strange is the enemy of darkness and a very snappy dresser. Fortunately, he lived in Greenwich Village where a guy wearing a big red cape is not that unusual. (Bear in mind that while Ditko may have identified with teenage Peter Parker, Steve lived in New York City and shared a first name with Stephen Strange. Think about it.)

In order to fight evil other-worldly beings, the good doctor would travel great distances through strange dimensions in his ghostly astral form. (Of course, this was back in the day when doctors made house calls. Today the mystical demons would have to see him during office hours and he’d have Wednesdays off to play golf.) It’s said that Ditko’s Dr. Strange adventures were so bizarre that you had to be on LSD to understand them. I argue that with Steve Ditko’s art, you didn’t need LSD to have a psychedelic experience.

To celebrate Ditko’s work I’d like to share with you these incredible would-be covers of Strange Tales created by Dr. Strange super-fan Howard Hallis. If you haven’t seen these before you’re in for a treat! Howard felt that the doctor had been slighted by not appearing on the cover of the very comic that bears his name, in favor of the Human Torch or Nick Fury, Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. To remedy this, Howard created alternate Strange Tales covers featuring Dr. Strange – with art by Steve Ditko, natch. Check ‘em out by clicking here.

It wouldn’t be Comics Tunes Tuesday without a song, and here’s a doozy. I know nothing about the artist (Paul Roland, and featuring Andy Ellison) but he really captures the eerie vibe of Dr. S. with this record. Way to go, Paul! Click the link below to listen, if you dare!

Dr Strange - Paul Roland (Featuring Andy Ellison)