10 Supernatural Super Villains

We spoke to DOCTOR STRANGE AND THE SORCERERS SUPREME writer Robbie Thompson about some of the villains of magic that have brought the world to the brink before.

Baron Mordo

“Salieri to Strange’s Amadeus,” Thompson summarizes neatly. “Baron Mordo is one of Doctor Strange’s first rivals and a fantastic character created by [Steve] Ditko and [Stan] Lee. Trained by the Ancient One alongside Stephen [and] filled with jealousy and rage, Mordo plotted to kill [his teacher], but Strange exposed his plot, creating a lifelong rivalry between the two sorcerers.”

Dormammu

Readers may associate Dormammu with being the Hood’s patron or bedeviling the Avengers, but his history with the Doctor proves deep, dating back to the early 60’s. “Dormammu is the Ruler of the Dark Dimension and a constant thorn in the side of Doctor Strange,” explains Thompson. “Check out STRANGE TALES #126-127, ‘The Domain of the Dread Dormammu’ for one of the true classic Strange stories.”

Doctor Doom

“Doom is one of my all-time favorites in the Marvel Universe,” enthuses the writer. “I love him so much I sometimes forget he’s a villain! Commonly known as the leader of Latveria, he’s also an incredibly powerful sorcerer. Check out Doctor Strange and Doctor Doom: Triumph and Torment for one tale.

Mephisto

The villain at the heart of the above mentioned TRIUMPH AND TORMENT, Mephisto has long butted heads with the magic wielders of the mortal plane and stands as a threat that just will not quit. Thompson confirms, “Posing as a demon many on Earth believe to be Satan, Mephisto seeks to influence our world, only to be thwarted by Doctor Strange.”

Nightmare

“The dark and twisted ruler of the Dream Dimension, he rides through dreams on his horse, Dreamstalker, bringing nightmares and torment,” says Thompson, “He’s even entered Strange’s dreams to try to defeat the Sorcerer Supreme. I think if I could be any of these villains, I’d be Nightmare. But instead of tormenting people, I’d just be nice, and give folks ice cream and unicorns and whatnot.”

Enchantress

“The Enchantress is actually one of the most powerful sorcerers from Asgard,” the writer states. “She eventually tangled with Dr. Strange in Acts of Vengeance!, an encounter Strange survived with the help of the always badass Clea.”

Diablo

Esteban Corazón de Ablo has years of experience under his belt as an alchemist from the 9th Century who doesn’t look a day over 50. “De Ablo sold his soul to Mephisto to achieve everlasting life,” Thompson offers by way of explanation. “He then became a rival to the Fantastic Four—I still remember the first time I saw him, on the classic cover to FANTASTIC FOUR #232!”

Lilith

Be she known as Bat Zuge, Kiskillilla, Mother of the Lilin, or by her true name, Lilith, you can always count on one thing when she shows up: disaster. “Lilith is the Mother of all Demons,” the writer says, illuminating what makes her so dangerous. “She uses [them] to battle [all her enemies including] Doctor Strange.”

Shuma-Gorath

“One of the ‘Old Ones’ [Shuma Gorath is] an extra-dimensional demon who ruled ancient Earth and fed on its souls,” recalls Thompson. “Banished to another dimension, Shuma-Gorath is a demon often summoned by Doctor Strange’s foes. One of the best designed villains; I mean, look at those tentacles. Who doesn't love tentacles? Y'know, maybe Shuma-Gorath is misunderstood. All he wants is destruction.”

The Forgotten

As SORCERERS SUPEREME opens, the team finds itself drawn together to battle a single villain, striking in design and appearance. “The Forgotten was brought to life by the brilliant Javier Rodriguez, who perfectly designed this new villain for the Marvel Universe,” introduces the writer. “The Forgotten is the nemesis of Merlin,” Thompson continues. “After the events of ‘The Last Days of Magic,’ The Forgotten was freed from his prison and is hellbent on revenge and getting back everything it has lost from Merlin. Outgunned by this mystical monster, Merlin defies all reason and recruits a team of Sorcerers Supreme from various times in order to end this creature once and for all.”