Doctor Strange: Mystic Apprentice #1

A commanding image from Michael Ryan sets the tone for this 2016 Marvel one-shot: Doctor Strange crouches in full sorcerer's regalia — red Cloak of Levitation, golden amulet, mystic energy crackling in brilliant gold arcs at his feet — while a massive, ethereal vision of his own face looms behind him in sweeping blue mystical light. The composition perfectly captures Strange as both student and master of the arcane arts, which fits the "Mystic Apprentice" premise beautifully. If you're looking for a self-contained entry point into the world of Marvel's Sorcerer Supreme, this is a genuinely appealing place to start.