In a flashback, The Death of Doctor Strange: Avengers #1 reveals why Iron Man used to distrust Doctor Strange.

The preview shows the first meeting of Marvel's Illuminati with Black Panther, with members Mr. Fantastic and Namor waiting patiently while Iron Man and Doctor Strange talk before the King of Wakanda arrives. Though the two would later become "Awesome Facial Hair Bros" (a meme-worthy panel from Invincible Iron Man #3), Tony Stark tells Strange that he does not trust the Sorcerer Supreme at that time because he does not understand magic, so he "can't trust what [he doesn't] understand." The irony of the issue Stark had with Strange is that in one possible future, the armored Avenger is destined to replace him as Sorcerer Supreme.

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Marvel fans were first introduced to Doctor Anthony Stark, Sorcerer Supreme, back in 2014 within the All-New X-Men Annual that year. When Eva Bell gets launched into the year 2099--the notable home to Spider-Man Miguel O'Hara--she finds the tech genius-turned-magician, who breaks down how the Butterfly Effect is impacting Eva and the timeline. Sorcerer Stark would later return by projecting himself to Victor von Doom while he bore the mantle of Iron Man, telling Doom in Infamous Iron Man #9 that he should leave the mantle behind because of what Doom's future would hold. Then, in Generations: Iron Man & Ironheart, the future Stark guides Riri Williams AKA Ironheart (soon to make her Marvel Cinematic Universe debut) and helps her get back to her own time.

With Doctor Strange dead, it is unclear if the modern Stark is meant to take over for Strange as he does in the future. There are others who could fulfill the void left by Strange, such as Magik, who assumes the role of Sorcerer Supreme in Doctor Strange: The End #1. The preview also shows Tony dealing with the events of Death of Doctor Strange #2, where he was beaten down by a mystical menace.

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During the last page of the preview, Tony's alcoholism and struggle with addiction, notably explored in the "Demon in a Bottle" arc of The Invincible Iron Man #120-128, returns as Tony keeps thinking of having a drink to deal with his latest defeat. The preview and solicitation for the issue can be found below.

The cover for The Death of Doctor Strange: Avengers shows Juggernaut punching Captain America's shield.

DEATH OF DOCTOR STRANGE: AVENGERS #1

  • ALEX PAKNADEL (W)
  • RYAN BODENHEIM (A)
  • Cover by STEVE SKROCE
  • Variant Cover by CREEES LEE
  • EARTH’S WEAKEST HEROES!
  • With Doctor Strange gone, the Avengers are the only ones who can stop a rampaging Juggernaut-like monster from wrecking all of Manhattan!
  • But what does this mystical creature want?
  • And how does the magic-skeptical Iron Man hold the answer?
  • 40 PGS./ONE-SHOT/Rated T+ …$4.99
A recap for the issue sums up the known events of Doctor Strange's death.
Iron Man and Doctor Strange look at a Wakandan mask.
Iron Man discusses the non-personal reasons why he does not trust Doctor Strange.
Black Panther arrives as Strange teases Tony's suit.
Tony Stark contemplates drinking as he worries about xenobiological material in his suit.

The Death of Doctor Strange: Avengers #1 is written by Alex Paknadel with art by Ryan Bodenheim, colors by Rachelle Rosenberg and letters by Cory Petit. Main cover art was created by Steve Skroce and Dave Stewart, with a variant cover by Creees Lee and Espen Grundetjern. The issue was edited by Kat Gregorowicz, Darren Shan and C.B. Cebulski. The issue goes on sale Nov. 3 from Marvel Comics.

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Source: Marvel Comics