When it comes to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Doctor Strange and Spider-Man first met each other in Infinity War. The Sorcerer Supreme and the web-slinger are set to cross each other’s paths yet again in the upcoming Spider-Man: No Way Home. Comic book fans would be delighted with this partnership as both Avengers have joined forces on several occasions.

Not only do their powers complement each other well but their personal chemistry also provides amusement to the readers. While Stephen Strange is usually uptight and reserved, Peter Parker is the one who lightens the mood. With No Way Home arriving this December, it only makes sense to check out these classic storylines.

9 The Spider And The Sorcerer (Marvel Team-Up #21)

The Sanctum Sanctorum is a treasury of several mythical objects, one of which is the Crystal of Kadavus. Havoc is wreaked when the regular Doctor Strange villain and evil sorcerer Xandu plans to steal with the aid of Spider-Man!

As the wall-crawler prevents a mugging at an alleyway, Xandu pretends to be a victim and puts him under a hypnotic spell. This story allows for an exciting clash between the two heroes. Spider-Man eventually breaks the spell and the two overpower Xanadu. What’s noteworthy is that the comic adds emotional depth to Xandu’s character as he uses the Crystal to resurrect his dead wife.

8 Serpent Rising (Marvel Team-Up Annual #5)

Marvel-Team Up Annual #5 dealt with the ancient reptilian demon Set unleashing an apocalypse across dimensions. To ward off this evil force, Spider-Man brings together a powerful ensemble comprising Doctor Strange, Scarlet Witch, The Thing, and Quasar.

Titled Serpent Rising, the storyline is an ambitious crossover for pairing Strange with Scarlet Witch, who also possesses sorcery skills that can match the strongest of Doctor Strange’s powers. Another highlight is Strange using the spectral object known as the Cosmic Cube, eventually draining all of its power to defeat Set.

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7 Spider-Man And Doctor Strange (Ultimate Marvel Team-Up #13)

The Ultimate versions of Doctor Strange and Spider-Man have also collaborated for an arc in Ultimate Marvel Team-Up. The plot largely involves the two heroes traveling across the Astral Plane while Strange seeks answers regarding his past.

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In a callback to the aforementioned storyline The Spider and The Sorcerer, Spider-Man is yet again possessed by Xandu. As he regains consciousness, he is also found by Strange without his mask on. Strange promises to keep his secret as Peter Parker is extremely careful about not revealing his identity to others. This reveal of identity makes for an interesting moment as it shows the bond of trust they seem to share.

6 The Mystery Of The Wraith (Marvel Team-Up #50)

The Wraith is a mysterious Spider-Man comic villain who turns out to be the dead brother of Captain Jean DeWolff, an ally in the police. As Spider-Man can’t fight this psionic monstrosity alone, he seeks the help of not just Doctor Strange but also Iron-Man for his technological prowess.

This is perhaps the most important Strange and Spider-Man crossover in the context of the MCU version of the character. Before Strange’s entry into Peter’s life, he saw Tony Stark as a father figure. Be it in the comics or the movies, both Stark and Parker have joined forces many times and share a mutual respect for each other, much like Stark’s ‘facial hair bro’ Strange.

5 Strange Encounter (Untold Tales Of Spider-Man)

According to the mythos of The Untold Tales of Spider-Man, the young member of the Avengers first met Doctor Strange back in his high-school days. Both heroes unite to recover a magical artifact called the Lantern of Lantarr. In this process, Spider-Man also confronts Strange’s villains Dormammu and Baron Mordo as they threaten his loved ones.

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The one-shot is an engaging read for it shows how Spider-Man’s heroism was tested right from his younger days. Like always, Strange serves as a good mentor figure. The artwork in the series is also unique for the fact that Strange ditches his usual red cape for a blue attire.

4 If Not For Love (Marvel Team-Up #76)

The character Clea is of primary importance in Doctor Strange comics as she was once Strange’s disciple and later also becomes his romantic interest. When the villain Silver Dagger frees himself from the Orb of Agamotto, he seeks revenge by trapping Clea’s soul instead. In a desperate fit to bring her back to life, Strange relies on the help of his allies Spider-Man and Ms. Marvel.

Strange is at his most vulnerable in this comic as Spider-Man also understands his emotional state. After all, he himself has gone through his fair share of losses with the deaths of his parents, Uncle Ben, and Gwen Stacy.

3 The Way To Dusty Death (Spider-Man & Doctor Strange)

A darker take on Xandu’s battles with Strange and Spider-Man, The Way To Dusty Death revolved around Melinda Morrisson’s reappearance. A former lover of the evil sorcerer, both heroes were convinced that she had died earlier. As they investigate this mystery, Xandu has his own plans in the Death Dimension.

As the overarching theme of love and loss plays out from Xandu’s perspective, the comic also fleshes out Spider-Man’s own grief. For instance, there are moments in the comics when Peter Parker laments the death of his ex-love interest Gwen Stacy. Strange similarly grieves on his own past as a surgeon and the different life he could have led if he wasn’t the Sorcerer Supreme.

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2 A Sorcerer Possessed (Marvel Team-Up #80)

Doctor Strange turns into a villainous werewolf-like entity in Marvel-Team Up #80 as Spider-Man tries his best to stop him. In order to discover the reasons behind this metamorphosis, he also partners up with other magical characters such as Satana Hellstrom and Strange’s fellow sorceress and lover Clea.

While Strange usually acts as the mature one in their partnerships, Spider-Man interestingly becomes the one with greater responsibility in this case.

1 The Wondrous Worlds Of Doctor Strange (Amazing Spider-Man Annual #2)

Amazing Spider-Man Annual #2 marked the first-ever partnership of Spider-Man and Doctor Strange as they both fought side by side against their usual foe Xandu. The story kicks off with Xandu stealing the Wand of Watoomb from the Sanctum.

The comic was significant for introducing the recurring theme of Xandu’s rivalry with both superheroes. Almost always, their stories followed the same sequence of events. Xandu would steal an object of mystical powers and Doctor Strange and Spider-Man would try their best to contain his evil magic.

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About The Author


Shaurya Thapa
(727 Articles Published)

Shaurya Thapa is an Indian freelance journalist who mostly dabbles in writings on cinema, music, and human interest features. When it comes to Screen Rant, he writes lists on a wide array of subjects ranging from international films to mainstream Netflix series and comic book trivia. He also hosts a podcast called ‘BhindiWire’, an Indian parody of IndieWire.

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