Warning: SPOILERS for Savage Avengers #11
Marvel released a preview of the cover art for Savage Avengers #11, revealing Doctor Strange sharing a kiss with one of the deadliest characters in all comics universes. That would be none other than Elektra, Marvel’s most formidable assassin, frequently-reincarnated agent of both The Hand and S.H.I.E.L.D., and undoubtedly the costumed person most often romantically associated with Daredevil. Cue the drama.
Perhaps it’s appropriate to follow Valentine’s Day (Savage Avengers #11 is due to arrive in March 2020), and aertainly a surprise to those who follow the romantic relationships of Stephen Strange and Elektra Natchios which, until now, have never intertwined. Elektra’s long amorous history with Matt Murdock a.k.a. Daredevil is well-documented in several of Marvel’s most passionate storylines, in the comics as well as on film and TV. And while Doctor Strange’s love life is less-renowned in the canon, he is most often entangled with Clea, the Dark Dimension sorceress. So what romance is about to unfold?
This possibly-scandalous tryst in Savage Avengers #11 comes from the creative team of writer Gerry Duggan and interior artist Butch Guice, with artist Valerio Giangiordano credited for the provocative cover. The official plot synopsis for the issue reads: “The horrific secret of Kulan Gath’s power is revealed. Steel yourself, True Believers, this one is a bummer for the ages. Plus, Dr. Strange & Elektra did what last night?” The cover image below suggests what the “what” was:
First of all, before lapsing to any snap judgement, we should say, “why the heck not?” Let each Sorcerer Supreme and Black Sky follow their own romantic path. Granted, Elektra’s path is a bit better explored in the Marvel canon. Dr. Strange’s heart may be somewhat a cypher, but he’s been associated with many interesting women in varying degrees of relationship, fling, or flirtation. Besides the recurring presence of Clea, there is Dr. Christine Palmer, as played by Rachel McAdams in the 2016 film version. There was author Morgana Blessing, whom Clea discerned was also coupled with Strange in their respective past lives. The good doctor also briefly dated Linda Carter, one of several medical vigilantes to use the moniker Night Nurse, along with Defenders alum Claire Temple and, as it happens, Christine Palmer. (Side note, in an alternate universe, real-life actor Lynda Carter ought to have played both Wonder Woman and Elektra.)
Has any modern Marvel fan ever shipped this exact couple? Without knowledge of the context, it’s impossible to know what’s happening on this cover. For all we know, Elektra is about to put a poison blow-dart through the back of Stephen’s head. But in the name of physical affection between unlikely partners, it’s an outstanding image. No doubt the reasons behind the liplock are complicated and indeed, strange.
Marvel Comics’ Savage Avengers #11 will be available in March 2020.
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