Issue(s): Strange Tales #125 (Dr. Strange story only)
Cover Date: Oct 64
Title: "Mordo must not catch me!"
Credits:
Stan Lee - Writer
Steve Ditko - Penciler
George Roussos - Inker

Review/plot: Dr. Strange vs. Baron Mordo in a mystic battle.

Mordo tries to call upon the Hoary Hand of Hoggoth, but as Strange points out, Hoggoth does not favor the wicked, and his attack fails. That's not fair! Strange has called upon Dormammu and his invocations have been successful.

We also have some Agamotto development. Strange uses the Eye of Agamotto - a device that will later be called the Orb of Agamotto. We also see his amulet functioning the way his Eye of Agamotto amulet will, but it's not until issue #127 that he'll receive the actual Eye of Agamotto amulet.

Just sort of working out all the abracadetails, i guess.

Some more magical developments: At the beginning of this issue, as some of Mordo's goons creep up on him, we see Dr. Strange still working on his abilities. Today he's focused on the supernatural spells of Oshtur.

And, as Nathan notes in the comments, this is the first time the powers of Cyttork are actually used in the more common way (by Baron Mordo, to bind the Ancient One), after being invoked by Dr. Strange while sending Cleopatra home last issue.

Quality Rating: C

Historical Significance Rating: 3 - early Dr. Strange story

Chronological Placement Considerations: This issue ends with Dr. Strange in his astral form. Strange Tales #126 begins with Dr. Strange returning to his body after the battle in this story.

References: N/A

Crossover: N/A

Continuity Insert? N

My Reprint: Marvel Collectors' Item Classics #16