Strange Tales 1951 #127 - 5.5 - $33.00

• First app: The Eye of Agamotto, The Cloak of Levitation
• Early app: Dormammu (2nd appearance), Clea (2nd appearance)
• Key event: First battle of Doctor Strange versus Dormammu

Following a race, Ben and Johnny complain to Reed that they've done pretty good and don't need a leader. Reed tells them they're free to work on their own. Ben and Johnny take part in a high-speed race, but discover on arrival that they're the only two contestants. On the salt flats they suddenly realize their cars are running out of control and it looks like they have been set up for a trap. They find themselves in an underground cavern facing an unknown villain with a question mark on his mask. Before it's over, they're ready to admit they're happy Reed is on their side.

The mysterious girl appears and takes Strange to The Mindless Ones, destructive creatures who are held back from killing by Dormammu's willpower. Dormammu imprisons the girl for betraying him and the battle begins. With Dormammu concentrating on defeating his foe the barrier holding The Mindless Ones collapses; he is forced to join forces with Strange to stop them. Now indebted to Strange Dormammu accepts his terms: no harm shall come to the girl and he must never set foot on Earth. Upon Dr. Strange's return to earth The Ancient One rewards him with a new cloak of levitation and amulet.

On-sale date from 1964 Periodicals, Copyright Office, Library of Congress.

• The Mystery Villain! - Dr. Strange image taken from interior story.
• The Mystery Villain! - The "Mystery Villain" (or someone wearing the same costume) turns up in FANTASTIC FOUR #154 (January 1975).
• - Letters from Rick Paul, Clyde Smith, Kristin Barrett, Chris Clark, Rita Hoard; includes Special Announcements Section and The Mighty Marvel Check List.
• Duel with the Dread Dormammu! - Episode #16. Part 2 of 2. First appearance of The Mindless Ones. First appearance of Strange's Cloak of Levitation. The origin of Strange's new amulet would be revealed in STRANGE TALES #138 (November 1965). Dormammu would find a way to strike back at Strange without breaking his vow in STRANGE TALES #130 (March 1965).
• - Between pages 5 and 6 of Doctor Strange story. Credits per Nick Caputo, September 2016.