Excited about Benedict Cumberbatch debut in the Marvel CU, yet you know nothing about Doctor Strange? You should check out Doctor Strange: Beginnings and Endings, co-written by J. Michael Straczynski and Samm Barnews with art by Brandon Peterson. Collecting issues #1-6 of Strange, Doctor Strange: Beginnings and Endings is a self-contained modern retelling of Dr Stephen Stranges journey in becoming the Master of the Mystic Arts in the Marvel Universe. Published between 2004-2005 under the Marvel Knights imprint. While many of Steve Dikos early Doctor Strange stories will potentially strike modern readers as esoteric or impenetrable, Doctor Strange: Beginnings And Endings is an excellent place for new readers to learn about Doctor Strange. This tale not only provides a streamlined, Year One style origin for the character but also introduces Doctor Stranges supporting cast and iconic foes. Not to say that this arc is without flaw: much of it smacks of the Matrix. Nevertheless, Doctor Strange: Beginnings and Endings provides an accessible story for those looking to prepare for the upcoming film. Frankly, it would be wholly unsurprising if the Doctor Strange film used this exact story as a template for the screenplay; Doctor Strange: Beginnings And Endings has a distinctly cinematic feel about it that would easily translate onto the big screen.