Superhero origin stories are formulaic in structure. The protagonists start in a position of either weakness or strength, and they’re taken to the opposite side of things in an accident or as punishment for hubris. They then go through a crisis, questioning their own identity and value system, and they then experience growth. He/she then gains something of power, which lets them transcend their own limitations and helps them save the day. They then become better both as new superheroes and as human beings. It’s no different here in Doctor Strange, but it does do certain things differently. (more…)