Marvel quietly revealed a huge Doctor Strange retcon that changes a key part of his lore. Doctor Strange may not be as physically strong as Thor or as world-famous as Spider-Man, but he’s certainly one of Marvel’s most powerful and essential heroes. Strange has also remained largely unchanged in the comics when compared to his first debut.
Marvel Comics’ Doctor Strange has grown to be a more charismatic and less serious hero than he used to be during his first adventures. Like his MCU counterpart, comic-book Strange has learned to be humble, but he has amassed an even bigger well of magical knowledge after years and years of battles. All along, however, he has been accompanied by another character, and he’s only realizing it now.
Stephen opens portals while wearing the Cloak of Levitation in Doctor Strange #450 cover
In celebration of Doctor Strange’s #450 legacy issue, Marvel casually revealed a game-changing fact about Doctor Strange’s iconic cape.
Marvel Revealed Doctor Strange’s Cloak Of Levitation Is An Actual Person Called Dahlea
Doctor Strange #450; Written by J. Michael Straczynski; Art by Lee Ferguson & Carlos Lopez
Enitharmon tells Doctor Strange the history of his daughter Dahlea’s transformation into the Cloak of Levitation
In Doctor Strange #450, Stephen needs help repairing his Cloak of Levitation, so he reaches out to its designer, Enitharmon. Enitharmon finally reveals the truth: his naturally heroic and selfless daughter, Dahlea wanted to become Sorcerer Supreme. Sadly, Dahlea perished during a fight with Dormammu, and Enitharmon rushed to save her physical and astral forms. In an attempt to save his daughter, Enitharmon “called together all the threads of her life” and wove them into a sentient cape.
Enitharmon’s revelation about the Cloak’s true identity raises a lot of ethical questions. Doctor Strange is wise enough to treat the sentient Cloak of Levitation with respect, but the cape is still a tool and a weapon. As much as she has evolved, Dahlea probably gives up all what remains of her free will to serve Strange, indefinitely. While Strange’s cape is mischievous and often helps whoever she deems worthy of it, she can never have a life of her own.
Enitharmon says only he can hear her thoughts, and he tells Strange that he shouldn’t apologize for hurting her in battle. He translates to Strange, “she is honored to be your constant companion, ever at your side,” and “I live in joy.” Though this confirms Dahlea isn’t hurting, it adds a new layer of horror. Dahlea can only speak to her father, yet she rarely gets the chance to voice her thoughts.
2025 Has Been A Wild Year For The Cloak Of Levitation
The Cloak Is Now Worn By A Third Sorcerer Supreme This Year
Scarlet Witch commands the Cloak of Levitation as Sorcerer Supreme
Doctor Doom ruled the world with an iron fist wearing the Cloak of Levitation as Earth’s Sorcerer Supreme all throughout 2025. In One World Under Doom #9, still in power, Doom trades his power and his life to the Living Tribunal in exchange for Valeria Richards’ resurrection. Immediately after, Wanda Maximoff claims the Sorcerer Supreme mantle, and she has decided to wear the Cloak of Levitation around her waist, in the style of a half skirt.
The Cloak of Levitation will accompany the Scarlet Witch throughout Wanda’s 2026 Sorcerer Supreme run, which is expected to dive deeper into Marvel’s world of magic than ever before. Benedict Cumberbatch’s Doctor Strange is not confirmed to appear in 2026’s Avengers: Doomsday, but he’s likely to appear in a cameo or a post-credit scene. Strange’s attempt to fix an incursion with Clea and his patched-up Cloak of Levitation may play a key role in Avengers: Secret Wars.
Doctor Strange #450 is available now from Marvel Comics.
Doctor Strange (2016) Movie Poster
Cast
Benedict Cumberbatch, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Rachel McAdams, Benedict Wong, Elizabeth Olsen, Tilda Swinton
Movie(s)
Doctor Strange, Doctor Strange In the Multiverse of Madness
Character(s)
Doctor Strange, Karl Mordo, Christine Palmer, Wong, The Ancient One