The Scarlet Witch Is Marvel Comics' New Sorcerer Supreme: 7 Characters Who Have, Or Are Destined To, Carry This Magical Mantle

In a move that has come as a surprise to some more than others, Wanda Maximoff, the Scarlet Witch, has become the newest Sorcerer Supreme of the core Marvel Comics 616 universe. A new solo comic title, Sorcerer Supreme, will follow Wanda as she settles into her new role, and defends her position from those who doubt her suitability for it.

In Marvel Comics lore, it is the role of the Sorcerer Supreme to protect the Earth dimension from magical or mystical threats. To most fans, Doctor Stephen Strange is the most well-known Sorcerer Supreme, but others have held the role. Here are some of the other characters who have been, or are destined to become Sorcerer Supreme.

1. Agamotto

Agamotto, along with Oshtur and Hoggoth, is one of the Vishanti, a trio of eternal magical beings who bestow the responsibility of protecting Earth on the Sorcerer Supreme. Agamotto is also considered by many to be the very first Sorcerer Supreme, having protected Earth himself until a suitable human Sorcerer was ready to step into the role. This is why the various Sorcerers Supreme through history carry Agamotto created artifacts the Eye of Agamotto, Orb of Agamotto, and Book of Vishanti as their symbols of office.

In around 1,000,000 BC, when a Horde-infected Celestial known as The Fallen threatened a young Earth, Agamotto joined a prehistoric Avengers team including Odin, early holders of the Black Panther, Moon Knight, and Ghost Rider mantles, and Firehair, a mutant and one of the first hosts of the Phoenix Force. He occasionally appears in present-day stories to offer advice to other magic-users, or attend mystical councils of past and future Sorcerers Supreme.

2. Merlin

Yes, that Merlin. In Marvel Comics lore, the various legends of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table are very real parts of British history. During this period, Merlin was Earth 616's Sorcerer Supreme. Discovering a prophecy of a great King destined to be born from the line of Uther Pendragon, Merlin engineers the events leading to Arthur's birth, and holds great influence during his eventual reign.

In the present day, the character still exists as Merlyn, an amalgamation of Merlins from different realities tweaking and monitoring events in the Multiverse.

3. The Ancient One

Originally a simple Shepherd named Yao, the Sorcerer eventually known as the Ancient One originally learned magic through his childhood friend, Kaluu. The pair built a refuge for the population of their hidden mountain community, Kamar-Taj, but Kaluu came to believe his magic made him vastly superior to others, and attempted to subjugate the people and place them unwillingly under his rule. Yao stopped him, but Kamar-Taj was destroyed in the process.

Yao rebuilt Kamar-Taj, and was eventually granted the position of Sorcerer Supreme by the Vishanti. On a few occasions over the years, he attempted to train a successor, though all proved unsuitable. Losing hope that a worthy successor would ever be found, but wanting Earth to remain protected, Yao magically extended his lifetime for hundreds of years, gaining the alias of The Ancient One.

4. Doctor Strange

Doctor Stephen Strange was once a brilliant, but arrogant and selfish surgeon. Though he was known for being able to pull off complicated procedures that no other surgeons were willing to touch, he would only work for a massive fee. Strange’s life changed dramatically when he was in a car accident that shattered his hands, leaving him unable to perform surgery. He loses most of his fortune in the search for a cure, with the last of his savings leading him to the Himalayas, where he has heard The Ancient One will cure any injury or ailment.

The Ancient One initially refuses to aid Strange due his selfish nature. While he does allow him the chance to prove himself, sensing the potential for great good in him, Stephen initially fails the tests. However, shortly before he is to be ousted from Kamar-Taj, Strange discovers The Ancient One’s disciple, Baron Mordo, is planning to kill him. He risks his own safety to warn him in time, and his selfless act leads the Ancient One to take him as a disciple, training him in the mystic arts.

Strange shows great aptitude for magic, and during his time under the Ancient One’s tutelage, he faces and defeats a number of magical threats, including Nightmare and many return appearances from Mordo. He also often seeks advice from the Vishanti, gaining their favour. When the time comes that the Ancient One officially names Doctor Stephen Strange as his successor, the decision is easily accepted. Since then, when the Sorcerer Supreme is mentioned in a Marvel comic book, it is most often in reference to Doctor Strange.

5. Doctor Doom

Occasionally, over the years, Doctor Strange has given up the powers of Sorcerer Supreme to other characters, such as his wife, Clea of The Dark Dimension, or ally Doctor Voodoo. Usually, Strange's temporary stand-in has no problem at all handing back the mantle when whatever crisis necessitated the transfer of power has passed.. with one notable exception.

During the 'Bloodhunt' story arc, Doctor Strange gives up his physical form after being bitten by the vampire Varnae. Unfortunately, this leaves him unable to cast the spell that will banish the Darkforce Dimension, restore Earth's Sun, and end the vampire carnage. Strange reluctantly visits Doctor Doom for help, but to cast the spell, Doom needs the mantle of Sorcerer Supreme. Despite doubts from many others, Strange agrees to pass the powers of Sorcerer Supreme to Doom, on the condition that he will return them when the spell is complete. In a turn of events that surprises no-one, Doom completes the spell and flees with the powers, hiding behind a magical barrier in his home country, Latveria.

Emerging six months later, Doom installs himself as ruler of Earth, with the agreement of world leaders, having promised a number of tempting boons such as Universal free healthcare for all. Doom manages such good publicity for himself that Earth's heroes initially struggle to oppose his rule.. until, in typical Doom fashion, it is discovered that the barrier around Latveria is fueled by the lifeforce of captive humans. Doom is ultimately defeated, losing the power of Sorcerer Supreme.

6. The Scarlet Witch

Following the 'One World Under Doom' Arc, Doctor Strange is unwilling to reclaim his previous position, and so the Scarlet Witch, who was instrumental in uncovering the truth behind Doom's plots, has assumed the mantle of Earth's Sorcerer Supreme. It may not be an easy road for Wanda, as the Vishanti do not accept her claim on the position, and plan to install Agatha Harkness as an alternate Sorcerer Supreme.

While Wanda is the first member of the Maximoff bloodline to become Sorcerer Supreme, she will probably not be the last.

7. Wiccan

In one Doctor Strange story arc, Strange attends a time-bending meeting of both past and future Sorcerers Supreme. Among the Sorcerers Supreme of the future, Strange recognises Billy Kaplan, aka Wiccan, who in Strange's present, was relatively new on the scene as a member of the Young Avengers. At the time, Strange assumes that Billy will be his direct successor, and has subtly monitored his progress in the years since.

Wiccan is, of course, the reincarnation of one of Wanda Maximoff's twin sons, and he has often looked to her for magical mentorship. Now, she will be taking advice from him, having named him as a member of her council of advisors as Sorcerer Supreme.

This is perfect preparation for his potential destiny as Sorcerer Supreme in the future, but we look forward to seeing what comes of the Scarlet Witch's reign first.