Spoiler alert: This article contains spoilers of Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness’ $700 million worldwide gross means hundreds of thousands of casual fans have gotten to learn about the Book of Vishanti. Doctor Strange tries to retrieve the book from the pocket dimension so that he can free Wanda Maximoff from the control of the Darkhold. Sadly, she destroys it.
MCU fans are now aware that the Book of Vishanti is the only thing that can counter the dark magic of the Darkhold. However, there are many other details about the powerful grimoire that are known only to Marvel Comics fans. These range from its origin to some key Marvel Universe events in which the book played a major role.
Loki Once Possessed The Book Of Vishanti
In Doctor Strange #381, it’s revealed that evil sorcery has receded in the world. Eager to revive it, Loki tricks Doctor Strange into believing the Vishanti have appointed him the new Sorceror Supreme. Strange thus hands over the book to Loki, who uses it to restore sorcery to former levels.
Loki has always been an expert schemer. Therefore, such a move is expected of him. And his intelligence is a major reason the MCU has kept him around for so long. What’s remarkable is that even with all his other magic tricks, Doctor Strange isn’t able to tell that he is being fooled. For once, the Avenger is depicted as incompetent.
Varnae Was The First Owner Of The Book of Vishanti
The first owner of the book is the Giganthopitacus sorcerer, Varnae, a detail revealed in Captain Marvel Vol 10 #29. Varnae then ends up serving under Thulsa Doom and becomes a member of one of the best Marvel cults, the Darkholders.
Like Doctor Strange in The Multiverse of Madness, Varnae doesn’t get the opportunity to do much with the book. However, his stint as an owner isn’t a pointless one as it’s because of him that readers get to discover the book has no ending. Anyone who owns it can add a spell to it so long as it’s a positive one. Interestingly, Varnae goes on to become the first ever vampire after being corrupted by the Darkhold.
The Book of Vishanti’s Author Is A Former Sorceror Supreme
The Book of Vishanti was written by one of the most powerful Marvel magical beings: Agamotto, who was the Sorceror Supreme of the Stone Age. According to Strange Tales #150, he purposefully wrote it to counter magical spells.
Agamotto’s decision to write the book is influenced by worry and concern. Like activists who worry about the poor state of affairs in society, Agamotto and his buddies Oshtur and Hogoth are keen on eradicating magical chaos from the world. The 3 go on to be known as the Vishanti, which explains the name of the book. And of the 3, Agamotto is the only one that’s mortal.
Doctor Strange Acquired The Book Of Vishanti From The Ancient One
After the Babylonian god Marduk acquires the book, the Ancient One travels back in time and takes it, He then gives it to Doctor Strange, who now keeps it in Greenwich Village, New York. These events play out in Strange Tales #147.
It’s one of the major differences between the MCU Doctor Strange and the comic Doctor Strange since Cumberbatch’s character initially doesn’t even have an idea that the book is real. And now that Wanda has destroyed it, he may never get to access it again. But in the comics, Doctor Strange can rest easy knowing he always has a way to defeat those who come into contact with the Darkhold.
The Book Of Vishanti Is A Manual Too
The Book of the Vishanti isn’t just a spell repository and antidote. It’s more of a reference guide too since it has instructions on how to defeat most villains. Additionally, it contains the Montessi formal, a guide on how to eradicate vampirism.
Given how much power it holds, it makes sense that the book is always more like a treasure that many seek to find rather than something that is easily available. If every superhero could easily access it, villains would not only have any fighting chance but they’d simply not exist. And with no rivalries, the proceedings would be boring. In Doctor Strange & The Multiverse Of Madness, easy access to the Book of Vishanti would also have prevented Wanda from becoming such a formidable villain.
Doctor Strange Used The Book Of Vishanti To Unmask Skrulls
In New Avengers #34, Doctor Strange uses the Spell of Tartashi, one of the magic tricks contained inside the book, to discover that Skrulls are posing as Avengers. He then defeats them.
MCU fans have already gotten to see friendly versions of Skrulls, with one even doing a great job standing in for Nick Fury while he’s busy on vacation. However, the Skrulls in this timeline happen to be quite evil, forcing Doctor Strange to intervene. And he demonstrates just how powerful the book is by defeating them with only a single spell
Spells In The Book Of Vishanti Can Be Destroyed
According to Captain America #122, a single page of the book can be destroyed, hence making the spell ineffective. However, the Ashanti (Oshtur, Agamotto, and Hoggoth) must grant approval first.
Most of the spells in the book don’t need to be destroyed because they are good ones. However, it’s a good thing that Agamotto prevented the book from being read-only, because it falls into the hands of evildoers from time to time. Thanks to the option of editing, the evil spells they add can be erased.
Doctor Strange Once Got A Nasty Outcome From The Book Of Vishanti
In Strange Tales #3, a young Doctor Strange tries to use the book to resurrect his dead brother. Instead, the Vampiric Verses spell ends turning Strange’s brother into a vampire.
Strange’s case proves that even Avengers don’t get preferential treatment when it comes to the Book of Vishanti. The book only fast-tracks positive outcomes and raising a person from the dead isn’t considered something good because it messes with fate. A better option for Doctor Strange in this scenario would be to go back in time and come back with his brother.
Doctor Strange’s Former Ally Stole The Book Of Vishanti
In Strange Tales #150, the Ancient One’s right hand, Kaluu, falls out with him and becomes vengeance. Seeking vengeance, he begins stealing the book from its owners. Despite measures put in place by the Ancient One and Doctor Strange, he still manages to get the book.
Kaluu’s exploits in this particular comic issue are commendable because he is normally considered a Beta Level Threat by Steve Rogers and Tony Stark. And unlike other thieves, he doesn’t steal for profit. The villain ends up memorizing every single thing in the book, making himself even more powerful than Doctor Strange. At one point, he comes to be known as the most powerful human black magician.
Asmodeus Got His Hands On The Book Of Vishanti Too
The head of the Sons of Satannish, Asmodeus, steals the book in Doctor Strange #177. He then attempts to use the Spell of Fire and Ice to cause destruction on Earth. Luckily, Strange’s protective spell prevents that.
Strange’s decision to place a protective spell is a genius move since it’s revealed that the book can quickly fly back to the Ancient One in case it has been tampered with. In general, this particular comic issue features one of the best Doctor Strange storylines, thanks to the twists and turns. It’s also revealed that Asmodeus, is actually one of Strange’s former medical colleagues, Dr. Charles Benton, And when readers least expect it, the Avengers show up too to help Strange.
