Written By Kieran Bugg
Marvel pays tribute to Harry Potter in a new Doctor Strange comic book.
Strange No. 1 reveals a new mystical location to the Marvel Universe. Sorcerer Supreme Clea discovers a magical market. To Harry Potter fans, it’ll seem familiar. After all, Harry Potter’s Diagon Alley inspired it.
Harry Potter made a colossal impact on pop culture and the world. Indeed, Harry Potter dominated two sides of entertainment. On one hand, it’s among the best-selling book of all time. Moreover, the Harry Potter movies are among the most successful film franchises.
There are many famous and iconic locations throughout J.K. Rowling’s vast Wizarding World. These include such as Hogwarts School, Azkaban prison, and Platform 9 3/4.
Marvel Pays Tribute To Harry Potter In New Doctor Strange Comic Book
Image: Marvel Comics Group
Nevertheless, there’s one that stands out most notably among fans after all these years. This is the magic market, Diagon Alley. It’s hidden in New York City.
In addition to being a popular location itself, it is also the home of many other popular locations. For instance, Ollivander’s Wand Shop and Weasley’s Wizard Wheezes are within it.
After its introduction in the first Harry Potter novel, Diagon Alley has inspired many parodies and homages. Now a new variation of the hidden marketplace has made it’s way into the Marvel universe.
In Strange No. 1, the Shrouded Bazaar is basically Diagon Alley. Like the famous fictional landmark it’s based on, the Shrouded Bazaar is a hidden market for sorcerers. They visit to buy artifacts and bizarre cuisine. In addition, it also serves as a home for various magical creatures.
Image: Marvel Comics Group
Furthermore, only those who have been initiated into the mystic arts can see it. Otherwise, it’s nothing more than a regular alleyway where you’re bound to be mugged.
However, unlike it’s counterpart from Harry Potter, the Shrouded Bazaar has become something of a safe haven for refugees from other realms. Events in The Death of Doctor Strange story arc destroyed their worlds.
Granted, this isn’t the first time Marvel has taken inspiration from the Wizarding World. Specifically, they have their own version of Hogwarts called Strange Academy.
Could we see these Harry Potter-inspired locations from the comics make their way into the MCU at some point in the future?
It would definitely be strange if we didn’t.