CRIMSON CRYSTALS OF CYTTORAK
Classification: Magic Spells
Creator: Cyttorak
User/Possessors: Ancient One (Yao), Doctor Strange (Stephen Strange)
First Appearance: Strange Tales I#156/2 (February, 1967)
Powers/Abilities/Functions: The Crimson Crystals of Cyttorak are scarlet motes that are crystals, that are used to form powerful blasts of energy. The scarlet motes can also take the shape of razor-sharp shards. The Crimson Crystals of Cyttorak have also been used to reinforce other spells, giving them more power.
Version: Conjuration
Casting Time: Seconds
Range: Unrevealed, at least short range
Components: A somatic component: fingers/hands/arms gesture
Duration: Concentration
Primary effects: Crimson colored motes and/or razor sharp shards that hurt their opponents.
Collateral effects: None
History:
(Doctor Strange, Sorcerer Supreme I#44 (fb) - BTS) - The Cyttorak-related spells were some of the first ones the Ancient One taught Doctor Strange. It's seems likely this included the Crimson Crystals of Cyttorak.
(Strange Tales I#156/2) - When Earth came under attack by Umar of the Dark Dimension, Doctor Strange first used the Crimson Crystals of Cyttorak by bestowing them to the Icons of the Infinite to free the extradimensional demon Zom from his imprisonment. Learning Zom had been freed from the Amphora, Umar soon returned to the Dark Dimension.
(Defenders I#3 - BTS) - Finding themselves in the dimension of the Undying Ones, Doctor Strange and the Defenders fought to free Barbara Norris from its influence. However, when Strange realized the woman had gone mad he exclaimed "by the Crimson Crystals of Cyttorak!".
(Marvel Premiere I#5) - While visiting Starkesboro, Doctor Strange faced Ebora and the powerful demon Sligguth. After freeing himself, Strange summoned the Crimson Crystals of Cyttorak to attack the demon with, successfully injuring Sligguth.
(Marvel Premiere #6) - Strange successfully escaped Sligguth, however, Ebora and the townsfolk of Starkesboro prepared to sacrifice Clea, Wong and Johnny Frames to the Shambler from the Sea. To fight the beast, Strange was accompanied by an astral projection of the Ancient One after which they assaulted the beast with a large array of spells, amongst those spells they used the Crimson Crystals of Cyttorak to reinforce the Vapors of Valtorr.
(Marvel Premiere I#8) - Doctor Strange used the Crimson Crystals of Cyttorak in a fight against Kathulos, an agent of Shuma-Gorath. As the crimson bolt exploded the vines and creepers of Kathulos squirmed away.
(Doctor Strange II#17 - BTS) - When Doctor Strange took Clea on a journey to London in the year 1618 he faced the powerful sorcerer Stygyro. Amidst his assault, Strange exclaimed "by the Crimson Crystals of Cyttorak!".
(Doctor Strange II#34) - Trapped in Nightmare's realm, Doctor Strange was attacked by Cyrus Black. During a fierce battle, Strange summoned the Crimson Crystals of Cyttorak to free himself from the Vipers of Valtorr and shrink and imprison the lethal vipers as he cast them into the endless void.
(Ironheart I#8) - The vile Zetok the Merciless attacked Doctor Strange just as young heroine Ironheart (Riri Williams) visited his Sanctum Santorum. To free himself from Zetok's tentacles, Strange summoned the razor sharp Crimson Crystals of Cyttorak. Freed, Strange quickly invoked the Icy Tendrils of Ikthalon to freeze the creature after which Ironheart blew it to bits.
Comments: Created by Stan Lee and Marie Severin.
To date there have been many spells attributed to Cyttorak: the Crimson Bands of Cyttorak, the Crimson Circle of Cyttorak, the Scarlet Screen of Cyttorak, the Scarlet Sphere of Cyttorak, the Screaming Masks of Cyttorak and the Clamp of Cyttorak.
An online source claims that the Crystals are also invoked in Doctor Strange II#19 (July, 1976), this however is in error. While facing Stygyro, disguised as Benjamin Franklin, Strange uses the Crimson Bands of Cyttorak.
Profile by MarvellousLuke
CLARIFICATIONS:
The Crimson Crystals of Cyttorak have no known connections to
Images: (without ads)
Marvel Premiere I#5, p6, pan1 (main image)
Strange Tales I#156, p18, pan2 (first appearance)
Ironheart I#8, p9, pan2 (using the crystals to free himself from Zetok)
Appearances:
Strange Tales I#156/2 (February, 1967) - Stan Lee (writer, editor), Marie Severin (pencils)
Defenders I#3 (December, 1972) - Steve Englehart (writer), Sal Buscema (penciler), Jim Mooney (inker), Roy Thomas (editor)
Marvel Premiere I#5 (November, 1972) - Gardner F. Fox (writer), Irv Wesley (pencils), Don Perlin (inks), Roy Thomas (editor)
Marvel Premiere I#6 (January, 1973) - Gardner F. Fox (writer), Frank Brunner (pencils), Sal Buscema (inks), Roy Thomas (editor)
Marvel Premiere I#8 (May, 1973) - Gardner F. Fox (writer), Jim Starlin (pencils), Frank Giacoia & David Hunt (inks), Roy Thomas (editor)
Doctor Strange II#17 (August, 1976) - Steve Englehart (writer), Gene Colan (pencils), Tom Palmer (inks) Archie Goodwin (editor)
Doctor Strange II#34 (April, 1979) - Ralph Macchio (writer), Tom Sutton (pencils), Frank McLaughlin (inks), Stan Lee (editor)
Ironheart I#8 (July, 2019) - Eve Ewing (writer), Geoffo (pencils), Luciano Vecchio (pencils, inks), Alanna Smith, Shannon Andrews Ballesteros (editors)
First Posted: 05/07/2023
Last Updated: 05/07/2023
Any Additions/Corrections? please let me know.
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