L'Ancien

L'Ancien is the French edition of the Ancient One, the ancient Himalayan sorcerer supreme and master of the mystic arts who serves as Doctor Strange's mentor, having trained him in sorcery. Created by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko, he is a foundational figure in Marvel's magical pantheon.

Emerging from the pages of Etranges Aventures in 1971, L'Ancien is a Bronze Age figure brought to French-language readers by the legendary creative partnership of Stan Lee and Steve Ditko, published under Arédit-Artima. Across a remarkable span stretching all the way to 2023, this character keeps extraordinary company — sharing adventures with the likes of Docteur Strange, Cléa, and the dread Dormammu across titles including Eclipso and Docteur Strange : L'intégrale. With at least one collector-recognized key issue to their name and over five decades of publication history, L'Ancien is a fascinating thread in the rich tapestry of Franco-Belgian comics heritage, well worth seeking out for any devotee of the mystical corners of the Marvel universe as filtered through a distinctly French lens.