Cloak of Levitation
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Cloak of Levitation is a potent mystical item worn by Doctor Strange, a character in the Marvel Comics universe. The primary purpose of the Cloak is to give its wearer the ability to levitate and fly. The first appearance of the Cloak was in "Strange Tales" #110, produced in 1963.
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[edit] Physical appearance
The original design of the Cloak of Levitation has been modified slightly by different artists since its creation. However, the basic shape and color scheme have remained intact, for the most part. Since the Cloak has the ability to change shape and color inline with the wearer's will, these changes could be attributed to changes in taste of mood by Doctor Strange.
The Cloak of Levitation is a full-length cloak, with enough surface to fully cover Strange. Even though the color scheme of the Cloak has somewhat varied over the years, the basic color of the Cloak is usually a darker red, often with yellow and/or blue designs around the border and collar. Most versions of the Cloak also feature a tall collar. In some versions, the outer surface of the Cloak is red, but the inner surface is blue.
[edit] History
While next to nothing is known about the Cloak of Levitation before it is given to Doctor Strange, it is suspected that the Cloak is many centuries old, since it was in the possession of The Ancient One.
The Cloak's first appearance is in Strange Tales #110, where, after Doctor Strange prevails in a battle with Dormammu, The Ancient One presents it to Strange as a sort of "prize". Having been deemed worthy to wear the Cloak by The Ancient One, Strange likely has a great fondness for it. This is evident from the fact that Strange wears it nearly everyplace he goes.
The Cloak of Levitation is seen in a great many battles, most of which it plays a significant part. While it is extremely durable, there are a few occasions where it manages to take damage. On these occasions, Strange is seen deeply mournful for the Cloak. Due to its mystical origins and properties, simply mending the Cloak with average needle and thread would not suffice. Instead, a person with great knowledge of a mystical weaving technique must mend the garment (though, as a test of worthiness for The Living Tribunal, Strange uses a great amount of mystical energy to reconstruct the Cloak[1]).
It is because of this that Strange gains a friend and valuable ally; after the Cloak is damaged in battle, it is sent to Enitharmon the Weaver to be repaired.[2] After Enitharmon finishes repairing it, he sends it back in the hands of Rintrah, his assistant. After getting his valued Cloak back, Doctor Strange offers Rintrah a position as his decile, and Rintrah accepts.
[edit] Other cloaks
While, though most of the series, Doctor Strange wears the same cloak, there are a few occasions where he stores his traditional cloak and uses a newly-created cloak.
The first example is in Doctor Strange vol. 3, #76, where, after going underground for a good deal of time, the Doctor resurfaces wearing a new Cloak of Levitation. This Cloak bears more resemblance to a Kimono or a robe.
After being drafted into the War of the Seven Spheres, where he does battle for five thousand years, he returns to his home dimension, his Kimono-like Cloak in pieces. He repairs what's left of this Cloak into a third Cloak of Levitation (sometimes called the "Overcoat of Levitation"), this one bearing resemblance to a trench coat.
Sometime after this, however, he abandons his new Cloak in favor of his original, traditional Cloak of Levitation.
[edit] Other realities
In Silver Surfer #55 (1987), in an alternate reality involving the Infinity Gauntlet, Thanos uses the Cloak to hang Dr. Strange, causing his death.
[edit] Abilities
The Cloak of Levitation, as its name suggests, has the primary purpose of granting its wearer levitation. The greatest advantage of this is that it wearer need know little about the mystic arts in order to operate it, nor must the wearer tire any of his "mystical strength" in order to operate it. While the Cloak actually has no will of its own, it has been known to act on the will of its wearer without command. While the top speed of the Cloak is unknown, it has been shown traveling at subsonic speeds. The maximum load-bearing weight of the Cloak is also unknown, but Doctor Strange has been shown carrying passengers.
In addition to levitation, the Cloak possesses abilities greater than that of any normal garment. These include:
- Resistance to damage from the elements, physical attack, and mystical attacks,
- The ability to change shape to mimic other garments, such a a business suit,
- Ability to act upon the will of its last wearer, even when not in physical contact (or even in the same room) as the wearer,
- The ability to act as an extra limb, grabbing, striking, or even wrapping.
