Graphic Novel Review: Strange Adventures by Tom King, Mitch Gerard and Evan “Doc” Shaner

Posted on August 18, 2022 at 7:24 am by Gene Ambaum

Strange Adventures by Tom King (writer), Mitch Gerard and Evan “Doc”Shaner (artists). DC Comics, 2021. 9781779512031. Contains Strange Adventures #1 – 12.

There’s so much to love here: Adam Strange, the Flash Gorden-esque, jetpack-wearing, laser gun toting Earthman who becomes a hero on the planet Rann (and then on Earth). He and his wife recently united the peoples of Rann against the Pykkts, a previously unbeatable alien threat, and lost their daughter in the war. Now they’re on Earth, and Strange is not only the man of the hour, he’s on book tour. But after a man who confronts him at a book signing is murdered, rumors of Strange’s misconduct and dishonor during the war gain some traction. Strange asks Batman to investigate him, to prove that he’s innocent, but Batman passes that task to super genius Mr. Terrific. As he starts to turn over Adam Strange’s story in every way he can; it’s clear he believe’s a lot of it to be BS, especially after the Pykkts begin a war with Earth and its heroes.

There’s a lot to love about this book, and I’d recommend it to anyone looking for a great superhero story. Everything about it is great. But I have to tell you, I think I’ve read too many superhero books like this lately, dark stories about heroes fans like me are nostalgic for who aren’t as heroic as they’d like us to think. Maybe I need something a little brighter and more hopeful. But if you’re in the mood for this kind of story it’s an excellent graphic novel.