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Adam Strange is a person in the DC Comics universe, known for his unique backstory and exciting adventures. Created in 1958, Adam Strange is an explorer that gets transported to a strange planet called Rann through something called a “Zeta-Beam”, which leads to him becoming a hero and protector of the planet.
You might be wondering why Adam Strange became so popular. His origin story is perhaps relatable, as in Showcase #17, we see that he is just an ordinary archaeologist. Or at least as ordinary as one can be, as he intends to rob an ancient civilization. He then strangely gets transported to another planet. Despite obviously not understanding what had happened or how he got there, he adapts quickly. Perhaps a little too quickly, as he begins to be seen as a hero. While other superheros have gained powers through things like accidents or experiments (like Hulk or Flash), Adam Strange’s background creates a new spin on the matter.
You can tell in Showcase #17 that stories like this inspired the movie Raiders of the Lost Ark. The story in the comic shows Strange discovering the legendary Inca city of Caramanga, and finds its treasure. Incas start shooting arrows at him, so he tumbles down some mountain rocks, kicks outward and hurls himself across space, and mysteriously disappears in a brilliant flare of light, and a thunderclap of sound. When he lands on Rann, he finds himself in a tropical jungle.
Another contention that Adam Strange is a particularly unusual person is his utilization of specialized technical equipment. In Mystery in Space #53, we can observe him utilizing his jetpack and beam firearm to fend off rampant giant robots on Rann. Something that is pretty awesome about Adam Strange is that he used futuristic gadgets like jetpacks or ray guns. I know these things sound cliche, but consider how many superheroes use very little if any gadgets.
Adam Strange’s adventures are also known for their thrilling action. During Mystery in Space #86, we see him encounter giants on Rann, along with Alanna.
Alanna is the ideal love interest for anyone. She is not only smart and beautiful, but she holds her own and takes a piece of the action. In fact, Alanna is one of the main reasons that Adam is so invested in protecting the planet Rann. The two have a deep connection and often work together to defend their new home from threats. Alanna in the stories brings depth to Adam Strange’s character and showcases the importance of strong partnerships and friendships in the face of danger. Artist Carmine Infantino makes Alanna look especially gorgeous, which is something you don’t want to overlook.
While Adam Strange is a nostalgic person in the DC Universe, there have been some criticisms of his portrayal in certain comic books. One such criticism is that he can come across as a bit flat in character development.
This changes though in the 2004 series, collectively known as Adam Strange: Planet Heist. While his wife and daughter are in the home world of Rann, Strange is trapped on Earth, since his Zeta-Beam transport never came. This makes him paranoid that something bad may have happened to his family or world. This shows emotional depth, and the story steers away from action for a little while.
Another criticism of Adam Strange is that he can sometimes be portrayed as overly heroic to the point of being unrealistic. He bravely fights a rogue group of Thanagarians after his home world of Rann was transported to their system. While his bravery is admirable, some readers felt that his actions bordered on being too perfect and lacked nuance.
It’s worth noting, however, that these criticisms are not universal. Many fans appreciate Adam Strange’s unique blend of topics, as well as his exciting adventures on the planet Rann. Additionally, some writers have taken steps to address these criticisms by giving Adam more intricate storylines and exploring his personality in greater depth.
Adam Strange is a great character because of his relatable origin story, use of futuristic technology, and thrilling adventures. If you’re interested in reading more about Adam Strange, I would recommend reading Showcase #17, which tells his origin. But since it’s so expensive, you should get (Affiliate Link) the Showcase Presents Adam Strange trade paperback instead.