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Reviews
Tom Strong, Book 1 by Chris Sprouse, Al Gordon, Alan Moore, Jerry Ordway, Dave Gibbons, Todd Klein
tobin_elliott's review
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
A cheesy amalgam of Doc Savage with other early superheroes, he can't decide whether to be serious with it, or get stupid.
So, it mostly comes across as boring with, more often than not, stories that only threaten to happen, but really kind of don't.
Not Moore's best work.
So, it mostly comes across as boring with, more often than not, stories that only threaten to happen, but really kind of don't.
Not Moore's best work.
manwithanagenda's review
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Meet Tom Strong, the top science hero of Millennium City. He grew up on the remote West Indian island of Attabar Teru, married the chieftain's daughter, Dhalua and together they have a daughter of their own, Tesla. Along with inventive genius he possesses a steam-powered butler named Pneuman, pals around with a British talking gorilla and prevents one disaster after another, speeding along in his heli-pack or antique jalopy.
The Strong family has helped keep Millennium City, and America, safe for decades thanks to the powerful qualities of the Goloka Root that slows their aging process. This is world where cablecars have widespread use, and the heroes and villains are powered by scientific genius, not accidents of birth or circumstances.
There is an origin story in the first issue, of course there is, but it is told through a comic within the comic read by an eager fan - a young member of the Strongmen of America - unknowingly being defended by his hero against the Blimp Bandit.
Being so long-lived, stories can range across a whole century - this volume includes Strong battling an unusual Nazi squadron, nerds unwittingly unleashing a villain on the city through an internet download, and alternate universes where ancient civilizations triumphed. We're also introduced to his arch-nemesis Paul Saveen.
Moore just throws all of this at you, there's no need for a long wind-up, its immediate action, humor and it all works. I also have the benefit of reading ahead and knowing that everything matters. Each issue contributes to the overall story.
Tom Strong
Next: 'Tom Strong, Book 2'
The Strong family has helped keep Millennium City, and America, safe for decades thanks to the powerful qualities of the Goloka Root that slows their aging process. This is world where cablecars have widespread use, and the heroes and villains are powered by scientific genius, not accidents of birth or circumstances.
There is an origin story in the first issue, of course there is, but it is told through a comic within the comic read by an eager fan - a young member of the Strongmen of America - unknowingly being defended by his hero against the Blimp Bandit.
Being so long-lived, stories can range across a whole century - this volume includes Strong battling an unusual Nazi squadron, nerds unwittingly unleashing a villain on the city through an internet download, and alternate universes where ancient civilizations triumphed. We're also introduced to his arch-nemesis Paul Saveen.
Moore just throws all of this at you, there's no need for a long wind-up, its immediate action, humor and it all works. I also have the benefit of reading ahead and knowing that everything matters. Each issue contributes to the overall story.
Tom Strong
Next: 'Tom Strong, Book 2'
nonesensed's review
3.0
I tried to get into this. I have vague fond memories of reading installments of it in other comics as a kid. But it's not for me. Not bad, just not for me.
neven's review
3.0
There's nothing particularly wrong with this, but it's also not particularly interesting. I appreciate reading Moore who doesn't just glue together literary references, though Tom Strong is still weakened by the winky-wink, walking-cliche nature of every character and situation.
eldang's review
3.0
Quite entertaining, but also utterly ridiculous, and the immortal Nazis felt just a tad hackneyed.
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