“Strange Adventures”: A Masterclass on the Realities of War and What We Hide

Strange Adventures by Tom King delves deeply into the moral ambiguities of war and the secrets we carry, all framed within an intergalactic conflict that challenges the very notion of heroism. At the heart of this narrative is Adam Strange, a human scientist experimenting with a revolutionary teleportation technology known as Zeta Beams, capable of transporting anyone they touch to Rann, a distant planet some twenty-five trillion miles away.

For centuries, Rann has been locked in a brutal war against the Pykkts, a ruthless empire driven solely by war and conquest. The conflict is so complicated and entrenched that even the Green Lantern Corps hesitates to intervene, deeming it too delicate. But Adam Strange decides to take a stand. He suits up, joins the Rannian resistance, and becomes their champion in a desperate fight against an overwhelming enemy. Along the way, he finds love with Alanna, a native of Rann, and embarks on an epic journey across the stark and savage landscapes of war.

The Pykkts’ culture is steeped in the pursuit of conquest, with countless generations sacrificed in their relentless quest to dominate Rann. Yet, despite the Pykkts' sheer force and determination, the Rannians refuse to yield, standing defiant against all odds. This would usually mark the conclusion of a classic hero's tale—but for Tom King, it is just the beginning.

When Adam Strange returns to Earth with Alanna, he is celebrated as a hero, awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and secures a lucrative book deal to recount his exploits in the far reaches of space. However, his newfound glory is quickly overshadowed by doubt when the Justice League announces an investigation into his time on Rann. The inquiry is led by Mister Terrific, one of the most brilliant minds in the DC universe—a deliberate choice, given that Batman or Superman would be too exposed to media bias and public scrutiny.

King’s story feels strikingly relevant, reflecting the moral complexities and ethical dilemmas seen in contemporary global conflicts. He doesn’t shy away from the harsh truths of prolonged warfare: eventually, the lines between hero and villain dissolve, leaving behind only survivors. Adam Strange, for all his courage, is ultimately just that—a survivor. And perhaps, he is also a coward.

What makes King’s storytelling so compelling is his ability to reimagine a classic hero as a complex, morally conflicted individual for the modern age—a familiar trope in his writing (as I discussed in my previous blog post on The Human Target). He does this with a careful balance of respect and contrast, reminding us of the public persona of Adam Strange—the gallant adventurer—and then pulling back the curtain to reveal a broken man, haunted by PTSD and consumed by guilt over his actions during the war.