In DC Comics’ Strange Adventures #5, war hero Adam Strange returns from his adopted homeworld of Rann only to find himself on trial in the court of public opinion. Protests, press conferences, and a thorough investigation by a lesser-known Justice Leaguer escalate the situation from a minor media mishap to public relations nightmare. As the accusations mount, the least likely protagonist steps forward to defend The Man of Two Worlds and prove the adage that behind every great man is a greater woman.
The war between Rann and Pykkt is finally over, and Adam Strange has returned to earth to publish a titillating account of the conflict. On the second stop of the book tour, an anti-war activist confronts Strange and accuses him of all manner of genocidal atrocities. Footage of the encounter goes viral, and Adam and his wife Alanna endure a short period of internet infamy. However, their virtual dragging explodes into full-blown cancellation when the protestor is later found ray-gunned to death in an alley. While Adam has an airtight alibi, the media circus brings unwanted scrutiny to his war record and further exacerbates an embarrassing situation. As a favor, Batman assigns Mr. Terrific, one of the smartest men in the world, to investigate the accusations. It quickly becomes clear that Terrific is on a fact-finding mission, while Strange just wants a positive PR campaign. The Man of Two Worlds needs an image makeover, but who will swoop in when the hero needs saving?
The Eisner award-winning duo of Tom King and Mitch Gerads are joined by “Doc” Shaner in crafting this layered, compelling comic book series that is as much tabloid page-turner as it is science fiction fantasy. The story is told in alternating parts, beginning with Adam’s publicity scandal and flashing back to the Rann/Pykkt conflict. The art changes accordingly. The war on Rann is a brightly colored battle of good and evil with distinct lines and few shades of gray. In contrast, the present unpleasantness is ambiguous and amoral, muted and muddled, as social intrigue so often is. The effect is moving and creates an experience that feels truly unique.
The hero of Strange Adventures isn’t the Man of Two Worlds, but the Woman. Alanna Strange undergoes the most dramatic transformation of any character, and evolves from a demure young woman on a war-torn planet to the strong right arm of the world-famous Adam Strange. On Rann, she learns to speak loudly and fight for her people. On Earth, she does the same. Alanna is a powerful voice on Adam’s behalf without ever becoming the headline. She assesses tough situations, makes the difficult decisions, and stands up for Adam when no one else will. She isn’t intimidated by Batman or Mr. Terrific and will stoop to underhanded tactics if it is in her husband’s best interest. King, Gerads, and Shaner have covertly created an unexpected protagonist, and it’s anything but strange.