Must Read Tom Strong Stories That Will Make You Love Comics

[@wayneclayton5426]

Favourite Tom Strong quote 'He ran across space to get here' 'How did he do that?' 'Magnificently'

[@ramblingRJ]

One interesting bit of subtext to Tom Strong is that its Alan Moore's Mea Culpa regarding his part in changing the comics industry. He's admitted that his most popular works (like Watchmen) along with the stuff by Frank Miller ( Like Dark Knight) led to the grim and gritty nihilism of the 1990s 'dark age' of comics, which altered the medium forever. Tom Strong was his apology, and a homage to the days when comics were light fun and heroes were less angsty.

[@BrianMcCluskey-w3g]

On the subject of Greta’s memorial statue, it's in the Art Deco style of the 1920s. The semi-nude pose with bare chest, cape, and hip scarf is typical of other figurative sculptures from this era, showing an influence from ancient Egyptian art. A possible interpretation is that in his grief for his lost love, Tom was moved to depict Greta as a Deco goddess.

[@robboyte1101]

What I loved most about Tom Stone's origin story was that when he speaks to the chief before leaving the island, he talks to him in the chief's language, not in English. (Compare Strong's with Stone's. They're saying the same thing in different ways. Moore actually took the trouble to create a new language for that scene.) Now think about it. This is a great example of the differences between the Toms. Strong arrogantly makes the natives learn his language to communicate with him, while Stone respects them enough to learn their language so they can talk. Brilliant.

[@ShaunCollege]

Strong spoke both, actually. The Chief opened with English. Tom remarked how the Chief’s English was better than Tom’s Ozu.

[@robboyte1101]

@@ShaunCollege That's true; I'd forgotten that part. But, Strong certainty had plenty of years to become fluent in it. I take that it to mean he either imposed his language on the natives, or they respected him enough to learn his. (That could also be Moore's commentary on colonialism.) In any case, I think these two scenes are a brilliant juxtaposition.

[@ShaunCollege]

Gotta add,Tom also opens this scene telling Pneuman how the Oza have been like family and raised him in their ancient, wise traditions. Sounds more like the love on both sides I would have perhaps been the motive to learn each other’s language.

[@FoolHearty-dl5hr]

I think it's less respect and more circumstances. The Ozu respect Strong but love Stone. Strong was always an outsider, Stone was a fully integrated member of their culture from birth. He also looked like everybody else. Although for his race Stone felt significantly more pressure and cruelty from the Racism of America. Strong could be argued to have it harder growing up and although not in the same way I feel there would just be some prejudice keeping him from fully integrating maybe even on his side too since it might be harder if you can't gravitate to people who look like you. And that's just ignoring the general Isolation Strong was subjected to at birth.

[@JKevinCarrier]

This is exactly what sets Alan Moore apart from most other writers. Even on something he would probably consider one of his lighter, more frivolous works, he still thinks through every detail on such a deep level. Nothing is random or accidental, everything means something, and it all adds up to a brilliant whole. I can't think of anyone else in comics (and damn few outside of comics) who operates on this level.

[@ProjektTaku]

I mean, making things or minute details happen on purpose isn't really all that unique. And there's some work of his that have quite significant plot holes or just weird things in general, the best I can thing of is Miracleman and the killing of Johnny Bates.

[@JKevinCarrier]

@@ProjektTaku Offhand, I can't think of too many writers who plan out the level of meticulous detail seen in Tom Strong (never mind something something as complex as From Hell or Promethea). And the ones I can think of (Morrison, Gaiman) tend to be directly influenced by Moore. Dave Sim, maybe. Who were you thinking of?

[@temmere]

I am now just really hyped for Tom Strong. One of the things I like most about this comic is simply that Alan Moore was one of those creators (sadly an ever-decreasing number) who could tell a complete story in a single issue. Astro City is another comic like that. If they needed a few issues to tell a longer story, they could do it, but they didn't pad things out for no reason. I miss that kind of storytelling.

[@Wanttowrite]

I was always a fan of the Terra Obscura two-parter. A showcase of public domain characters (including the one that clearly inspired parts of Tom Strong) and nothing screams Silver Age throwback than a hero literally leaping from planet to planet to get help.

[@galactic85]

I love that story. So fun.

[@Sabata101]

Just got the compendium and I’m loving what I’m reading. I’m still trying to get over the fact that Moore wrote this series considering that his more well known work usually has a grim feel. Tom Strong on the other hand is the equivalent of Moore coming up to you with a plate of freshly baked cookies and a glass of milk and while you’re eating he’s telling you how much he likes baking and how he adds things like cinnamon or tops each cookie off with a pinch of sea salt to bring out the sweetness. Absolutely great series so far and I can’t wait to read more.

[@TitularHeroine]

As I was reading your description, I could clearly picture Moore discussing cookies like that

[@jazzmyn5804]

It's always great to see someone talk so passionately about what they love

[@KaliFissure]

Alan Moore is an absolute comic genius. He totally totally understands the medium. As well as being a thoughtful and knowledgeable person. I fan but nobody more deserving

[@JimmyAkin]

Okay! You've convinced me! I just bought the entire Tom Strong run! Looking forward to future Tom Strong videos! Now, we NEED a Legion of Super-Heroes playlist! 😊

[@Magicghost23]

Nice to see Tom strong comics getting some love.

[@vernonhampton5863]

This channel got me interested in reading the comics.

[@Jay_SGE]

You’re a hero for appreciating this hero :) but you’re also a mum and the videos never stop so just overall the real MVP!

[@ShaunCollege]

Love that the Tom Strong series is being recognized here. :)

[@andrijherasymenko]

I love that Sasha read Dhalua's sentences with an accent

[@kevinbaird6705]

I enjoy the Quetzalcoatl-9 story, especially what it says about religion and game theory.

[@aaronwilder2775]

Honestly, a story I really liked was the two parter of Greta coming back out of cryo-stasis. For me it helped further develop who she was, the desires and attitude she had. She isn't just Tom Strong's Lois Lane - she was a woman who loved him, definitely, but she wasn't dependent on him for love.

[@oonwing]

Thank you. When you see host's share what they love...not just content. If you watch sports, a sports news caster that gets to covers his favorite team, car videos, doing thier favorite cars....it's really refreshing. Thank you.

[@Skaramine]

Deluha (sp) beating the brakes off of the Knot Sea was just wonderful. I wasn't sure about Tom being a married man, but this was "Yeah, she's an important part of this series. "

[@TheSteelGuy]

I think I may have read all of these stories. One of my faves is a short story featuring Tesla fighting the daughter of one of his villains in their home in the city. At the end it turns out the whole story is her explaining to her parents why the place is trashed. Then she admits she threw a party...

[@improvwithlions4173]

It does bother me that Tom Strong got...uh..."kidnapped" twice, but at least the comic didn't pretend those women were doing him any favours. The comic dwells on it just long enough to let you know that it wasn't some cutesy wish fullfillment thing, it's a reality that weighs on him. I'd be curious to hear your thoughts on it. I'm also very glad I saved this video until reading the comic. What a trip! Thank you so much for promoting it.

[@rchille1]

Okay OKAY! You win, I just ordered the Tom Strong Compendium ... Thanks! 😀

[@rammisalami]

8:35 wow the use of changing the format to get these pulp like pastiches is just magnificent

[@markshulusky6680]

The alternate world story reminds me of early issues of Marvel's first WHAT IF series. They, the first six, were tied to the version of events depicted in the 616 universe at multiple points. After that, the stories became just wholly independent fantasies that branch off from a single moment. Much more satisfying, and harder to do, the first way.

[@johnlabor4254]

Because of you, I have added the Tom Strong Compendium and others to my NYCC list. Thank you!!

[@OMACexperiment]

I'm supposed to be doing homework, but the way you keep posting these STRONG vids, I think I'm just gonna binge read my compendium!

[@lastgoodone9493]

I've been working my way through the copy of Tom Strong Trade and jus finished the alternate world story. It's crazy how much Alan Moore connected his stories even from issue 1. i remember thinking when I read Issue Sinclair seemed jealous of Tomas. It's been a great read so far, very glad I picked it up. Thank you Sasha!! Also I'll be hearing that voice for Dhaluafrom now on, and that is not a bad thing.

[@NathanWeeks]

"There's nothing under heaven that is worse than this. Traveler turn back." - Typical Yelp review

[@CasuallyComics]

Bonus points if they've never actually been there lol

[@improvwithlions4173]

Just finished my omnibus. I was waiting for you to mention the Tom Stone story. It's so heartbreaking to see how things could have been different, especially with Saveen and Tom's mother, and is built up to perfectly. I also love Dhalua and how they write her marriage to Tom. They're two distinct people who are partners, not super idealized as soulmates but that makes the strength of their century-long relationship just that much sweeter.

[@travishiltz4750]

The whole ABC line was pretty amazing. It felt like Moore was having fun and playing with ideas and formats. For some reason, I was only a casual reader of the main Tom Strong title, but have every issue of Terrific Tales and loved the Terra Obscura minis. Sounds like I need to fix that.

[@markmetz9167]

Just got the full run and can’t wait to get started. Thanks for the list.

[@ryangreen6255]

You've sold me on Tom Strong.

[@rouenrobinson]

The What If? T'Challa became Starlord shares a lot of similarities with the Tom Stone alternate reality.

[@pippy6677]

Thank you for making this video. ✨

[@robstein1313]

I didn’t want this video to end, I was/ I am extremely invested. Thank you for sharing

[@llewane]

I had never heard of Tom Strong until watching a Casually Comics video. An Alan Moore comic that I'd never heard of with a classic comics tone? = ...Intrigue. This last weekend, I hit up a comics shop for other reasons but saw Tome Strong Vol. 4, which starts with the Tom Stone story, on a 1/2 off rack and picked it up. There is now a definite "before Tom Strong" and "after Tom Strong" division of my life. Thanks Casually Comics! Side note: I love your gesticulations. If any hater tells you otherwise, don't listen to them.

[@PeterStellenberg]

I haven't read Tom Strong in years and this brings back so much memories. I recall really embracing this universe and couldn't get enough. At the time, it was by my own standards, the best work Moore did along Miracleman. I might read it again thanks to your passion for it Sasha!

[@jasonguinn6075]

Yeeeeesssss the awesomeness that is TOM STRONG !!!! I know that Alan Moore doesn't want adaptations of his work buuuuut, Tom Strong is great source material for animation and or live action interpretation.

[@sidfritch974]

god im loveing the tom strong love, would love to see a top 10 deep dive

[@BrianMcCluskey-w3g]

Loving the continued dive into the Tom Strong series. Some videos on Top 10 would be excellent too if your whims lead you in that direction. Alan Moore's Supreme run could be fun to explore also as it's in a related vein and chock-full of tasty goodness.

[@danielnugent6545]

Agreed. Top 10 would be great. It just occurred to me how short that run was, yet how much influence it may have had.

[@andrefantin832]

Supreme is awesome and walked so that Tom Strong could leap magnificently

[@magitek09]

The fact that Tom Stone, in spite of having little to nothing to do with Sinclair, he still ends up doing what he did, stealing his best friends love... Also, in spite of the betrayal and fight, the fact that Paul calls Tom "old friend" seconds before they get erased from time, it got to me...

[@jimgillespie6109]

I cannot tell you just how much I enjoyed this video! Your delight and exuberance really brightened my day. Thank you.

[@MisterCynic18]

16:26 "I carved it from memory..." Welp, seems Tom's memory is very...vivid

[@peterm1925]

I'm glad you mentioned Tom Stone. Easily one of the best stories and you hit the nail on the head about whether the world is better or worse.

[@JohnQ5]

Alright, Sasha... I'm sold and all in on Tom Strong.

[@bobmathis-friedman6742]

The moment when Tom Stone talks Saveen out of his scheme reminds of when Ted Knight's son, Jack, wonders why his father didn't use his genius for less selfish (becoming a superhero)purposes.

[@Dougeb7]

I know it's not a kiddie comic, but I find myself wanting to say "WHEEEE!" a lot. Like when Tom Strong flies his imposing frame into action in his backpack helicopter, "WOK WOK WOK WOK!" "Play nice...or else!" Albrecht ridicules Tom for his obsolete tech, and Tom replies, "I'll stick with what I know." Me: "WHEEEE!"

[@Primogen18]

Haven't paid much attention to Tom Strong before.. but these videos definitely have me more interested, looking forward to reading through.

[@nosaisibor6450]

I'm hyped for Tom Strong

[@CRIS_IS_ON_INFINITE_EARTHS]

Hell yeah Sasha!! Thank you for these recommendations!!

[@ravenwilder4099]

Your previous Tom Strong vids were enough to make me order the Tom Strong Compendium and read this whole series myself - which means I'm not watching this video, 'cause spoilers. But I'm gonna let it play in the background so you still get the view.

[@toddevangelista]

I like the Terra Obscura issues, and the Tom Strange who ran across the universe.

[@charlzcofflin4199]

Hi from Comics Matter w/ya boi Zack.

[@lanternsown3525]

Great List! Sasha love I couldn't chosen better Tom Strong stories myself, I loved the stories picked they really highlight the relationship with his family and friends.

[@shamal17]

i loved this new format, i would love to see you do it with other comics as well!!

[@tylerpreston699]

Speaking of Silver-Age homages, have you read Alan Moore's 1963 mini-series? It's a parody of the early Marvel books: Mystery Incorporated = Fantastic Four, the Fury = Spider-Man, etc

[@johnpjones182]

Horus=Thor. He also had a hipster/beatnik version of Dr. Strange. Can't remember the character's name.

[@BrianMcCluskey-w3g]

@@johnpjones182 Johnny Beyond!

[@johnpjones182]

@@BrianMcCluskey-w3g I need to read those again. I like Moore's version of Stan's Soapbox with incessant alliteration! Very funny.

[@TevyaSmolka]

a lot of these tom strong stories sound tons of fun

[@Weap0]

Alan Moore gets painted as a bitter, old man and sometimes rightfully so, but Tom Strong really shows his love of the superhero genre that sadly DC wrung out of him.

[@EddieSlabb]

I was shocked that anyone has called you the M word Sascha, you are a friend & a neighbor. I knew NOTHING about Tom Strong before this video, and thanks to your video, I think it's well worth a look. Sounds like a more serious Venture brothers.

[@andrefantin832]

I've always been a fan of the Phantom and Sherlock Holmes (and of course Superman), but Tom Strong made me deep dive into Doc Savage and Tarzan to understand those influences and it cannot be overstated how Alan Moore was able to modernize the pulp, silver agey and jungle hero genres so masterfully in Tom Strong.

[@euansmith3699]

Thanks for yet another fascinating and enthusiastic episode.

[@fmoland]

Well. Thanks to your videos on the subject I bought the compendium and I loved all of it.

[@scotttrammell3913]

Sasha, I agree that the Tom Stone issue was great.

[@tomsiebert1941]

Another excellent, informative and highly entertaining video. Your exuberant performative interpretations of Moore’s material are delightfully engaging, and the editing and cutaways amidst your reviews are effective punctuations of the points and/or punchlines you make. 
I’ve got everything TOM STRONG, and only two of my “Top Six” picks would match yours: The origin story from Issue #1 and the “Phantom Autogyro” tale from #10; that latter story might be the best TOM STRONG story ever, IMHO. 

 That being said, all your picks are, uh, strong. It’s just you seem drawn to darker, more ambitious stories where I prefer the more fun, escapist single-issue tales that puts a fresh spin on familiar comic book tropes, and most of those are front-loaded: Issue #2 with encroaching parasitical Modular Man; Issue #3 and the “Aztech” futuristic human-sacrifice “god”; Issue #11-12 with alt-Earth Terra Obscura and Tom Strange; aaaand….while I guess it’s not exactly a Tom Strong story or issue, the one-shot 64 page “The Many Worlds of Tesla Strong,” with Tom’s plucky and sexy daughter taking center stage, which features a mixed bag of top artists and is the epitome of comic book fun; witty & clever, and an ahead-of-its-time “multiverse” saga that shows how Alan Moore has been literally YEARS forward of his peers and Hollywood. I do think there might be a classic story or two from TOM STRONG’S TERRIFIC TALES, but I’d have to go through that again to re-discover, which I might. To conclude, I very much appreciate your continuing focus on this superb, under-rated & lesser-known series from the staggeringly and seemingly supernaturally gifted Alan Moore and the team of top-flight artists he worked with, most specifically the multi-styled talent Chris Sprouse. I am gratified to see so many comments from people who’ve discovered TOM STRONG and bought the books to discover his classic adventure for themselves, due to your videos. Your work is a valuable encouragement to discover quality comic book entertainment during a dark time for the medium. Thank you for it and God Bless You.

[@Stequal2]

This is great! I know ranking videos aren't as popular but it's great to get a rank and explain.

[@adamfrey4920]

Unrelated request: I want to see Sasha review Tom Ostrander's The Spectre run for Halloween.

[@crazylegs5k]

Thank you again Sasha for what looks like another amazing RECC can’t wait for my trades to arrive in a few days so I can dive right in 😊

[@jamesallard7223]

You are always fun to watch! It makes it better when you approach one of my favorite titles. Promise me if you veer back to DC that you will consider the madness that is Ambush Bug. Or not, wherever your whims may take you.

[@Someguywithalotoftism]

Dude youve really convinced me to buy tom strong I'm finally getting a paycheck soon and I'm so hyped

[@InfamyOrDeath-__-]

Haha more Tom Strong, I had never even heard of this comic before your videos.

[@RSRye]

Loving the Tom Strong love!

[@rasheedsanders1067]

Well through this series of videos I've been convinced to give Tom Strong a read.

[@Imstillincognito]

I'm pretty sure Tom Strong issues 29 and 30 are a take on Miracleman. the fake-out reveal was especially pulled from Miracleman. I thought that the ending was the writer taking a jab at Moore, by saying that the terrible place he was trapped in could only exist in the mind of a madman.

[@PharaohOfTheDamned]

13:55 Tom really said my name is Bennet and I ain't in it

[@kyleeartist2829]

Great list!

[@gabrielrussell5531]

If you enjoy Tom Strong, you may also enjoy Atomic Robo.

[@Parostem]

Oddly enough, the alternate universe story was my first introduction to Tom Strong. I ended up feeling similar to Susan in that story, since Tom Stone's world is explained first it felt like the normal canon way the story is supposed to go. Then I'm re-introduced to the actual story and, just like her, trying to recognize her son in this strange new world.

[@KierTheScrivener]

All of these seem amazing!

[@bensneb360]

Me: I need to save money, I have bills to pay… Sasha: But Tom Strong… Me (in Tommy Wiseau voice): Your TeArInG Me APArt Sasha lol

[@juliagoodwin9510]

This just makes me want to get the next volume...

[@brookeelliott7549]

Gonna use my DCUI subscription to start looking into Tom Strong! Normally I....(I'm going to commit heresy)...am not the biggest fan of Moore, he just kinda comes off as a bit too in love with his own writing...but you've made Tom Strong sound like so much fun! And the fact that Moore looks down on it just makes me like it more, haha.

[@dallasgrey4247]

By this point the channel’s name is going to be changed to Casually Tom Strong 😂

[@Psychospacecow]

Love the new outro song.

[@justicierodelaliga]

Sasha, please review FUTURE QUEST.

[@OtakuD50]

I promise that every statue in my Sasha shrine room will be fully clothed.

[@Wraithing]

More Tom Strong! Now, I need the printed paper pages. Poor wallet you must submit to my wants… and Sasha increases my knowledge of the comics goodness I have missed. 😅

[@rammisalami]

So I went back to my lcs today because it was Batman day and I forgot to ask about Tom Strong on Wednesday. The owner told me nothing was in their system so I spent the next two hours scouring around 20 back issue boxes looking for him, also to no avail. After I give up, I’m poking through the dollar bins and a gentleman walks in asking, ‘Hey do you have any Tom Strong back issues?’ 😂 Didn’t even have to ask what prompted his asking…You got some fans in upstate NY lol

[@mdwesquire]

You really are going to force me to hit up Amazon to find those issues i missed.

[@OtseisRagnarok]

Sasha's german accent is really good. Scary good.

[@RandyWyatt-z7m]

Hi Sasha I'm watching your Tom Strong videos an wanted to suggest a compilation of similar storylines you've covered. I'm a big fan of Louis Lane Supermans Girlfriend, Green Lantern Hal Jordan, and this one with Tom Strong. I noticed Rob at Comic Explained releases them when he goes on vacation like backup filler vids

[@ExiILe00]

“My secret nazi son, on the next Maury.”

[@IceBen4444]

Tom is going Strong it seems!

[@lylecampbell8288]

It sounds very cool. I try to find it.

[@thatdapperfellow]

Haha, I bought the omnibus after your recommendation and now I can't watch any of your videos without spoiling myself.

[@sweetchristmas101]

Glad to know I'm not the only one.

[@paultapner2769]

One that sticks in my mind. It wasn't a story Per Se, it was a one page subscription ad. In which Timmy Turbo and the Strongmen of America are up to something. And when Timmy as ever says 'Holy smokes!' [or was it socks?] another said 'look Timmy, would you just stop saying that? It's embarrassing.' Then they bump into Tom who persuades them to subscribe to the whole Abc line. Timmy said '...but what about people who don't subscribe?' And Tom says 'well they're just scum, Timmy!'. And everyone does a 'ha ha ha ha ha!' laugh at the same time. It was so funny

[@JohnGolden]

Saving my shekels for that Tom Strong compendium. I had thought he was invented for Lemire's The Terrifics. Did you feel like that captured the real spirit of Strong et al?

[@WTSD850]

I was wondering if you could take a look at under the yellow sun its technically an elseworlds story I think the only elseworlds thing about is what if clark kent actually finished his novel. it's pretty cool because the summary says that its about the story inside his novel, but it switches from that to clarks life as an actual author, showing his struggles with it and even were he gets his inspiration from

[@Daviedootle83]

Please do a review of the new Wonder Woman #1! I'd love to hear your take on it.

[@CRUCIFi777]

I feel like this whole series was also a really good excuse to pack it with all the big theosophy imagery Moore and the like are so enamored with.

[@marknugent9851]

Loving this, might pickup an mi next time I have cash.