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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
@@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?
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.
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.
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.
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! 😊
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
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...
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.
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.
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.
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.
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. "
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
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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!"
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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...
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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. 😅
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
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
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?
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.
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.
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
