Tom Strong #8

Written by: Alan Moore

Art by: see below

This is first issue of Tom Ttrong in an anthology format - it tells 3 different stories.

Rides of the Lost Mesa - Alan Weiss

Tom and Solomon ride into a desert town set on top of a mesa; the inhabitants have 3 eyes, herd squid like creatures, and think it's the year 1850. Tom Strong shows up to put an end to this. I like the blend of western and sci-fi elements in this story. All around, it's a good read - Alan Weiss' art is a little to muscular for me. I prefer Sprouse's angular bulk to the defined muscular look Alan Weiss give him.

The Old Skool - Chris Sprouse

I hate this story. It centers on the Strongmen of America and I find it to be hard to read and pointless in general. I understand what Alan Moore is trying to do with these characters - add a sense of Golden Age innocence, but it just comes off as forced. The art is very nice, especially the giant robots.

Sparks - Chris Sprouse

This is a solo Tesla story - it's okay. She goes into an active volcano in her gem suit (think clear suit of armor) to see what is causing all the shaking. There she encounter 3 fire men spirit things who attack her. Their boss shows up and chases them off and plants a kiss on Tesla's cheek. A bit sappy, but Valentine's Day is right around the corner. The art is very well done - but the story is mediocre.

All in all this isn't a bad issue, just not up to par with the ones that came before it in this series.