17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent collection, beautiful reproduction, November 6, 2006
This review is from: The Adam Strange Archives, Volume 2 (DC Archive Editions) (Hardcover)
This volume includes all the Adam Strange stories from Mystery in Space 66-80, cover dated March 1961 through December 1962. DC has done an outstanding job, as they did with Volume 1. The reproduction is top notch, and the quality of the color is first rate. The fantastic art by Carmine Infantino looks better than it did in the original issues, not surprising given that the quality of the paper here is far above the newsprint stock of the original comics. The stories are silly but entertaining. If you're a fan of Adam Strange, DC's Silver Age and/or Carmine Infantino, this volume absolutely belongs in your library.
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12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great Book! Infantino & Anderson at their peak!, October 30, 2006
This review is from: The Adam Strange Archives, Volume 2 (DC Archive Editions) (Hardcover)
Just got this in the mail from Amazon today, two full days ahead of the bumped up release date!
This book is just as good looking and entertaining as volume one. Linework crisp and accurate; colors seem faithful. Bottom line: if you enjoyed Volume 1, don't miss out on Volume 2 because it'll probably be 2009 before we get the third volume, which, although it won't complete the Silver Age run of Adam Strange, should finish the great Infantino/Anderson collection.
Strap on your rocket pack and have a blast!
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12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
FOX'S FORMULA FOR SCI-FI ADVENTURE, December 22, 2006
This review is from: The Adam Strange Archives, Volume 2 (DC Archive Editions) (Hardcover)
When it comes to Super Hero titles in the 1960's, I'm not sure anyone could deny that Marvel Comics was producing the most innovative work. DC was largely on cruise control through the 50's and into the early 60's as they had little competition in this realm. DC, however, has long been underrated for their non-superhero titles of the 1960's. Often times their best work, and best artists, went largely unnoticed on horror, war, and Sci-Fi titles. That's where books like DC Archive editions and Showcase Presents are really a boon to comic fans. These titles were obviously never as popular as Superman or Batman and were always on the verge of cancellation, but these always displayed outstanding work by old pros as well as young up-and-comers.
The Adam Strange Archives is just what I am talking about. While some my call it a Superhero title it's really more a great space adventure in the tradition of Buck Rogers and John Carter of Mars. Volume Two reprints Mystery in Space # 66 - 80 with stories written by the prolific Gardner Fox and art by Carmine Infantino and Murphy Anderson. The stories by Fox weren't very daring. Fox had a formula that he stuck too pretty tightly. Adam Strange would be whisked off to the Planet Rann by the Zeta beam in each issue, only to find the planet and his beloved Alanna under attack by a new alien threat and Adam had to save the day.
While formulaic, it never failed to thrill as Adam was a hero who relied on his wits as much as his fists and weapons. This volume is the character at his best and a great representation of Fox's work. Strange finds himself battling all types of bizarre aliens including the Kirri, a rade who have perfected an aqua ray gun that turns the people of Rann, including Strange, into puddles of Water. Other threats include the Crystal beings of Karalyx as well as the devious dust devils!
My favorite story was the one that finds Adam Strange transported 100,000 years into Rann's future. The people of Rann remember Strange as a mere myth and legend and even doubt he ever existed. Yet when a new threat troubles Rann, their scientists once again call on Strange, having grab him out of the mists of time to aid them once again.
Like a lot of DC comics from this period, the background art is fairly non-existent. Lots of pastel blues, yellows, greens, etc...The editors wanted these stories cranked out fast. Still, in the talented hands of Infantino and Anderson, there's a tremendous dynamic to the art and there just plain fun to read.
Reviewed by Tim Janson
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