Since Heroes in Crisis I’ve had the greatest of worries about Tom King. The genius who brought about Vision, Mr Miracle and Sheriff of Babylon felt like he’d lost his way. I wasn’t even sure of the opening shot here, but issue 2 of this Adam Strange mystery feels very much like a return to form. Before I get to the story I should add that Mitch Gerads and Evan ‘Doc’ Shaner deliver Eisner quality art, just as good as you’ll ever find in a comic book, and the separation of them between the gritty ‘now’ and the story Adam’s telling in his book is inspired. So is Michael Holt’s ass – this is a Black Label book for a reason.

Inspired too is King’s use of Mr Terrific (can King and Gerads give him his own book please?) and the creative team’s storytelling choices in getting him to arrive at his conclusion that Adam is lying about something. There’s no Adam Strange this issue at all, apart from the last couple of panels, and the space for contemplation by the reader, not just Mr Terrific, is welcome. Will Michael uncover war crimes? PTSD? And what position will he take on whatever Adam has become? The book feels out of regular DC continuity, so pleasingly King appears to be able to use these characters as he pleases. I’m hooked – unconstrained he really is a remarkably good writer.

writing	★★★★☆
art	★★★★★
colouring	★★★★★
overall	★★★★☆