This issue of the Tom Strong anthology book boasts an unusual theme: hallucinogenic adventure. The protagonists in all three stories embark on fantastic drug trips, each with different results. The concept is intriguing at times, predictable and gratuitous at others, and rather generic as well. Ultimately, the book left me cold, not particular disappointed, but certainly not all that entertained either.
Tom Strong purposefully takes an overdose of a powerful, cosmic drug called Goloka, and it opens the door to a journey through the vastness of the universe and the vastness of self. Jonni Future finds herself in an alien garden, but what ends up growing there are multiple representations of her sexuality. And Tom Strong, during his younger days growing up in a tropical paradise, happens upon the home of an ancient -- and dangerous -- people.
The strongest story, obviously, comes from the pen (word processor, whatever) of Alan Moore. The story doesn't really boast a conflict, but I found the idea of infinities to be explored beyond ourselves and within ourselves to be an interesting, thought-provoking one. Moore's well-researched dialogue gave the incredible plot an important degree of credibility, and Ordway's meticulous artwork really made an unimaginable journey into something the reader could connect with. The premise is more than a little out there, and it oversimplifies the use of mind-altering drugs for the purposes of enlightenment. But it is a challenging piece.
The Jonni Future piece has one goal in mind: titillation. Jonni is stripped naked by various naked versions of herself? Her experience is a nightmare, sure, but it really represents a male sexual fantasy. There doesn't even seem to be a point to the story. Like the first story, there's no conflict, but unlike it, there's no greater truth revealed. Adams's finely detailed artwork is impressive, but that excellence of craft is eclipsed by the main character's penchant for thrusting out her tits and ass for no apparent reason.
The Young Tom Strong story is rather run-of-the-mill, and again, seemed to be ultimately pointless. I do like the character's combination of child-like curiosity and remarkable intelligence, but nothing about this story really grabbed me. Weiss never capitalizes on the more shocking visuals elements of the story either, so there are no moments that really impact on the reader.
