Created by editor Julius Schwartz with a costume designed by Murphy Anderson, Adam Strange made his debut appearance in Showcase #17 in 1958. While working as an archaeologist in Peru, Strange is suddenly via a “Zeta-Beam” to the planet Rann. After arriving on this mysterious planet, Strange stumbles upon the iconic helmet and red suit that would become the staple of his superhero persona. At the same time, Strange is attacked by one of the planet’s predators and rescued by a beautiful woman named Alanna. Following this rescue, Alanna brings Strange to meet her father Sardath, who created the Zeta-Beam.  

Although this beam was initially created as a means of communicating with Earth, space radiation had accidentally altered it into a transportation beam. Sardath also revealed that the effects of the beam were temporary and that Strange would eventually be sent back to Earth. In the meantime, Strange began to care for the planet and its inhabitants. Using Rann’s technology, Strange protected the planet from various extraterrestrial threats. The longer Strange remained on Rann, the stronger his feelings for Alanna became. Unfortunately, the effects of the beam eventually wore off and returned Strange to Earth at the exact point of his departure. Before he left, Sardath gave Strange a schedule of beam firings allowing him to periodically return to the planet.

Through careful mathematical calculations, Strange travels the world and intercepts Zeta-Beams, allowing him to periodically return to defend Rann and be with Alanna. Outside of Mystery in Space, Strange also appeared in Hawkman, Swamp Thing, and the Justice League of America. The latter of which made him an honorary member. The character also made appearances in such animated works as Batman: The Brave and the Bold and Young Justice: Invasion. But did you know Adam Strange is gearing up to make his official live-action debut?

Syfy recently announced plans for an all-new television series following Superman’s grandfather, Seg-El, whose family, the House of El, has been ostracized and shamed. This series, Krypton, will include The Vampire Diaries’ Shaun Sipos in the role of Adam Strange. Krypton’s version of the character is described as a “world-weary human, who finds himself stranded on Krypton as the unlikely mentor to Seg-El, Superman’s grandfather.” This highly-anticipated new series debuts March 21, 2018 on Syfy.