My first comic from the 1950s is also my first focusing on DC Comics' space based hero Adam Strange. Showcase (1956-1978) #17 is part of a series of anthology stories that DC used at the start of the Silver Age all the way to the middle of the Bronze Age to introduce new characters. Depending on how much each issue sold and how readers felt about each character, then DC would give a specific character their own series. Characters introduced in Showcase's run include the Barry Allen Flash, time traveller Rip Hunter, and the Metal Men. This issue introduces DC Comics' answer to such well known pulp sci-fi heroes like Buck Rogers and Flash Gordon, Adam Strange. Strange is introduced as an archeologists being chased by hostile villagers of a South American civilization. During that chase, Strange is teleported via Zeta-Beams to the alien planet of Rann where he befriends the scientist, who created what was supposed to be a communication device that then turned into a teleporter, and her daughter, Alanna, whom Strange becomes smitten. After spending some time with the two and learning about Rann's history, the planet is soon invaded by aliens. After Strange manages to help defeat the alien invaders, the Zeta-Beams wear off causing him to go back to Earth but vows to figure out how to get back. The next story in the issue sees Adam figure out where the next Zeta-Beams will reach Earth and uses it to get back to Rann. However it instead sends him to another planet where he finds Alanna and her father who were exploring space but were attacked by aliens who are planning to take over a domed Rannian colony. Donning what would become his iconic costume of a red spacesuit with a jetpack and ray gun, Adam defeats the aliens but right after is once again whisked away back to Earth. While there are certain things in Showcase (1956-1978) #17 that date it, many of those aspects is what makes it such a fun read. Creator and writer Gardner Fox tells such an engaging and fun story, managing to have a very mature story even if a few things don't age well like how Alanna is portrayed. Fox is definitely not afraid to be very out there with his ideas, from the giant space pendulum to the over the top science explanations. Mike Sekowsky's artwork and Bernard Sachs coloring perfectly encapsulates the pulp and fun that you expect from a story like this. Showcase (1956-1978) #17 may come from a period of when comic books were sometimes way too silly, but this one proves that not all of them are like that. Over all: 98%
Top list so far for 3rd set of comics:
1. Star Wars: Doctor Aphra (2020-) #1
2. Showcase (1956-1978) #17
3. Free Comic Book Day: Bongo Comics Free For All 2018
