Strontium Dog #1

Strontium Dog first appeared in the British science fiction anthology comic 2000 AD, debuting in issue 178 in 1978. It was created by writer John Wagner and artist Carlos Ezquerra, who drew inspiration from the burgeoning post-apocalyptic genre and the aesthetic of gritty, futuristic Westerns. The series follows Johnny Alpha, a mutant bounty hunter working for the Search/Destroy Agency in a future where survivors of nuclear war are treated as second-class citizens.

The character design by Ezquerra, characterized by Alpha's signature shock-absorber goggles and distinctively rugged attire, became iconic within the 2000 AD stable. While the series initially appeared as serial segments within the weekly comic, the popularity of the character led to his own self-titled spin-off comic book series later in his publication history. Critics and fans alike praised the series for its sharp social commentary on prejudice and its blend of dark humor with high-stakes action.