Strontium Dog #3

Strontium Dog number three was published in the late 1970s as part of the Starlord anthology series, a short-lived but highly influential British science fiction comic. Created by writer John Wagner and artist Carlos Ezquerra, the series introduced Johnny Alpha, a mutant bounty hunter in a post-apocalyptic future where humans have been decimated by atomic war. The character was designed to explore themes of prejudice and social hierarchy, using the trope of mutant status as a lens to critique contemporary British societal tensions.

The visual aesthetic was heavily defined by Carlos Ezquerra, who employed a gritty, highly textured style that perfectly complemented Wagner’s cynical, fast-paced storytelling. The series was designed to appeal to readers looking for darker, more morally ambiguous protagonists than the traditional superheroes of the time. Upon its release, the character resonated deeply with the readership, eventually securing a permanent home in 2000 AD, where it became a cornerstone of the publication's identity for decades.