Tom Strong #28

Tom Strong #28 was published in 2004 as part of the meta-fictional superhero series created by Alan Moore and Chris Sprouse for the America's Best Comics imprint. The series was designed as a love letter to the history of science-fiction pulp heroes, blending the optimism of the early 20th century with contemporary storytelling sensibilities. Issue #28 features a story titled 'The Darker Shade of Tom,' showcasing the intricate, clean-lined artwork that defined Sprouse's run and cemented the title's reputation for high-concept narrative ingenuity.

The issue arrived during a period when Moore was heavily focused on deconstructing the genre tropes he had helped popularize. By this point in the series, the creative team had established Tom Strong not just as a powerhouse protagonist, but as a lens through which to explore the evolution of comic book morality and the changing nature of the hero archetype. It was well-received for its consistent craftsmanship and its ability to maintain a distinct, self-contained aesthetic identity within the larger DC-owned imprint.