James Gunn recently revealed a surprising source of inspiration for his record-breakingSuperman(2025) and the new DCU, drawing from a cult classic hero that only true OG fans might recall. This character, Tom Strong, was brought to life by comic legends Alan Moore and Chris Sprouse, leaving an influential mark that is now shaping Gunn’s vision.
On August 17, 2025,James Gunn took to Threadsto share a major source of inspiration for hisSupermanand the DCU. He wrote,“The more I think about it, the moreI realize what a significant influence Alan Moore & Chris Sprouse’s Tom Strong was on the DCU & Superman.”
Gunn added, “Like in Superman, we meet a character in a pulpy, fantastical world of pre-existing ‘Science-Heroes’ with established relationships and history. Although not in regular DC continuity, I’m grateful for the ways these comics have shaped our evolving DCU. you may get the collections in fine comic stores everywhere.”
Who Is Alan Moore & Chris Sprouse’s Tom Strong?
First Appearance inAmerica’s Best Comics Preview(1999)
Tom Strong is a superheromost casual DC fans have likely never heard of. Yet, Gunn’s tweet makes it clear that Strong has played a major role in shaping the DCU we know today, serving as one of its main sources of inspiration. So, who exactly is this underrated character, and where can fans discover his adventures in comics?
Tom Strong debuted in Alan Moore and Chris Sprouse’sAmerica’s Best Comics Preview(1999), part of DC Comics’ WildStorm imprint. Known as a“science hero,”Strong lived alongside his wife, Dhalua, and daughter, Tesla, both of whom possessed longevity and enhanced physical and mental abilities. The series blended pulp adventure with science fiction, giving Strong a unique place in the comic book world.
His adventures frequently ventured into alternate timelines and universes, serving as tributes to different comic genres and eras. Over time, the character appeared in several spin-offs, includingTom Strong’s Terrific Tales,Terra Obscura, and the one-shotThe Many Worlds of Tesla Strong.In 2013, Vertigo publishedthe limited seriesTom Strongand the Planet of Peril.
How an Obscure Hero Helped Shape James Gunn’s New DCU
Tom Strong’s Legacy and the Shared DNA of Superman’s World
It’s incredible to learn that an obscure character whose stories aren’t even part of regular DC continuity has inspired what could be the most groundbreaking andpotential-filled era of the DCU yet. This proves that inspiration can come from anywhere, and in Gunn’s case, he found it in a hero few would have ever guessed influenced his work.
For those familiar with Tom Strong, the parallels between his narratives and Superman’s are clear. Both exist in worlds filled with pre-existing“Science-Heroes”who already share established relationships and histories. As the DCU continues to expand with upcoming projects, it will be interesting to see what other elements mirror the tone, themes, and imaginative scope found in both Tom Strong andSuperman.
