Tom's early adventures often took place in and around Shopton, his hometown, and involved local mysteries and challenges that he solved using his inventions. Many also occured in other rural parts of America and Europe.

Tom travels to a remote location to find a metal alloy capable of withstanding the immense pressure of his giant cannon. This demonstrates his willingness to venture into unknown territories for the sake of scientific progress.

Tom travels West. Details depend on series and volume, but it frequently involves competing with rivals in an inventive field.

Later series saw Tom venturing into outer space, exploring the depths of the ocean, and traveling to exotic locations around the globe in pursuit of scientific discoveries and to combat threats to humanity. He combats threats in different regions, from the Arctic to the tropics.