The Charlton Comics version of Captain Atom was Allen Adam. The character's origin had Adam working as a technician in a special experimental rocket when it accidentally launched with him trapped inside. Adam was atomized when the rocket exploded while entering the upper atmosphere. However, he somehow gained superpowers that included the ability to reform his body safely on the ground. He was outfitted in a red and yellow costume that was designed to shield people from the radiation of his nuclear powers. When he powered up, his hair changed to a silverish-white.
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| Back cover for Space Adventures #40. |
Cover images taken from interior stories. Center image of Captain Atom may be new artwork by Rocke Mastroserio.
"The Crisis"
Captain Atom helps get Mr. Haynes to the peace confererance and also removes all the threats of the enemy missiles.
Written by Joe Gill with Steve Ditko art.
Reprinted in Space Adventures #9 (1978 series.)
"The Friendly Planet"
After two years of friendly radio contact, a rocket travels to meet the inhabitants of the planet Imo.
Written by Joe Gill with Rocco "Rocke" Mastroserio art.
"The Stolen Hero"
Bridewell has defeated the mysterious legions of the Black Beyond, but who has seized him in the middle of his parade.
Written by Joe Gill with Bill Molno & Vince Alascia art.
"Wandida the Witch"
How does a witch get expelled from the Witches Society?
Two page text story.
"The Boy and the Stars"
Captain Atom cures M/Sgt. Willkie Scott's son who was dying from gamma ray radiation.
Written by Joe Gill with Steve Ditko art.
Reprinted in Strange Suspense Stories #77, Space Adventures #12 (1978 series) & in the UK's Amazing Stories of Suspense #64 & #128.
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| I especially liked this reprint cover, from the 1978 Space Adventures series. This issue reprints "The Crisis", from Space Adventures #40, using the cover from Space Adventures #33, with additional art. |
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| Cover for the UK edition reprinting "The Boy and the Stars" from Space Adventures #40. |
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| The killer edition that reprints all the Charlton Silver Age Captain Atom stories. Don't forget the other volume that even includes an unpublished Ditko Captain Atom story. Along with many other goodies featuring Blue Beetle & Question. |
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| Before & after of what could have been. Thankfully the Charlton characters only inspired the DC characters. I enjoy my Charlton Action Heroes like they were back in the day. |
The character of Captain Atom was the inspiration for the character Doctor Manhattan who was featured in the miniseries and later, a live-action film adaptation Watchmen. I would recommend the Director's Cut of the Watchmen movie, especially if you haven't seen it.
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| Nothing like a good split personality shot Ditko was good for, like when Peter Parker's Spidey sense went off. |
Thank You!
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| Cover & splash page for Charlton Bullseye #7, featuring Captain Atom in his old suit, published after he had changed into another suit. retells his origin story. |
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| Headshot of Captain Atom done by the esteemed George Perez (pic from Michael Dunne.) |
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| Amazing Jim Starlin portrayal of Captain Atom, from Charlton Bullseye #2, the magazine, as a two page spread. |
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