CAPTAIN ATOM FACES THE LIGHT OF DOCTOR SPECTRO !!!

Witness the Birth of the Incomparable Doctor Spectro Master of Moods! Different * Dangerous * Diabolical

In Space Adventures #33, Charlton Comics introduced Captain Atom - the ultimate, atomized, nuclear-powered hero! When Captain Adam Allen was accidentally launched into space inside an experimental rocket and the rocket explodes in space, he is atomized. Amazingly, he is able to reform himself back on Earth and gains the power from the nuclear radiation! Around five years later, Captain Atom finally got his own exciting series with the original creative team, Joe Gill & Steve Ditko!  

Captain Atom #79  Witness the Birth of the Incomparable Doctor Spectro Master of Moods! Different * Dangerous * Diabolical
Dynamic cover by Steve Ditko & Rocco "Rocke" Mastroserio.
"Captain Atom faces Doctor Spectro Master of Moods"
When an Air Force truck is hijacked Captain Atom begins to track down the criminals. Along the way he meets Doctor Spectro, who uses colors and light as weapons.
Script by Joe Gill (Emergency) from a Steve Ditko (Blue Beetle) plot. Pencils by Ditko with inks by "Rocke" Mastroserio (Reptisaurus.)
First appearance of Dr. Spectro.
"The Deadly Dream of Daniel Drelly"
Do you believe a dream can foretell the future? If so, what can you do about it!
One page text story.
"Moon-Run"
A moody pilot waves good-bye, making a routine run to the moon robot factories, heading toward the unexpected. 
Art by Steve Ditko. 

Both Ditko stories in this issue were reprinted in the UK comic book Sinister Tales #59. Escaravelho Azul Vol. 1 #5, a Portugal comic book, reprinted portions of this issue of Captain Atom.

A fitting prototype cover for the first volume of Action Hero Archives, using Captain Atom from the cover (and interior art) of his first appearance in Space Adventures #33.

This issue's full length Captain Atom story was reprinted in DC Comics' great Action Hero Archives Volume 1 hardcover. The magnificent Archives edition reprinted Space Adventures #33-#40, #42 & Captain Atom #78-#82. The remainder of the Captain Atom comics were reprinted in the huge second volume, along with an unpublished, unfinished Steve Ditko Captain Atom story.

The Comic Book Artist #9 magazine covered the Charlton Comics line-up. Dynamite issue to relive the Action Hero magic! Highly Recommended!

Between Charlton & DC Comics, the Action Heroes briefly resided at AC Comics. But why did they change Nightshade's costume? Sure liked the original costume better.

Although Captain Atom resurfaced in DC Comics, nothing can match the original Charlton comic book series for its colorful art and highly imaginative stories. Captain Atom ran for only 12 issues in his own comic book, but left his mark on comics in a short period in time!

The art was nice and moody, befitting the chilling story. Simply amazing how much can be packed into a three page story. But then again, Ditko doesn't waste space.

Live Large My Friends!

Thank You!

Ditko's Shorts reprints many short tales from the incredible mind of Steve Ditko. There's horror, fantasy, science fiction, western, and even humorous stories, primarily from Charlton Comics. Ditko's artwork has been meticulously restored and printed in a beautiful, large-format hardcover book!

Back cover of Ditko's Shorts hardcover.

Don't get me wrong, I do enjoy the Watchmen, but I'm glad the Charlton Action Heroes weren't used as originally conceived for the innovative series.