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Atlas (DC Comics)

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Atlas
Atlas as seen on the cover of 1st Issue Special (April 1975)
Publication information
PublisherDC Comics
First appearance1st Issue Special #1
(April 1975)
Created byJack Kirby (writer & artist)
In-story information
Alter egoAtlas
Abilitiessuperhuman strength and invulnerability.

Atlas is the name of several fictional characters, comic book superheroes and deities published by DC Comics. Jack Kirby's Atlas debuted in 1st Issue Special #1, (April 1975), and was created by Jack Kirby.

Publication history

The very first Golden Age version of a character named Atlas in DC Comics occurred in Action Comics #121 (June 1948).[1] The second appearance of an Atlas was in Action Comics #320 (January 1965).[2] And the third appearance of an Atlas was in Action Comics #353 (August 1967).[3]

The Jack Kirby Atlas' first and only appearance prior to Superman #677 was in 1st Issue Special #1.[4] James Robinson brought Atlas back in Superman #678. According to Robinson, Atlas is going to save humanity. "The way I like to look at him is like in the Marvel Universe, Namor is a hero but he really skates the fine line between being a hero and a villain, but he stays on the side of the hero. Atlas, skates that line between hero and villain but he ultimately always falls on the villain side." He continued to say that Atlas will become a major player in the Superman mythos moving forward and there will be some real twists to the character.[5]

One of the earlier characters named Atlas re-appeared in Grant Morrison's All-Star Superman, a version of Atlas appears in issue 3. This Atlas is more closely based on the mythological figure of Atlas, and competes with Superman and Samson to "win" Lois Lane, similar to the story in Action Comics #320 from January 1965.

Fictional character biography

The Jack Kirby Atlas' family and people were slain by the raiders of Hyssa the Lizard King. Atlas was raised by a wise and mysterious traveller named Chagra. Because of an alien crystal carried by Atlas, Chagra theorized that Atlas was one of the people of the Crystal Mountain. Chagra agrees to help Atlas achieve his revenge, but only if Atlas leads him to the Crystal Mountain. Atlas grew up to become a protector of the innocent, but once King Hyssa was defeated, his petulance and darker nature came to the forefront.[4][6]

Atlas returns in Superman #677 as part of The Coming of Atlas storyline and his origin is retold in issue #678 where he is seen saving citizens of Metropolis he himself had endangered. He is currently working with a secret government project that intends to kill Superman. Atlas wants to defeat Superman and replace him as Metropolis' champion on his way to conquer the modern world. He fights the Science Police and Superman.[7] He holds the upper hand on Superman for most of the battle, but is interfered with by his dog Krypto, who seems to be powered by magic. Atlas eventually defeats Krypto and prepares to kill him only for Superman to re-enter the fight and defeat him with some magical enhancement from Zachary Zatarra. Atlas' return and fight with Superman was described as part of a ruse intended to test Project 7734, a governmental project that utilizes magic in an effort to kill Superman, who is vulnerable to magic. Atlas continues to work for this project.[8]

Atlas is later kidnapped and brainwashed into fighting the Justice League by an unknown party. After being defeated by the team, Atlas explains to Batman that he has no idea who captured him in the first place.[9]

Powers and abilities

Jack Kirby's Atlas has superhuman strength, agility and invulnerability sufficient to fight Superman hand-to-hand.

According to his updated origin, Atlas' strength, agility and invulnerability derive from the glowing alien crystal he took from the Crystal Mountain. Originally he carried the crystal or wore it close to his body, but later[volume & issue needed] Chagra found a way to have Atlas absorb the crystal into his body, in the process also causing Atlas to become unstuck in time.

Other versions

Kingdom Come

  • A character resembling Atlas appeared in Kingdom Come #2 (May 1996). This version of Atlas, was included in the Kingdom Come card, wherein he is described as a "legendary demigod figure".

In other media

Film

See also

References

  1. ^ "Action Comics #121 - Is Atlas Stronger Than Superman? You'll Find the Answer in This Exciting Adventure: Superman Vs. Atlas! (Issue)". Comicvine.com. 1948-04-21. Retrieved 2016-09-23.
  2. ^ "Action Comics #320 - The Three Super-Enemies! / The Man Who Broke Supergirl's Heart (Issue)". Comicvine.com. Retrieved 2016-09-23.
  3. ^ "Action Comics #353 - The Battle of the Gods!; The Cosmic Collectors! (Issue)". Comicvine.com. Retrieved 2016-09-23.
  4. ^ a b As seen in 1st Issue Special #1 (April 1975)
  5. ^ "Golden Age James Robinson Ii: Superman". Comicbookresources.com. 2008-05-23. Retrieved 2016-09-23.
  6. ^ Wallace, Dan (2008), "Atlas", in Dougall, Alastair (ed.), The DC Comics Encyclopedia, London: Dorling Kindersley, p. 29, ISBN 978-0-7566-4119-1
  7. ^ Superman (vol. 1) #677-679 (August–October 2008)
  8. ^ Superman: Secret Files 2009 #1 (October 2009)
  9. ^ Justice League of America (vol. 2) #42 (April 2010)
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