DC Comics Rebirth Spoilers & Review Two-Fer: Justice League Of America: The Atom #1 Plus The Fall & Rise Of Captain Atom #1

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You be wondering why I put Justice League of America: The Atom Rebirth #1 and the Fall and Rise of Captain Atom #1 together as part of a spoilers and review column.

Well it would have to do with my love of these two characters 1980’s iterations and two memorable DC Comics house ads from that era.

Now, let’s party like its 2017!

DC Comics Rebirth Spoilers and Review follow for Justice League of America: The Atom Rebirth #1.

What was memorable about the issue was the fact that Ryan Choi’s backstory was established in the DC Rebirth era. He really had more of a role in Ray Palmer’s earlier days as the Atom playing a Felicity Smoak in CW’s Arrow type role.

However, before that we see a young college freshman;s first days at school. And his room mate is Adam Cray who eagle eyed readers will remember was the Atom for a period of the time during the 1980’s Suicide Squad series. No idea what this characters role will be in the Atom subplot with Ray Palmer begun in DC Universe Rebirth #1 one-shot.

A year into his university days, Professor Palmer pulls Choi aside and asks why he’s studying science.

Ryan talks about being medical frail, but Palmer pushes him thinking there is more to it.

That’s why Ryan talks about being small in stature and wanting to prove that small things can do big things. I don’t do the page justice with that explanation so read it below.

Ray Palmer reveals himself to Ryan Choi as the Atom. And…

…Ryan Choi becomes his virtual wingman on Palmer’s Atom adventures.

The rest of the issue gives us a bit of different look to the mystery that was set up in DC Universe Rebirth #1. Ray Palmer is missing and wants Ryan Choi to become the Atom to find him. The few pages of elaboration on DC Universe Rebirth #1 are below.

For comparison sake here is what was in DC Universe Rebirth #1 involving Ray Palmer and Ryan Choi.

So…

Overall an entertaining issue, but I don’t feel the book ended in a new place. We already knew where Ryan was going to end up from DC Universe Rebirth #1. So this issue is definitely more about the journey and not the destination. I am intrigued about Adam Cray though. The story’s journey was interesting and string on characterization while the art was just ok. As such, I give this book a 6 out of 10.

DC Comics Rebirth Spoilers and Review follow for The Fall and Rise of Captain Atom #1.

BTW, that first cover above of a disintegrating Captain Atom is just gorgeous!

Ok, to the issue. It looks like issue #1 will handle the swift “Fall” of Captain Atom with the rest of the series chronicling the “Rise” and re-costuming (purple it seems) of our central hero.

Captain Atom’s powers are going haywire causes uncontrollable burst of harmful atomic power. The Justice League with Hal Jordan, not current Green Lanterns Simon Baz and Jessica Cruz, show up to to deal with Captain Atom.

Green Lantern bubbles him in…

…to no avail.

Captain Atom gets back the military base and seemingly nuclear plan to get into a chair that may help him.

The chair is engaged and it seems that…

…Captain Atom has died.

In fact, from future solicitations, we know that he has traveled to the past, but is also set to return to the present seemingly in a new garb that appears to be purple. The covers to issue #2 and #3 are below.

Purple? Does hat mean Captain Atom’s new costume will be inspired by his arch nemesis Major Force’s classic look?

So…

Issue #1 was strong on characterization and setting up the mini-series. The Justice League was nice logical add except for Hal Jordan who isn’t on the team in DC Rebirth anymore. The art was vibrant and the story solid despite havoing toi set up so much in this issue. Nonetheless, I give this book 7 out of 10.

John is a long-time pop culture fan, comics historian, and blogger. He is currently the Editor-in-Chief at Comics Nexus. Prior to being EIC he has produced several column series including DEMYTHIFY, NEAR MINT MEMORIES and the ONE FAN'S TRIALS at the Nexus plus a stint at Bleeding Cool producing the COMICS REALISM column. As BabosScribe, John is active on his twitter account, his facebook page, his instagram feed and welcomes any and all feedback. Bring it on!