|
|
Atlas was only around for a very short while (1975-76) and never published any title longer than 4 issues. It was founded by Martin Goodman (the former publisher of Marvel Comics) and was all set to become a major challenge to the power of the "Big Two" of the era. In fact, Atlas had a lot in common with a later Powerhouse of the industry called "Image". It was creator friendly, luring big names away from DC and Marvel with the promise of better pay and greater creative freedom.
So why it all went down hill so rapidly? If I had to pin the blame on any one man, I'd guess it would be "Chip" Goodman...Martin Goodman's son. He was a font of great ideas, like the predominance of characters with blue and red costumes...because Spider-Man has a blue and red costume, and he sells through the roof.
Atlas started off with many current and future greats. Just flipping through a few titles will show you the names Ernie Colon, Steve Ditko, Pat Boyette, Larry Hama, Al Milgrom, Archie Goodwin, Howard Chaykin, Walter Simonson, Wally Wood, Terry Austin, Neal Adams, Berni Wrightson, Gerry Conway...
It should be easy to make great comics with all that talent on hand. Exactly how Atlas so thoroughly fumbled the ball is a mystery to me.
Still...I loved these comics back in 1975-76 (I was about 8 at the time) and when I reread them today...I can't help but think of what might have been.
Howard Chaykin's "Scorpion" was also moved to Marvel, where he became "Dominic Fortune."
One of the reasons that the Scorpion and Phoenix changed so drastically in such a short time, was because the creators of the titles were fired, but they still had limited control over the characters. The only things Atlas owned free and clear were the names. So...The Scorpion kept the same name but his appearance, powers and location changed, while Phoenix went from being a Warlock/Captain Marvel inspired character to being the Atlas answer to Green Lantern. Costume and appearance changed, and when they realized that Marvel might sue over the name "Phoenix", they changed his name to "Protector".
Just in case anyone wants to know, Charles "Chip" Goodman eventually moved into soft pornography when he became the publisher of "Swank."
Bog Beast The Brute The Cougar Dark Avenger Demon Hunter Destructor The Dragon Grim Ghost Man-Monster Man-Stalker The Phoenix The Scorpion The Tarantula Tiger-Man
Blue Leopard Brimstone Deathgrip Doctor Hypnos Doctor Shroud Golden Fuhrer Hell-Blazer The Huntress The Outcasts Professor Death Slaymaster Spider Priestess
The Atlas/Seaboard section of International Hero Site
