Captain Atom, also known as Nathaniel Adam, was initially a military officer but was falsely accused of a crime and offered a chance at redemption through a top-secret experiment. The experiment transformed him into a living atomic powerhouse, granting him vast energy manipulation and superhuman abilities. As Captain Atom, he became a member of various superhero teams, including the Justice League, and embarked on missions to protect the world from threats ranging from supervillains to global catastrophes. Captain Atom’s unique powers, complex moral dilemmas, and his connection to the DC Universe’s multiverse have made him a compelling figure in the realm of superhero storytelling.
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Tired of stumbling upon unwanted spoilers while researching what to read? Look no further! These carefully curated reading guides are designed with new readers in mind, ensuring you receive top-notch recommendations without sacrificing the element of surprise. Our central mission is to provide a spoiler-free experience, allowing you to embark on your reading journey with excitement and anticipation. Say goodbye to accidental reveals and embrace a guide that keeps the thrill of discovery intact!
NOTE: I do provide REVIEWS along the way that DO CONTAIN SPOILIERS, so proceed with caution.
This guide is by no means comprehensive. Instead it covers what I have read or plan to read, and I will continue to update as I continue on.
Pre-Crisis Earths Reading Order:
Captain Atom, created by Joe Gill and Steve Ditko, made his debut in 1960 as a character published by Charlton Comics. Pre-Crisis, Captain Atom’s origin story involved Air Force officer Captain Allen Adam being caught in an experimental rocket explosion, causing him to be atomically charged and gain incredible powers. As Captain Atom, he served as a government agent and superhero, battling various threats while dealing with the repercussions of his atomic abilities and maintaining a dual identity as a civilian.
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| Collected Edition | Story | Issues | Year | Author/Artist | Read? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Action Heroes Archive Volume 1 | Space Adventures (vol. 2) #33-42, Captain Atom (vol. 1) #78-82 | 1965 | Joe Gill & Steve Ditko | Skip | |
| Action Heroes Archive Volume 2 | Captain Atom (vol. 1) #83–89, Charlton Bullseye #1–2, 5, Mysterious Suspense #1, Blue Beetle (vol. 5) #1-5 | 1966 | Joe Gill & Steve Ditko | Skip |
Post-Crisis Reading Order:
Following the Crisis on Infinite Earths event, Captain Atom was reintroduced in the revamped DC Universe. In this new continuity, Air Force pilot Nathaniel Adam volunteered for a government experiment that transformed him into Captain Atom, a living nuclear energy being. As Captain Atom, he grappled with the responsibility of wielding tremendous power, struggled with his own humanity, and became a member of superhero teams like Justice League International. His storylines explored themes of duty, redemption, and the moral complexities of being a super-powered government agent. However, leading up to the events of Zero Hour, Captain Atom faced a tragic fate that would reshape his character and set the stage for future developments.
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| Collected Edition | Story | Issues | Year | Author/Artist | Read? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncollected | Quantum Mechanics, The Beginning of Tomorrow | Captain Atom vol.3 #1-25 | 1987 | Cary Bates & Greg Weisman/Pat Broderick | Read |
| Uncollected | Captain Atom vol.2 #1-57 | Captain Atom vol.3 #11 | 1988 | Cary Bates & Greg Weisman/Pat Broderick | Read |
| Uncollected | Invasion! & Tie-ins | Captain Atom vol.3 #24-25 | 1989 | Captain Atom vol.2 #24-25 | Read |
| Uncollected | Genesis, Quantum Wedding | Captain Atom vol.3 #26-57 | 1987-1991 | Greg Cary Bates & Greg Weisman/Pat Broderick/Pat Broderick | Read |
| Armageddon 2001 | Armageddon 2001 | Armageddon 2001 #2 | 1991 | Archie Goodwin & Dennis O’Neil/Dan Jurgens | Read |
| Armageddon: The Alien Agenda | Armageddon: The Alien Agenda | Armageddon: The Alien Agenda #1-4 | 1991 | Jonathan Peterson/Dan Jurgens | Read |
| Zero Hour: Crisis in Time | Zero Hour: Crisis in Time | #3-0 | 1994 | Dan Jurgens & Jerry Ordway | Read |
This is as far as I have read! Beyond this point is what I plan on reading. Stay tuned for Updates.
Post-Zero Hour Reading Order:
After Zero Hour, Captain Atom underwent significant changes in his powers and role within the DC Universe. He became a being composed of pure energy, with the ability to manipulate and control the quantum field. As a member of the superhero team Extreme Justice, Captain Atom fought alongside other heroes in various high-stakes missions, displaying his vast energy-based powers. His storyline during this period explored the complexities of his existence and the constant struggle to maintain control over his immense power.
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| Collected Edition | Story | Issues | Year | Author/Artist | Read? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Superman/Batman Vol. 1: Public Enemies | Public Enemies | Superman/Batman #1-6 | 2003 | Jeph Loeb/ Ed McGuinness | Read |
| Captain Atom: Armageddon | Captain Atom: Armageddon | Captain Atom: Armageddon #1-9 | 2006 | Will Pfeifer/ Giuseppe Camuncoli &Sandra Hope | Read |
| Crisis Aftermath: Battle for Bludhaven | Crisis Aftermath: Battle for Bludhaven | Crisis Aftermath: Battle for Bludhaven #2-6 | 2006 | Justin Gray & Jimmy Palmiotti/Dan Jurgens, Palmiotti & Jerry Ordway | Read |
Post-Infinite Crisis Reading Order:
Between Infinite Crisis and Final Crisis, Captain Atom’s involvement in major storylines was relatively limited. He made appearances in various team books, such as Justice League of America and Countdown to Final Crisis, where he played a supporting role. While he didn’t have a specific solo series during this period, his appearances showcased his unique powers and contributions to the wider DC Universe narrative leading up to the Final Crisis event.
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| Collected Edition | Story | Issues | Year | Author/Artist | Read? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Countdown Volume 1 | Countdown to Final Crisis | Countdown #45-43 | 2007 | Various | Read |
| Countdown Volume 2 | Countdown to Final Crisis | Countdown #31-27 | 2007 | Various | Read |
| Countdown Volume 3 | Countdown to Final Crisis | Countdown #20-13 | 2008 | Various | Read |
| Countdown Arena | Countdown Arena | Countdown Arena #1-4 | 2007 | Keith Champagne/Scott McDaniel | Read |
Post-Final Crisis Reading Order:
After Final Crisis, Captain Atom played a significant role in the DC Universe. He became a member of the Justice League and contributed to their efforts in maintaining order and facing cosmic threats. Captain Atom’s unique energy-based powers and scientific expertise made him a valuable asset in the team’s missions. At the same time, his struggles with the consequences of his abilities added depth to his character.
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| Collected Edition | Story | Issues | Year | Author/Artist | Read? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Action Comics: The Hunt for Reactron | Captian Atom Chapter 1-11 | Action Comics #879-886 | 2009-2010 | James Robinson/Cafu | Skip |
New 52 Reading Order:
During the New 52 era, Captain Atom was reintroduced with a revised origin and powers. He became a member of the Justice League, but his newfound quantum powers made him increasingly unstable and disconnected from humanity. As he grappled with the balance between his incredible abilities and his sense of self, Captain Atom found himself torn between being a hero and a potential threat to the world he sought to protect.
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- DC Rebirth
Related Team Guides
| Collected Edition | Story | Issues | Year | Author/Artist | Read? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Captain Atom vol. 1 | Evolution | Captain Atom vol. 4 #1-6 | 2011 | J.T. Krul/Freddie E. Williams II | Read |
| Captain Atom vol. 2 | Genesis | Captain Atom vol. 4 #0, 7-12 | 2012 | J.T. Krul/Freddie E. Williams II | Read |
| Uncollected | Takeover | Fury of Firestorm: The Nuclear Man #14-15 | 2013 | Dan Jurgens | Read |
DC Rebirth Reading Order:
During DC Rebirth, Captain Atom’s role was somewhat limited, with fewer prominent appearances and storylines than other characters. However, he did make appearances in various Justice League titles, showcasing his incredible atomic powers and contributing to the team’s efforts to protect the world from cosmic threats. While his specific storylines were not as prominent during this period, Captain Atom continued to be depicted as a powerful and heroic figure within the DC Universe.
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- Dark Night: Death Metal
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| Collected Edition | Story | Issues | Year | Author/Artist | Read? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Captain Atom: The Rise and Fall of Captain Atom | The Rise and Fall of Captain Atom | The Rise and Fall of Captain Atom #1-6 | 2017 | Cary Bates & Greg Weisman/ Will Conrad | Read |
Infinite Frontier Reading Order
Infinite Frontier is the latest reboot of the DC Universe and will be updated in the future.
References:
Feature Image Captain Atom vol. 2 #40 Cover art by Pat Broderick
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