Wednesday, March 26, 2014

Exit Stage Left: Atom and Hawkman #45

This is one of only two 15 cent issues of the 'merged' series. If having two former headliners in a single mag was not enough to lure readers, DC commissioned a number of dramatic Joe Kubert covres. It would appear that none of this could save the series. The final issue is a rather typical, loopy science-fiction tale involving microscopic alines and brainwashing. This one ends in a very strange fashion, as Jean Loring appears to be brain damaged, believing herself to be Queen of the aliens. I'm not sure how, or if, this ever got resolved. I have a full run of the Atom series, including the three Showcase issues, and it is one of my favourite sections of my collection. I would be lying if I said I didn't feel a little sad whenever I spot this final issue.

3 comments:

Darci said...

Hi Scott,
DarkMark revealed Jean was cured in JLA #81 (June 1970).
Hope this helps!

Scott M said...

Thanks a ton!

I have that issue and I don't remember that at all, but it has likely been 15+ years since I've read it. Must check it out again.

Captain Blog said...

I always found it odd that fandom clamored for Hawkman's return during before his B&B appearances but after the initial spark, it just died. Hawks was on every fanzine of the era but when he came back from limbo, he wasn't supported by those who wanted him in the first place.