A comiXologist Recommends:
Mike Isenberg recommends Solar: Man of the Atom #1
Did you know that Solar: Man Of The Atom #1 writer Frank Barbiere (fjbarb) used to work with us here at comiXology before leaving to become a full-time comics scribe?
Solar: Man Of The Atom #1 (written by Frank and drawn by Joe Bennett) is the newest book in Dynamite Entertainment’s re-launch of the classic “Gold Key” characters, which were originally created by publisher Gold Key in the 60’s. They have since made their home at a handful of other publishers (the original incarnation of Valiant, Acclaim, Dark Horse), and are now getting the royal treatment as the new kids on the block at Dynamite.
I’ll admit that I’m not familiar at all with the history of Solar, having never read the previous comics. That didn’t stop me from enjoying the new book, though. Everything you need to know is set up as the story unfolds. “The Man Of The Atom” is a super-powered vigilante—the alter-ego of scientist Phil Seleski—with the power to use energy manipulation and a knowledge of chemistry and physics to change the physical makeup of the matter around him. Basically, think Breaking Bad’s Walter White, given the powers of Watchmen‘s Doctor Manhattan. And, y'know, a super-hero, rather than a drug dealer.
Issue #1 introduces us to Seleski as he thwarts an attempted bank robbery. He dispatches the robbers with apparent ease, but all is not as bright as it seems, as things begin to go wrong with his powers. We’re then introduced to his estranged daughter, Erica, who has reluctantly returned to her father’s side in his time of need. In between we get hints that the secrets Phil has surrounded himself with may be starting to crumble, and that an extra-terrestrial threat may be looming.
I guess I’m starting to see why Frank gave up the glory of data entry to work on comics. Solar: Man of the Atom #1 is an all-around fun read and one that I can definitely recommend.
[Read Solar: Man of the Atom #1]
For fans of: superheroes, science
Mike Isenberg is an Associate Production Coordinator at comiXology, and the co-writer of First Law Of Mad Science. He lives in Harlem with his cats, Edison and Tesla (They get along better than you’d expect, given their namesakes; though Eddie did recently have his cat-nip privileges revoked for shoving a mouse into an electrical outlet to demonstrate the dangers of A/C power…)
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Alex + Ada #1 = 99¢
Black Science #1 = 99¢
EGOs #1 = 99¢
Manhattan Projects vol. 1 = $3.99
Manhattan Projects vol. 2 = $3.99
Manhattan Projects vol. 3 = $9.99
Nowhere Men vol. 1 = $7.99
Mara = $9.99
Change (by aleskot) = $2.99
The Five Fists of Science (by mattfractionblog and about TESLA!) = $4.99
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