American Comics Update: DC Debuts: The Atom: 1st 3 try-out appearances in Showcase #34-36
*DC: Continuing DC’s ‘revival’ of their Golden Age super-heroes in new guises for the Silver Age, the Atom debuted in Showcase #34-36 (1961-62) before graduating to his own series. Unlike his Golden Age counterpart, who was a non-super-powered slugger, Ray Palmer was a scientist who developed a fragment of white dwarf star to be able to shrink (as you do). The one thing that strikes me on reviewing these issues for this write-up is how wonderfully well-crafted they are by Gardner Fox, Gil Kane and Murphy Anderson. Fox was obviously having a ball, using all his skills and ingenuity to come up with plots and situations to suit the modus operandi of the Tiny Titan. Kane’s pencils are dynamic, flowing and action-packed, while Anderson’s exquisite inking adds mood and atmosphere. From these initial appearances, the Atom has gone on to have a lengthy and distinguished career in the DCU. These copies are from an original owner collection, new to the marketplace.
PICTURED: SHOWCASE
#34 VG p £230 1st Atom. Bright copy with nice colours, supple off-white pages and firm staples, although there are tiny tears around the lower one. Cover virtually unmarked but for pence stamps (there are two, one below the other in the logo area, the lower one not complete). Some corner blunting, spine and edge wear, but creasing is restricted only to the edges and is unobtrusive. Approx 1 cm upper spine split. Presents well.
#35 VG- p £65 Bright copy with nice colours, supple off-white pages and attached staples, although the spine has a bit of wear in that area and all along, with many tiny spine ticks that break colour. Otherwise unmarked cover scene with some corner blunting.
#36 GD+ p £35 Bright copy with nice colours and supple off-white pages. Two sets of staples (we suspect one is a later addition), with one set off both upper and lower. 2 cm upper spine split, with spine quite worn. Otherwise unmarked cover scene with some corner blunting. SOLD