Captain Atom - Origins and Endings

Tomorrow marks the release of Captain Atom #0, but it also marks the ending of the run that Freddie Williams and I launched as part of DC's New52.  First and foremost, I'd like to thank everyone who enjoyed and supported the book, which includes everyone at DC especially Rachel Gluckstern, Mike Marts, and Rickey Purdin.  From day one, Freddie and I had a strong vision of what we thought the book could be and that is exactly what you see in the finished product. 

In tackling a book with a hero possessing limitless powers, we knew that Captain Atom wouldn't be your standard superhero book.  He's a virtual god - indestructible, everlasting, and without equal.  It quickly became apparent to us that his biggest enemy would be himself.  As Captain Atom discovered and experienced the vast array of his abilities, it would be coupled with an estrangement from his own sense of humanity.  For how could anyone maintain that identity when nothing but memories of his life remained? He literally sees the world in a different way, through an atomic prism.  Sure, he's found things to punch and blast along the way, but that's not what lies at the heart of this book.  It's a personal story about a man isolated and alone, desperate to rekindle that human connection, all the while caught in the dilemma of not what he can do, but rather what he should do.  It's been an incredible journey for Captain Atom and for us as creators.

Working with Freddie has definitely been a highpoint of the series on a creative front.  He's an incredible talent.  Our credits on the book list us both as "storytellers" because from conception he brought so much to the table.  We built this world together from the ground up.  Jose Villarrubia added his own special magic in terms of coloring the book.  Throughout the run, we always presented Captain Atom in stark contrast to the environment around him.  He is the ultimate other and it shows.  Also, thanks to Rob Leigh, letterer extraordinaire, for making each had every word on the page sing with emotion and purpose. 

In the coming month or so, the first trade collection of Captain Atom will be released.  If you haven't read the book yet, I highly recommend checking it out.  It's the perfect example of creators pouring their heart and soul into a project - exploring new territory and letting the chips fall where they may.  Captain Atom has been among the most creatively fulfilling project of my career to date. 

Again, thank you so much to all the readers who have supported the book over this past year.  Without you, I wouldn't be able to do what I do - and for that I owe you immensely.

jt