DC’s New Justice League Roster Is Fixing a 15-Year-Old Mistake
Summary
- The Justice League’s new lineup fixes a 15-year-old mistake with the return of Ray Palmer, the Atom.
- Ray Palmer, Black Lightning, and Captain Atom make a comeback in the upcoming
Justice League Unlimited
#1. - DC Comics is setting the stage for the Atom’s big comeback, reminding fans of his iconic status in the DC Universe.
The Justice League are returning to the DC Universe, and their new roster can finally fix a 15-year-old mistake. The Justice League’s upcoming lineup is a mix of stalwarts such as Superman, and new recruits, like Star Sapphire. Yet, as seen in a first look at Justice League Unlimited #1, Ray Palmer, the Atom, returns as well–giving DC the chance to rectify a grave mistake.
DC recently released their November solicitations, including Justice League Unlimited #1. The first issue will be written by Mark Waid and drawn by Dan Mora, and sees the birth of a new League in the wake of Darkseid’s forthcoming death in Absolute Power.
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Justice League Unlimited #1 (2024) |
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Release Date: |
November 27, 2024 |
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Writers: |
Dan Mora |
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Artists: |
Dan Mora |
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Cover Artist: |
Dan Mora |
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Variant Covers: |
Jim Lee, Andy Kubert, Howard Porter, Ed Benes, Dave Wilkins, Edwin Galmon, Yasmine Putri,Dani Sampere, Simone Bianchi |
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THE WATCHTOWER RISES! The Justice League is back and bigger than ever! In the wake of Absolute Power and the DC All In Special, Darkseid’s death has triggered a massive power vacuum in the DCU, and Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman must unite like never before and expand the Justice League to encompass every hero championing the forces of good in the face of incredible evil! As our heroes work to uncover the mystery of the dark lord’s successor, Ray Palmer’s Atom Project triggers a race between hero and villain to control the fate of metahuman abilities on planet Earth, which threatens to destroy everything the League has built. Worlds will live, worlds will die, and a surprise is waiting in store on the last page…Do not miss the dawn of the new era of justice–it all begins here! |
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This incarnation of the Justice League sees the return of not only Ray Palmer, but Black Lightning and Captain Atom, both of whom have served with the team in the past. DC released no additional information on Palmer’s status, or the nature of the Atom Project.
The Atom Has a Long History in DC Comics
The Atom Should Have Had a Comeback 15 Years Ago
Ray Palmer, the second hero to carry the name the Atom, was a fixture of the Silver Age of Comics, and an early member of the Justice League. Despite his importance to the League, the Atom has not been associated with the team in years. Some of this may be due to his personal life. As seen in 2004’s Identity Crisis, the Atom’s long-time lover, Jean Loring, snapped, killing Sue Dibny and Jack Drake. Broken in the aftermath, the Atom seemingly turned his back on his friends, heading into the newly-returned multiverse in Countdown to Final Crisis.
Ray Palmer was created by editor Julius Schwartz, writer Gardner Fox and artist Gil Kane.
The events of Countdown positioned the Atom for a comeback. Shortly after the Atom returns to Earth-0, the planet is attacked by Nekron and his legion of Black Lanterns, as seen in 2009’s Blackest Night. Ray Palmer played a prominent role in the event, putting his angst and self-loathing aside to help defend Earth. The Blackest Night set the Atom up for an incredible comeback. His friends Green Lantern (Hal Jordan) and the Flash (Barry Allen) returned to greatness, and after Blackest Night, it should have been Ray Palmer’s turn.
The Atom’s Big DC Comics Comeback Begins Now
DC Reminds Fans the Atom Is Actually An Awesome Character
Unfortunately, thanks to the New 52 and bad editorial decisions, the Atom’s “rebirth” never materialized, but now DC has a great opportunity to fix this.
Unfortunately, thanks to the New 52 and bad editorial decisions, the Atom’s “rebirth” never materialized, but now DC has a great opportunity to fix this. The Atom can be seen on Mora’s cover of Justice League Unlimited #1. While it is possible this could be his successor, Ryan Choi, Palmer’s presence will still be felt nonetheless. His mysterious “Atom Project” is powerful and attracted attention from all corners of the DC Universe. Ray Palmer’s time with the Justice League is coming once again, and he at last has the chance to become an icon again.
Justice League Unlimited #1 is on sale November 27 from DC Comics!
