The Second Coming--Other Publishers

There were other comic book publishers besides DC and Marvel during this period, such as Tower, Charlton, Harvey, and the new Atlas. Charleton and Harvey had been around for a while and were now printing titles mostly for younger children. They didn't really pose a threat to the DC and Marvel titles. However, Tower and Atlas did pose a threat since they were bringing in a host of new super hero, barbarian, and adventure titles that eventually oversaturated the market. This oversaturation finally ended the comic's "silver age/second coming" with the loss of many titles as well as publishers.

Atlas Comics

The new Atlas comics came late in the "silver age" game and helped end the era by inundating the market with 21 titles--most never made it past issue #4. Below are a few of the titles from my collection.
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cougar.jpg (230948 bytes)The Cougar, Vol. 1, No. 1, Apr., 1975. Atlas tried to create all new, very human type of heroes for their comics. The Cougar is a Hollywood stuntman turned night stalker, going after vampires, werewolves, and other "children of the night." Didn't click and lasted 4 issues. Written by Steve Mitchell, Art by Dan Adkins and Frank Springer.
phoenix.jpg (236812 bytes)The Phoenix, Vol. 1, No. 1, Jan., 1975. This hero was an astronaut who was resurrected by Spock-like, logical, unemotional aliens. The origin story ran for two issues, the series lasted only three. Story by Jeff Rovin, Art by Sal Amendola.
ironjaw.jpg (207392 bytes)IronJaw, Vol. 1, No. 1, Jan., 1975. Another barbarian saga along the lines of Conan. This lasted 4 issues then the title was changed to The Barbarians, which lasted only 1 issue. Story by Michael Fleisher, Art by Mike Sekowsky and Jack Abel. Lettered by Alan Kupperberg and Edited by Jeff Rovin
scorpion.jpg (147868 bytes)The Scorpion, Vol. 1, No. 1, Feb., 1975. One of the better Atlas titles, but still not successful, not lasting 4 issues. Howard Chaykin conceived, wrote, and illustrated this issue. Events take place in the 1930's.
targitt.jpg (180000 bytes)Targitt, Vol. 1, No. 1, March, 1975. Another short-lived Atlas title. Targitt is a secret-agent type character. The origin story is well drawn and has lots of action, colorful characters, and humor--everything that should have made this a hit. Credits list: Duffy, Rovin, Meyers, and Nostrand.
lomax.jpg (201201 bytes)Police Action, featuring Lomax, N.Y.P.D., and Luke Malone, Manhunter, Vol. 1, No. 1, Feb., 1975. Police Action combined a cop story and a modern bounty-hunter story under one banner. Lomax story wordy and not too interesting. Malone story much better as is the art. Comic lasted 3 issues. Lomax written by Jack Younger, art by Mike Sekowsky and Al McWilliams. Malone written and drawn by Mike Ploog and Frank Springer.
tarantla.jpg (233065 bytes)Weird Suspense, featuring The Tarantula, Vol. 1, No. 1, Feb., 1975. Another 3 issue Atlas comic. Instead of a witch/gypsy werewolf-type curse, we have a were-tarantula. Another failure by Michael Fleisher and Jeff Rovin.
morlock.jpg (201098 bytes)Morlock 2001, Vol. 1, No. 1, Feb, 1975. A futuristic "pod-people" type of story with a "Swamp Thing" feel. Lasted 3 issues. Cover by Milgrom and Giordano, Morlock story by Michael Fleisher, art by Allen Milgrom and Jack Abel.
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