Captain Atom is a character we don't see a lot of. It's like he shows up every once in a while but lately he hasn't had too much of a major presence in the DC Universe. All that is about to change.
J.T. Krul, who recently talked to us about the upcoming Green Arrow relaunch, is bringing Captain Atom to the front of the stage with the ongoing title as part of "The New 52" in September. We asked J.T. a few questions to find out what we can expect from this hero.
Comic Vine: What was it specifically about Captain Atom that made you jump at the chance to write him?
J.T. Krul: The thing that appealed to me most was the tone and feel of the book. This isn't like anything else I've written. We're really delving into some heavy topics and dealing with a character whose powers are virtually limitless. I've worked with characters struggling to have the means to get the job done, but in this regard, he's got all the powers at his disposal. And that might be part of the problem. Plus, there is this sense of isolation to the character that I'm drawn to. He's a total outsider - a stranger in a strange land even though he is (or used to be) one of us.
That made me jump at the case to write the book, but what's proved to be the best part about the book is working with Freddie Williams II. It's been an amazing experience to build this world together - absolutely one of the most collaborative projects I've ever worked on. And, his art is simply stunning. I think he really was born to draw this book.
CV: What sort of threats/villains will he deal with?
JTK: With a character like Captain Atom, the threats have to be a bit different. This isn't a normal superhero book. There is a creepy sci-fi feel to the tone, especially as we start to introduce a new threat in the first issue that will exemplify the notion that things are not always what they seem. At the same time, Captain Atom's powers themselves will also prove troublesome as our hero grapples with the ramifications of everything he can do.
== TEASER ==
CV: Does he have a set base of operations or will he go where he's needed?
JTK: The scope of Captain Atom is as limitless as his powers. As he sees what he can do, he'll be asking himself - where is he needed most? And that question will see him traveling across the globe and perhaps beyond, but he'll also have a place of comfort if not a place to call home in a place called the Continuum - an advanced research facility operated by the man responsible for his accident - Dr. Megala.
CV: What about a supporting cast? What does Captain Atom do when not in action?
JTK: In addition to Dr. Megala, there are a few other people at the Continuum that will play roles in Captain Atom's story, including Dr. Ranita Carter - a woman who proves to be something of a link to the human world that Captain Atom is beginning to lose touch with due to his extreme powers. But in his current state, having and developing reall connections to other people is going to be problematic to say the least. That's not to say he won't be out in the world. In fact, he'll have a very real impact on many people within the first few issues, but not exactly a saving-the-day kind of moment.
CV: What sort of interaction will Captain Atom have with the other heroes? Do they know who he is? Do they want anything to do with him? Will they go out for a beer with him?
JTK: The world view towards "superheroes" in general is rather precarious. Most of society isn't sure that they like the idea of masked individuals operating beyond the scope of the law.
For Captain Atom, it's even worse because the very nature of his abilities is unsettling - many view him as the world's greatest loose cannon, a walking nuclear bomb. And, that mindset carries over to the heroes themselves. Hell, even Captain Atom wonders about his stability. There is a guest appearance in Issue #3 that we are really excited about - one that shows two heroes in a way that we don't always get to see them in.
Be sure to check out Captain Atom #1 on sale September 21.