Superman: The Coming of Atlas

Superman Post-Crisis #82

by James Robinson, Renato Guedes (Illustrator), Jose Wilson Magalhaes (Illustrator)

It's a literal clash of the titans as fan-favorite writer James Robinson (STARMAN, THE GOLDEN AGE) kick-starts his Man of Steel run with a battle to end all others when Superman faces off with Atlas, the lost God of myth.

When the long-missing God stakes a claim on Metropolis, it's up to Superman and his family to bring Atlas down. But who's pulling Atlas's strings? Guest-starring Green Lantern, Supergirl and more.

Genres: Graphic Novels, Comics, Superman, Dc Comics, Superheroes, Comic Book, Graphic Novels Comics

128 pages, Hardcover

First published April 7, 2009

About the author

James Dale Robinson is a British writer of American comic books and screenplays.

Reviews

[Sam Quixote · Rating 2 out of 5]

You guys know who Atlas is? He’s a strongman who wears red shorts and a red hood, and that’s it. He’s strong enough to fight Superman, which is what he does in this book. His reasons? Some nonsense about working with a secret government agency to kill Superman. He’ll then replace Superman and go on to conquer the world or some ridiculous crap that doesn’t make sense.

This is my third James Robinson Superman book and boy does he write terrible Superman books! This one’s about as deep as a WWE match. Superman and Atlas punch each other in the street until one of them falls down. No interesting choreography to the fight, just straight up slugging, one after the other, and it couldn’t be more boring.

For some reason Robinson puts Superman’s dog, Krypto, into the spotlight here, which I actually liked - I’m one of those people who loves Superman’s dog and the fact that Superman has a dog. I don’t get why Robinson wrote Lois the way he did though, having her hate the dog and hate that he’s stealing Superman’s attention from her (this was back when she and Clark were married). Her character’s not some insecure dimwit and having her talk crap about Krypto makes her seem like a total bitch, which she isn’t!

Also, this book might have the least satisfactory resolution to a fight, or any book, ever. Superman and Atlas fall into a hole, Superman emerges and announces to everyone that Krypto is a hero for fighting Atlas when he was down. The end. Yup, James Robinson is a mega-shitty Superman writer!

The inclusion of Atlas’ first appearance in First Issue Special #1 written and drawn by Jack Kirby could be seen as providing the reader with background info on Atlas, if there was anything more to the character than “he’s a tough guy who punches stuff”. Yeah, Atlas is not one of Kirby’s best creations - he’s a forgettable wrestler and nothing more, that’s why we never see him in any DC comics these days!

The only positives about this book (besides Krypto) was Renato Guedes’ art on the Robinson story and Kirby’s art in his issue. Both were fantastic, especially Kirby’s, though I doubt anyone’s going to be rushing out to grab this book on the strength of the art!

It’s tough finding good Superman books isn’t it? Here’s a pointer though: avoid the ones written by James Robinson, especially The Coming of Atlas!

[Subham · Rating 2 out of 5]

Atlas a monstrosity comes to Metropolis and lays waste to the entire city and well he is looking for Superman and he was busy with GL and Krypto in space and battles this mythological marvel and we sort of learn his origins and the next 50 pages are just them bashing each other out and its boring honestly but then again good moment for Krypto and its not much, just plain ol' doomsday ripoff and it had potential but the writing was terrible and it had no good conclusion and finally Nightwing tale with Pete Tomasi and its alright, him dealing with moving to a new city and cameos by friends. In short this book is bad and everything maybe good art for some pages but its bland and the best thing to do is skip it. Not worth it.

[Scott · Rating 2 out of 5]

I cracked this open for some light reading when downing a cup of coffee on a Saturday morning. Unfortunately, the coffee was more enjoyable and memorable than this book. The Lois & Clark breakfast conversation flashbacks were the highlight of this otherwise mundane volume.

[Pochodnia fandomu · Rating 3 out of 5]

The dog makes it

[Kyle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this Superman story; it sparked something inside of me. Maybe because I read it so recently after the death of Jack Kirby (Kirby contributed, like, a bazillion characters to the world of comic books, and this story-line features one of his characters)and so my heart was still aching from that loss. But, I think the reason I enjoyed this one so much was because of Krypto. This is one of the best Superman stories that utilizes Krypto. It really explores that man/dog bond in a stylish, yet honest, way that is truly cathartic. Robinson injects a lot of humour into these issues, which is something I usually don't recognize in his writing.... usually his jokes fall flat for me (and there are a couple of REALLY flat, almost sexist, jokes in this story), but for the most part, he shows he is capable of excellent comedic timing. The artwork is excellent, borderline perfection, in how the events get story-boarded, and how the fight scenes are laid out (the majority of this story is one big fight-scene, a la Doomsday), there is such a flow to the action. But the major fault of this collection, and this is a running problem with James Robinson, is that the story just ends! He writes all of this wonderful lead-up and then he seems to run out of pages for the ending. In one page, it's over and there is no denouement, no post-mortem, no answers, and too many questions. Let's hope the next issues in this series pick up where this one left off.

[Steve · Rating 4 out of 5]

The reasons why liked this book so much was:

1)The artwork was decent
2) An interesting look at Clark and Lois' married life
3) Krypto finally gets a decent role that is not just him showing up to fight for a bit, but to actually bite some ass

The only problem I had with the plot was its resolution. After discussing/arguing about Zatanna, we are robbed of her cameo and they don't tell us how Superman counters Atlas's magic, and an off-screen battle finishes off everything way too soon.

Superman should have visited Zatanna, only after getting permission from Lois. Then she appears and helps him, and when Krypto is finally starting to lose, Superman lays the smack down on Atlas by lifting him into the atmosphere (Atlas needs the Earth for strength, he needs some sort of weakness since he is kind of dull)

If the ending would have been done a bit better, I'd give it a higher score.

[Index Purga · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tomo que recopila la primera saga de Robinson en la serie regular de Superman.
Los números contenidos en el tomo son:
· Superman #677 (The Coming of Atlas, Part 1: The World on His Shoulders)
· Superman #678 (The Coming of Atlas Part 2: Time Lost)
· Superman #679 (The Coming of Atlas, Part 3: All That's Red and Blue Falls Down)
· Superman #680 (The Coming of Atlas, Part 4: Man of Yore, Dog of Tomorrow)
con sus respectivas tapas a cargo de Alex Ross
Además, se incluye también la primera aparición de Atlas a cargo de Jack Kirby, en:
· 1st Issue Special #1 (Atlas)

El tomo cuenta con la aparición de otros personajes de la Superfamily, como Krypto y Supergirl, y las escenas de flashbacks fueron dibujadas por Renato Guedes manteniendo un estilo retro que claramente evoca a Kirby.
Aparentemente el tomo se encuentra inédito en castellano pero seguramente fue publicado en revsitas (revisar).

[Nicolas · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this one gets a bum rap. This isn't an epic Superman tale and if you just want the main storlyine you could probably skip it. That being said, I thought it was really enjoyable just as a character piece. It was cool to see Superman and Green Lantern just chatting. There were some nice scenes between Lois and Clark. Supergirl makes an appearance... And yes, Krypto plays a large role. I know there is a lot of Krypto hate going around, but I've always had a soft spot for him. I think he fits in well with Superman's lighter, all-American side... plus I have a dog so I can relate. Bottom line, this was a fun story and was a very pleasant read. However is isn't necessary for the overall story. If you don't like Krypto or Superman character pieces you can probably just skip it and read Superman: Braniac instead.

[Fugo Feedback · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hacía rato que no leía un comic tan entretenido que fuera poco más que Superman agarrándose a trompadas con otro supertipo musculoso. Detrás hay una trama que busca ser medio conspiranoica y tal, pero a fin de cuentas es el bueno de Kal-El acompañado del capo de Krypto dándose con el caperucito rojo ese hasta que uno reviente. Y lo que la historia no llega a explotar en cuanto a epicidad y hecatombe lo logra el tremendo dibujo de Renato Guedes. Recontra punto extra a la edición por incluir como extra el capítulo donde había aparecido por primera vez (y hasta el momento única) Atlas, el musculoso kirbyano en cuestión que ojalá hubiera pululado más por las páginas deceítas.

[Alan · Rating 3 out of 5]

James Robinson has left Hollywood and returned to comics, and while many of his outing to date have been nowhere near the level of his excellent Firearm and Starman series this is an improvement over some of his other efforts. At least he provides a decent explanation for how the character of Atlas becomes a villain. Nice work with side characters like Lana Lang and even Krypto (yes he makes a dog a decent character).

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I must be in the minority but I liked it. 3.5 stars.

[Tyreese · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was terribly boring. I want my 25 minutes back...

[Guido · Rating 5 out of 5]

Superman contra el kirbyesco Atlas en un tomo a pura piña en el que tuvieron el buen tino de incluir la historia dibujada por el Rey.

[Emile Rudoy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Como en su momento, este arco no me terminó de gustar. Si no habías estado leyendo los títulos de Superman hay cosas del status quo que no se terminan de entender (yo por ejemplo no recordaba que no estaba Luthor (y de hecho no recuerdo, ni se explica bien a bien que pasó con el) y que Lana Lang ahora estaba al frente de Lexcorp) y hay otras que se van a terminar explicando a futuro pero que de momento, por lo menos para mi, no terminaron de generarme ese interés que quizás James Robinson buscaba. Sentí que la aparición de Supergirl podría no haber existido y pues no pasaba nada y la resolución del conflicto con Atlas la verdad es que estuvo muy "x". Quizás lo mejor fue la aparición de Krypto y ver como defendía a Superman. Y lo que si es que el arte de Renato Guedes, para mi, es ES-PAN-TO-SO y eso ayuda bastante a que este arco pierda un poco de puntos. En conclusión, un compilado que solo vale la pena y repito, solo vale la pena, si vas a seguir leyendo el resto de las historias que continuaron con esto. Si no, no vale la pena.

[Michael · Rating 2 out of 5]

So I guess this is the first suggestion of Sam Lane as the evil mastermind?

Anyway, really long arc for what's essentially a pointless fight. This could've been an issue. To his credit, Robinson did kinda make Krypto cool, which nobody else has managed in - what, ever?

The original Kirby Atlas story is ... well, it's honestly, - I can't believe I'm going to say this about a Jack Kirby comic - but it's just terrible.
+++++++++++++
My opinion of this one hasn't really changed. Too long, too ponderous, and Robinson seems to only write one voice - and it's not Superman's.

I found the whole thing just odd - Superman orders Supergirl away, but lets Krypto stay, and then demands that the people of Metropolis pay hommage to his dog. Which is just weird. Steel and Bibbo (?!) are dispatched by Atlas in literally one panel each - why bother to even show them? The whole thing could've been done in two issues, but it lasted five.

Kirby's Atlas story from First Issue Special is here as well, and it's not Jack's best work. But at least it isn't a slow, dull mess like Robinson's story.

[Sean · Rating 2 out of 5]

James Robinson gives a D+ effort throwing a Conan wannabe up against Superman in a four issue fight scene without rhyme nor reason (at least given here). The entire books seems to be in place to set up other story lines and in the regard I guess it succeeded. Atlas and Superman fight. There, that's the book. Krypto was great. Jimmy was solid. Lois wasn't. Guedes' art was bloated and dated. Overall, this is a very skippable Superman tale.

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am not a rabid comics fan, but I do enjoy them.
This one has some nice character pieces about Superman and Green Lantern & Superman and Lois's home life. I really enjoyed Krypto. He is a good dog. I did feel, as some others did, that the ending is a bit abrupt and too compact.
A reprint of the original intro of Atlas is included and again affirms the great talent of Jack Kirby.

[C. · Rating 2 out of 5]

A really buff guy arrives and fights Superman.
Thats IT.
The amount of NOTHING that happens in this comic is shocking, given that its supposed to be the first installment in the New Krypton Saga.
But even on its own, NOTHING.

[IanCSc · Rating 3 out of 5]

Probably some of Robinson's worst writing, but the Kirby story in the back bumped it up a star.

[Zachary King · Rating 3 out of 5]

A lot of action, abruptly resolved. Krypto gets a nice spotlight, though!

[Andrew · Rating 3 out of 5]

Robinson starts well. Maybe I picked the wrong runs...

[alisha · Rating 2 out of 5]

Story isn’t fleshed out. Not enjoyable.

[Radu Anastase · Rating 2 out of 5]

The Alex Ross cover art is awesome as always. The illustration are also nice. The story... In ended very abruptly. I thought I missed some pages.

[Duncan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Unbelievably horny for being a story about how it’s actually good to invite a feral dog with super powers into one’s home.

[Allen Setzer · Rating 2 out of 5]

Krypto is the only reason to read this.

[Aaron · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very ruff!

[Tai Ojedi · Rating 2 out of 5]

extra star for Krypto.

[Dony Grayman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tomo unitario de Superman donde se enfrenta al rival del título y poco más. además de una introducción del guionista, el libro tiene de agregado un capítulo escrito y dibujado por Jack Kirby donde salió Atlas por primera vez.

[Astrid · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not much of a plot, but Krypto makes it all worth it.

[Jean-Pierre Vidrine · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don't think I've ever been so disappointed with a Superman story. James Robinson is usually a great writer with a real knack for taking obscure characters and making them important. But this four-chapter wrestling match he scripted was not his best work. The little glimpses into Lois and Clark's morning routine were nice, and Atlas' flashbacks to his life in ancient times were great. But, even with those nice bits, this could have easily been cut down to one or two issues. The real killer of the story was Superman taking all four issues to figure out that he was fighting a nemesis whose powers were based in magic. I shook my head and winced when he finally got it. The ending, though usefully open, was not satisfying. Thankfully, Robinson's work on Superman got a lot better than this, even though use of Atlas remained fairly one dimensional. The redeeming quality of this collection is the inclusion of the original Atlas story from First Issue Special by Jack Kirby! The story, maybe a little derivative of Conan, is pure King Kirby. And, believe me, Kirby unbound is always a treat.
At the end of Robinson's otherwise wonderful Superman arc, Atlas was again defeated but still alive. I hope to see more of this obscure Kirby character, only handled better.