Connect with us
Justice League of America: The Atom Rebirth #1 Review

Comic Books

Justice League of America: The Atom Rebirth #1 Review

I’m one of those DC readers who never paid much attention to The Atom. He always seemed like a lesser-than hero who was basically Ant-Man, with a cooler name. That said, it’s clear there’s a new take going on in much of the Rebirth line, so why not give this one a fair shake? We review, but is it good?

Justice League of America: The Atom Rebirth #1 (DC Comics)

Justice League of America: The Atom Rebirth #1 Review

Listen to the latest episode of our weekly comics podcast!

So what’s it about? The summary reads:

SPINNING OUT OF THE PAGES OF JUSTICE LEAGUE VS. SUICIDE SQUAD! Meet Ryan Choi, prodigious theoretical physics student with severe allergies and crippling social anxiety. But little does young Ryan know, his first day at Ivy University marks the start of an epic journey into the very heart of the DC Universe!

Why does this book matter?

Written by Steve Orlando, who has done wonders with Midnighter and the recent Batman “Night of the Monster Men” storyline, I’m expecting some tight dialogue and pacing. He’s in good hands with Andrew T. MacDonald, who drew his butt off in the “Night of the Monster Men” series too.

Fine, you have my attention. What’s good about it?

Justice League of America: The Atom Rebirth #1 Review
Remember how stressful college was?

This issue introduces a new character, Lun Choi, who opens the issue daydreaming and telling his parents he’s going to go by Ryan from now on. He’s attending an Ivy League school and it’s his first semester. He’s young, but sharp as a tack and willing to learn even more. Orlando has him befriend professor Ray Palmer who ends up trusting Ryan more than anyone. Their friendship is built up well as we learn Ryan is a more than adequate pupil. Orlando does a good job establishing Ryan’s culture and backstory so he’s not yet another non-white character introduced simply to add more culture to the universe; he’s a strong character in his own right. I wouldn’t be surprised if he becomes a big hit either, as he deals with many issues we all face like phobias, allergies, and nervousness.

It’s not all setup either, with a fun action montage of Ryan and Ray kicking butt. Ryan is in Ray’s ear as a sort of guide or mental backup and it’s a neat teamup of sorts. All good things must come to an end though, and the issue finishes with a cliffhanger that takes the fish out of water story to a micro level. The time spent building up Ryan and Ray’s relationship is going to pay dividends later and should have readers coming back for more in the first issue.

The art by Andrew T. MacDonald is strong, with a cartoony look that doesn’t skimp on backgrounds. The action montage mentioned earlier is a lot of fun, featuring a fun double page layout with panels cascading across like playing cards, Ray in The Atom costume at top left and Ryan at the bottom. The page deals some panels to remind us Ryan is going to school and doing day to day things, but also helping The Atom kick butt.

It can’t be perfect can it?

Ryan’s nerdiness is laid on a bit too thick in some respects, with no visual to back it up. A mean adminstrator in one scene for instance, calls his glasses “coke bottles.” Not only does this seem like a strange thing for an admin at a place like Harvard to say, but it forces the idea that he’s a sad nerd. And while Ryan bringing up his awkward nature is fine, it seems as if he’s getting along just fine with his roommate and others in the montage scene. It makes the character feel a little less genuine and forced, though he is still a strong character I want to see more of.

The issue also lacks action with much of it building the characters up. When there is Atom action it’s fun as heck, which will make you want to see more of that for sure.

Justice League of America: The Atom Rebirth #1 Review
Get some!

Is It Good?

I’m not an Atom fan, but after reading this issue I’m compelled to come back for more. A fun relationship is introduced that is rife for storytelling possibilities due to the strong characterization.

Join the AIPT Patreon

Want to take our relationship to the next level? Become a patron today to gain access to exclusive perks, such as:

  • ❌ Remove all ads on the website
  • 💬 Join our Discord community, where we chat about the latest news and releases from everything we cover on AIPT
  • 📗 Access to our monthly book club
  • 📦 Get a physical trade paperback shipped to you every month
  • 💥 And more!
Sign up today
Comments

In Case You Missed It

WWE SmackDown preview, full card: March 1, 2024 WWE SmackDown preview, full card: March 1, 2024

WWE SmackDown preview, full card: March 1, 2024

Pro Wrestling

AEW Dynamite preview, full card: February 28, 2024 AEW Dynamite preview, full card: February 28, 2024

AEW Dynamite preview, full card: February 28, 2024

Pro Wrestling

AEW Rampage preview, full card: March 1, 2024 AEW Rampage preview, full card: March 1, 2024

AEW Rampage preview, full card: March 1, 2024

Pro Wrestling

Marvel unveils the new villains Bloodcoven appearing in 'Blood Hunt' Marvel unveils the new villains Bloodcoven appearing in 'Blood Hunt'

Marvel unveils the new villains Bloodcoven appearing in ‘Blood Hunt’

Comic Books

Connect
Newsletter Signup