Post by dans on Jul 5, 2024 13:07:55 GMT
This is a quick summary of the Atom Blake, Boy Wizard, in the Worlds of Time series that ran in WOW! Comics #1 through 5 in 1940 and 1941. Or, you can read all the exciting action online in your favorite Public Domain Comic Library. (The two I recommend are: Comic Book Plus and the Digital Comic Museum.)
Earth WOW Comics #1 / WOW Comics #2
Atom Blake grew up in a foster family; his parents had mysteriously disappeared in 1925. As a teenager, when he asked his foster parents about his family, they presented him with a letter his father had left for him, which revealed that his father had mysteriously vanished in outer space after his mother’s death. After an accident granted Atom super powers which allow him to travel through space and time and other dimensions, Atom vowed to search the vast universe to find his father.
Mercury WOW Comics #2 / WOW Comics #3
His first destination was Mercury, where he used his abilities to liberate a civilization from the tyrannical grip of an evil dictator from Earth. In gratitude for freeing them from oppression, one of the Mercurians shared with Atom that he had crossed paths with Stuart years ago. Stuart had recklessly leapt through a mysterious wall of energy – claiming it was a portal to the future. Without hesitation, Atom eagerly followed in his father's footsteps.
Mercury of the future WOW Comics #3 / WOW Comics #4
Still on Mercury, now millions of years into the future, Atom finally found his father imprisoned in a deep cavern by cave dwellers who mistook him for one of the slavers who were oppressing them. After freeing his father, Atom and Stuart led a rebellion against the slavers and successfully overthrew their rule. During the rescue mission, they also freed a woman named Xoanna – once a princess on another world but now enslaved on Mercury. She quickly became enchanted by Atom and joined him and Stuart on their further travels.
Saturn WOW Comics #5
Their next stop was Saturn, where Stuart had a heart attack. After reviving Stuart with with a miraculous medicine, the Saturnians revealed to the travelers that their planet and civilization was the constant target of raiders from an asteroid named Praetoria. These raiders stole an irreplaceable natural resource called the Fluid of Time and took slaves – leaving the Saturnians impoverished and living in fear. Determined to put an end to these attacks, Atom, Stuart, and Xoanna set off for Praetoria.
Praetoria WOW Comics #5
On Praetoria, Atom came face to face with Queen Zirca – the ruler using the stolen Fluid of Time to maintain her eternal youth. In a fierce battle between Atom and the Queen, she accidentally dropped her final vial of Time Fluid and aged rapidly into a weak and withered crone. With a new ruler in place on Praetoria, the three travelers continued on their journey through time and space once again.
What comes next?
The Atom Blake series was discontinued after the start of World War II, and there are no more Fawcett Comics stories of Atom Blake, Boy Wizard, but Atom has had more adventures!
The story of Stuart and Marie Blake, Atom's parents. Why was baby Atom special, why did he end up growing up with friends of his parents, and why did Stuart Blake go to Mercury? The Ballad of the Blakes
Atom returns to Earth: Atom Blake in the Worlds of Time: Pallas
As well as other Atom Blake adventures, chronicled on the 5 Earths Project Websites!
Atom Blake Boy Wizard
The Worlds of Time
Earth WOW Comics #1 / WOW Comics #2
Atom Blake grew up in a foster family; his parents had mysteriously disappeared in 1925. As a teenager, when he asked his foster parents about his family, they presented him with a letter his father had left for him, which revealed that his father had mysteriously vanished in outer space after his mother’s death. After an accident granted Atom super powers which allow him to travel through space and time and other dimensions, Atom vowed to search the vast universe to find his father.
Mercury WOW Comics #2 / WOW Comics #3
His first destination was Mercury, where he used his abilities to liberate a civilization from the tyrannical grip of an evil dictator from Earth. In gratitude for freeing them from oppression, one of the Mercurians shared with Atom that he had crossed paths with Stuart years ago. Stuart had recklessly leapt through a mysterious wall of energy – claiming it was a portal to the future. Without hesitation, Atom eagerly followed in his father's footsteps.
Mercury of the future WOW Comics #3 / WOW Comics #4
Still on Mercury, now millions of years into the future, Atom finally found his father imprisoned in a deep cavern by cave dwellers who mistook him for one of the slavers who were oppressing them. After freeing his father, Atom and Stuart led a rebellion against the slavers and successfully overthrew their rule. During the rescue mission, they also freed a woman named Xoanna – once a princess on another world but now enslaved on Mercury. She quickly became enchanted by Atom and joined him and Stuart on their further travels.
Saturn WOW Comics #5
Their next stop was Saturn, where Stuart had a heart attack. After reviving Stuart with with a miraculous medicine, the Saturnians revealed to the travelers that their planet and civilization was the constant target of raiders from an asteroid named Praetoria. These raiders stole an irreplaceable natural resource called the Fluid of Time and took slaves – leaving the Saturnians impoverished and living in fear. Determined to put an end to these attacks, Atom, Stuart, and Xoanna set off for Praetoria.
Praetoria WOW Comics #5
On Praetoria, Atom came face to face with Queen Zirca – the ruler using the stolen Fluid of Time to maintain her eternal youth. In a fierce battle between Atom and the Queen, she accidentally dropped her final vial of Time Fluid and aged rapidly into a weak and withered crone. With a new ruler in place on Praetoria, the three travelers continued on their journey through time and space once again.
What comes next?
The Atom Blake series was discontinued after the start of World War II, and there are no more Fawcett Comics stories of Atom Blake, Boy Wizard, but Atom has had more adventures!
The story of Stuart and Marie Blake, Atom's parents. Why was baby Atom special, why did he end up growing up with friends of his parents, and why did Stuart Blake go to Mercury? The Ballad of the Blakes
Atom returns to Earth: Atom Blake in the Worlds of Time: Pallas
As well as other Atom Blake adventures, chronicled on the 5 Earths Project Websites!