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Warning: contains spoilers for Justice League: The Atom Project #1!
DC is embracing the Justice League’s new era, but it could end up being much darker than fans expected. Every hero on Earth is now a member of the League, creating an army of heroes. The League is also helping those who lost their powers, and as seen in Justice League: The Atom Project #1, this well-meaning initiative has the potential to go quickly off the rails.
Writer John Ridley explored Amanda Waller’s rise to power in Absolute Power: Origin.
Justice League: The Atom Project #1 is written by Ryan Parrott and John Ridley and drawn by Mike Perkins. The two Atoms (Ray Palmer and Ryan Choi) are heading up the Atom Project, which helps people whose powers were stolen by Amanda Waller’s Amazos army. Most heroes got their abilities back, but not all. Some powers went to ordinary people, and the Atom Project helps them too. Based on the Watchtower, Ryan and Ray have created containment units for the affected, until they can be helped. Most disturbingly, Ray lies to the people, guaranteeing that he can help them.
Absolute Power Directly Led to the Atom Project
Amanda Waller Took Power from Heroes–And Not All Got Them Back
The Justice League’s new era is pulling directly from the Justice League Unlimited cartoon, in that every hero is a member.
Absolute Power rocked the DC Universe, and the Justice League’s new “Unlimited” era is a response to Waller’s attack. Using an army of power-stealing Amazos, Waller nearly brought Earth’s heroic community to its knees. Thanks to Dreamer, and an Amazo that became self-aware, Waller’s plans were thwarted. Powers were returned, but as seen in various stories post-Absolute Power, it did not always go according to plan. Justice League Unlimited #2 revealed that the bulk of the Martian Manhunter’s powers have not been returned to him. J’Onn is far from alone in his dilemma.
And, as seen in Justice League: The Atom Project #1, some powers and abilities are finding their way into the hands of ordinary people.
And, as seen in Justice League: The Atom Project #1, some powers and abilities are finding their way into the hands of ordinary people. As they have no training or experience with their new abilities, it creates a highly dangerous situation, as detailed in the first issue. A young boy suddenly obtains energy powers in the middle of a crowded park, creating chaos. The two Atoms arrive on the scene to help the boy, and take him back to the Watchtower for further assistance. The Atom Project is helping those people who did not ask for powers, as well.
The Atom Project Means Well–But Comes With a Dark Side
Isolation and Indefinite Containment Are Part of the Game at the Atom Project
On paper, the Atom Project is a wonderful idea, one that clearly shows the two Atoms’ compassionate nature, but there is serious potential for matters to go awry. Ryan and Ray have built containment cells for regular people who have received powers. Most of the affected are considered highly dangerous, forcing them to be sequestered from the rest of the population. Ryan and Ray must tread lightly here, as this separation could lead to alienation among the affected, and give birth to new villains in the process.
Many of the affected could rot, burn out or even die in their containment cells before help arrives.
The Atom Project’s containment cells point to another dark aspect of the Justice League’s new era: that the affected are indefinitely detained. Ryan and Ray are searching desperately for ways to help the affected, but they can only do so much–even two super-geniuses have their limits. While the two Atoms would love to find a quick solution, the truth is they may not. It could be months or years before a way to reverse the changes is found. Many of the affected could rot, burn out or even die in their containment cells before help arrives.
Ray Palmer’s ex-wife Jean Loring was once the host for Eclipso.
Perhaps the darkest, and most disturbing, part of the Atom Project is Ray Palmer’s attitude towards it. Ray (and Ryan) believe in the Atom Project, but as seen in the first issue, he is already making morally questionable decisions. He lies to a young boy’s face, telling him he will definitely be cured. Ryan calls Ray out on it, but Ray assures him it will be OK, and that they are “making progress.” Ryan is still not entirely convinced, especially after Ray calls it a “game.” The two put any issues between them aside to help Captain Atom.
Will the Atom Go Down a Dark Path Thanks to His New Project?
Ray Palmer’s Comeback May Already Be Stained Thanks to the Atom Project
This mindset is setting Ray up for failure, as he is working with people’s lives and well-being. Ray must be careful, or else he becomes a villain too.
Ray Palmer may be ready to prove that the road to Hell is paved with good intentions. Right now, Ray is content with the progress he and Ryan are making, even if Ryan is not. However, as the Atom Project drags on, and Ray is unable to help the affected, it could negatively impact his mental condition. Ray’s attitude in Justice League: The Atom Project #1 hints at a “whatever it takes” mentality. This mindset is setting Ray up for failure, as he is working with people’s lives and well-being. Ray must be careful, or else he becomes a villain too.
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The Justice League’s new “Unlimited” phase promises to be the team’s biggest, and best yet, but the darkness is already creeping in, as seen in The Atom Project #1. The Project represents, in theory, the lofty ideals the League aspires to, and the people behind it have the best of intentions. However, DC strongly implies the potential for abuse inherent in the Atom Project. If the Justice League is not careful, the Atom Project will become a breeding ground for new villains, and drag the team’s reputation through the mud.
Justice League: The Atom Project #1 is on sale now from DC Comics!
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