Atlas Comics is the 1950s

comic-book A comic book, also called comicbook, comic magazine or (in the United Kingdom and Ireland) simply comic, is a publication that consists of comics art in the form of sequential juxtaposed panels that represent individual scenes. Panels are oft ...

publishing Publishing is the activity of making information, literature, music, software and other content available to the public for sale or for free. Traditionally, the term refers to the creation and distribution of printed works, such as books, newsp ...

label that evolved into

Marvel Comics Marvel Comics is an American comic book publishing, publisher and the flagship property of Marvel Entertainment, a divsion of The Walt Disney Company since September 1, 2009. Evolving from Timely Comics in 1939, ''Magazine Management/Atlas Co ...

. Magazine and paperback novel publisher Martin Goodman, whose business strategy involved having a multitude of corporate entities, used Atlas as the umbrella name for his comic-book division during this time. Atlas evolved out of Goodman's 1940s comic-book division,

Timely Comics Timely Comics is the common name for the group of corporations that was the earliest comic book arm of American publisher Martin Goodman, and the entity that would evolve by the 1960s to become Marvel Comics. "Timely Publications became the name ...

, and was located on the 14th floor of the

Empire State Building The Empire State Building is a 102-story Art Deco skyscraper in Midtown Manhattan, New York City. The building was designed by Shreve, Lamb & Harmon and built from 1930 to 1931. Its name is derived from "Empire State", the nickname of the st ...

. This company is distinct from the 1970s comic-book company, also founded by Goodman, that is known as

Atlas/Seaboard Comics Atlas/Seaboard is the term comic book historians and collectors use to refer to the 1970s line of comics published as Atlas Comics by the American company Seaboard Periodicals, to differentiate from the 1950s' Atlas Comics, a predecessor of Marvel ...

History

After the Golden Age

Atlas Comics was the successor of

, the company that

magazine A magazine is a periodical publication, generally published on a regular schedule (often weekly or monthly), containing a variety of content. They are generally financed by advertising, purchase price, prepaid subscriptions, or by a combinatio ...

and paperback novel publisher Martin Goodman founded in 1939, and which had reached the peak of its popularity during the war years with its star characters the

Human Torch The Human Torch (Jonathan "Johnny" Storm) is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character is a founding member of the Fantastic Four. He is writer Stan Lee's and artist Jack Kirby's reinvention of ...

, the Sub-Mariner and

Captain America Captain America is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by cartoonists Joe Simon and Jack Kirby, the character First appearance, first appeared in ''#Golden Age, Captain America Comics'' #1 (cover ...

. The early to mid-1950s found comic books falling out of fashion due to competition from

television Television, sometimes shortened to TV, is a telecommunication medium for transmitting moving images and sound. The term can refer to a television set, or the medium of television transmission. Television is a mass medium for advertisin ...

and other media. Timely largely stopped producing superhero comics with the cancellation of ''Captain America Comics'' at issue #75 (

cover-date The cover date of a periodical publication is the date displayed on the cover, which is not necessarily the true date of publication (the on-sale date or release date); later cover dates are common in magazine and comic book publishing. More unusu ...

d Feb. 1950), by which time the series had already been titled ''Captain America's Weird Tales'' for two issues, with the finale featuring only anthological

suspense Suspense is a state of mental uncertainty, anxiety, being undecided, or being doubtful. In a dramatic work, suspense is the anticipation of the outcome of a plot or of the solution to an uncertainty, puzzle, or mystery, particularly as it aff ...

stories and no superheroes. The company's flagship title, ''

Marvel Mystery Comics ''Marvel Mystery Comics'' (first issue titled simply ''Marvel Comics'') is an American comic book series published during the 1930s–1940s period known to fans and historians as the Golden Age of Comic Books. It was the first publication of Mar ...

'', starring the Human Torch, had already ended its run with #92 in June 1949,''Marvel Mystery Comics'' (Marvel, 1939 series)
at the Grand Comics Database. as had ''Sub-Mariner Comics'' with #32 the same month,''Sub-Mariner Comics'' (Marvel, 1941 series)
at the Grand Comics Database. and ''The Human Torch'' with #35 in March 1949.''The Human Torch'' (Marvel, 1940 series)
at the Grand Comics Database. Timely made one more attempt at superheroes with the publication of ''Marvel Boy'' #1-2 (Dec. 1950 - Feb. 1951), which was retitled ''Astonishing'' with issue #3 (April 1951) and continued the ''Marvel Boy'' feature through #6 (Oct. 1951). In the absence of superheroes, Goodman's comic-book line expanded into a wide variety of genres, producing horror,

Westerns The Western is a genre set in the American frontier and commonly associated with folk tales of the Western United States, particularly the Southwestern United States, as well as Northern Mexico and Western Canada. It is commonly referred ...

humor Humour (English in the Commonwealth of Nations, Commonwealth English) or humor (American English) is the tendency of experiences to provoke laughter and provide amusement. The term derives from the humorism, humoral medicine of the ancient Gre ...

talking animal A talking animal or speaking animal is any non-human animal that can produce sounds or gestures resembling those of a human language. Several species or groups of animals have developed forms of communication which superficially resemble verbal ...

drama Drama is the specific mode of fiction represented in performance: a play, opera, mime, ballet, etc., performed in a theatre, or on radio or television.Elam (1980, 98). Considered as a genre of poetry in general, the dramatic mode has been ...

crime In ordinary language, a crime is an unlawful act punishable by a State (polity), state or other authority. The term ''crime'' does not, in modern criminal law, have any simple and universally accepted definition,Farmer, Lindsay: "Crime, definit ...

war War is an intense armed conflict between states, governments, societies, or paramilitary groups such as mercenaries, insurgents, and militias. It is generally characterized by extreme violence, destruction, and mortality, using regular o ...

jungle A jungle is land covered with dense forest and tangled vegetation, usually in tropical climates. Application of the term has varied greatly during the past recent century. Etymology The word ''jungle'' originates from the Sanskrit word ''jaṅ ...

romance Romance (from Vulgar Latin , "in the Roman language", i.e., "Latin") may refer to: Common meanings * Romance (love), emotional attraction towards another person and the courtship behaviors undertaken to express the feelings * Romance languages, ...

espionage Espionage, spying, or intelligence gathering is the act of obtaining secret or confidential information (intelligence) from non-disclosed sources or divulging of the same without the permission of the holder of the information for a tangibl ...

medieval In the history of Europe, the Middle Ages or medieval period lasted approximately from the late 5th to the late 15th centuries, similar to the Post-classical, post-classical period of World history (field), global history. It began with t ...

adventure,

Bible stories The Bible (from Koine Greek , , 'the books') is a collection of religious texts or scriptures that are held to be sacred in Christianity, Judaism, Samaritanism, and many other religions. The Bible is an anthologya compilation of texts of a ...

and

sport Sport pertains to any form of Competition, competitive physical activity or game that aims to use, maintain, or improve physical ability and Skill, skills while providing enjoyment to participants and, in some cases, entertainment to specta ...

s comics. As did other publishers, Atlas also offered comics about

models A model is an informative representation of an object, person or system. The term originally denoted the plans of a building in late 16th-century English, and derived via French and Italian ultimately from Latin ''modulus'', a measure. Models c ...

and career women. Goodman began using the logo of the Atlas News Company, the newsstand-distribution company he owned, on comics

d November 1951, even though another company, Kable News, continued to distribute his comics through the August 1952 issues, with its "K" logo and the logo of the independent distributors' union appearing alongside the Atlas globe. The Atlas logo united a line put out by the same publisher, staff and freelancers through 59 shell companies, from Animirth Comics to Zenith Publications. Atlas attempted to revive superheroes in ''Young Men'' #24-28 (Dec. 1953 - June 1954) with the Human Torch (art by

Syd Shores Sydney Shores (1916 – June 3, 1973) was an American comic book artist known for his work on Captain America both during the 1940s, in what fans and historians call the Golden Age of comic books, and during the 1960s Silver Age of comic books. Bi ...

and

Dick Ayers Richard Bache Ayers (; April 28, 1924 – May 4, 2014) was an American comic book artist and cartoonist best known for his work as one of Jack Kirby's inkers during the late-1950s and 1960s period known as the Silver Age of Comics, including on s ...

, variously), the Sub-Mariner (drawn and most stories written by

Bill Everett William Blake Everett (; May 18, 1917 – February 27, 1973) was an American comic book writer-artist best known for creating Namor the Sub-Mariner as well as co-creating Zombie and Daredevil with writer Stan Lee for Marvel Comics. He was alle ...

) and

(writer

Stan Lee Stan Lee (born Stanley Martin Lieber ; December 28, 1922 – November 12, 2018) was an American comic book writer, editor, publisher, and producer. He rose through the ranks of a family-run business called Timely Publications which ...

, artist

John Romita Sr. John V. Romita (; born January 24, 1930) is an American comic book artist best known for his work on Marvel Comics' ''The Amazing Spider-Man'' and for co-creating characters including the Punisher and Wolverine. He was inducted into the Will Eis ...

). The short-lived revival also included restarts of ''Sub-Mariner Comics'' (issues #33-42, April 1954 - Oct. 1955) and ''Captain America'' (#76-78, May-Sept. 1954). All three superheroes also appeared in the final two issues of ''Men's Adventures'' (#27-28, May–July 1954).

Trend-following

Goodman's publishing strategy for Atlas involved what he saw as the proven route of following popular trends in TV and

movies A film also called a movie, motion picture, moving picture, picture, photoplay or (slang) flick is a work of visual art that simulates experiences and otherwise communicates ideas, stories, perceptions, feelings, beauty, or atmosphere ...

—

and war dramas prevailing for a time,

drive-in A drive-in is a facility (such as a restaurant or movie theater) where one can drive in with an automobile for service. At a drive-in restaurant, for example, customers park their vehicles and are usually served by staff who walk or rollerskat ...

movie A film also called a movie, motion picture, moving picture, picture, photoplay or (slang) flick is a work of visual art that simulates experiences and otherwise communicates ideas, stories, perceptions, feelings, beauty, or atmosphere ...

monsters another time — and even other comic books, particularly the EC horror line. As Marvel/Atlas editor-in-chief

told comic-book historian

Les Daniels Leslie Noel Daniels III, better known as Les Daniels (October 27, 1943 – November 5, 2011), was an American writer. Background Daniels attended Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, where he wrote his master's thesis on ''Frankenstei ...

, Goodman "would notice what was selling, and we'd put out a lot of books of that type." Commented Daniels, "The short-term results were lucrative; but while other publishers took the long view and kept their stables of heroes solid, Goodman let his slide." While Atlas had some horror titles, such as '' Marvel Tales'', as far back as 1949, the company increased its output dramatically in the wake of EC's success. Lee recalled, " was usually based on how the competition was doing. When we found that EC's horror books were doing well, for instance, we published a lot of horror books." Until the early 1960s, when Lee,

Jack Kirby Jack Kirby (born Jacob Kurtzberg; August 28, 1917 – February 6, 1994) was an American comic book artist, writer and editor, widely regarded as one of the medium's major innovators and one of its most prolific and influential creators. He gr ...

and

Steve Ditko Stephen John Ditko Page contains two reproductions from school yearbooks. A 1943 Garfield Junior High School yearbook excerpt lists "Stephen Ditko". A 1945 Johnstown High School yearbook excerpt lists "Stephen J. Ditko" under extracurricular act ...

would help revolutionize comic books with the advent of the

Fantastic Four The Fantastic Four is a superhero team appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The team debuted in ''The Fantastic Four'' #1 ( cover dated Nov. 1961), helping usher in a new level of realism in the medium. It was the first ...

and

Spider-Man Spider-Man is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer-editor Stan Lee and artist Steve Ditko, he first appeared in the anthology comic book '' Amazing Fantasy'' #15 (August 1962) in the ...

, Atlas was content to flood newsstands with profitable, cheaply produced product — often, despite itself, beautifully rendered by talented if low-paid artists. The Atlas "bullpen" had at least five staff writers (officially called editors) besides Lee:

Hank Chapman Henry P. Chapman (living status unknown), who is credited in comics under both his formal name and as Hank Chapman, is an American comic book writer for Marvel Comics' two predecessors, Timely Comics and Atlas Comics, and later for DC Comics, whe ...

Paul S. Newman Paul S. Newman (April 29, 1924 – May 30, 1999) was an American writer of comic books, comic strips, and books, whose career spanned the 1940s to the 1990s. Credited in the '' Guinness Book of World Records'' as the most prolific comic-book wr ...

Don Rico Donato Francisco Rico II (September 26, 1912 – March 27, 1985) was an American paperback novelist, screenwriter, wood engraver and comic book writer-artist, who co-created the Marvel Comics characters the Black Widow (Natasha Romanova) with plot ...

Carl Wessler Carroll O. Wessler (May 25, 1913 – April 9, 1989),Carroll O. Wessler
Social Sec ...

, and, in the teen humor division, future '' Mad'' magazine cartoonist

Al Jaffee Allan Jaffee (born Abraham Jaffee; March 13, 1921) is an American cartoonist. He is notable for his work in the satirical magazine '' Mad'', including his trademark feature, the ''Mad'' Fold-in. Jaffee was a regular contributor to the magazine ...

Daniel Keyes Daniel Keyes (August 9, 1927 – June 15, 2014) was an American writer who wrote the novel ''Flowers for Algernon''. Keyes was given the Author Emeritus honor by the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America in 2000. Biography Early life ...

, future author of ''

Flowers for Algernon ''Flowers for Algernon'' is a short story by American author Daniel Keyes, later expanded by him into a novel and subsequently adapted for film and other media. The short story, written in 1958 and first published in the April 1959 issue of ''T ...

'', was an editor beginning 1952. Other writers, generally freelance, included Robert Bernstein. The artists — some freelance, some on staff — included such veterans as Human Torch creator Carl Burgos and Sub-Mariner creator

. The next generation included the prolific and much-admired

Joe Maneely Joseph Maneely (; February 18, 1926 – June 7, 1958) was an American comic book artist best known for his work at Marvel Comics' 1950s predecessor, Atlas Comics, where he co-created the Marvel characters the Black Knight, the Ringo Kid, the Yell ...

, who before his death just prior to Marvel's 1960s breakthrough was the company's leading artist, providing many covers and doing work in all genres, most notably on Westerns and on the medieval adventure ''

Black Knight The black knight is a literary stock character who masks his identity and that of his liege by not displaying heraldry. Black knights are usually portrayed as villainous figures who use this anonymity for misdeeds. They are often contrasted with t ...

''.Joe Maneely
at the

Grand Comics Database The Grand Comics Database (GCD) is an Internet-based project to build a database of comic book information through user contributions. The GCD project catalogues information on creator credits, story details, reprints, and other information useful ...

Others included

Russ Heath Russell Heath Jr. (September 29, 1926 – August 23, 2018), was an American artist best known for his comic book work, particularly his DC Comics war stories and his 1960s art for ''Playboy'' magazine's "Little Annie Fanny" feature. He also prod ...

Gene Colan Eugene Jules Colan (; September 1, 1926 – June 23, 2011)Eugene Colan
at the Social Security Death Index via ...

, and the fledgling, highly individualistic

. Some of Atlas' prominent

Western Western may refer to: Places *Western, Nebraska, a village in the US *Western, New York, a town in the US *Western Creek, Tasmania, a locality in Australia *Western Junction, Tasmania, a locality in Australia *Western world, countries that id ...

titles, many reprinted in the 1970s, were ''

Ringo Kid The Ringo Kid is a fictional Western appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. His comic book series was originally released by the company's 1950s predecessor, Atlas Comics. A lesser-known character than the company's Kid Colt ...

'', with art by Maneely,

Fred Kida Fred Kida (December 12, 1920 – April 3, 2014) was a Japanese-American comic book and comic strip artist best known for the 1940s aviator hero Airboy and his antagonist and sometime ally Valkyrie during the period fans and historians call the G ...

and

John Severin John Powers Severin (; December 26, 1921 – February 12, 2012) was an American comics artist noted for his distinctive work with EC Comics, primarily on the war comics ''Two-Fisted Tales'' and ''Frontline Combat''; for Marvel Comics, esp ...

; artist

Doug Wildey Douglas S. Wildey He recalled his professional start as freelancing for the magazine and comic book company Street & Smith in 1947. Because comic-book writer and artist credits were not routinely given during this era, the earliest confirmed Wilde ...

's ''

The Outlaw Kid The Outlaw Kid is a fictional Western hero appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character originally appeared in the company's 1950s iteration, Atlas Comics. A lesser-known character than the company's Kid Colt, Raw ...

''; artist Jack Keller's ''

Kid Colt, Outlaw ''Kid Colt, Outlaw'' is a comic book title featuring the character Kid Colt originally published by Atlas Comics beginning in 1948 and later Marvel Comics. Publication history Kid Colt and his horse Steel first appeared in ''Kid Colt'' #1 (Augu ...

''; the anthology ''

Gunsmoke Western ''Gunsmoke Western'' was an American comic book series published initially by Atlas Comics, the 1950s forerunner of Marvel Comics, and then into the 1960s by Marvel. A Western anthology that ran 46 issues, it featured early stories of the Marvel ...

'', starring Kid Colt; and '' Black Rider'', drawn by Maneely,

and others.

Humor and miscellanea

Atlas also published various children's and teen humor titles, including

Dan DeCarlo Daniel S. DeCarlo (December 12, 1919 – December 18, 2001) was an American cartoonist best known for having developed the look of Archie Comics in the late 1950s and early 1960s, modernizing the characters to their contemporary appearance and ...

's ''Homer, the Happy Ghost'' (a la ''

Casper the Friendly Ghost Casper the Friendly Ghost is the protagonist of the Famous Studios theatrical animated cartoon series of the same name. He is a pleasant, personable and translucent ghost, but often criticized by his three wicked uncles, the Ghostly Trio. T ...

''), ''Homer Hooper'' (a la

Archie Andrews Archibald "Archie" Andrews, created in 1941 by publisher John L. Goldwater and artist Bob Montana in collaboration with writer Vic Bloom,

) and the

-drawn ''Melvin the Monster'' (a la '' Dennis the Menace''). ''Sergeant Barney Barker'', drawn by

, was Atlas' answer to '' Sgt. Bilko''. One of the most long-running titles was ''

Millie the Model ''Millie the Model'' was Marvel Comics' longest-running humor title, first published by the company's 1940s predecessor, Timely Comics, and continuing through its 1950s forerunner, Atlas Comics (1950s), Atlas Comics, to 1970s Marvel. The comic b ...

'', which began as a Timely Comics humor series in 1945 and ran into the 1970s, lasting for 207 issues and launching spinoffs along the way. Created by writer-artist

Ruth Atkinson Ruth Atkinson Ford, née Ruth Atkinson and a.k.a. R. Atkinson (June 2, 1918 – June 1, 1997), Includes obituary for Ruth Atkinson Ford, giving date of death date as June 1, 1997.Date of death given as May 31, 1997 at that the Lambiek Comiclop ...

, it later became the training ground for

cartoonist A cartoonist is a visual artist who specializes in both drawing and writing cartoons (individual images) or comics (sequential images). Cartoonists differ from comics writers or comic book illustrators in that they produce both the literary and ...

DeCarlo — the future creator of ''

Josie and the Pussycats Josie and the Pussycats (sometimes simply known as The Pussycats) are a fictional girl group A girl group is a music act featuring several female singers who generally harmonize together. The term "girl group" is also used in a narrower sense i ...

'', ''

Sabrina, the Teenage Witch ''Sabrina the Teenage Witch'' is a comic book series published by Archie Comics about the adventures of a fictional American teenager named Sabrina Spellman. Sabrina was created by writer George Gladir and artist Dan DeCarlo, and first appeared ...

'' and other

Archie Comics Archie Comic Publications, Inc., is an American comic book publisher headquartered in Pelham, New York. DeCarlo wrote and drew ''Millie'' for 10 years. The high-school series ''

Patsy Walker Patricia "Patsy" Walker is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by Stuart Little and Ruth Atkinson, Patsy Walker first appeared in ''Miss America Magazine'' #2 (November 1944), published by Marvel precu ...

'', co-created by Atkinson and writer

Otto Binder Otto Oscar Binder (; August 26, 1911 – October 13, 1974) was an American author of science fiction and non-fiction books and stories, and comic books. He is best known as the co-creator of Supergirl and for his many scripts for '' Captain Ma ...

in 1944, featured art by

Al Hartley Henry Allan Hartley (October 25, 1921 – May 27, 2003)Henry A. Hartley
at the United States Social Security Dea ...

Morris Weiss Morris S. Weiss (August 11, 1915 – May 18, 2014) was an American comic book and comic strip artist and writer. Active from the 1930s through the mid-1970s, he created the teen-comedy character "Margie" for Timely Comics, the 1940s predecessor ...

and others, and ran until 1967 It spun off three titles. Patsy herself would be integrated into

Marvel Universe The Marvel Universe is a fictional shared universe where the stories in most American comic book titles and other media published by Marvel Comics take place. Super-teams such as the Avengers, the X-Men, the Fantastic Four, the Guardians of ...

continuity years later as the

supernatural Supernatural refers to phenomena or entities that are beyond the laws of nature. The term is derived from Medieval Latin , from Latin (above, beyond, or outside of) + (nature) Though the corollary term "nature", has had multiple meanings si ...

superheroine Hellcat. Atlas' talking animal books featured

Ed Winiarski Ed Winiarski (May 6, 1911 - December 1975) who sometimes signed his work "Win" or "Winny" and sometimes used the pseudonym Fran Miller, his wife's maiden name, was an American comic book writer-artist known for both adventure stories and talking a ...

's trouble-prone ''Buck Duck'', Maneely's mentally suspect ''Dippy Duck'', and Howie Post's ''The Monkey and the Bear''. Buck and the other animal characters briefly returned in the early 1970s when Marvel published the five-issue reprint title ''Li'l Pals'' ("Fun-Filled Animal Antics!"). Miscellaneous titles included the espionage series '' Yellow Claw'', with Maneely, Severin, and

art; the Native American hero ''Red Warrior'', with art by Tom Gill; the

space opera Space opera is a subgenre of science fiction that emphasizes space warfare, with use of melodramatic, risk-taking space adventures, relationships, and chivalric romance. Set mainly or entirely in outer space, it features technological and soci ...

''Space Squadron'', written and drawn by future Marvel production executive

Sol Brodsky Soloman Brodsky (April 22, 1923 – June 4, 1984) was an American comic book artist who, as Marvel Comics' Silver Age production manager, was one of the key architects of the small company's expansion to a major pop culture conglomerate. He ...

; and ''Sports Action'', initially featuring true-life stories about the likes of

George Gipp George Gipp (February 18, 1895 – December 14, 1920), nicknamed "The Gipper", was a college football player at the University of Notre Dame under head coach Knute Rockne. Gipp was selected as Notre Dame's first Walter Camp All-American, and ...

and

Jackie Robinson Jack Roosevelt Robinson (January 31, 1919 – October 24, 1972) was an American professional baseball player who became the first African American to play in Major League Baseball (MLB) in the modern era. Robinson broke the baseball color line ...

, and later fictional features of, as one cover headline put it, "Rugged Tales of Danger and Red-Hot Action!". Staff artist

Stan Goldberg Stan Goldberg (May 5, 1932 – August 31, 2014) was an American comic book artist, best known for his work with Archie Comics and as a Marvel Comics colorist who in the 1960s helped design the original color schemes of Spider-Man, the Fantastic F ...

recalled in 2005, "I was in the Bullpen with a lot of well-known artists who worked up there at that time. ... The guys ... who actually worked nine-to-five and put in a regular day, and not the freelance guys who'd come in a drop off their work ... were almost a hall of fame group of people. There was

. Carl Burgos. There was the all-time great Joe Maneely.... We all worked together, all the colorists and correction guys, the letterers and artists. ... We had a great time".

Layoffs

From 1952 to late 1956, Goodman distributed Atlas' comics to newsstands through his self-owned distributor, the Atlas News Company. He shut down Atlas News Company in 1956 and began newsstand distribution through American News Company, the nation's largest distributor and a virtual

monopoly A monopoly (from Greek language, Greek el, μόνος, mónos, single, alone, label=none and el, πωλεῖν, pōleîn, to sell, label=none), as described by Irving Fisher, is a market with the "absence of competition", creating a situati ...

, which shortly afterward lost a

Justice Department A justice ministry, ministry of justice, or department of justice is a ministry or other government agency in charge of the administration of justice. The ministry or department is often headed by a minister of justice (minister for justice in a ...

lawsuit - A lawsuit is a proceeding by a party or parties against another in the civil court of law. The archaic term "suit in law" is found in only a small number of laws still in effect today. The term "lawsuit" is used in reference to a civil actio ...

and discontinued its business. As comic-book historian

Gerard Jones Gerard Jones (born July 10, 1957) is an American writer, known primarily for his non-fiction work about American entertainment media, and his comic book scripting, which includes co-creating the superhero Prime for Malibu Comics, and writing for ...

explains, the company in 1956 The Atlas globe remained on the covers, however, until American News went out of business in June 1957. With no other options, Goodman turned to the distributor

Independent News Independent News Co. was a magazine and comic book distribution business owned by National Periodical Publications, the parent company of DC Comics. Independent News distributed all DC publications, as well as those of a few rival publishers, suc ...

, owned by rival

National Periodical Publications National Comics Publications, Inc. (also known as NCP or simply National) was an American comic book publishing company, and the direct predecessor of modern-day DC Comics. History The corporation was originally two companies: National Allied P ...

, the future

DC Comics DC Comics, Inc. (doing business as DC) is an American comic book publisher and the flagship unit of DC Entertainment, a subsidiary of Warner Bros. Discovery. DC Comics is one of the largest and oldest American comic book companies, with thei ...

, which agreed to distribute him on constrained terms that allowed only eight titles per month. The last comic to bear the Atlas globe on the cover was the comic ''Dippy Duck'' #1, and the first to bear the new "Ind." distributors' mark was ''

'' #73, both

d October 1957. Stan Lee, in a 1988 interview, recalled that Goodman: During this retrenchment, according to a fabled industry story, Goodman discovered a closet-full of unused, but paid-for, art, leading him to have virtually the entire staff fired while he used up the inventory. In the interview noted above, Lee, one of the few able to give a firsthand account, told a seemingly self-contradictory version of the downsizing: In a 2003 interview,

Joe Sinnott Joseph Leonard Sinnott (; October 16, 1926 June 25, 2020) was an American comic book artist. Working primarily as an inker, Sinnott is best known for his long stint on Marvel Comics' ''Fantastic Four'', from 1965 to 1981 (and briefly in the la ...

, one of the company's top artists for more than 50 years, recalled Lee citing the inventory issue as a primary cause. "Stan called me and said, 'Joe, Martin Goodman told me to suspend operations because I have all this artwork in house and have to use it up before I can hire you again.' It turned out to be six months, in my case. He may have called back some of the other artists later, but that's what happened with me.

Pre-superhero Marvel

Goodman's men's magazines and paperback books were still successful — the comics, except in the early Golden Age, were a relatively small part of the business — and Goodman considered shutting the division down. The details of his decision not to do so are murky. Artist

— who had amicably split with creative partner

Joe Simon Joseph Henry Simon (October 11, 1913 – December 14, 2011) was an American comic book writer, artist, editor, and publisher. Simon created or co-created many important characters in the 1930s–1940s Golden Age of Comic Books and served as the ...

a few years earlier, and separately lost a lawsuit to a

editor — was having difficulty finding work. He recalled that in late 1958, The interviewer, ''

The Comics Journal ''The Comics Journal'', often abbreviated ''TCJ'', is an American magazine of news and criticism pertaining to comic books, comic strips and graphic novels. Known for its lengthy interviews with comic creators, pointed editorials and scathing re ...

'' publisher

Gary Groth Gary Groth (born September 18, 1954) is an American comic book editor, publisher and critic. He is editor-in-chief of ''The Comics Journal'', a co-founder of Fantagraphics Books, and founder of the Harvey Awards. Early life Groth is the son of ...

, later wrote of this interview in general, "Some of Kirby's more extreme statements ... should be taken with a grain of salt...." Lee, specifically asked about the office-closing anecdote, said, Kirby had previously returned, in late 1956, to freelance on five issues

d December 1956 and February 1957, but did not stay. Now, beginning with the cover and the seven-page story "I Discovered the Secret of the Flying Saucers" for '' Strange Worlds'' #1 (Dec. 1958), Kirby returned for a 12-year run that would soon help revolutionize comics. While career necessity led Kirby back to publisher Goodman, whom he had left acrimoniously in 1941, Kirby nonetheless helped elevate simple science fiction and giant-monster stories with what comics historian Charles Hatfield called "a vital jab in the ribs by isoutlandish artistry. Soon his dynamic work began gracing countless covers and lead stories in the extant ''

Strange Tales ''Strange Tales'' is a Marvel Comics comics anthology, anthology series. The title was revived in different forms on multiple occasions. Doctor Strange and Nick Fury, Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. (feature), Nick Fury, Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. made their d ...

'' and the newly launched ''

Amazing Adventures ''Amazing Adventures'' is the name of several anthology comic book series, all but one published by Marvel Comics. The earliest Marvel series of that name introduced the company's first superhero of the late-1950s to early-1960s period fans and h ...

'', ''Strange Worlds'', ''

Tales of Suspense ''Tales of Suspense'' is the name of an American comic book anthology series and two one-shot comics published by Marvel Comics. The first, which ran from 1959 to 1968, began as a science-fiction anthology that served as a showcase for such arti ...

'', ''

Tales to Astonish ''Tales to Astonish'' is the name of two American comic book series and a One-shot (comics), one-shot comic published by Marvel Comics. The primary title bearing that name was published from January 1959 to March 1968. It began as a science-fic ...

'' and ''

World of Fantasy ''World of Fantasy'' was a science fiction/fantasy comic book anthology series published by Marvel Comics' 1950s predecessor company, Atlas Comics (1950s), Atlas Comics. Lasting from 1956 to 1959, it included the work of several notable comics a ...

''. "Offsetting the formulaic nature of the stories was a dash of invigorating absurdity," wrote Hatfield. "The tales had Kirby's energy and, courtesy of Lee, confessional, first-person titles typical of sensation-mongering tabloids and comics, such as, 'I Created Sporr, the Thing That Could Not Die!'" A Kirby science fiction/monster story, usually inked by

Christopher Rule Christopher Rule (November 23, 1894 – April 1983) was an American comic book artist active from the 1940s through at least 1960, and best known as the first regular Marvel Comics inker for comics artist Jack Kirby during the period fans and hi ...

initially, then by

following Rule's retirement, would generally open each book. This was followed by one or two twist-ending thrillers or sci-fi tales drawn by

Don Heck Donald L. HeckDonald L. Heck
at the Social Security Death Index. Retrieved on Septembe ...

Paul Reinman Paul J. Reinman (; born Joseph Paul Reinmann, ; 2 September 1910 – 27 September 1988)Paul J. Reinmen
So ...

, or

, all capped by an often-surreal, sometimes self-reflexive short by Lee and artist

. Lee in 2009 described these "short, five-page filler strips that Steve and I did together", originally "placed in any of our comics that had a few extra pages to fill", as "odd fantasy tales that I'd dream up with O. Henry-type endings." Giving an early example of what would later be known as the " Marvel Method" of writer-artist collaboration, Lee said, "All I had to do was give Steve a one-line description of the plot and he'd be off and running. He'd take those skeleton outlines I had given him and turn them into classic little works of art that ended up being far cooler than I had any right to expect."

Don Heck Donald L. HeckDonald L. Heck
at the Social Security Death Index. Retrieved on Septembe ...

, who worked as an Atlas staff artist from 1954 until the company's retrenchment in 1957 before returning the following year, recalled that the 1958 page rate "was around $20 per page to pencil and ink, I think ival comic-book publisher DC's average was $38. It didn't pick up until 1964-65, and even then it didn't go up all that much — a couple of bucks a page." Although for several months in 1949 and 1950 Timely's titles bore a circular logo labeled "Marvel Comic", the first modern comic books so labeled were the science fiction anthology ''

Journey into Mystery ''Journey into Mystery'' is an American comic book series initially published by Atlas Comics (1950s), Atlas Comics, then by its successor, Marvel Comics. Initially a horror comics anthology, it changed to giant-monster and science fiction stori ...

'' #69 and the teen humor title ''

'' #95 (both June 1961), which each showed an "MC" box on its cover. However, collectors routinely refer to the company's comics from the April 1959 cover-dates onward (when they began featuring Jack Kirby artwork on his return to Goodman's company), as pre-superhero Marvel. Goodman would reuse the name Atlas for the next comics company he founded, in the 1970s.

Atlas titles by type

Sources: Some titles may be arguably Timely at the earlier end, or Marvel at the later end. Many series took over the numbering from previous series, which are listed. In titles numbered from or into the various ''All Winners Comics'', additional clarifying information is supplied.

Crime

* ''All-True Crime'' #37–52 (Feb. 1948 – Sept. 1952) early issues Timely; continued from Timely Comics' ''All True Crime Cases'' * ''Amazing Detective Cases'' #3–14 (Nov. 1950 – Sept. 1952) continued from n.a. * ''Caught'' #1–5 (Aug. 1956 – April 1957) * ''Crime Can't Win'' #41–43, 4–12 (Sept. 1950 – Sept. 1952) continued from

title ''Cindy Smith'' * ''Crime Cases Comics'' #24–27, 5–12 (Aug. 1950 – July 1952) continued from successive Timely Comics series ''Li'l Willie Comics'' and ''Willie Comics'' * ''Crime Exposed'' vol. 2, #1–14 (Dec. 1950 – June 1952) * ''Crime Fighters'' #11–13 (Sept. 1954 – Jan. 1955) continued from Timely Comics' ''Crimefighters'' * ''Crime Must Lose'' #4–12 (Oct. 1950 – April 1952) continued from either ''Sports Action'' or ''Blaze the Wonder Collie''''Crime Must Lose''
at the Grand Comics Database: "Continuation of numbering remains to be confirmed. Numbering continues from ''Sports Action'' (Marvel, 1950 series) #3 r... from ''Blaze the Wonder Collie'' (Marvel, 1949 series) #3. Note: ''Sports Action'' has a break between #3 and 4 and changes indicia publisher. ''Blaze the Wonder Collie'' published only issues #2 and #3. Neither connection is considered solid. ... The exclamation point in the cover title is not part of the title in the indicia." * ''Justice'' #7–9 (first three issues), then 4–52 (Fall 1947 – March 1955) early issues Timely Comics; continued from Timely title ''Wacky Duck''; continued as ''Tales of Justice'' #53–67 (May 1955 – Sept. 1957) *''Kent Blake of the Secret Service'' #1–14 (May 1951 – July 1953) *''Police Action'' #1–7 (Jan.–Nov. 1954) *''Police Badge #479'' #5 (Sept. 1955) continued from ''Spy Thrillers'' (espionage title) *''Private Eye'' #1–8 (Jan. 1951 – March 1952)

Drama

*''Man Comics'' #1–10 (Dec. 1949 – Oct. 1951) continued as

title ''Man Comics'' *''Rugged Action'' #1–4 (Dec. 1954 – June 1955) continued as Horror/fantasy/science fiction title ''Strange Stories of Suspense'' *''True Adventures'' #3 (May 1950) continued from

title ''True Western''; continued as ''Men's Adventures'' #4–8 (Aug. 1950 – June 1951) continued as war title ''Men's Adventures''

Espionage

*''Spy Cases'' #26–28 4–19 (Sept. 1950 – Oct. 1953) continued from Timely Comics' humor title ''The Kellys'' *''Spy Fighters'' #1–15 (March 1951 – July 1953) *''Spy Thrillers'' #1–4 (Nov. 1954 – May 1955) continued as ''Police Badge'' #479 (crime title) *'' Yellow Claw'' #1–4 (Oct. 1956 – April 1957)

Talking animal and other children's comics

*''Adventures of Homer Ghost'' #1–2 (Jan.–Aug. 1957) *''Buck Duck'' #1–4 (June–Dec. 1953) *''Cartoon Kids'' #1 (no date; 1957) *''Dippy Duck'' #1 (Oct. 1957) *''Homer, the Happy Ghost'' #1–22 (March 1955 – Nov. 1958) *''Little Lizzie'' vol. 2, #1–3 (Sept. 1953 – Jan. 1954) (previous volume: Timely Comics' ''Little Lizzie'' #1–5) *''Marvin Mouse'' #1 (Sept. 1957) *''Melvin the Monster'' #1–6 (July 1956 – July 1957) continued as ''Dexter the Demon'' #7 (Sept. 1957) :Note: The above two series not supernatural, but ''Dennis the Menace''–like *''The Monkey and the Bear'' #1–3 (Sept. 1953 – Jan. 1954) *''Wonder Duck'' #1–3 (Sept. 1949 – March 1950) continued as ''It's a Duck's Life'' #4–11 (Nov. 1950 – Feb. 1952)

Horror/fantasy/science fiction

*''Adventure into Mystery'' #1–8 (May 1956 – July 1957) *''Adventures into Terror'' #43–44 (first two issues), then #3–31 (Nov. 1950 – May 1954) original numbering continued from Timely Comics' humor tile ''Joker'' *''Adventures into Weird Worlds'' #1–30 (Jan. 1952 – June 1954) *''

'' #1–6 (June–Nov. 1961) continued as '' Amazing Adult Fantasy'' #7–14 (Dec. 1961 – July 1962) and Marvel Comics' ''

Amazing Fantasy ''Amazing Adult Fantasy'', retitled ''Amazing Fantasy'' in its final issue, is an American comic book anthology series published by Marvel Comics from 1961 through 1962, with the latter title revived with superhero features in 1995 and in the 2000 ...

'' *''Amazing Mysteries'' #32–35 (May 1949 – Jan. 1950) continued from ''Sub-Mariner''; *''Astonishing'' #3–63 (April 1951 – Aug. 1957) continued from superhero title ''

Marvel Boy M-11 Originally known as the Human Robot, the character was given the name "M-11" in the 2006 to 2007 ''Agents of Atlas'' miniseries as an allusion to its first appearance in '' Menace'' #11 from Marvel Comics' 1950s predecessor, Atlas Comics. ...

'' *''

'' #1–82 (June 1952 – July 1962) continued as a Marvel Comics superhero title *''Journey into Unknown Worlds'' #36–59 (Sept. 1950 – Aug. 1957) continued from Timely Comics' teen humor series ''Teen Comics'' *'' Marvel Tales'' #93–159 (Aug. 1949 – Aug. 1957) continued from Timely Comics' superhero title ''

'' *'' Menace'' #1–11 (March 1953 – May 1954) *''Men's Adventures'' #21–26 (May 1953 – March 1954) continued from

War War is an intense armed conflict between states, governments, societies, or paramilitary groups such as mercenaries, insurgents, and militias. It is generally characterized by extreme violence, destruction, and mortality, using regular o ...

title ''Men's Adventures'') continued as superhero title ''Men's Adventures'' *''Mystery Tales'' #1–54 (March 1952 – Aug. 1957) *'' Mystic'' #1–61 (March 1951 – Aug. 1957) *''Space Squadron'' #1–5 (June 1951 – Feb. 1952) continued as ''Space Worlds'' #6 (April 1952) *''Spaceman'' (cover logo: ''Speed Carter, Spaceman'') #1–6 (Sept. 1953 – June 1954) *''Spellbound'' (cover logo: ''Stories to Hold You Spellbound'') #1–34 (March 1952 – June 1957) *''Strange Stories of Suspense'' #5–16 (Oct. 1955 – Aug. 1957) continued from drama title ''Rugged Action'') *''

'' #1–100 (June 1951 – Sept. 1962); post-1961 issues Marvel Comics; series continued as a Marvel Comics superhero title *''Strange Tales of the Unusual'' #1–11 (Dec. 1955 – Aug. 1957) *'' Strange Worlds'' #1–5 (Dec. 1958 – Aug. 1959) *''Suspense'' #1–29 (Dec. 1949 – April 1953) *''

'' #1–38 (Jan. 1959 – Feb. 1963); post-1961 issues Marvel Comics; series continued as a Marvel Comics superhero title *''

'' #1–34 (Jan. 1959 – Aug. 1962); post-1961 issues Marvel Comics; series continued as a Marvel Comics superhero title *'' Uncanny Tales'' #1–56 (June 1952 – Sept. 1957) *''

Venus Venus is the second planet from the Sun. It is sometimes called Earth's "sister" or "twin" planet as it is almost as large and has a similar composition. As an interior planet to Earth, Venus (like Mercury) appears in Earth's sky never fa ...

'' #1–19 (Aug. 1948 – April 1952) early issues Timely Comics *''

'' #1–19 (May 1956 – Aug. 1959) *''World of Mystery'' #1–7 (June 1956 – July 1957) *''World of Suspense'' #1–8 (April 1956 – July 1957)

Humor (satire)

*''Crazy'' #1–7 (Dec. 1953 – July 1954) *''Riot'' #1–6 (April 1954 – June 1956) *''Snafu'' #1–3 (Nov. 1955 – March 1956) * ''Wild'' #1–5 (Feb. 1954 – Aug. 1954)

Humor (sitcom)

*'' A Date with Millie'' #1–7 (Oct. 1956 – Aug. 1957) *''A Date with Millie'' vol. 2, #1–7 (Oct. 1959 – Oct. 1960) continued as '' Life With Millie'' #8–20 (Dec. 1960 – Marvel Comics) *''A Date with Patsy'' #1 (Sept. 1957) *''The Adventures of

Pinky Lee Pincus Leff (May 2, 1907 – April 3, 1993), better known as Pinky Lee, was an American burlesque comic and host of the children's television program ''The Pinky Lee Show'' in the early 1950s. Biography Born in Saint Paul, Minnesota, Lee got hi ...

'' #1–5 (July – Dec. 1955) * ''Della Vision'' #1–3 (April – Aug. 1955) continued as romance title ''Patty Powers'' *''Girls' Life'' (subtitled "Patsy Walker's Own Magazine for Girls") #1–6 (Jan.–Nov. 1954) *''Hedy of Hollywood Comics'' #36–50 (Feb, 1950 – Sept. 1952) continued from Timely Comics' ''Young Allies'' #1–20, ''All-Winners Squad, All Winners Comics'' #21, and ''Hedy De Vine Comics'' #22–35 *''Hedy Wolfe'' (subtitled: "Patsy Walker's Rival"; not to be confused with ''Hedy of Hollywood'') #1 (Aug. 1957) *''Homer Hooper'' #1–4 (July – Dec. 1953) *''Kathy'' #1–27 (Oct. 1959 – Marvel Comics) *''

'' #1–207 (Winter 1945 – Marvel Comics) *''My Friend Irma (entertainment property), My Friend Irma'' #3–48 (June 1950 – Feb. 1955) continued from Timely Comics' ''My Diary'' *''My Girl Pearl'' #1–11 (April 1955 – April 1961) *''Nellie the Nurse'' #1–36 (1945 – Oct. 1952) early issues Timely Comics) *''Nellie the Nurse'' vol. 2, #1 (1957) *''Hellcat (comics), Patsy Walker'' #1–99 (Winter 1945 – Feb. 1962); post-1961 issues Marvel Comics *''Patsy and Hedy'' #1–73 (Feb. 1952 – Dec. 1960) *''Patsy and Her Pals'' #1–29 (May 1953 – Aug. 1957) *''Sergeant Barney Barker'' #1–2 (Aug. – Dec. 1957) continued as

title ''G.I. Tales'' *''Sherry the Showgirl'' #1–3 (July. – Dec. 1956) continued as ''Showgirls'' #4 (Feb. 1957) and ''Sherry the Showgirl'' #5–7 (April – Aug. 1957) *''Showgirls'' vol. 2, #1–2 (July – Aug. 1957) *''Wendy Parker'' #1–8 (July 1953 – July 1954) *''Willie the Wiseguy'' #1 (Sept. 1957)

Jungle

*''Jungle Action'' #1–6 (Oct. 1954 – Aug. 1955; vol. 2, published in the 1970s) *''Jungle Tales'' #1–7 (Sept. 1954 – Sept. 1955) continued as ''Jann of the Jungle'' #8–17 (Nov. 1955 – June 1957) *''Lorna, the Jungle Queen'' #1–5 (July 1953 – Feb. 1954) continued as ''Lorna, the Jungle Girl'' #6–26 (March 1954 – Aug. 1957)

Medieval adventure

*''

'' #1–5 (May 1955 – April 1956)

Romance

*''Cindy Smith'' #39–40 (May–July 1950) continued from Timely Comics' ''Cindy Comics''; continued as Atlas Comics (1950s)#Crime, Crime title ''Crime Can't Win'' *''Girl Confessions'' #13–34 (March 1952 – Aug. 1954) continued from ''Girl Comics''. See under final category below,‘’’Miscellaneous’’’. *''Love Adventures'' #1–12 (Oct. 1949–Aug. 1952; early issues Timely Comics) continued as ''Actual Confessions'' #13–14 (Oct.–Dec. 1952) *''Love Romances'' #6–106 (May 1949 – July 1963) early issues Timely Comics; continued from Timely's ''Ideal'' *''Love Tales'' #36–75 (May 1949 – Sept. 1957) early issues Timely Comics; continued from Timely's superhero comic ''Human Torch (Golden Age), The Human Torch'' #1–35; see note at ‘’’Superheroes’’’ below. *''Lovers'' #23–86 (May 1949 – Aug. 1957) early issues Timely; continued from Timely's superhero comic ''Blonde Phantom'' *''Meet Miss Bliss'' #1–4 (May 1955 – Nov. 1955) continued as ''Stories of Romance'' #5–13 (March 1956 – Aug. 1957) *''Molly Manton's Romances'' #1 (Sept. 1949) **''Romances of Molly Manton'' #2 (Dec. 1949) *''My Love Story'' #1a9 (April 1956 – Aug. 1957) *''My Own Romance'' #4–76 (March 1949 – July 1960) continued from Timely Comics' ''My Romance''; continued as ''Teen-age Romance'' #77–86 (Sept. 1960 – March 1962; post-#82 Marvel Comics) *''Patty Powers'' #4–7 (Oct. 1955 – Oct. 1956) continued from Humor title ''Della Vision'' *''Secret Story Romances'' #1–21 (Nov. 1953 – March 1956) continued as ''True Tales of Love'' #22–31 (April 1956 – Sept. 1957) *''The Romances of Nurse Helen Grant'' #1 (Aug. 1957) *''True Secrets'' #3–40 (March 1950 – Sept. 1956) continued from Timely Comics' ''Our Love''

Sports

*''Sports Action'' #2–14 (Feb. 1950 – Sept. 1952) continued from Timely Comics' ''Sport Stars''

Superheroes

*''Captain America (comic book), Captain America'' #76–78 (May–Sept. 1954) continued from Timely Comics' ''Captain America Comics'' and ''Captain America's Weird Tales'' *''Human Torch (Golden Age), The Human Torch'' #36–38 (April–Aug. 1954) continued from its Timely Comics run, despite its numbering having been taken over by the Atlas Comics (1950s)#Romance, Romance title ''Love Tales'' *''

'' #1–2 (Dec. 1950 – Feb. 1951) continued as Horror title ''Astonishing'', in which Marvel Boy stars from #3–6. *''Men's Adventures'' #27–28 (May–July 1954) continued from Horror title ''Men's Adventures'' *''Sub-Mariner'' #33–42 (April 1954 – Oct. 1955) continued from Timely Comics' ''Sub-Mariner Comics'' *''Young Men'' #24–28 (Dec. 1953 – June 1954) continued from Misc. title ''Young Men''

War

*''3-D Action'' #1 (Jan. 1954) *''Battle'' #1–70 (March 1951 – June 1960) *''Battle Action'' #1–30 (Feb. 1952 – Aug. 1957) *''Battle Ground'' (first four issues ''Battle–Ground'') #1–20 (Sept. 1954 – Sept.1957) *''Battlefield'' #1–11 (April 1952 – May 1953) *''Battlefront'' #1–48 (June 1952 – Aug. 1957) *''Combat'' #1–11 (June 1952 – April 1953) *''Combat Kelly'' #1–44 (Nov. 1951 – Aug. 1957) *''Commando Adventures'' #1–2 (June–Aug. 1957) *''Devil-Dog Dugan'' #1–3 (July–Nov. 1956) continued as ''Tales of the Marines'' #4 (Feb. 1957) and ''Marines at War'' #5–7 (April–Aug. 1957) *''G.I. Tales'' #4–6 (Feb.–July 1957) continued from humor title ''Sergeant Barney Barker'') *''Man Comics'' #11–28 (Dec. 1951 – Sept. 1953) continued from Drama title ''Man Comics'') *''Marines in Action'' #1–14 (June 1955 – Sept. 1957) *''Marines in Battle'' #1–25 (Aug. 1954 – Sept. 1958) *''Men in Action'' #1–9 (April–Dec. 1952) continued as ''Battle Brady'' #10–14 (Jan.–June 1953) *''Men's Adventures'' #9–20 (Aug. 1951 – April 1953) continued from Drama title ''Men's Adventures''; continued as horror title ''Men's Adventures'' *''Navy Action'' #1–11 (Aug. 1954 – April 1956); ''Sailor Sweeney'' #12–14 (June–Nov. 1956); and ''Navy Action'' #15–18 (Jan.–Aug. 1957) *''Navy Combat'' #1–20 (June 1955 – Oct. 1958) *''Navy Tales'' #1–4 (Jan.–July 1957) *''War Action'' #1–14 (April 1952 – June 1953) *''War Adventures'' #1–13 (Jan. 1952 – Feb. 1953) *''War Combat'' #1–5 (March–Nov. 1952) continued as ''Combat Casey'' #6–34 (Jan. 1953 – July 1957) *''War Comics'' #1–49 (Dec. 1950 – Sept. 1957)

Western

*''3-D Tales of the West'' #1 (Jan. 1954) *''All Western Winners'' #2–4 (Winter 1948 – April 1949) **continued from Timely Comics' ''All Winners Comics'' vol. 2, #1; **continued as ''Western Winners'' #5–7 (June 1949 – Dec. 1949) **continued as '' Black Rider'' #8–27 (March 1950 – March 1955) **continued as ''Western Tales of Black Rider'' #28–31 (May 1955 – Nov. 1955) ** continued as ''

'' #32–77 (Dec. 1955 – July 1963) * ''Annie Oakley'' #1–11 (Spring–Nov. 1948; June 1955 – June 1956) * ''Arizona Kid'' #1–6 (March 1951 – Jan. 1952) * ''Arrowhead'' #1–4 (April 1954 – Nov. 1954) * ''Billy Buckskin Western'' #1–3 (Nov. 1955 – March 1956) continued as ''2-Gun Western'' #4 (May 1956) and ''Two-Gun Western'' #5–12 (July 1956 – Sept. 1957) See also ''Two Gun Western'' *''The Black Rider Rides Again!'' #1 (Sept. 1957) See also '' Black Rider'', above *''Frontier Western'' #1–10 (Feb. 1956 – August 1957) *''The Gunhawk'' #12–18 (Nov. 1950 – Dec. 1951) continued from successive Timely Comics titles ''Blaze Carson'', ''Rex Hart'', and ''Whip Wilson'' *''Kid Colt, Outlaw, Kid Colt, Hero of the West'' #1–2 (Aug.–Oct. 1948) continued as ''

'' #3–229 (Dec. 1948 – Marvel Comics) *''The Kid from Dodge City'' #1–2 (July–Sept. 1957) *''The Kid from Texas'' #1–2 (July–Aug. 1957) *''Matt Slade, Gunfighter'' #1–4 (May–Nov. 1956) continued as ''Kid Slade, Gunfighter'' #5–8 (Jan.–July 1957) *''Outlaw Fighters'' #1–5 (Aug. 1954 – April 1955) *''

'' #1–19 (Sept. 1954 – Sept. 1957) *''Rawhide Kid'' #1–16, 17–25 (March 1955 – Sept. 1957; Aug. 1960 – Dec. 1961); post-1961 issues Marvel Comics *''Red Warrior'' #1–6 (Jan.–Dec. 1951) *''Reno Browne, Hollywood's Greatest Cowgirl'' #50–52 (April–Sept. 1950; continued from Timely Comics' ''Margie''; continued as ''Apache Kid (comics), The Apache Kid'' #53 (Dec. 1950); ''Apache Kid (comics), Apache Kid'' #2–19 (Feb. 1951 – Jan. 1952; Dec. 1954 – April 1956) and ''Western Gunfighters'' #20–27 (June 1956 – Aug. 1957) *''Ringo Kid, Ringo Kid Western'' #1–4 (Aug. 1954 – Feb. 1955) continued as ''Ringo Kid'' #5–21 (April 1955 – Sept. 1957) *''Six-Gun Western'' #1–4 (Jan.–July 1957) *''Texas Kid'' #1–10 (Jan. 1951 – July 1952) *''True Western'' #1–2 (Dec. 1949 – March 1950) continued as drama title ''True Adventures'' *''Two-Gun Kid'' #1–59 (March 1948 – April 1961); early issues Timely Comics *''Two Gun Western'' #5–14 (Nov. 1950 – June 1952) continued from Timely Comics' Crime title ''Casey – Crime Photographer'' *''Western Kid'' #1–17 (Dec. 1954 – Aug. 1957) *''Western Outlaws'' #1–21 (Feb. 1954 – Aug. 1957) *''Western Outlaws & Sheriffs'' #60–73 (Dec. 1949 – June 1952) continued from Timely Comics' ''Best Western'' *''Western Thrillers'' #1–4 (Nov. 1954 – Feb. 1955) continued as ''Cowboy Action'' #5–11 (March 1955 – March 1956) and ''Quick-Trigger Western'' #12–19 (May 1956 – Sept. 1957) *''Western Trails'' #1–2 (May–July 1957) *''Wild Western'' #3–57 (September 1948 – September 1957) continued from Timely Comics' ''Wild West''; early issues Timely Comics *''Wyatt Earp'' #1–29 (Nov. 1955 – June 1960) continued as 1970s Marvel Comics reprint title

Miscellaneous

* ''Bible Tales for Young Folk'' #1–5 (Aug. 1953 – March 1954) * ''Girl Comics'' #1–12 (Oct. 1949 – Jan. 1952) continued as Romance title ''Girl Confessions''. *''Miss America (Madeline Joyce), Miss America'' #1–93 (Jan. 1944 – Nov. 1958; 126 issues with inconsistent volume numbering); note: Variously, and at times overlapping, a superhero, romance and humor title. *''World's Greatest Songs'' #1 (Sept. 1954) * ''Young Men'' #4–23 (June 1950 – Oct. 1953) continued from Timely Comics' ''Cowboy Romances''; note: cover title is ''Young Men on the Battlefield!'' #12–20) continued as Superhero title ''Young Men''. Note: The romance title ''Linda Carter, Student Nurse'' #1–9 (Sept. 1961 – Jan. 1963), sometimes grouped together with Atlas Comics, chronologically falls within Marvel, and all covers have the "MC" box.

References

External links

* * * {{Comic book publishers in North America navbox 1951 establishments in New York City 1957 disestablishments in New York (state) American companies established in 1951 American companies disestablished in 1957 Publishing companies established in 1951 Publishing companies disestablished in 1957 Marvel Comics imprints Atlas Comics Comic book publishing companies of the United States Defunct comics and manga publishing companies