In comics there is what’s called the Multiverse. There are many different universes. They inhabit the same space but flow at different frequencies. A different universe is created each time major decisions or influences are made. In comic books the use of Multiverse can be used to tell “What if …” stories. What if the heroes were villains? What if the Nazis won the war? What if Marvel and DC characters existed on the universal plane? There have been some interesting concepts and characters created because of the Multiverse.

Remembering You’re Not

“For superheroes this downed power line is child’s play but for a child it’s a death trap. Next time be a hero by remembering you’re not.” - Captain Atom*

Before the “Crisis on Infinite Earths” there were many Earths in the multiverse. On Earth-Four where its heroes had names like Blue Beetle, Nightshade, and Thunderbolt. There was one hero that stood out more than any other. His name was Captain Atom. Allen Adam was a military technician working on a special rocket project. In an accident he was launched into space once leaving our atmosphere the rocket and Adam exploded. He and the rocket were atomized. Allen Adam rematerialized on Earth with super strength, flight, radiation and energy blasts, atomic transmutation and the ability to absorb nuclear energy. He was Earth-Fours’ greatest hero.

We are not superheroes and we do not have fantastic gifts that can absorb nuclear energy. However, we can be heroes. We should not pick up downed power lines but we can call the proper authorities. If we see a crime we can call the police. If someone falls we can help pick them up. A friendly smile and a proper hello are heroic to some people. Please remember that we are not superheroes but the little human things we do can be heroic.

Captain Atom (Allen Adam)
First Appearance: Space Adventures, #33 March 1960), Charlton Comics

Last Appearance: DC Comics Presents, #90 (February 1986), DC Comics

Creators: Joe Gill (writer) Steve Ditko (art)

* “Powerless”, Batman: The Brave & The Bold, season 3 episode 10, (October 11, 2011), Michael Goquen (director) Greg Weisman, Todd Casey (writers), Brian Bloom (actor), Cartoon Network