Freedom Fighters and Agents of Atlas

 

Between the Golden Age and Modern Ages of heroes, these were two teams that held down the fort. I have enjoyed both their original appearances as well as the modern revivals of both of these groups.  I'd love to see a story set in the 50's or 60's or even the present day that includes them both.

Soviet Super-Soldiers and Uncle Sam

 

Common enemies can make for odd alliances sometimes, and that's what this tale would be about.  I'd like to think that all of our heroes could find some common ground and mutual respect for each other by the story's end.

The Super Secret Service

 

I've been meaning to use Agent Liberty on a cover for a while.  I enjoyed the character when he appeared in the Superman titles and was disappointed that he never really caught on and became a more popular hero.  They presented a version of him on Supergirl, but it was a more villainous take that I didn't care for.  I have also been meaning to do a team of patriotic themes heroes, so this cover checked off a couple of boxes for me.

Captain Canuck and Uncle Sam

I'm always happy when I get to use a Murphy Anderson image on this blog.  Whether he was on full art chores, or inks only, Anderson's work always stood out to me, even as a kid.  He could elevate anyone's pencils, maintaining the integrity of their art while adding his own polished touch, resulting in a gorgeous final product.

Captain America and Uncle Sam

It's crazy with Captain America reaching an all time high level of popularity through his film appearances that Marvel seems to be determined to keep him out of his costume.  After the events of the comic book Civil War, he was killed off, to be replaced by Bucky Barnes/The Winter Soldier.  He finally regained his mantle, but did not hold onto it all that long.  These days, Sam Wilson/The Falcon has stepped into the role.  Not a bad idea, but he should have chosen to go with either the wings or the shield - using both just seems so wonky to me.  With Steve Rogers heading up another huge summer film next year, will he be able to assume the title of Captain America again in time for the premiere?  Or will that film spell the end for Steve as Cap on screen as well?

The Freedom Fighters and The Invaders in: "Bad Day To Be A Nazi!"

I featured a cover with these two teams meeting before, but when I saw the chance to have a reunion featuring all Gil Kane artwork, I had to give it a shot.  I still love stories set in World War Two, that era fascinates me.  I think the best superhero epics that take place in that time are the ones that still manage to give the non-powered soldiers their respect and due.

The Freedom Fighters and The Invaders

You have to love a big sprawling superhero wartime story.  Unfortunately, judging by the solicitations,  it looks like the new Earth Two series from DC will be taking place during current times, severing the JSA from the backdrop of World War II once and for all.  While I can understand the desire to modernize their line, I think they are letting go of a big part of the appeal of the Goden Age characters.  I always enjoy seeing superhero period pieces and even when those characters are brought into present day, it's cool to see how they interact with others, given their sensibilities from a bygone era.

The Thing and The Freedom Fighters

I was sorry to see that the latest Freedom Fighters series was cancelled in under a year. I was enjoying it and hoped it would have found a larger audience. Maybe this is a team best served by a series of mini-series, rather than an ongoing title. I'd love to see some adventures of the original Freedom Fighters as well, there a precious few tales of them while they were in their fighting prime. It's another reason that a DCU series set in the WWII era would be nice, so we could see adventures of the various members of the Freedom Fighters as well as the All-Star Squadron and JSA during their heyday.

Batman and The Freedom Fighters

Presenting… my least favorite cover! I guess we all have clunkers every now and then and I consider this to be one of them. I don’t know if it was the too simple design or the art I chose but this one never really came together. It’s too bad because I really like the Freedom Fighters. The Human Bomb, The Ray, Doll Man and the rest made for an especially eclectic bunch. Plus they had eye candy with Phantom Lady and were led by Uncle Sam himself! Simply a great line up.

I have liked the recent Freedom Fighters mini-series with the mostly legacy characters and am glad to hear that they will shortly be starting their own ongoing series. If it is up to the quality of the mini-series, we should be in for a fun ride!