DC K.O.: Superman vs. Captain Atom #1 REVIEW
Summary:
5
Crazy Good!
Two Powerhouses, One Victor
The next round begins, and not a moment to rest, Superman and Captain Atom find themselves in this match-up against each other. After the events of DC K.O. #2, combatants are whisked away to familiar but unfamiliar locations where each person must face off in the best of two out of three rules. DC K.O.: Superman vs Captain Atom #1 puts the Man of Steel up against a weapon of atomized proportions. As Atom fights for what he believes in, Superman tries to convince Atom not to lose himself in the pursuit of the Heart of Apokolips. Unfortunately, these types of conversations rarely go as planned, and Superman will have to meet Atom on the same level if he hopes to survive this encounter.
Written by Joshua Williamson (Batman vs. Robin), DC K.O.: Superman vs. Captain Atom #1 explores who is more willing to sacrifice for the betterment of others to save the world. Obviously, both characters have their respective reasons, but Williamson presses on the idea of what it means to sacrifice. Between Superman and Captain Atom, who have impressive feats of power, this story questions what a person is willing to lose of themselves to obtain something greater. The fascinating aspect of this comic book, besides its splendid action contains in the conversation Superman and Captain Atom have while fighting each other. While they trade blow for blow, having the Heart of Apokolips reach out to them creates a perspective of who is more suitable rather than someone capable. More importantly, each character can choose a form at any time in the DC universe they believe will be the right choice for the fight. Williamson strategically composes the trajectory of these choices and gives readers a Superman never seen before.
Skillfully illustrated, Sean Izaakse (Champions) provides DC K.O.: Superman vs. Captain Atom #1 with remarkable artwork. The amount of detail displayed in the comic book is astonishing, and Izaakse makes sure that readers understand that. From close-ups to landscapes, Izaakse expresses it all to make the story feel the burden of witnessing this battle.
Sharing the spotlight with coloring work, Trish Mulvihill (Aquaman) and HI-FI (52) vividly explode DC K.O.: Superman vs. Captain Atom #1 with a stunning use of color formality. Each panel has its moment to admire the coloring process used to enhance the experience for readers. Showcasing the range of colors in Captain Atom’s use of powers adds radiance.
The cover art to the comic book by Jorge Corona (Blasfamous) and Sarah Stern (Canto) is excitingly good. The cover sets the tone for the book and what to expect while reading. The amount of mayhem on the comic book cover adds a sense of enticing desire to pick it up from the shelves and read it. Anytime Superman and Captain Atom are challenging each other on a cover, it is worth exploring, as the battle could end either way.
Completing the comic book with unforgettable lettering, Dave Sharpe (Absolute Superman) gives readers a bullet train of rousing lettering approaches. The usage of word placement and sound effect distribution allows readers to comprehend the significance of the situation in Atom and Superman’s battle with each other. The lettering brings together the missing piece to the journey of the comic book.
Overall, DC K.O.: Superman vs. Captain Atom #1 avoids becoming a lackluster reading experience and comes off the hot print press ready to be enjoyed. It puts two powerhouses together in a cage and sees who comes out on top. Readers might want to pick this one up at their local comic book store or online, where copies are sold.
Comic Details
Writer: Joshua Williamson
Artist: Sean Izaakse
Colorists: Trish Mulvihill, HI-FI
Letterer: Dave Sharpe
Cover Artists: Jorge Corona, Sarah Stern
Editors: Jillian Grant, Paul Kaminski
Publisher: DC Comics
Release Date: December 3, 2025
Rating: 5/5
About the Author
Howard Smith Howard is a passionate collector and avid reader of comics & manga. His love for all things pop culture extends beyond the pages of comics, as he is a seasoned gamer with an appreciation of quality storytelling. As he is always on the hunt for rare collectibles, he manifests an opportunity to celebrate his fandoms. Follow along for new discoveries and changes in the world of entertainment.
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