Atomic Comics

摘要

FROM spider-man to the Fantastic Four, comic books are rife with nuclear-fueled origin stories. No matter that in the real world a strong dose of radiation can cause cancer and bone necrosis, destroy chromosomes, and ruin reproductive organs. Why have so many comics ignored scientific fact and linked radiation with superpowers instead of superimpotence? Blame the December 1953 issue of proto-DlY magazine Mechanix Illustrated, which featured the article "How Nuclear Radiation Can Change Our Race."¶ The piece begins, "Now hear this. Earth! I am Mutant Man, Homo Superior! You created me in your blind, savage, senseless war of atomic radiation. You have only yourselves to blame if I turn out to be your-Frankenstein Monster!"