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I first suspected that ATLAS/SEABOARD wasn't destined for longevity when I read an article in one of their b&w mags (at least, I think it was one of theirs) on The SIX MILLION DOLLAR MAN, featuring an interview with LEE MAJORS, star of the TV show. He mentioned author MARTIN CAIDIN's book, 'SIDEBOARD', which made me do a double-take as the book was actually called 'CYBORG' - something I knew for certain 'cos I'd previously read it (and still own it today - or maybe it's OPERATION NUKE I have). Obviously the article had been transcribed from a recorded interview (either by 'phone or in person), but with that kind of sloppy journalism, I figured that both the mag and the company were fated for a short life.
Well, it gave me no pleasure to be proved right, and I'm certainly not crowing about it, but MARTIN GOODMAN was paying higher rates than other companies, so he was surely entitled to expect a far better standard than he was receiving in some cases. Ten months after it had started, the age of Atlas came to an end. Not so much an age, more of a moment. They'd tried just a little too hard to look like MARVEL, and in so doing, failed to establish an identity of their own. Would-be publishers would be wise to take note.
Hope you've all enjoyed this series of cover galleries looking back at the Atlas/Seaboard output, frantic ones. If so, let's hear from you in the comments section. Your appreciation is always appreciated. (Why, that's almost profound.)
