We finally get a good look at Tempest's origins in this issue, and of the origin of Reactron. It's easy to forget sometimes that the Vietnam War was still very much in the consciousness of America at the time that this series was being written. Both Tempest and Reactron have their geneses in the jungles of Vietnam, Krullen (Reactron)'s violence toward civilians causing the emotional catalyst that caused Tempest's powers to manifest. Josh is often called a mutant, something that is quite rare in the DCU, and the link of emotion to his powers manifesting definitely aligns with Marvel's mutants. Reactron, it turns out, is also a mutant of sorts, though his change comes from being a witness to atomic testing in his time in the service. I find it interesting that as culture moved further and further from the first nuclear weapons, and became more accepting of them, that the consequences of those weapons shifted quite radically. Think of the depictions of atomic mutants that we see in old pre-Code horror comics. Those creatures, though perhaps superpowered, were certainly not superheroes. And the changes they underwent resemble far more what exposure to radiation would actually result in. More so, for certain, than Reactron's abilities. Does it reflect the acceptance of nuclear power as an energy source that the shift in its comic book consequences is from destruction to elevation?
Looking ahead, aside from tomorrow's slight jump back in time, we're on to more solo Cliff Steele adventures in the company of the Titans, and then we get, for the first time ever, a number one issue of Doom Patrol. Though I may give myself a break before jumping into that series. There's so much else to read!
"Oh man, if there's anythin' better'n absorbin' this much radiation, I don't think I could stand it!"
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