From 1974-1975, Marvel Comics founder Martin Goodman's Atlas Comics attracted major talents like Steve Ditko and Neal Adams, created dozens of original characters, and promptly disappeared. Now, Goodman's grandson Jason is resurrecting Atlas in time for the New York Comic-Con.
Atlas Comics was unique for honoring creators' rights at a time when the comic book industry was primarily work-for-hire. After selling Marvel Comics in the early 1970s, Martin Goodman started Atlas with his son Chip to get back at Marvel. Apparently Chip was supposed stay on as editorial director after Martin sold Marvel...but was shown the door as soon as his father left. In any case, the Goodman family is looking to resurrect Atlas line.
Deadline reports that Jason Goodman is looking to bring back the Atlas line starting with the heroes Phoenix (a cosmic-powered alien-battler whose series lasted four issues) and The Grim Ghost (kind of like Spawn meets Ghost Rider meets Paul Revere, he lasted three). Both heroes' series will be unveiled at NYCC. Says Jason about the relaunch:
Although my grandfather eventually sold Marvel, he insisted on keeping Atlas Comics in the family [...] As a result of his vision, Atlas Comics is the largest individually-held library of comic book heroes and villains on the planet. We have 28 titles and hundreds of characters imagined by some of the greatest minds in the industry
Ardden Entertainment, which is involved with the Atlas relaunch, has Ardden editor-in-chief J.M. DeMatteis (Kraven's Last Hunt, Justice League International ) helping out as well. You can read more about the formerly defunct line at Atlas Archives. I really want to see a solid Ironjaw reboot. This guy's channeling Baron Ünderbheit from Venture Bros.
[Thanks for the heads up, Zak!]