The Six Million Dollar Man – Fall of Man #1
The Six Million Dollar Man – Fall of Man #1
đ Genre
Science Fiction · Action · Espionage · Superhero
Blending classic spy thriller tropes with futuristic sci-fi, this series fits squarely in the action-packed world of government secrets, cybernetic super-agents, and global conspiracies. Expect high-octane espionage, explosive combat, and retro-futuristic themes.
đŠŸ Main Characters
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Steve Austin – The titular Six Million Dollar Man, a former astronaut turned government agent with advanced cybernetic enhancements. Charismatic, loyal, but increasingly suspicious of his handlers.
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Oscar Goldman – Steve’s OSI superior, torn between national security and personal loyalty.
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Niko – A mysterious female cyborg operative whose past intersects dangerously with Steve’s mission.
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OSI (Office of Scientific Intelligence) – The covert agency responsible for creating and deploying Steve, but hiding dangerous secrets.
✍️ Writer
Van Jensen – Known for his work on Green Lantern Corps and Pinocchio, Vampire Slayer, Jensen brings his signature balance of grounded character writing and sci-fi spectacle to this reinvention of a pop culture icon.
đš Artist
Ron Salas – His crisp, kinetic artwork delivers clean action sequences and expressive character designs that perfectly capture both the nostalgia and innovation of this reboot.
đ ️ Editor Details
Dafna Pleban (Editor) – A seasoned editor at BOOM! Studios, Pleban ensures narrative cohesion and sharp pacing while preserving the nostalgic feel of the franchise.
đą Publisher and Brand
BOOM! Studios
Not part of a sub-brand like DC Black Label, this series comes from BOOM!'s main publishing line, known for revitalizing classic media properties with fresh storytelling and modern artwork.
đ Release Year
2016
Despite being set in 1979, the series was released in 2016 and aimed to rekindle interest in the classic character with a darker, more introspective tone and a modern storytelling approach.
đ§ Brief Plot Summary
Set during the chaotic final years of the 1970s—with geopolitical tensions high and the world on edge—Steve Austin is the pinnacle of American military innovation. But when he uncovers classified files suggesting OSI’s involvement in ethically murky experiments and black operations, Steve begins to question everything he’s been told.
His pursuit of the truth puts him on a collision course with cybernetically enhanced assassins, laser-wielding mercenaries, rogue agents, and even deadly ninjas. As Austin begins to go rogue, he must fight to stay ahead of both his enemies and former allies who now view him as a threat. Can the world’s most advanced man survive when he no longer knows who to trust?
đ„ Notable Arcs or Storylines
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Fall of Man Arc – The central storyline where Steve Austin’s loyalty to OSI is tested as he digs deeper into their hidden past. A blend of internal conflict and external danger, this arc lays the groundwork for potential rebellion, moral reckoning, and redefining what it means to be a "hero."
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Cyborg Showdown – Steve must face off against a rival cybernetic agent, paralleling themes of identity, agency, and the dehumanization of war technology.
đŹ Fan Theories or Interpretations
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OSI's True Agenda – Some fans speculate that the OSI may have been manipulating Steve’s missions from the beginning, possibly erasing parts of his memory to keep him obedient.
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Niko’s Connection to Steve – There’s ongoing discussion that Niko may be a prototype or clone derived from Steve’s own DNA, created as a failsafe in case he ever went rogue.
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Is Steve the Villain? – A minority theory floats the idea that Steve is an unreliable narrator, and the supposed “truth” he discovers could be a cybernetic-induced delusion planted to sabotage OSI from within.
⭐ Review Summary
Visually striking and narratively gripping, Fall of Man is a thrilling modernization of the beloved Six Million Dollar Man franchise. Ron Salas’s artwork shines in both the action sequences and retro-futuristic aesthetic, while Van Jensen’s script adds much-needed psychological depth to Steve Austin, transforming him from a government pawn into a conflicted hero.
The comic does an excellent job of balancing nostalgia with reinvention. Long-time fans will appreciate the nods to the original series, while new readers can jump in without prior knowledge. The only drawback is the sometimes rushed pacing, but the emotional weight and thematic exploration more than make up for it.
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Verdict: Must-read for fans of spy thrillers, sci-fi action, and anti-hero narratives. đ¶️đ„đŠż
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