Dark Horse Comics President Mike Richardson Wants To Give You $1,000 Cash For ‘Atomic Legion’ Contest!’

Dark Horse Comics is holding a cash-prized contest that will test a savvy reader's knowledge of pop culture history. Dark Horse co-founder Mike Richardson (writer of the Eisner-nominated 47 Ronin) and Thor artist Bruce Zick have filled up every page of The Atomic Legion with pop culture icons and sci-fi references.

The Atomic Legion follows a young adventurous boy, Robby, who suddenly stumbles upon his favorite superheroes, after they have retired from the crime-fighting business. Robby has to put the team back together for one last round against their most-hated supervillain. Richardson and Zick have crafted an endearing tribute to the Golden-Age superheroes, sci-fi movies, and planted every page with an Easter egg.

In an interview with Comic Book Resources, Richardson explains how the story about, "At the time the project was started, I was in the middle of three horror series ("Cut," "The Secret" and "Living With the Dead"), and I wanted to do something completely different. I also wanted to work with Zick, who is an amazing artist. I pitched him the story with the intent of really having some fun with the project and he jumped on the idea. We deal with themes of self-esteem and self-image in a fantasy setting, using numerous pop-culture touchstones throughout."

Rules of the Atomic Legion contest:

1) Buy the comic and read thoroughly

2)  Send an e-mail to atomiclegion@darkhorse.com with your list of the story's pop culture and science fiction references, and a picture of yourself with the book, all before May 31.

The first person to correctly identify the most references will be awarded the $1,000 cash prize. Richardson will also throw in $1,000 worth of Dark Horse comics to the winner's favorite comic shop! If you've got the pop culture savviness, then this contest should be easy pickings for you.

The Atomic Legion is out in stores now. To participate in Dark Horse Comics' contest, spot the most pop culture references in Atomic Legion and you could win $1,000. Hurry because the contest ends May 31.