Key Collector Comics
Atom, The (Palmer)
View Key Issues

Creation & Design

The Atom was created by writer Gardner Fox and artist Gil Kane, debuting in Showcase #34 in 1961. The character was designed to be a superhero who could shrink to subatomic sizes, a concept that was innovative for the time.

Early Years

Ray Palmer was a brilliant physicist who discovered a way to shrink his size using a special process involving a white dwarf star. He became the Atom, using his powers to fight crime and explore the microscopic world.

Character Development

Over the years, Ray Palmer has evolved from a scientist with a unique power to a key player in the DC Universe, often exploring themes of science, responsibility, and the nature of heroism.

Cultural Reception

The Atom has been well-received by fans and critics alike, praised for his intelligence and unique abilities that set him apart from other superheroes.

Character Details

Real Name:
Ray Palmer
Aliases:
The Atom
Species:
Human
Gender:
Male
Affiliations:
Justice League, Justice Society of America, Doom Patrol
Abilities:
Size manipulation, Expert scientist, Hand-to-hand combat
Equipment:
Size-altering technology, Various scientific gadgets
Weight:
150lbs
Height:
5' 3"
Eye Color:
blue
Hair Color:
brown

Clicking on the eBay link and making a purchase may result in this site earning a commission from the eBay Partner Network.

Showcase #34

DC ⋅ 1961

View Details
Showcase #34
 
Low
$160
Mid
$850
High
$3.9k
Buy it on eBay!

Key Facts

1st appearance and origin of The Atom aka Ray Palmer, in the Silver Age

1st appearance of Jean Loring, girlfriend of Ray Palmer

Showcase #35

DC ⋅ 1961

View Details
Showcase #35
 
Low
$45
Mid
$135
High
$810
Buy it on eBay!

Key Facts

2nd appearance of the Atom

Showcase #36

DC ⋅ 1962

View Details
Showcase #36
 
Low
$35
Mid
$110
High
$600
Buy it on eBay!

Key Facts

3rd appearance of the Atom

Atom #1

DC ⋅ 1962

View Details
Atom #1
 
Low
$155
Mid
$560
High
$1.6k
Buy it on eBay!

Key Facts

1st appearance of the Plant Master, later becomes the Floronic Man in Flash #245

Justice League of America #14

DC ⋅ 1962

View Details
Justice League of America #14
 
Low
$25
Mid
$80
High
$400
Buy it on eBay!

Key Facts

The Atom joins the JLA

1st appearance of Hector Hammond with mutated head caused by a radiated meteor

Atom #7

DC ⋅ 1963

View Details
Atom #7
 
Low
$20
Mid
$60
High
$320
Buy it on eBay!

Key Facts

First team-up of Hawkman and the Atom, Ray Palmer

Atom and Hawkman #39

DC ⋅ 1968

View Details
Atom and Hawkman #39
 
Low
$3
Mid
$10
High
$45
Buy it on eBay!

Key Facts

Title becomes The Atom and Hawkman

Action Comics #767
Non-Key

DC ⋅ 2000

View Details
Action Comics #767
 
Low
$0
Mid
$0
High
$0
Buy it on eBay!

Adjust Your Filters To See More Comics!

By default Key Collector searches for Standard Cover Key Issues.

Adjust the "Variants" and/or "Non-Key Issues" search filters above for additional content:

  • Variant Covers ([[totalVariants]])
  • Non-Key Issues ([[totalNonKeys]])

At Key Collector, our primary focus is on unearthing those rare Standard Cover Key Issues for you. However, the world of comic collectibles is vast and varied. We want to make sure you have the tools to explore it all!