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Atom, The (Palmer)
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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
First Appearance:
Showcase #34
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

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Showcase #34
DC ⋅ 1961
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Showcase #34
 
Low
$160
Mid
$850
High
$3.9k

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
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Showcase #35
 
Low
$45
Mid
$135
High
$810

Key Facts

2nd appearance of the Atom

Showcase #36
DC ⋅ 1962
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Showcase #36
 
Low
$35
Mid
$110
High
$600

Key Facts

3rd appearance of the Atom

Atom #1
DC ⋅ 1962
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Atom #1
 
Low
$155
Mid
$560
High
$1.6k

Key Facts

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

Justice League of America #14
DC ⋅ 1962
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Justice League of America #14
 
Low
$25
Mid
$80
High
$400

Key Facts

The Atom joins the JLA

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

Atom #7
DC ⋅ 1963
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Atom #7
 
Low
$20
Mid
$60
High
$320

Key Facts

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

Atom and Hawkman #39
DC ⋅ 1968
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Atom and Hawkman #39
 
Low
$3
Mid
$10
High
$45

Key Facts

Title becomes The Atom and Hawkman

Action Comics #767
Non-Key
DC ⋅ 2000
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Action Comics #767
 
Low
$0
Mid
$0
High
$0

Key Facts

Non-Key Issue. No additional information is available.

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