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Atom, The (Pratt)
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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 explore themes of size and perspective, allowing for unique storytelling opportunities.

Early Years

Ray Palmer, a physicist, discovers a way to shrink himself to subatomic sizes using a special belt. He becomes the Atom, fighting crime and exploring the microscopic world.

Character Development

Over the years, the Atom has evolved from a simple superhero into a complex character with deep scientific knowledge and personal struggles, often reflecting the challenges of balancing heroism with personal life.

Cultural Reception

The Atom has been well-received by fans and critics alike, often praised for his unique abilities and the scientific themes in his stories.

Character Details

Real Name:
Ray Palmer
First Appearance:
All-American Comics #19
Aliases:
The Atom, Atom
Species:
Human
Gender:
Male
Affiliations:
Justice League, Justice Society of America, Doom Patrol
Abilities:
Size manipulation, Superhuman strength, Flight, Scientific genius
Equipment:
Size-altering technology, Atom suit
Weight:
150lbs
Height:
5' 3"
Eye Color:
blue
Hair Color:
brown

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All-American Comics #19
DC ⋅ 1940
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All-American Comics #19
 
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$1.9k
Mid
$3.8k
High
$29k

Key Facts

1st appearance of the Atom, Al Pratt, not in costume

All-American Comics #20
DC ⋅ 1940
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All-American Comics #20
 
Low
$550
Mid
$1.6k
High
$7k

Key Facts

Ma Hunkel becomes Red Tornado, one panel unnamed

2nd appearance of Al Pratt, 1st appearance in costume as the Atom

All-Star Comics #3
DC ⋅ 1940
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All-Star Comics #3
 
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$7.5k
Mid
$28k
High
$85k

Key Facts

1st team appearance and origin of the Justice Society of America, the first superhero team in history: Atom, Flash, Sandman, Spectre, Hawkman, Dr. Fate, Green Lantern, Hourman

3rd appearance of the Atom

All-Star Comics #4
DC ⋅ 1941
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All-Star Comics #4
 
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$1.1k
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$3.5k
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$11k

Key Facts

2nd team appearance of the Justice Society of America

All-Star Comics #42
DC ⋅ 1948
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All-Star Comics #42
 
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$115
Mid
$340
High
$1.2k

Key Facts

Debut of a new Atom costume

Debut of a new Hawkman costume

Atom #29
DC ⋅ 1967
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Atom #29
 
Low
$12
Mid
$35
High
$170

Key Facts

1st solo appearance of the Golden Age Atom, Pratt, in the Silver Age

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