DCU

Discovering a fragment of a white dwarf star, physics graduate student Ray Palmer soon learned that, with a little manipulation, he could use the fragment to alter his own size and mass. Thus, the diminutive hero known as the Atom was born.

Shortly after he gained his powers, Palmer joined the Justice League of America, where he served with distinction over the course of many years. Despite the Mighty Mite's size, his adventures were on a grand scale. He discovered numerous subatomic worlds, lived as a miniature barbarian king in the Amazon, and also did covert work with the Suicide Squad. Following his Suicide Squad stint, Atom rejoined the ranks of the Justice League, fighting alongside the likes of Superman, the Ray, and the Martian Manhunter.

During the Zero Hour conflict, Palmer was de-aged to a teen. Undaunted, Palmer joined the Teen Titans, serving as the group's field leader. Eventually, Palmer was restored to his natural age and returned to Ivy University, resuming his academic career. Each time the need arises, however, the Atom is always ready to answer the call of duty.

Considering his colorful past, Ray Palmer is currently more than happy to be the sage advisor and let other heroes take the spotlight. This does not, however, take away from the fact that he is one of the JLA's most innovative thinkers and resourceful assets. Though his shrinking powers sometimes have limited applications, he is able top communicate his ideas quickly and succinctly to veterans and rookies alike.  (WEG)

Behind the Scenes

The Atom became the star of Power of the Atom in 1988, which coincided with Secret Origins #29. On the heels of the new runs of the Flash, Man of Steel, Wonder Woman, and Justice League, Power of the Atom brought Ray Palmer almost into the nineties, but was cancelled in December of 1989. During Power of the Atom, written by Roger Stern and penciled by Dwayne Turner and later Graham Nolan, Jean Loring was re-introduced and Ray Palmer's secret identity was revealed.

In the nineties, the Atom jumped around from place to place. He became a supporting character of the Justice League America during Dan Jurgens' run in 1992, and a member of the Suicide Squad during John Ostrander's run in 1993, where a third Atom, Adam Cray, was introduced and Ray Palmer was thought dead. After investigation by Superman, Batman, and Aquaman, the Atom returned to super-heroics, and even starred in two specials in 1994.    

During Zero Hour, DC's crossover event of 1994, the Atom was regressed to the age of eighteen by the villain Extant. For a while, Ray Palmer retained his memories of the past, but they too eventually faded. Totally reborn, the Atom became a founding member of Dan Jurgens new Teen Titans, which debuted with Teen Titans #1 in September 1996.

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