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ATOM II

Atom, © DC Comics

Atom (Ray Palmer) first appeared in Showcase #34 (September 1961) PERSONAL DATA Alter Ego: Ray Palmer Occupation: Physics professor, Ivy University Marital Status: Divorced Group Affiliation: JLA; formerly Teen Titans II Base of Operations: Ivy Town Height: 5' 10" Weight: 180 lbs. Eyes: Brown Hair: Auburn

HISTORY

Since the origin of Hawkman has been so changed in recent years, the Atom's relationship to the Hawkman of Carter Hall is difficult if not impossible to define. Considering that the Atom in his early years both as a solo crime fighter and as a member of the JLA used to team up with Carter on a regular basis makes this even more difficult. Currently, Hawkman is a combination of all of the previous incarnations of the Hawkmen who have passed from generation to generation. The person of Carter Hall (as a result of Crisis) was changed so that he was JSA only, yet given an extremely long life. He was human and could have been a participant in several of the Atom's team-ups. However, as a result of Crisis, Hawkman I was trapped in Limbo helping to stave off Ragnarok. This left Hawkman, Katar Hol the Thanagarian, free to continue as the new Hawkman. But because of the Hawkworld series, Hawkman II was no longer an Earth hero, but a dirty policeman on Thanagar. This new Hawkman II retconned most everything that was known of the previous version, and eventually he came to Earth and merged with the Hawkmen, including Carter Hall (Hawkman I) who had been released from Limbo, forming an all new Hawkman who has the memories, strengths, and powers of all of them.

But, in the beginning, Ray Palmer was a scientist and Katar Hol often would share in some of the technologies of Thanagar (although not much, just in case they feel into the wrong hands). The two were friends for what seemed like forever. The Atom first appeared with Hawkman in a team up in 9 of the first series and then the two shared the title "The Atom and Hawkman" from issue number 39 to 45.

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. Recently, Palmer was resorted to his natural age and returned to Ivy University, resuming his academic career. Should the need arise, however, the Atom is always ready to answer the call of duty.

• Can alter size and mass at will.
• A brilliant physicist, the Atom often uses his powers for research.
• On call as a specialist for the JLA.