A Short History of the Atom
The Tiny Titan Brings a Microscopic Perspective to Super Heroics
Dec 15, 2008
The original Atom character in DC Comics had no superpowers. He was just a small guy who was good with his fists. In the Silver Age, the character was reinvented with a science-fiction inspired incarnation that gave him the power to shrink himself to microscopic size and control his weight to height ratio, which allowed him to focus the power of a 180 pound man into his microscopic fists.
The Superman/Aquaman Hour
The Atom's first appearance outside the comics was as part of the Justice League in three segments produced for 1967's Superman/Aquaman Hour of Adventure. He also appeared in three of his own adventures on the same show. Pat Harrington Jr. provided his voice.
The Super Friends
The Mighty Mite appeared in episodes of two different seasons of the Super Friends, specifically the 1977 season, called The All New Super Friends Hour and 1980's The Super Friends Hour. His voice was provided by Wally Burr.
Live Action
The Atom has appeared in a live action production twice. In the "Roast" episode of Legends of the Super Heroes, the Atom makes a brief cameo opposite the villain Giganta who's powers are the opposite of his. Alfie Wise plays Ray Palmer in this "short" appearance. In the never picked up 1997 pilot, Justice League of America, the character is played by actor John Kassir.
Similar Character, Different Name
In an episode of Batman Begins, the Call, an African-American hero called "Micron" makes a brief appearance. Micron can shrink just as the Atom can, but he also has the power to grow to giant size. Wayne Brady provided the voice.
Justice League Unlimited
Although mentioned in an episode of the antecedent Justice League series, the Atom doesn't appear until towards the end of the first season of Justice League Unlimited. The diminutive hero saves the day in the episode "The Dark Heart".
He reappears in the second season in a situation that prompts Lex Luthor to call him the League's least powerful member. Voiced by John C. McGinley, the Atom takes Lex's criticism and offers the villain assurance that the League won't let Luthor die at the hands of the robot Amazo, proving he is indeed the bigger man.
The Brave and the Bold
In the comics, the title and powers of the Atom have passed to a new character, Ryan Choi. It is this new version of the character who appears alongside Batman in a recent episode of Batman: The Brave and the Bold.
