Spoilers for Crime Syndicate #6 ahead!
DC has confirmed that the Atom may be the most underrated member of the Justice League. While the size-altering hero usually takes a back seat to other Leaguers, his Earth-3 counterpart Atomica of the Crime Syndicate shows just how versatile the Atom can be, and readers can see it in Crime Syndicate #6, on sale now in print and digital.
There have been multiple versions of the Atom throughout the years, with Ray Palmer and Ryan Choi the most popular. Both of these Atoms can alter their size thanks to a special material formed from a white dwarf star. Palmer found the substance and embarked on a heroic career as the Atom, joining the Justice League not long after. Ray Palmer has been through much, including learning his ex-wife Jean was responsible for several murders. Palmer was distraught over this, so much so that he left Earth completely and ventured through the multiverse. In his absence, Ryan Choi took over the mantle of the Atom, and both have shared the name off and on since. Despite the character’s longevity and membership in the Justice League, the Atom has not enjoyed the A-list status his colleagues have—which is a shame, as his villainous counterpart proves why the Atom could be the Justice League’s MVP.
Crime Syndicate #6, is written by Andy Schmidt, with art by Kieran McKeown, inks by Dexter Vines, colors by Steve Oliff, and letters by Rob Leigh. It sees Ultraman (Earth-3’s evil Superman) fighting his cousin, who has allied herself with Alex Luthor’s Legion of Justice, which is coming apart at the seams. The Syndicate comes to Ultraman’s aid, and it is Atomica who delivers the fatal blow to Ultrawoman; she shrinks herself so small Ultrawoman cannot perceive her and enters her head. Atomica then causes Ultrawoman to have an aneurysm, killing her and bringing Luthor’s Legion to an end. Furthermore, it establishes the Crime Syndicate as the dominant metahuman force on Earth-3.
Both Ray Palmer and Ryan Choi are far more virtuous than Atomica, and thus would never pull such a stunt, but it shows how the Atom can provide an advantage in combat. The Atom’s ability to alter his size allows him to travel where other members of the Justice League cannot, such as into the brains of an adversary. Other stories involving the Atom have played with this idea: Grant Morrison, in the epic JLA story “Rock of Ages,” saw the Atom play a key role in Darkseid’s defeat thanks to his size altering ability; likewise, this power came in handy in the Justice League Unlimited episode “Heart of Darkness,” allowing the Atom to dismantle the invading nano-machines.
The Atom may not be viewed in the same light as other League members, but DC has just confirmed why the Atom may be the most underrated Justice League member.
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