While they share the same ability to shrink to unfathomable sizes, even DC’s version of Ant-Man isn’t quite sure how he does it. Atom frankly admits that he knows nothing about the science behind the technology.
While heroes like Hank Pym and Scott Lang may be the resident little explorers of the Marvel Universe, DC has its own incredible miniature heroes in the form of Atomic Legacy. While the hero moniker originates from Golden Age hero Al Pratt, it’s Silver Age Atomic Man Ray Palmer, and his protégee Ryan Cai, who actually adopted the moniker. . In addition to possessing genius-level intelligence, atoms also have a “biological belt” that shrinks to subatomic size using the power of white dwarf fragments. While his strength isn’t what the Federation needs most, Atom’s ever-evolving intelligence and skills make him an invaluable addition to the team.
little atom doesn’t know how he survived
Yet despite his authority over micro-adventures, parts of the entire business seem to be shrinking even seemingly uncertain of him.exist Fearless Courage #31 Written by J. Michael Straczynski and Chad Hardin, Joker’s nervous system is malfunctioning and he is facing death unless Atoms can perform specialized treatments directly on the Joker’s brain. Against his better wishes, Ray agrees and puts on the suit to give the Prince of Crime the treatment he needs. Before diving, Atom was asked if he needed oxygen inside, to which Ray replied that he would be smaller than an oxygen molecule. When doctors tried to ask how he would breathe, Atom said it was best not to ask how it worked.
Atom isn’t the only teenage hero facing questions about how his miniature powers work. Over the years, many Ant-Men have faced questions about the science behind their special abilities. But at least they have the benefit of a “Pym particle” that can help demonstrate how such an impossibility actually works. Admittedly, white dwarf fragments are as good a reason as any other. But unlike Hank Pym, Ray Palmer frankly admits that he doesn’t know how his powers can defy all scientific logic.
Shrinkage is a force that science cannot explain
To be fair, most forces in any comic universe defy any kind of logic (especially those containing fast and loose rules like the Speed Force). But there are some things in the comics that are completely inexplicable, no matter what scientific terms are used to justify it. Atom’s candid admission is humorous, but it’s also a reminder not to take manga too seriously. Fact-based empowerment can make for a compelling read, but it can also unravel a lot of fiction. If DC’s Ant-Man doesn’t worry about how he breathes at a very young age, neither should anyone else.