Writer Bill O'Connor and artist Ben Flinton revealed the Atom in a short 6 page story, though the non - super powered character soon went on to bigger things. Al Pratt was a college student mocked for his short height and weak physique. When he was dumped by his girlfriend after proving useless against a mugger, Al hooked up with a boxing trainer to hone himself into fighting shape. He then donned a brightly colored costume with a face concealing mask and saved his ex from kidnappers in the guise of the Atom.