The Atom #9 is an issue of the series The Atom (Volume 1) with a cover date of November, 1963.
Synopsis for "The Atom's Phantom Double!"
While conducting an experiment in his lab, Ray Palmer is caught in an explosion which causes him to be bombarded with radiation. While unconscious this radiation creates a phantom version of Ray, who initially tries to kill the original, but decides to wait until he can be alone to investigate his current condition.
The phantom Ray gets his chance when Ray gets a phone call from the police asking him to track down a stolen scientific device. As the real Ray Palmer goes after the crooks as the Atom, the phantom Ray learns that he only has a few hours to live unless he uses a device (fashioned out of an opal ring) to switch places with the real Ray Palmer. He also learns that they are mentally linked and that any harm caused to one is felt by the other.
After the crooks are dealt with, the phantom Ray (also with his own set of Atom powers) tries to use the opal device to replace the real Ray. During their fight, Ray manages to get a hold of the device and toss it into a roaring fire place. With his phantom unable to get the ring without horribly burning himself, the Atom turns his phantom's size changing device on full blast and wrecks it, shrinking his double into nothingness.
Appearing in "The Atom's Phantom Double!"
Featured Characters:
Antagonists:
- Phantom Ray Palmer
- Crooks
Synopsis for "The Seaman and the Spyglass!"
Once more visiting his colleague Alpheus Hyatt, and his Time Pool, Ray Palmer helps the scientist pick the next point in history to send his magnet into: 1609. Going along with the magnet as the Atom, Ray finds himself in the Netherlands in the home of Jan Lippershey, circa 1609.
He witnesses the invention of the telescope, and also sees Harry Hudson's struggles trying to get England to approve a voyage to find a faster route to India. Ultimately the Atom helps Hudson and Lippershey ward off representatives of France who have been trying to force Hudson to work for them using force.
When Hudson is awarded the money from England to partake on his voyage, Lippershey gives Atom a pair of glasses he made as a token of thanks for his help. The Atom takes these glasses back with him to the present for Hyatt to find.
Appearing in "The Seaman and the Spyglass!"
Featured Characters:
Supporting Characters:
Antagonists:
- French representatives
Other Characters:
- Harry Hudson
- Jan Lippershey
Locations:
Items:
- Hyatt's Time Pool
Notes
- Reprinted in The Atom Archives Vol. 2.
See Also