Albert Rothstein's rich history in DC Comics has spanned more than two decades. Appearing originally as Nuklon in All Star Squadron Volume 1 #25 by Roy Thomas, Jerry Ordway, Mike Machlan, Gene D'Angelo, and David Cody Weiss, the size-manipulating strongman is now known as Atom Smasher.
Atom Smasher has been an integral member of several teams, including the Justice Society of America, the Justice League, and the Suicide Squad. Atom Smasher uses his immense strength, size, and formidable mind to stop the world's deadliest threats. With actor Noah Centineo poised to portray the role in the DCEU's upcoming Black Adam film, now is a great time to recap some of Atom Smasher's greatest accomplishments in DC Comics.
10 Atom Smasher Is Notable For His Battle Prowess & Towering Physique
Atom Smasher is one of the most physically strong humans in the DC Comics Universe. He can grow exponentially to sizes of up to 28 feet tall thanks to his ability to control his body's molecular structure with absolute precision.
Atom Smasher is normally 7 feet 6 inches in height, has been known to lift up to 8,000 tons in excess weight, and has incorporated environmental objects into his fighting style. Atom Smasher often uses tanks, cars, and armored ships as deadly projectiles when facing off against large armies or overpowered opponents.
9 Atom Smasher Countered Amanda Waller's Blackmail Attempt
.jpg?q=50&fit=crop&w=750&dpr=1.5)
Not many people in the DC Comics Universe can effectively stand up to Amanda Waller without absolute confidence. Atom Smasher counts himself among those few. In 2006s 52 Volume 1 #45 by Geoff Johns, Greg Rucka, Grant Morrison, and Mark Waid, Atom Smasher resisted Amanda Waller's attempts to recruit 100 members into the Suicide Squad rooster to face Black Adam.
Amanda Waller resorted to blackmail when Atom Smasher refused to help her recruit more members, reminding him that he was still an inmate of Belle Reve. Atom Smasher quickly counter-blackmails Waller and then proceeds to demand a full pardon.
8 Atom Smasher Stood Toe To Toe With Solomon Grundy
Atom Smasher and Solomon Grundy have a rivalry that dates back to his time in the Justice Society of America. The two are known for their immense strength and melee fighting style, going rounds against each other more than a dozen times.
In Infinity Inc Volume 1 #51 by Dick Giordano, Roy Thomas, Dave Thomas, Jean Simek, and Mark Waid, the two strongmen go head-to-head following the murder of "Skyman" Sylvester Pemberton. Atom Smasher finally helps the JSA subdue Grundy after being temporarily mind-controlled by Harley Quinn.
7 Atom Smasher Has Defeated Apokoliptian Warhounds
Apokoliptian Warhounds are considered to be one of Darkseid's pinnacle creations. The 12-foot tall canine-like robots are composed of dense pressure and temperature-resistant metal-polymer, making them tough to destroy. They are often piloted by 1 or 2 Apokoliptian fighters, however, they can also be programmed to target individuals autonomously.
In JSA Volume 1 #30 by Geoff Johns, Peter Snejbjerg, Heroic Age, and Ken Lopez, Atom Smasher effectively slays two of the beasts after being forced into a gladiatorial arena. This particular feat is so difficult that even Superman has struggled to do the same.
6 Atom Smasher Burst Out Of Krypt
.jpg?q=50&fit=crop&w=750&dpr=1.5)
Krypt was a demonically powered monster created by the Thanagarian demon entity known as Onimar Synn. In JSA: Volume 1 #25 by Geoff Johns, Stephen Sadowski, Michael Blair, and Ken Lopez, Atom Smasher faced the creature with a surprising outcome.
Synn had taken over Thanagar with a well-executed coup, killing hundreds of Thanagarians and effectively subduing the Justice Society. Atom Smasher was fed to the beast and presumed dead. Moments later, he ripped open the mouth of Krypt, killing the creature instantly, and emerged unscathed.
5 Atom Smasher Dispatched Of A Squadron Of Thanagarian Wingmen
The Wingmen of Thanagr are the heavily armed police force of the planet. During the events of the Rann/ Thanagar War, Onimar Synn returns to finish implementing his plan of total control of the planet Thanagar.
Synn succeeds momentarily, seizing control of the Wingmen of Thanagar as well as the planet's vast resource of weapons. During an attack to regain control of Thanagar, Atom Smasher aids Hawkman, Hawkgirl, and the Justice Society by single handily swatting an oncoming attack from a group of Thanagarian Wingmen.
4
Atom Smasher Defeated A Pair Of Egyptian Deities
In JSA: All-Stars Volume 1 #11 by Lilah Sturgess, Freddie E Williams II, Chris Sotomayor, and Pat Brosseau, Atom Smasher and the Justice Society of America help Cyclone defeat the Gods of Parador in an intense showdown. During the battle, Atom Smasher takes on the four gods for much of the issue before nearly being overpowered and killed.
After Cyclone helps to free her teammate, the Justice Society falls under psionically attack when the gods probe their minds and replay their past hurts. As the mind-control effects began to fade, the JSA was able to regain control and the weakened deities surrendered.
3 Atom Smasher Broke Through An Eclipso Construct
Eclipso has been a thorn in the Justice Society of America's side for quite a long time. His beef with the team is an extension of his long-time rivalry with The Spectre. In the six-part Black Reign storyline by Geoff Johns, Rags Morales, Don Kramer, and Bill Oakley, Atom Smasher joins Black Adam along with several disenfranchised former JSA members and a handful of morally ambiguous criminals in an attempt to overthrow the JSA.
Black Adam's plan initially succeeds, however, things unravel when Eclipso, a Black reign teammate, begins losing control over Atom Smasher. Atom Smasher feels the weight of guilt after taking someone's life, and that drives him to resist. Eclipso tries to regain control over Atom Smasher's mind by creating a construct of the innocent girl who was killed, however, Atom Smasher breaks free by destroying the construct and killing the host who housed Eclipso's spirit.
2 Atom Smasher Stood Toe To Toe With The Spectre
Atom Smasher was one of just a handful of people to physically match The Spectre in size and strength. During the Black Vengeance story arc, The Spectre was driven to a bloodthirsty state and demanded the immediate overthrow of Black Adam's ancestral home, Kahndaq.
Black Adam had built up his military forces with the help of his friend Atom Smasher and was confident of both his offensive and defensive capabilities. During the final battle, Atom Smasher brokered a deal with The Spectre and agreed to sacrifice himself to stop the onslaught. The Spectre agreed to the deal by quickly phasing through Atom Smashers' chest and crushing his heart.
1 Atom Smasher Has Beat Up Black Adam
Black Adam and Atom Smasher have shared a complicated history. The two first started as enemies due to Adam's hatred of the Justice Society of America. However, the Egyptian demigod and towering strongman have been off and on friends throughout the years.
In JSA Volume 1 #73 by Geoff Johns, Don Kramer, Keith Champagne, and Rob Leigh, Atom Smasher and Black Adam come to blows after Adam enlists his help in securing Khandaq. Atom Smasher later becomes enraged and hands Black Adam a brutal beat-down after he learns Black Adam has lied about several things, including the death of a small girl.