Changes: Albert Rothstein (New Earth)

Albert Rothstein is a superhero, having used the names Nuklon and Atom-Smasher. He has been a member of Infinity, Inc, the Justice League International and the Justice Society of America.

History

Origin

Albert Rothstein was the grandson of the reluctant super-villain known as Cyclotron, from whom Albert inherited his metahuman powers by which he can control his molecular structure (allowing him to alter the size and density of his body). He was the godson of Al Pratt, the Golden Age Atom, and raised to becoming a hero known as Nuklon and becoming a charter member of Infinity, Inc. and subsequently served in the Justice League. He took the Atom Smasher identity shortly before the founding of the current Justice Society of America, of which he was a charter member. He viewed Pratt's son, Damage, as a brother, and acted as an older brother figure to Stargirl. While Stargirl has (or at least had) some romantic feelings for Atom Smasher, he has not yet openly reciprocated.

For years, Atom Smasher cherished his role in upholding Pratt's legacy and constantly sought to prove himself worthy to his Golden Age idols—especially when many of them became his teammates in the JSA. But when Albert's mother was murdered in a plane crash engineered by Kobra, he became consumed by vengeance. Not long after the fatal crash, Albert—with the aid of Metron of the New Gods—went back in time and replaced his mother with a weakened Extant, saving her life but murdering the super-villain.

Black Adam

When Captain Marvel's longtime adversary Black Adam reformed and joined the JSA, he and Rothstein developed a kinship; indeed, Black Adam once commented that he thought of Atom Smasher as the brother he never had. Encouraged by Adam, Atom Smasher grew frustrated with the JSA's moral boundaries, especially when Kobra blackmailed authorities into granting his release. Albert and Adam promptly quit the JSA after Kobra's escape.

Shortly thereafter, the unlikely duo settled each other's personal scores. Adam killed Kobra; Rothstein killed the dictatorial president of Kahndaq, Adam's home country.^[1]^[2] Atom Smasher helped lead a team of rogue metahumans (including former Infinity Inc. teammates Brain Wave and Northwind) that invaded the country and overthrew its oppressive regime. Atom Smasher initially fought against his JSA teammates in Kahndaq before deciding instead to help forge an uneasy truce—Black Adam and his compatriots could remain in power so long as they never left the country. Atom Smasher remained in the Middle Eastern nation for a time, although he eventually began to question Adam's motives. Rothstein perished while fighting against the Spectre, but was revived by Black Adam's lightning, and carried back to JSA headquarters.^[3]

He was later put on trial for his actions in Kahndaq and pleaded guilty to all charges. Whilst in jail, he was approached by the founder of the Suicide Squad, Amanda Waller (also White Queen of Checkmate). Waller recruited Albert as part of a new group of covert operatives using the name, the Suicide Squad. Aware of Al's history with Black Adam, she sent the squad to San Francisco to sanction him. There, the Squad fought not only Black Adam, but Black Marvel Family members, Isis, Osiris and Sobek as well. Despite his prodigious strength, Albert lost the fight against his old colleague.^[4] When Black Adam went on a rampage following the death of the Black Marvel Family, Albert rejoined the JSA in tracking down Black Adam to Oolong Island after being pardoned by Waller, he threatened to expose the Suicide Squad.^[5] After finding Black Adam, Albert tried to reason with his old comrade while refusing to condemn him in any way, not even believing him guilty of the genocide in Bialya. However, he was dismayed that Adam admitted his actions and returned to his path of vengeance, dubbed World War III.^[6]

Following the conflict, Albert continued to worked with the JSA in search for a powerless Black Adam, who was intent upon resurrecting his dead wife Isis. Unknown to the JSA, Albert personally confronts Black Adam and brings him Isis' remains, and unsuccessfully tries to persuade his friend to go into hiding.^[7]

Returning to The Justice Society

Albert formally returned to the JSA, asking the team for a second chance at honoring the memory of Al Pratt despite some of their skeptical members.^[8] Regardless, Albert joined the JSA in tracking the recently repowered Black Adam, who and along with a resurrected Isis stole Captain Marvel's powers and and his throne at the Rock of Eternity, and eventually encountering him in a diner. The two notably did not fight, showing that their relationship is a bit more amicable. Ultimately, Albert proved his valor as a worthy member of the JSA in which he convinced Black Adam to giving up his powers to reviving the wizard Shazam and ending the threat of the Black Marvel Family.^[9]

Powers and Abilities

Powers

Atomic Dispersal: As a result of exposure to uncontrolled Thorium radiation, the Atom Smasher's mass has become unstable. Al can increase his size, allowing him to grow up to 28 feet tall. At this height, Al is resistant to all attacks from normal sized people. With atomic dispersal, Al increases the distance between his own atoms, thus increasing his overall size. Under normal circumstances, his mass would remain the same no matter how large he becomes. However, his mass increase power counteracts these effects to a point.
- Mass Increase: Al can increase his body's mass. His weight is multiplied by his height. Of course, as he weighs more, he has a greater effect on the environment. The power gives Al amazing resistance to physical attacks. He can also use the mass instead of his strength to inflict charging damage. This power is tied to his growth power.
- Superhuman Strength: As he grows, his strength increases, both compensating for his increased mass and allowing him to grow to greater heights.^[10]
- Enhanced Stamina
- Enhanced Speed
- Superhuman Durability: While in gigantic form Atom Smasher can easily survive blows from super-strong foes and is completely unfazed by machine-gun fire.^[11]
- Intangibility (Formerly): Nuklon was able to become intangible after being exposed to thorium radiation. He has not shown this power in recent years.^[12]

Abilities

Aviation: Rothstein is also a skilled pilot and mechanic. In the first few years with the JSA, he could be seen piloting the JSA's jet, the Steel Eagle, as well as the Star Rocket Racer and earlier being Infinity, Inc.'s primary pilot.^[13]
Multilingualism: In addition to his native language, Al Rothstein is also fluent in Kahndaqi.^[14]
Athletics: Al went to the University of Southern California on a basketball scholarship.

Weaknesses

Power Limitation: Increasing his size beyond his optimal limitations causes Al great physical discomfort.

Notes

Although this character was originally introduced during DC's Earth-Two era of publication, their existence following the events of the 1985–86 limited series Crisis on Infinite Earths remains intact. However, some elements of the character's Pre-Crisis history may have been altered or removed for Post-Crisis New Earth continuity, and no longer apply.

External Links

Atom-Smasher at the DC Animated Universe Wiki

Footnotes

Justice Society of America member
This character is or was a primary member of the Justice Society of America in any of its various incarnations. This template will categorize articles that include it into the "Justice Society of America members" category.

Justice League member

This character has been a member of the Justice League of America, or the Justice League in any of its various incarnations, sworn by a duty to act as guardians of America and the world by using their skills and/or superpowers to protect Earth from the clutches of both interstellar and domestic threats.
This template will categorize articles that include it into the "Justice League of America members" category.

Suicide Squad member
This character is or was a member of the Suicide Squad, a team of imprisoned super-villains who perform high-risk missions for the U.S. Government in exchange for commuted sentences, in any of its various incarnations. This template will categorize articles that include it into the "Suicide Squad members" category.

[1] JSA #51

[2] JSA #56

[3] JSA #75

[4] 52 #34

[5] 52 #46

[6] 52 #49

[7] Black Adam: The Dark Age #5

[8] Justice Society of America (Volume 3) #23

[9] Justice Society of America (Volume 3) #25

[10] Infinity Inc. #3

[11] JSA All-Stars #15

[12] Infinity Inc. #9

[13] JSA: Our Worlds at War #1

[14] JSA #74

[1]

[2]

[3]

[4]

[5]

[6]

[7]

[8]

[9]

[10]

[11]

[12]

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@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
+{{DC Database:Character Template
-{{distinguish2|Atom|Nuklon}}
+| Image                   = Atom Smasher 001.jpg
-[[Image:Atomsmasher.jpg|right|frame|Atom-Smasher]]
-'''Real Name:''' Albert Julian Rothstein <br>
+| RealName                = [[Albert Rothstein|Albert Julian Rothstein]]
+| MainAlias               = Atom Smasher
-'''Nicknames:''' No known nicknames <br>
+| Aliases                 = [[Nuklon]]
-'''Former Aliases:''' Nuklon <br>
+| Identity                = Secret
-'''Other Current Aliases:''' No other known current aliases <br>
+| Alignment               = Good
+| Affiliation             = [[Justice Society of America]]; <br>''formerly''<br>[[Infinity, Inc. (New Earth)|Infinity Inc.]]<br>[[Justice League International]]<br>[[Conglomerate (New Earth)|Conglomerate]]<br>[[Suicide Squad (New Earth)|Suicide Squad]], [[Justice Society International (New Earth)|Justice Society International]]
+| Relatives               = [[Terrence Kurtzberger (New Earth)|Terrence Kurtzberger]] (grandfather, deceased)<br>[[Terri Kurtzberger (New Earth)|Terri Kurtzberger]] (mother)<br>[[Philip Rothstein (New Earth)|Phillip Rothstein]] (father, deceased)
+| Universe                = Earth-Two; New Earth
+| BaseOfOperations        = [[New York City]]
+| Gender                  = Male
-__TOC__
+| Height                  = 7'6"
+| Weight                  = 297 lbs
+| Eyes                    = Blue
+| Hair                    = Auburn
+| UnusualFeatures         =
+| Citizenship             = American
+| MaritalStatus           = Single
+| Occupation              =
+| Creators                = Roy Thomas; Jerry Ordway
-==Status==
+| First                   = All-Star Squadron #25
-'''Occupation:''' Occupation unknown <br>
-'''Legal Status:''' Legal status unknown <br>
-'''Identity:''' [[:Category:Secret Identity|Secret]] <br>
-'''Marital Status:''' Marital status unknown <br>
-'''Group Affiliation:''' formerly [[Infinity, Inc.]], [[Justice League of America]], [[Justice Society of America]] <br>
-'''Base of Operations:''' [[New York City]] <br>
+| Quotation               = '''Justice'''? You don't know the '''meaning''' of the '''word'''.
+| Speaker                 = [[Albert Rothstein (New Earth)|Atom Smasher]]
+| QuoteSource             = JSA Vol 1 71
+| Overview                =  '''Albert Rothstein''' is a superhero, having used the names '''Nuklon''' and '''Atom-Smasher'''. He has been a member of [[Infinity, Inc]], the [[Justice League International]] and the [[Justice Society of America]].
-==Origin==
-The godson of [[Al Pratt]], the Golden Age Atom, Albert Rothstein acquired his mutant powers of super-strength and control over his molecular structure (allowing him to alter the size and density of his body) from his grandfather, a reluctant supervillain known as [[Cyclotron]], allowing him to fight crime first as '''Nuklon''', and then, later, as '''Atom-Smasher'''. <br>
+| HistoryText             =
+=== Origin ===
+Albert Rothstein was the grandson of the reluctant super-villain known as [[Terrence Kurtzberger (New Earth)|Cyclotron]], from whom Albert inherited his metahuman powers by which he can control his molecular structure (allowing him to alter the size and density of his body). He was the godson of Al Pratt, the Golden Age [[Atom (Al Pratt)|Atom]], and raised to becoming a hero known as Nuklon and becoming a charter member of [[Infinity, Inc.]] and subsequently served in the [[Justice League of America|Justice League]]. He took the Atom Smasher identity shortly before the founding of the current [[Justice Society of America (New Earth)|Justice Society of America]], of which he was a charter member. He viewed Pratt's son, [[Grant Emerson (New Earth)|Damage]], as a brother, and acted as an older brother figure to [[Courtney Whitmore (New Earth)|Stargirl]]. While Stargirl has (or at least had) some romantic feelings for Atom Smasher, he has not yet openly reciprocated.<br>
+For years, Atom Smasher cherished his role in upholding Pratt's legacy and constantly sought to prove himself worthy to his Golden Age idols—especially when many of them became his teammates in the JSA. But when Albert's mother was murdered in a plane crash engineered by [[Jeffrey Franklin Burr (New Earth)|Kobra]], he became consumed by vengeance. Not long after the fatal crash, Albert—with the aid of [[Metron (New Earth)|Metron]] of the [[New Gods]]—went back in time and replaced his mother with a weakened [[Henry Hall (New Earth)|Extant]], saving her life but murdering the super-villain.
-'''Place of Birth:''' Place of birth unknown <br>
-'''Known Relatives:''' [[Cyclotron]] (grandfather), [[Atom (Al Pratt)]] (God Father) <br>
-'''First Appearance:''' [[All-Star Squadron 25 (1983)]] (Nuklon), [[JSA Secret Files and Origins 1 (1999)]] (Atom-Smasher) <br>
-==History==
-As Nuklon, Albert was a charter member of [[Infinity Inc.]] and subsequently served in the [[Justice League]]. He took the Atom Smasher identity shortly before the founding of the current [[Justice Society of America]], of which he was a charter member. He views Pratt's son, [[Damage]], as a brother, and acted as an older brother figure to [[Stargirl]]. While Stargirl has (or at least had) some romantic feelings for Atom Smasher, he has not yet openly reciprocated.<br>
-===The Justice Society===
-For years, Atom Smasher cherished his role in upholding Pratt's legacy and constantly sought to prove himself worthy to his Golden Age idols -- especially when many of them became his teammates in the JSA. But when Albert's mother was murdered in a plane crash engineered by [[Kobra]], he became consumed by vengeance. Not long after the fatal crash, Albert -- with the aid of [[Metron]] of the [[New Gods]] -- went back in time and replaced his mother with a weakened [[Extant]], saving her life but murdering the supervillain.
 ===Black Adam===
-When [[Captain Marvel]]'s longtime adversary [[Black Adam]] reformed and joined the JSA, he and Rothstein developed a kinship; indeed, Black Adam once commented that he thought of Atom Smasher as the brother he never had. Encouraged by Adam, Atom Smasher grew frustrated with the JSA's moral boundaries, especially when Kobra blackmailed authorities into granting his release. Albert and Adam promptly quit the JSA after Kobra's escape.
+When [[Billy Batson (New Earth)|Captain Marvel]]'s longtime adversary [[Teth-Adam (New Earth)|Black Adam]] reformed and joined the JSA, he and Rothstein developed a kinship; indeed, Black Adam once commented that he thought of Atom Smasher as the brother he never had. Encouraged by Adam, Atom Smasher grew frustrated with the JSA's moral boundaries, especially when Kobra blackmailed authorities into granting his release. Albert and Adam promptly quit the JSA after Kobra's escape.
-Shortly thereafter, the unlikely duo settled each other's personal scores. Adam killed Kobra; Rothstein killed the dictatorial president of [[Kahndaq]], Adam's home country. Atom Smasher helped lead a team of rogue metahumans (including former Infinity Inc. teammates [[Brainwave]] and [[Northwind]]) that invaded the country and overthrew its oppressive regime. Atom Smasher initially fought against his JSA teammates in Kahndaq before deciding instead to help forge an uneasy truce -- Black Adam and his compatriots could remain in power so long as they never left the country.
+Shortly thereafter, the unlikely duo settled each other's personal scores. Adam killed Kobra; Rothstein killed the dictatorial president of [[Kahndaq]], Adam's home country.<ref>{{c|JSA Vol 1 51}}</ref><ref>{{c|JSA Vol 1 56}}</ref> Atom Smasher helped lead a team of rogue metahumans (including former Infinity Inc. teammates [[Henry King, Jr. (New Earth)|Brain Wave]] and [[Norda Cantrell (New Earth)|Northwind]]) that invaded the country and overthrew its oppressive regime. Atom Smasher initially fought against his JSA teammates in Kahndaq before deciding instead to help forge an uneasy truce—Black Adam and his compatriots could remain in power so long as they never left the country. Atom Smasher remained in the Middle Eastern nation for a time, although he eventually began to question Adam's motives. Rothstein perished while fighting against the [[Aztar (New Earth)|Spectre]], but was revived by Black Adam's lightning, and carried back to JSA headquarters.<ref>{{c|JSA Vol 1 75}}</ref>
+He was later put on trial for his actions in Kahndaq and pleaded guilty to all charges. Whilst in jail, he was approached by the founder of the [[Suicide Squad (New Earth)|Suicide Squad]], [[Amanda Waller (New Earth)|Amanda Waller]] (also [[White Queen]] of [[Checkmate (New Earth)|Checkmate]]). Waller recruited Albert as part of a new group of covert operatives using the name, the [[Suicide Squad (New Earth)|Suicide Squad]]. Aware of Al's history with Black Adam, she sent the squad to San Francisco to sanction him. There, the Squad fought not only Black Adam, but ''[[Black Marvel Family]]'' members, [[Adrianna Tomaz (New Earth)|Isis]], [[Amon Tomaz (New Earth)|Osiris]] and [[Sobek]] as well. Despite his prodigious strength, Albert lost the fight against his old colleague.<ref>{{c|52 Vol 1 34}}</ref> When Black Adam went on a rampage following the death of the Black Marvel Family, Albert rejoined the JSA in tracking down Black Adam to [[Oolong Island]] after being pardoned by Waller, he threatened to expose the Suicide Squad.<ref>{{c|52 Vol 1 46}}</ref> After finding Black Adam, Albert tried to reason with his old comrade while refusing to condemn him in any way, not even believing him guilty of the genocide in [[Bialya]]. However, he was dismayed that Adam admitted his actions and returned to his path of vengeance, dubbed [[World War III]].<ref>{{c|52 Vol 1 49}}</ref>
-Atom Smasher remained in the Middle Eastern nation for a time, although he eventually began to question Adam's motives. Rothstein perished while fighting against the [[Spectre]], but was revived by Black Adam's lightning, and carried back to JSA headquarters.
+Following the conflict, Albert continued to worked with the JSA in search for a powerless Black Adam, who was intent upon resurrecting his dead wife Isis. Unknown to the JSA, Albert personally confronts Black Adam and brings him Isis' remains, and unsuccessfully tries to persuade his friend to go into hiding.<ref>{{c|Black Adam: The Dark Age Vol 1 5}}</ref>
-He was later put on trial for his actions in Kahndaq and pleaded guilty to all charges. Whilst in jail, he was approached by the founder of the [[Suicide Squad]], [[Amanda Waller]] (also [[White Queen]] of [[Checkmate]]). Waller recruited Al as part of a new group of covert operatives using the name, the [[Suicide Squad]]. Aware of Al's history with Black Adam, she sent the squad to San Francisco to sanction him. There, the Squad fought not only Black Adam, but ''Black Marvel Family'' members, Isis, Osiris and Sobek as well. Despite his prodigious strength, Al lost the fight against his old colleague. <ref>[[52 34 (2006)|''52 - Week Thirty-Four'']]</ref>
+===Returning to The Justice Society===
-==Characteristics==
+Albert formally returned to the JSA, asking the team for a second chance at honoring the memory of Al Pratt despite some of their skeptical members.<ref>{{c|Justice Society of America Vol 3 23}}</ref> Regardless, Albert joined the JSA in tracking the recently repowered Black Adam, who and along with a resurrected Isis stole Captain Marvel's powers and and his throne at the [[Rock of Eternity]], and eventually encountering him in a diner. The two notably did not fight, showing that their relationship is a bit more amicable. Ultimately, Albert proved his valor as a worthy member of the JSA in which he convinced Black Adam to giving up his powers to reviving the wizard [[Jebediah of Canaan (New Earth)|Shazam]] and ending the threat of the Black Marvel Family.<ref>{{c|Justice Society of America Vol 3 25}}</ref>
-'''Height:''' 7'6" <br>
-'''Weight:''' 297 lbs (134 kg) <br>
-'''Eyes:''' Blue <br>
-'''Hair:''' Red <br>
-'''Unusual Features:''' No unusual features <br>
+| Powers                  =
+* {{Unique Physiology|Atomic Dispersal}}: As a result of exposure to uncontrolled Thorium radiation, the Atom Smasher's mass has become unstable. Al can increase his size, allowing him to grow up to 28 feet tall. At this height, Al is resistant to all attacks from normal sized people. With atomic dispersal, Al increases the distance between his own atoms, thus increasing his overall size. Under normal circumstances, his mass would remain the same no matter how large he becomes. However, his mass increase power counteracts these effects to a point.
+** {{Size Alteration|Mass Increase}}: Al can increase his body's mass. His weight is multiplied by his height. Of course, as he weighs more, he has a greater effect on the environment. The power gives Al amazing resistance to physical attacks. He can also use the mass instead of his strength to inflict charging damage. This power is tied to his growth power.
+** {{Superhuman Strength}}: As he grows, his strength increases, both compensating for his increased mass and allowing him to grow to greater heights.<ref>{{c|Infinity Inc. Vol 1 3}}</ref>
+** {{Superhuman Stamina|Enhanced Stamina}}
+** {{Superhuman Speed|Enhanced Speed}}
+** {{Superhuman Durability}}: While in gigantic form Atom Smasher can easily survive blows from super-strong foes and is completely unfazed by machine-gun fire.<ref>{{c|JSA All-Stars Vol 1 15}}</ref>
+** {{Intangibility}} {{Formerly}}: Nuklon was able to become intangible after being exposed to thorium radiation. He has not shown this power in recent years.<ref>{{c|Infinity Inc. Vol 1 9}}</ref>
+| Abilities               =
+* {{Aviation}}: Rothstein is also a skilled pilot and mechanic. In the first few years with the JSA, he could be seen piloting the JSA's jet, the ''Steel Eagle'', as well as the ''Star Rocket Racer'' and earlier being Infinity, Inc.'s primary pilot.<ref>{{c|JSA: Our Worlds at War Vol 1 1}}</ref>
+* {{Multilingualism}}: In addition to his native language, Al Rothstein is also fluent in Kahndaqi.<ref>{{c|JSA Vol 1 74}}</ref>
+* {{Athletics}}: Al went to the University of Southern California on a basketball scholarship.
+| Weaknesses              =
-==Powers==
+* {{Power Limitation}}: Increasing his size beyond his optimal limitations causes Al great physical discomfort.
-'''Known Powers:''' Growth, increased strength, stamina, speed and durability. Formerly density control. <br>
-'''Known Abilities:''' No known abilities. <br>
-'''Strength Level:''' Strength level unknown <br>
+| Equipment               =
+| Transportation          =
+| Weapons                 =
+| Notes                   = {{Multicont Earth-Two}}
-==Miscellaneous==
-'''Equipment:''' No known equipment. <br>
-'''Transportation:''' No known transportation. <br>
-'''Weapons:''' No known weapons. <br>
+| Trivia                  =
+| Wikipedia               = Albert Rothstein
+| Links                   =
+* {{DCAU|Atom-Smasher}}
+}}
+{{Justice Society Member}}
-==Notes==
+{{Justice League Member}}
-* No special notes.
+{{Suicide Squad members}}
-==Trivia==
-*
-==Recommended Readings==
-*
-==Related Articles==
-*[[Atom-Smasher/Appearances]]
-==External Links==
-*{{DCAU|Atom-Smasher}}
-* [[w:Atom Smasher|Atom Smasher]] at Wikipedia
-==References==
-* [[DC Comics Encyclopedia]]
-<references/>
-----
-[[Category:American]]
-[[Category:Good Characters]]
 [[Category:Infinity, Inc. members]]
-[[Category:Justice League of America members]]
+[[Category:Copper Age Characters]]
-[[Category:Justice Society of America members]]
+[[Category:Conglomerate members]]
-[[Category:Suicide Squad members]]
+[[Category:Jews]]
-[[Category:Modern]]
+[[Category:Justice League International members]]
-[[Category:Red Hair]]
-[[Category:Secret Identity]]
-<!-- End Template. Copy to this line. -->