- "You have talent Albert... and you sure as hell have heart... you just need a guiding hand."
- ―Al Pratt to Albert Rothstein[src]
Albert "Al" Pratt, previously known as the Atom Smasher, is a retired hero and a former member of the Justice Society, who later became mentor of his nephew, Albert Rothstein.
Biography[]
Early life[]
Member of the Justice Society[]
Pratt's portrait with the Justice Society.
- "You know, I used to watch you all the time as a kid? This is literally the only thing that I’d ever wanted in my life."
- ―Albert Rothstein to Al Pratt[src]
Having the ability to increase his physical size, Al Pratt served as a hero named Atom Smasher, wearing a special suit that adapted to his size, until he met Carter Hall and Kent Nelson, with whom he formed the Justice Society, having multiple adventures and forming a great friendship with his teammates. Eventually, the team disbanded, going their separate ways, with Pratt deciding to retire as a superhero to lead a relaxed life, training his nephew Albert Rothstein, who had inherited his powers and admired him as a child, always watching him fight in battle.[2]
Training his nephew[]
Intergang weapons trafficking operation[]
Pratt worries about Albert Rothstein.
- "You've done your homework. I see that. And yes, you have a costume, but there's more to being a superhero than wearing a mask. Especially one you got on the internet."
- ―Al Pratt and Albert Rothstein[src]
After Albert Rothstein prepared for his first mission as a vigilante by wanting to stop an arms trade, Pratt contacted him by video call, where he talked about what it took to be a hero, stating that sometimes he had to run away from some problems in their missions, however Rothstein was distracted by preparing his costume, worrying Pratt, who told him that he could die on the mission, so Rothstein understood that being a hero was more than wearing a suit, promising Pratt that he would would make him proud.
During the night, Pratt communicated with a headset with Rothstein to guide him, asking him to stay hidden to lurk criminals and avoid detection, to which Rothstein compared it to the way Batman acted, although Pratt claimed not to know him and he left that job to other people. However, Rothstein ended up making a slight noise that alerted the mercenaries, who started shooting at him and causing Pratt's concern who tried to talk to him, but the hearing aid was accidentally destroyed by Rothstein.[2]
Inheriting his suit[]
- "Do you think I'm ready?"
"Maybe, but whatever happens at least now you can dress the part..." - ―Albert Rothstein and Al Pratt[src]
Pratt learned on the news that Rothstein prevented the arms trafficking, contacting Hawkman to have his nephew into the Justice Society, shipping his suit to Rothstein's apartment, and calling him to congratulate him on the victory, although Rothstein felt bad believing that he failed, but Pratt asked him to stop blaming himself, stating that he had talent but needed someone to guide him.
When Rothstein arrived at his apartment, Pratt told him that he had a surprise at his door, shocking Rothstein to discover the Atom Smasher's suit. Rothstein asked his uncle if he thought it was ready yet, but Pratt claimed that at least he could get dressed properly, asking him to listen to Hawkman even if he seemed to be mad, and with his uncle's legacy, Rothstein inherited the mantle of Atom Smasher.[2]
Call with Rothstein[]
Pratt calls Albert Rothstein.
- "Don’t let anything happen to it, it’s Vintage. And don’t let anything happen to you, either. Don’t do anything crazy. You listen to Carter."
"I’m gonna make you proud, Uncle Al. I promise." - ―Al Pratt and Albert Rothstein[src]
When Albert Rothstein was preparing for his first mission with the Justice Society, Pratt video called his nephew, who claimed to love the suit, thanking him for it, while Pratt asked that nothing happen to the suit being vintage, as well as asking him to take care of himself and follow Carter Hall's orders, with which Rothstein promised to comply, assuring his uncle that he would be proud, ending the call.[1]
Personality[]
- "I usually left the skulking around to the other guys."
- ―Al Pratt to Albert Rothstein[src]
When operating as a hero, Pratt often left the stealthier tasks of loitering to his teammates. As Albert Rothstein's mentor, Pratt worries about his nephew's safety, considering that he had a big heart due to his desires to become a superhero like him, but believing that he was not yet ready to perform his first mission, worrying that he might be killed. However, after seeing how Rothstein managed to stop the arms trade on his behalf, Pratt was convinced that he was ready to join the Justice Society, insisting him that he should listen to Carter Hall.
Powers[]
- Size alteration: Pratt can transform his molecular structure to grow to towering heights, ability that he used when he operated as Atom Smasher until his eventual retirement, inheriting his powers to his nephew Albert Rothstein, whom he trained to learn to control it.
- Superhuman strength: By increasing his size, Pratt also gained greater strength with which to fight against his enemies when he operated as a hero, inheriting it to his nephew.
Equipment[]
- Atom Smasher's suit: While serving as a hero, Pratt donned a special suit that could stretch to accommodate his increased size as well as protect his identity, using it to fight crime until his eventual retirement, inheriting his suit to his nephew Albert Rothstein.
Relationships[]
Family[]
Allies[]
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Enemies[] |
Behind the Scenes[]
- In the comics, Al Pratt was the Atom, known as such for his short stature. Despite this, he was an incredible physical combatant and even gained super strength. He was a founding member of the Justice Society of America, and the godfather of Al Rothstein, the size-changing superhero Atom Smasher.
- Al Pratt in the DC Extended Universe is the second live-action incarnation of the character, following a version portrayed by Glenn Hoffmann in Smallville.
References[]
External Links[]
Atom on DC Database- Atom on Wikipedia
| Justice Society | |
| Members | Hawkman | Cyclone | Atom Smasher |
|---|---|
| Former members | Al Pratt | Doctor Fate |
| Supporting members | Nabu |