“THE MAKING OF A MAN.” En route to Trevor Island to visit Fury and her adoptive parents Derek Trevor and Joan Dale-Trevor, Nuklon recalls his life so far.
Albert is on his way to visit Lyta and her family. With nothing to do he reflects on his life. the story ends with him landing and spending time with her family. This is the Origin story:
The young Albert first memories was of a pick up game. Not a single person wanted him for a pick up game of basketball. Albert protests about not being wanted. It was revealed that his father was dead. The mockery of his father sent Albert into a rage and he got into a fight. As Albert runs home he speaks with his mother. Albert tries to get into his room but he is stopped by Uncle Al (Atom). Al takes him up stairs and we learn more about Albert's father who was a pilot in Vietnam before being shot down. Following this conversation Al reveals to Albert that he is in fact The Atom! The last surprise for the young man is that he shall be spending time with Al at the JSA mansion.
When he reaches the mansion he is introduced to Lyta, Hector Hall, and Rick Tyler. They are all children of the JSA. They are however more taken with the fact that Albert's mother works for Nasa. The JSA members that were silent in the back leave. The kids speak about what they are to do. Hector comments that Lyta would kill them all if she tried to fly. Lyta gets angry and throws both Rick and Hector around. Albert is glad that it wasn't him as he gets air sick. Al shows Albert the private gym and though Albert can't weight lift Al helps him but it won't be help he needs for long. Al keeps on Albert and throughout the summer he becomes stronger and stronger. He grows eight inches over the months. Dr. Midnite speaks about a hunch and the true story of Nuklon is shown.
Al is Albert's God Father. He served and was friends with his Dad who is dead. He was however a foe to his mother's father. His grandpa turns out to be Cyclotron. Al was a regular strength until he was bombarded with Thoron by Cyclotron. He is confused why Terri the mother of Albert doesn't have powers but why he does. As the conversation returns to Albert they discuss keeping tabs on him. With that thought in mind they more onto basketball the game that Albert was passed on for playing.
School starts again and Albert has the courage to face the kids who started the fight with him. The bullies think that Albert is standing on a milk cart and speak about knocking him off it. Albert accepts the challenge but the bully upon finding that Albert is as tall turns and runs from the fight. Albert goes on to play for the High School basketball team. The same year he has his bar mitzvah. He gets a surprise to see his JSA friends Rick, Hector,and Lyta are present. He gets a present of basketball signed by professional but doesn't seem very pleased.
Later him and the JSA kids are at an Aerospace museum. The tour was arranged by Albert's mother. Rick Tyler sneaks away and gets trapped on the G-Force training equipment. The level is stuck. It takes both Albert and Lyta to pull the level back and stop the machine. They than go to Lyta's home. She takes Albert to ride on Kangaroos.Albert loses control and Al scolds him for perhaps keeping himself off the basketball court next season.
At the same trip Albert admits to loving figuring out how thing works. Admiral Trevor was willing to help the young lad. Trevor also takes Albert on his first flight. The year advances and Albert has a job as a mechanic and works for Mr. Loomis. His mother comes in and informs him that the USC has accepted him on a scholarship. Albert is sure that it is uncle Al's doing. He seems to blow off the good news and gets back to his work.
In college Albert is visiting Dr. Midnite. It is clear he is upset but afraid to tell Al Pratt that he wants to quit the team. In practice Albert seems bored that is until he sees Lyta present on the court. Albert loves the seeing her and spends time with her. He takes her sight seeing, to the movies, and to the arcade. It turns out that same day Albert had a Basketball dinner and he forgot all about it. Showing up he and Al has words and he finally tells him of his dislike for basketball. Al supports and him and says whatever you put your heart into you'll succeed.
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