JLA #98 (Early August, 2004)

While the Tiny Titan was trapped in tinseltownland(?), the JLA finally tracked down the Doom Patrol, who'd been running a parallel investigation the whole time. Putting everybody's stories together, J'Onn J'Onzz revealed "I am now able to shed light on the whereabouts of the Atom."

The Chief had Rita Farr shrink down to millimeter size, a power I didn't recall her possessing, but a quick web search taught me otherwise. At least she was nice enough to complain about mimicking the Atom's main power. Maybe it screws with her menses or something, so she'll stay big like we like her? Anyway, a line was attached to Farr and she was equipped with an audio-visual transmitter. Rita climbed into Manitou Raven's stones. Down she went through a "dimensional nexus," then off to the crystal palace, guided by alien worshipers to "Doctor Atom, I presume?" Ray offered, "Dr. Palmer, actually." He recognized Rita as a former associate of Dr. Caulder's who had an "accident," but she claimed not to have actually perished, as long reported. "Nope. Not permanently, anyway." This was all referring to a failed targeted reboot of Doom Patrol continuity, which was later incorporated into the familiar one, so just roll with it. The Atom explained that Crucifer had been using this place as a "side-door dimension" to get around from place to place and, during layovers, set himself up as a sadistic deity. Palmer showed Farr the "sacred relic," which was broadcast back to Caulder's lab...

"Convergence," part five of "The Tenth Circle," was by John Byrne, Chris Claremont, and Jerry Ordway. That really is a great looking Atom, in a lame-brained story where he accomplishes little. Sigh.

The Tenth Circle

• Martian Manhunter @ The Idol-Head of Diabolu
• Wonder Woman @ Diana Prince