Atom Ant

Atom Ant is a cartoon ant and superhero, created by Hanna-Barbera in 1965. His name may have been derived from adamant, which gives indication towards his great strength (exceeding the "250 times his own weight" lifting capacity ants are often said to have). Atom costarred in "The Atom Ant/Secret Squirrel Show" (sharing top billing with Secret Squirrel). Atom Ant was voiced by Howard Morris and later by Don Messick.

Bio

Atom operated out of an anthill in the countryside, where he possessed such things as a mainframe computer and exercise equipment. His powers mostly consisted of the ability to fly, superspeed, and amazing strength.

He was often contacted by the police, who sent him out on assignment. Some of these missions parodied those of Batman. In one episode, the police force was shown to be underfunded and inept, as they relied on Atom Ant to do all their police work. The only two police officers were the chief and deputy chief. The department only possessed one rusted patrol car.

Atom's catchphrase and battle cry was: "Up and At 'em, "Atom Ant!".

Other appearances

Atom Ant later appeared in the early 1970s series "Yogi's Gang".

In the early 1990s series "Yo Yogi!" with Don Messick reprising Atom Ant. In the episode "Super Duper Snag," it was revealed that his Atomic Helmet is his source of power.

Episode listing

* 01, Up And Atom
* 02, Crankenshafts Monster
* 03, Gem A Go, Go
* 04, Ferocious Flea
* 05, Rambling Robot
* 06, Nobody's Fool
* 07, Atom Ant Meets Karate Ant
* 08, Fastest Ant In The West
* 09, Mistaken Identity
* 10, How Now Bow Wow
* 11, Dragon Master
* 12, The Big Gimmick
* 13, Super Blooper
* 14, Wild, Wild Ants
* 15, Dina Sore
* 16, Amusement Park Amazement
* 17, Bully For Atom Ant
* 18, Termighty Mean
* 19, Nine Strikes Your Out
* 20, Go West Young Ant
* 21, Knight Fight
* 22, Pteraducktyl Soup
* 23, Up In The Air Squares
* 24, Mouse Rouser
* 25, Killer Diller Gorilla
* 26, Rock A Bye Boo, Boo

Popular culture

Hi-Tech Software released a budget labelled computer game for the Commodore 64 in 1990 called "". The idea of the game was to fly and collect a certain amount of bombs scattered around high rise buildings and 'atomise' them in a special bubble-like device at the top of each area (a game design influenced by Tehkan's "Bomb Jack"). Hi-Tech Software also released several other games around the same time featuring other Hanna-Barbera characters such as Yogi Bear and Hong Kong Phooey.

Atom Ant appears in the "Harvey Birdman, Attorney at Law" episode "The Incredible Hippo" voiced by Maurice LaMarche.

External links

*imdb title|id=0058789|title=The Atom Ant Show
* [http://www.toonopedia.com/atomant.htm Toonpedia: Atom Ant]
* [http://bananasplits.4t.com/atomant.html Atom Ant episode guide]