The Power of the Atom # 1 1988 NM-

The Power of the Atom # 1, released on June 1, 1988 (cover-dated August 1988), launched the character's first ongoing solo series following the events of the Sword of the Atom miniseries. Written by Roger Stern with art by Dwayne Turner, the issue reimagines Ray Palmer’s return to a world that has significantly moved on without him. 

"Home is the Hero!" 

The story explores the tragic aftermath of Ray Palmer's time in the South American jungles. 

• The Return: After years away, Ray Palmer finally returns to the United States. However, the transition is disastrous; when he attempts to transport himself through a telephone line, a satellite scramble leaves him stuck at three feet tall, unable to return to his full height.
• The Loss of New Morlaidh: Through flashbacks, Ray remembers the destruction of the Katarthan civilization he had embraced. A CIA-led napalm strike wiped out the tribe, including his love, Princess Laethwen, leaving him the sole survivor of their world.
• A New Status Quo: Ray returns to find his personal life in ruins. His ex-wife, Jean Loring, has written a "tell-all" book about his superhero life, and he is forced to live in secrecy while being hunted by government agents who have learned of his predicament. 
• Ray Palmer (The Atom): The protagonist, now a brooding, smaller-scale hero struggling with immense personal loss.
• Norman Brawler: A friend of Ray's who assists him upon his return to the states.
• Princess Laethwen: Appears in tragic flashbacks detailing the fall of the Katarthan people.
• Creative Team: Written by Roger Stern; pencils by Dwayne Turner; inks by Keith Wilson; and cover art by Tom Ziuko, Turner, and Wilson.