Pym Particles

The subatomic discovery that allowed Dr. Pym to shrink to the size of an ant and grow to twelve feet tall.

Dr. Henry Jonathan Pym discovered an unusual set of subatomic particles he labeled 'Pym particles' while working as a biochemist. Entrapping them within two separate serums, he created a size-altering formula and a reversal formula, testing them on himself. Reduced to the size of an insect, Pym became trapped in an anthill before eventually escaping and using the reversal formula to return to normal size. Deciding the initial batch was too dangerous, he destroyed them but later reconsidered his decision and recreated the serums. This discovery enabled him to reinvent himself as the superhero Ant-Man, designing a costume made of unstable molecules to prevent bites or scratches from ants while building a cybernetic helmet to communicate with them.

Quick Facts

Creator: Dr. Henry Jonathan Pym
First appearance: Tales to Astonish #27 (January 1962)
Key function: Size-altering formula and reversal formula

Lore & Background

Pym's experience in the anthill inspired him to study ants, leading to the creation of a cybernetic helmet for communication and control. He initially destroyed his serums but later recreated them to assume the identity of Ant-Man. As a founding member of the Avengers, Pym began a continuous shift of superhero identities using these particles. In Tales to Astonish #49 (November 1963), he became the 12 ft-tall Giant-Man. Later, in Avengers #59 (December 1968), he adopted the persona of Yellowjacket after inhaling chemicals during a botched experiment that affected his mind. In September 2004, following the disbandment of the team due to tragedies, Pym took a leave of absence as Yellowjacket. Years later, in Secret Invasion: Requiem (January 2009), a grieving Pym adopted the Wasp identity as a tribute to Janet van Dyne after her death.

Reader's Guide

To use these particles safely, one must possess precise control over the serums; a miscalculation can lead to being trapped in an anthill or suffering mental strain. Pym built a cybernetic helmet specifically to communicate with and control ants while wearing a costume made of unstable molecules for protection. The particles allow for distinct transformations: shrinking to insect size as Ant-Man, expanding to 12 feet (3.7 m) as Giant-Man in Tales to Astonish #49, or adopting the Yellowjacket persona after chemical exposure. In West Coast Avengers vol. 2, #21 (June 1987), Pym temporarily abandoned costumed personas altogether to serve as a scientist and inventor, though he later returned as Giant-Man in The Avengers vol. 3, #1 (February 1998).

Did You Know?

In Tales to Astonish #49 (November 1963), Pym became the 12 ft-tall Giant-Man, a height of 3.7 meters.
Janet van Dyne was granted wings that appear only when she shrinks, using Pym particles grafted beneath her shoulders.
After Janet van Dyne's death, Pym temporarily took on the Wasp identity as a tribute in Secret Invasion: Requiem (January 2009).