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 "50 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 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!".
Atom Ant later appeared in the early 1970s series Yogi's Gang, and in the early 1990s series Yo Yogi!
Today, Atom Ant airs in Cartoon Network's Boomerang
Voice talent
The part of Atom Ant was read by Howard Morris for the first 20 episodes; after Morris left the Hanna-Barbera studio, Don Messick took over the voice for the final 6 episodes. Morris went on to work for Filmation Studios, voicing Jughead on "The Archie Show" and other characters. (Messick took over other characters formerly voiced by Morris, including Mr. Peebles in the "Magilla Gorilla" cartoons.
On Yo Yogi, Atom was voiced by Russi Taylor who gives him a squeaky voice.
