Ray Palmer's lost control. His years of shrinking and growing have driven him to the breaking point, evoking horrible flashbacks from his tormented past. He hears the screams of his burning wife. He sees the image of his fallen comrade, Nate Cray. He watches as his father convulses hideously, a heart monitor droning on and on. Reality is no better for the Atom. His friend Professor Hyatt lies in a hospital bed, a clock-shaped time bomb attached to his face - ticking, ticking, ticking. The Atom is convinced that this ridiculously malevolent deed is the work of one of his old foes, Chronos...except Chronos lies in a coma, leading the Atom to question his own sanity! And Hyatt's doctor is convinced the Atom's powers hold the key to saving Hyatt.