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Dr. Henry Jonathan Pym is a character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by penciller Jack Kirby, editor-plotter Stan Lee and writer Larry Lieber, Pym debuted in Tales to Astonish #27 (January 1962). He returned several issues later as the original iteration of Ant-Man, a superhero with the power to shrink to the size of an ant. He later assumed other superhero identities, including the size-changing Giant-Man and Goliath; the insect-themed Yellowjacket; and briefly, the Wasp. He is a founding member of the Avengers superhero team, and the creator of the robotic villain Ultron. He is also the ex-husband of Janet van Dyne, the first Wasp, and the father of Nadia van Dyne, his daughter by his first wife, Maria Pym.
Since his earliest appearances in the Silver Age of Comic Books, Pym has been featured in various Marvel-endorsed products including animated films, , television series, and . Michael Douglas plays Pym in the Marvel Cinematic Universe films Ant-Man (2015), Ant-Man and the Wasp (2018), (2019), and (2023). Douglas also voiced alternate-timeline versions of Pym in the Disney+ animated series What If...? (2021–2023).
As a result, Pym was revived eight issues later as the costumed superhero Ant-Man who starred in a 13-page, three-chapter story "Return of the Ant-Man/An Army of Ants/The Ant-Man's Revenge" in Tales to Astonish #35 (September 1962). His adventures became an ongoing feature in the title. Issue #44 (June 1963) featured the debut of his socialite girlfriend and lab assistant Janet van Dyne, who adopted the costumed identity of the Wasp. She co-starred in Pym's subsequent appearances, and was a framing-sequence host for backup stories in the series. In September 1963, Lee and Kirby created the superhero title The Avengers, and Ant-Man and Wasp were established in issue #1 as founding members of the eponymous team.
Decades later, Lee theorized as to why "Ant-Man never became one of our top sellers or had his own book":
Pym began a continuous shift of superhero identities in Tales to Astonish, first becoming the Giant-Man in issue #49 (November 1963). Pym and van Dyne continued to costar in the title until issue #69 (July 1965), while simultaneously appearing in The Avengers until issue #15 (April 1965), after which they temporarily left the team.
Next Pym rejoined the Avengers and adopted the new identity Goliath in Avengers #28 (May 1966). Gradually falling to mental strain, he adopted the fourth superhero identity Yellowjacket in issue #59 (December 1968). (2026). 9781605490557, TwoMorrows Publishing. ISBN 9781605490557 He reappeared as Ant-Man in Avengers #93 (November 1971); and for issues #4–10 starred in the lead story of the first volume of Marvel Feature (July 1972July 1973). During this run, he appeared in a redesigned costume with a nail as a weapon. After appearing occasionally as Yellowjacket in the 1980s and battling mental and emotional issues, he temporarily abandoned costumed personas altogether, joining the West Coast Avengers as a scientist and inventor in West Coast Avengers vol. 2, #21 (June 1987). Writer Steve Englehart explained, "I've been using him as he asked to be used. In the Egghead story, where he bombed out as Yellowjacket, he said that he would never be a superhero again, so I took him at his word."
Pym returned to the Avengers as Giant-Man in The Avengers vol. 3, #1 (February 1998). When the team disbanded after a series of tragedies, Pym, as Yellowjacket, took a leave of absence beginning with vol. 3, #85 (September 2004).The issue was alternately numbered #500 (of the first volume) in an anniversary return to the original series numbering.
Following van Dyne's death, a grieving Pym took on yet another identity as a new iteration of Wasp, in tribute to the woman he had married and divorced, in the one-shot publication (January 2009). Giant-Man appeared as a supporting character in Avengers Academy from issue #1 (August 2010) through its final issue #39 (January 2013). Pym returned as the Wasp in the mini-series Ant-Man & The Wasp (January 2011) and as a regular character in the 2010-2013 Secret Avengers series from issue #22 (April 2012) through its final issue #37 (March 2013).
After Secret Avengers, Pym joined the Avengers A.I. after beating his creation Ultron. He then appeared in many comics including Daredevil (Vol. 3 and 4) and the graphic novel Rage of Ultron.
After several adventures, Pym is contacted by Vernon van Dyne, who asks for his help contacting alien life. Pym refuses, but is attracted to Vernon's socialite daughter Janet van Dyne. When Vernon is killed by an alien criminal who teleports to Earth, Janet asks for Pym's help avenging his death. Pym reveals his secret identity to Janet and uses Pym particles to graft wasp wings beneath her shoulders, which appear when Janet shrinks. She assumes the alias of the Wasp, and together they find and defeat Vernon's killer. Tales To Astonish #44 (June 1963). Marvel Comics. They become founding members of the superhero team the Avengers. The Avengers #1 (September 1963). Marvel Comics.
Pym eventually adopts his first alternate identity as the 12-foot-tall Giant-Man. Tales to Astonish #49 (November 1963). Marvel Comics. (Three decades later, a flashback shows him adopting the identity out of feelings of inadequacy when compared to powerful teammates Iron Man and Thor. Avengers Forever #1-12 (December 1998February 2000). Marvel Comics.) Pym and the Wasp begin a romantic relationship, Tales to Astonish #63 (January 1965). Marvel Comics. and soon take a leave of absence from the Avengers. The Avengers #15 (April 1965). Marvel Comics.
Returning to the Avengers, Pym adopts a new superhero identity, Goliath. Avengers #28 (May 1966). Marvel Comics. A mishap traps him in giant form for several issues and affects his self-esteem. Avengers #28-35 (May–December 1966). Marvel Comics. After recovering his size-shifting powers, he creates the robot Ultron that unexpectedly achieves sentience and becomes one of the Avengers's greatest foes.First appearance: The Avengers #54 (July 1968); origin: The Avengers (November 1968). Marvel Comics. During a botched experiment, Pym inhales chemicals that affect his mind, and he reappears at Avengers Mansion in the cocky new persona of Yellowjacket, claiming to have disposed of Pym. The Wasp secretly realizes he is Pym, however, and accepts his offer of marriage. At their wedding, a battle with the Circus of Crime erupts; in the ensuing conflict, the chemicals lose their effect on him and his identity is restored. The Avengers #59-60 (December 1968January 1969). Marvel Comics.
After aiding fellow superhero team known as the Defenders Defenders #23-25 (May–July 1975). Marvel Comics. Giant-Size Avengers #4 (May 1975). Marvel Comics. as Yellowjacket, Pym returns to the Avengers. The Avengers #137 (July 1975). Marvel Comics. He is eventually captured by an upgraded Ultron that Brainwashing his creator, causing the character to regress to his original Ant-Man costume and personality — arriving at Avengers Mansion, thinking it to be the very first meeting of the team. Seeing several unfamiliar members, Pym attacks the team until stopped by the Wasp. The Avengers #161162 (July–August 1977). Marvel Comics. After Ultron's brainwashing is reversed, Pym rejoins the Avengers as Yellowjacket. The Avengers #170 (April 1978). Marvel Comics. Pym is forced to briefly leave the team when the roster is restructured by government liaison Henry Peter Gyrich. The Avengers #181 (March 1979). Marvel Comics.
Also at this time, he noticed Scott Lang's theft of the Ant-Man suit. After Darren Cross's defeat and aware of Lang's use of the stolen goods, Pym let Lang keep the equipment, albeit only to uphold the law. Marvel Premiere #47-48. Marvel Comics.
Pym suffers a mental breakdown and concocts a plan to salvage his credibility. He plans to build a robot and program it to launch an attack on the Avengers; Pym will then counter the false flag attack at a critical moment using his knowledge of the robot's weaknesses, thereby presenting himself as the other Avengers' savior. The Wasp discovers the plan and begs Pym to stop, whereupon he strikes her. The Avengers #212-213 (October–November 1981). Marvel Comics.
Pym is subsequently expelled from the Avengers, and Janet him. The Avengers #214 (December 1981). Marvel Comics.
Left penniless, Pym is manipulated by an old foe, the presumed-dead Egghead, who tricks Pym into stealing the national reserve of the metal adamantium. Pym is confronted by the Avengers and blamed for the theft, as Egghead erases all evidence of his own involvement. Pym, in turn, blames Egghead, a criminal still believed dead by the other Avengers. This is taken by Pym's former teammates as further proof of his madness, and he is incarcerated. The Avengers #217 (March 1982). Marvel Comics. During Pym's imprisonment, Janet has a brief relationship with Tony Stark. The Avengers #224 (October 1982). Marvel Comics. Egghead later attempts to kill Pym but is himself accidentally killed by Hawkeye. With the perpetrator of the original theft now exposed, Pym is cleared of all charges. After bidding farewell to Janet and his teammates, Pym leaves to devote himself full-time to research. The Avengers #228-230 (February–April 1983). Marvel Comics.
Pym reappears as a member of the West Coast Avengers, first in an advisory role, West Coast Avengers vol. 2, #1 (October 1985). Marvel Comics. then as a full member. He answers to "Doctor Pym" in the field, using none of the names or costumes associated with his previous superhero identities. West Coast Avengers vol. 2, #21 (June 1987). Marvel Comics. He begins a short relationship with teammate Tigra. West Coast Avengers vol. 2, #16 (January 1987). Marvel Comics. After being taunted by old foe Whirlwind, Pym contemplates suicide, but is stopped by Firebird. West Coast Avengers vol. 2, #17 (February 1987). Marvel Comics. Pym and Janet eventually resume a romantic relationship. West Coast Avengers vol. 2, #42 (March 1989). Marvel Comics.
Hank Pym returns and aids the team as Giant-Man, Avengers vol. 3, #1 (February 1998) and makes a significant contribution by defeating criminal mastermind Imus Champion Avengers/Squadron Supreme Annual 98 (September 1998). Marvel Comics. and his flawed creation Ultron, simultaneously overcoming his old issues of guilt over Ultron's crimes. The Avengers vol. 3, #1922 (August–October 1999). Marvel Comics.
Back in the present, an encounter with Kulan Gath results in Pym being split into his two personas of Pym and Yellowjacket, after a spell cast by Gath temporarily transforms Pym into a swashbuckler-style Yellowjacket, followed by the Yellowjacket persona manifesting a physical presence from the extradimensional bio-mass Pym uses to grow. Yellowjacket's stability deteriorates in a confrontation with Diablo. The two personalities are restored when the Wasp helps the two halves realize they need each other. Avengers Annual 2001 (September 2001). Marvel Comics. Pym is eventually able to resolve his problems and adopts his Yellowjacket persona again. The Avengers vol. 3, #4155 (June 2001August 2002). Marvel Comics.
After the events of the "Avengers Disassembled" storyline, Pym takes a leave of absence, The Avengers vol. 3, #85 (September 2004). Marvel Comics. and in the one-shot Avengers: Finale, he and Janet leave for England to rekindle their relationship. Avengers Finale #1 (November 2004). Marvel Comics.
As Yellowjacket, Pym is a central character in the Civil War storyline, joining those heroes that support the Superhuman Registration Act. At the conclusion of the Civil War, Pym is named "Man of the Year" by Time Magazine magazine for his role in freeing several captive anti-registration heroes. Civil War #1-7 (June 2006January 2007). Marvel Comics. Pym becomes one of the administrators at Camp Hammond, a U.S. military base in Stamford, Connecticut, for the training of registered superheroes in the government program The Initiative. Avengers: The Initiative #14 (August 2008). Marvel Comics. Pym and Janet's relationship fails, and Pym again begins a romantic relationship with teammate Tigra.
Following the publication of Civil War, Marvel's Secret Invasion storyline uses flashbacks to present the then-current version of the character as an Criti Noll who replaced the real Pym at some point in the books' fictional history prior to the events of Civil War. This impostor is an extraterrestrial of the shape-shifting Skrull race participating in a covert invasion of Earth; Pym's experiences throughout the Civil War series and related series are retold in brief from the perspective of the impostor and its allies. Mighty Avengers #15 (August 2008); Secret Invasion #1-8 (June 2008January 2009). Marvel Comics. The impostor is exposed and defeated by the hero Crusader. Avengers: The Initiative #19 (January 2009) After the final battle between Earth's heroes and the Skrulls, Pym is found with other "replaced" heroes in a Skrull vessel. When Janet is seemingly killed in battle, Secret Invasion #8 (December 2008). Marvel Comics. Pym takes on a new superhero persona, the Wasp, in tribute to her. Secret Invasion: Requiem (January 2009). Marvel Comics. He rejoins the Avengers Mighty Avengers #21 (February 2009). Marvel Comics. and eventually leads the team. Mighty Avengers #23 (May 2009). Marvel Comics.
The cosmic entity Eternity reveals to Pym that he is Earth's "Scientist Supreme", the scientific counterpart to Earth's Doctor Strange. Mighty Avengers #30 (December 2009). Marvel Comics. The Norse trickster-god Loki later claims to have been posing as Eternity to manipulate Pym. Mighty Avengers #34. Marvel Comics.
In another adventure, Pym and Monica Chang, A.I. Division Chief of the espionage agency S.H.I.E.L.D., assemble a new team called the Avengers A.I.Bendis, Brian Michael (w). Avengers A.I. #1. Marvel Comics. A few months later, Pym, using his Yellowjacket identity, is shown as a member of the Illuminati. The Avengers vol. 5, #35. Marvel Comics. At one point, Pym is presumed dead and a funeral service is held in his honor. Avengers: Rage of Ultron #1. Marvel Comics. Scott Lang receives one of Pym's labs according to the will. Ant-Man Annual vol. 2, #1. Marvel Comics.
Pym resurfaces in a space adventure before rejoining the Avengers on Earth, though it becomes clear that Ultron is actually controlling Hank's body. Uncanny Avengers vol. 3 #9-10. Marvel Comics. The Avengers defeat the hybrid robot, but both Hank and Ultron survive and continue to do battle with one another internally. Uncanny Avengers vol. 3 #12. Marvel Comics. Later in this period, Hank's daughter Nadia is introduced. All-New, All-Different Avengers #9. Marvel Comics. It is also revealed that Hank has bipolar disorder, which he has been monitoring on his own to predict when and how often his mood swings may occur. Avengers A.I. #6. Marvel Comics.
During the "Secret Empire" storyline, Pym sets up a base in Alaska and is forced to work through some family issues and relationship strife within the Avengers team. Secret Empire #4. Marvel Comics. Pym later goes on a journey to collect all the Infinity Stones. Guardians of the Galaxy #150. Marvel Comics. During this storyline, a piece of Hank's soul gets stuck in an alternate realm and eventually devoured. Infinity Countdown #5. Marvel Comics. In another storyline, Hank is portrayed as a villain in a battle against the Silver Surfer. Infinity Countdown #4. Marvel Comics.
In "The Ultron Agenda" storyline, Hank attempts to merge all robots with humans. Iron Man and Machine Man interfere with his plans Tony Stark: Iron Man #16-17. Marvel Comics. and Pym attempts to take revenge. Tony Stark: Iron Man #18. Marvel Comics. At the end of this storyline, it is revealed that Hank's human side has been dead since he first merged with Ultron. Tony Stark: Iron Man #19. Marvel Comics.
Sometime later, an old man claiming to be Hank Pym places an artificial personality in Whirlwind's corpse called "Victor Shade". Avengers Inc. #1. Marvel Comics. It was later revealed that a fragment of Hank's conscious had separated from All-Father Ultron when he was defeated. The fragment recreated his body which appeared older and he was still paranoid from being Ultron's "meat puppet". What he did to Whirlwind was part of an experiment involving killing and reviving villains into becoming members of his Lethal Legion with help from Black Ant. To his surprise later by the time Wasp and Moon Knight find him, the "Victor Shade" persona ended up being hijacked by Ultron-12 by the time Wasp learned the truth on what happened to Hank as Ultron-12 knocks him out. As Wasp remembers Ultron-12 as the "good Ultron", Ultron-12 stated to Wasp that he went through a soft reboot to protect Hank as Ultron takes over the Lethal Legion. Hank regained consciousness and reunited with Nadia when Ant-Man, Mayor Luke Cage, Stinger, Valkyrie, and Vision arrived as he claims to Nadia that Ultron's no longer in him. He gives Nadia the code for the nano-tech from the future to use while Ultron is distracted as she's got to think big which Ultron-12 agrees with him on. After Ultron was defeated and the nanos reconstructed themselves into a new body for Ultron-12, Hank states that Ultron is not gone for good as the recovering Lethal Legion agree with him on it. Hank then leaves with the Lethal Legion to Sub-Atomica to regroup and prepare for Ultron's return as part of Protocol S. Avengers Inc. #2-5. Marvel Comics.
After constant experimentation with size-changing via ingested capsules and particle-filled gas, Pym is eventually able to change size at will, and mentally generate Pym particles to change the sizes of other living beings or inanimate objects. Pym retains his normal strength when "ant" size, and possesses greatly increased strength and stamina when in "giant" form, courtesy of the increased mass. Pym's costume is synthetic stretch fabric composed of unstable molecules and automatically adapts to his shifting sizes.
Pym also uses a cybernetic helmet he created for achieving rudimentary communication with ants and other higher order insects. As Yellowjacket, then later as Wasp, Pym wears artificial wings and has bio-blasters called "stingers" built into his gloves. He took up the Wasp mantle in memory of Janet, who was believed to be dead at the time.
Pym also carries a variety of weaponry, provisions, and scientific instruments, which are shrunken to the size of microchips and stored in the pockets of his uniform. Beyond! #2 (2007) An experienced superhero, Pym is a skilled hand-to-hand fighter. In his first appearance, he claimed to be a master of judo, is skilled in wrestling Marvel Monsters: Monsters on the Prowl #1 (December 2005) and karate Tales to Astonish #62 (December 1964) and has since been seen in combat with opponents of both his own size and radically larger than himself (as a result of his size-changing abilities).
During his stay with the West Coast Avengers, Pym constructed a one-man vehicle with artificial intelligence named Rover. Rover is able to communicate with Pym and is capable of flight and discharging energy and acid.
Back with the Avengers main team, he built a second Rover, resembling an Avengers Quinjet.
After fusing with Ultron, he now contains all of his creation's abilities when he is in control.
It is later stated the Maker ruined Pym's experiments with Pym Particles, which left him with brain damage enough that he doesn't remember doing them or the occurring of his impairing. Hank and Janet operate an extermination service as a couple where they deal with an infestation at a Hoboken restaurant. They find a family of Moloids as they recommend to its owner to enlist a relocation service for them. Afterwards, they are confronted by the Ultimates. They assume the alias of Giant-Man and Wasp when the Ultimates are attacked by Henri Duggary of Maker's Council and his army where most of them are stepped on by Giant-Man. Both of them join the Ultimates afterwards. Ultimates Vol. 4 #1. Marvel Comics.
| + !Title !Material collected !Published date !ISBN | |||
| Essential Astonishing Ant-Man, Vol. 1 | Tales to Astonish #27, 35–69 | March 2002 | |
| Marvel Masterworks: Ant-Man/Giant-Man Vol. 1 | Tales to Astonish #27; 35–52 | August 2009 | |
| Marvel Masterworks: Ant-Man/Giant-Man Vol. 2 | Tales to Astonish #53-69 | August 2009 | |
| Marvel Masterworks: Ant-Man/Giant-Man Vol. 3 | Marvel Feature #4-10, Power Man #24-25, Black Goliath #1-5, Champions #11-13, Marvel Premiere #47-48 and material from Iron Man (1968) #44 | June 2018 | |
| Ant-Man/Giant-Man Epic Collection v. 1: The Man in the Ant Hill | Tales to Astonish #27, 35–59 | July 2015 | |
| Ant-Man/Giant-Man Epic Collection v. 2: Ant-Man No More | Tales to Astonish #60-69, Marvel Feature #4-10, Power Man #24-25, Black Goliath #1-5, Champions #11-13, Marvel Premiere #47-48 and material from Iron Man (1968) #44 | January, 2023 | |
| Avengers: The Many Faces of Henry Pym | Tales to Astonish #27, 35, 49, Avengers (vol. 1) #28, 59–60, West Coast Avengers #21, Avengers Annual 2001, Secret Invasion: Requiem | June 2012 | |
| Ant-Man/Giant-Man: Growing Pains | Avengers (vol. 1) #28, 139, Avengers Academy #7, material from Tales to Astonish #49, Marvel Double Feature: Avengers/Giant-Man #379-382 | July 2018 | |
| Avengers: The Trial of Yellowjacket | The Avengers #212-230 | August 2012 | |
| Ant-Man: Astonishing Origins | Ant-Man: Season One, Ant-Man (vol. 1) #1 | June 2018 | |
| Avengers Origins | Avengers Origins: Ant-Man & Wasp and Avengers Origins: Luke Cage, Avengers Origins: Quicksilver & The Scarlet Witch, Avengers Origins: Thor, Avengers Origins: Vision | April 2012 | |
| Ant-Man & Wasp: Small World | Ant-Man & Wasp #1-3 | June 2011 | |
| Ant-Man: Ant-Niversary | Ant-Man (vol. 3) #1-4 and material from Tales To Astonish #37, 43 | January 2023 |
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