The Atom has always been one of my favorite underused and under-utilized characters in the DC Universe, so I was pleasantly surprised when good ol' Ray Palmer started popping up on "Arrow."

"Superman Returns" star Brandon Routh returned to DC Comics-based live-action land last fall in a recurring role as Dr. Palmer, best known as the size-altering Atom. In the show itself, he's been tinkering with a prototype dubbed "A.T.O.M.," but hasn't suited up in the prototype as of yet. It appears that's all about to change very soon, as The CW has released the first look at Routh in costume as The Atom. Check it out below:

Personally, I'm not sure what to make of it right now. It has slight nods to the original Atom costume (e.g., the molecule logo on the helmet), but it just looks a bit too mechanical for my tastes. I guess my final decision will be made on it once I see it in action but, for now, the jury is out on this one.

Routh makes his in-costume debut as The Atom on the 15th episode of the currently ongoing third season of "Arrow," slated to air Feb. 25 on The CW. Thanks to IGN for the tip.