Ant-Man is the name of several superheroes appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The original Ant-Man, Dr. Henry 'Hank' Pym, was created by Stan Lee, Larry Lieber, and Jack Kirby, first appearing in Tales to Astonish #27 in January 1962. Pym is a brilliant scientist who discovers a group of subatomic particles, which he dubs 'Pym Particles,' that allow him to alter his size. He invents a cybernetic helmet that enables him to communicate with and control ants, using them as allies in his crime-fighting endeavors. Over the decades, the mantle of Ant-Man has been taken up by other characters, most notably Scott Lang, a reformed thief who steals the Ant-Man suit to save his daughter, and Eric O'Grady, a morally ambiguous S.H.I.E.L.D. agent.
The character has been a foundational member of the Avengers since the team's inception, with Pym being a founding member. The Ant-Man identity has been associated with themes of scientific exploration, redemption, and the idea that heroism can come in small packages. The comic series has explored the microverse, a subatomic universe, which has served as the inspiration for the Quantum Realm in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The character's legacy is one of scientific wonder and personal struggle, with each bearer of the Ant-Man name bringing their own unique perspective to the role.