Brandon Routh's Arrow character Dr. Ray Palmer has been making small steps (as is befitting his ultimate transformation) towards his eventual identity as the Atom.  The DC hero will likely become another spinoff for the CW's growing set of superhero series that also includes The Flash.  (In fact, Dr. Ray will be taking a trip with Felicity over to Central City soon for a mini Flash / Arrow crossover).

For now, check out the first photo of his badass suit, released by the CW today:

Ray Palmer will be suiting up for the first time in the upcoming third season episode "Nanda Parbat," which airs February 25th.

What do you think of it?  And is it time for Routh to get a second chance as another DC character (after, of course, playing Superman in 2006)?

Arrow, which also stars Stephen Amell, Katie Cassidy, David Ramsey, Willa Holland, Emily Bett Rickards, Colton Haynes and John Barrowman airs Wednesdays at 8 p.m. on the CW.