First appearance & brief origin of Superman. Reprinted in SECRET ORIGINS (Vol. 1) #1, February-March 1973; in FAMOUS FIRST EDITIONS (Vol. 1) #C-26, 1979; in A SMITHSONIAN BOOK OF COMIC-BOOK COMICS (Smithsonian Institution Press; Harry N. Abrams) nn, 1981; & in SUPERMAN: THE ACTION ARCHIVES Volume One, 1997.
Cover date: June 1938 Released: 1938
1941
0.1 SUPERMAN (Vol.1) 13 "The Attack of the Archer"
First appearance of Jimmy [Olsen, last name not used until SUPERMAN #15, March-April 1942 - appears with blond hair in this story]. Reprinted in SUPERMAN FROM THE THIRTIES TO THE SEVENTIES (Crown Publishers, Inc.) #1, 1971; in SUPERMAN FROM THE THIRTIES TO THE EIGHTIES (Crown Publishers, Inc.) #1, 1983; & in SUPERMAN ARCHIVES Volume Four, 1994.
0.5 ADVENTURE COMICS (Vol. 1) 191 "The Two Clark Kent's!"
A juvenile delinquent, who is a double for Superboy, takes over his life as Clark Kent. Rewritten to become "The Secret of the Seventh Super-Hero!" – 9. ADVENTURE COMICS 290, November 1961 .
Superboy battles Marsboy (Sutri of Mars) for the affections of Lana Lang. Rewritten to become "Lana Lang and the Legion of Super-Heroes!" – 5. ADVENTURE COMICS 282, March 1961 .
Cover date: December 1953 Released: September 1953
0.8 ADVENTURE COMICS (Vol. 1) 205 "The Journey of the Second Superboy!"
Kral of 20th century Titan (Saturn Girl’s ancestors?) arrives in Smallville claiming that his parents sent him there to find refuge because Saturn’s moon is going to explode internally. Taken in by the Kents, where he aids Superboy. His real intent is to betray the Earth and place them into slavery. However, his stay on Earth teaches him the error of his ways and he aids Superboy into fooling the Titanians that Superboy’s powers are typical of Earthlings. Reprinted in 80 PAGE GIANT (Vol. 1) #10, May 1965.
0.9 ADVENTURE COMICS (Vol. 1) 210 "The Super-Dog From Krypton"
First appearance and origin of Krypto the Superdog. Reprinted in SUPERBOY (vol.1) #165, June 1970 and in DC Special Blue Ribbon Digest (vol.1) #9, May 1981.
0.9.1 ADVENTURE COMICS (Vol.1) 237 "The Robot War of Smallville"
Superboy returns to Smallville after a trip and finds that everyone (including himself) has been turned into robots. It turns out that the Interplanetary Vigilantes had created a separate Smallville populated by robots to pose as a target for some Alien Outlaws. NOTE: No appearance of any group remotely resembling the Legion in this story- despite what it says in various Overstreet volumes.
Cover date: June 1957 Released: 1957
0.9.2 WORLD’S FINEST COMICS (Vol.1) 91 "The Three Super-Sleepers"
Superman, Batman, & Robin sleep until the year 2957 and meet Rothul (descendant of Luthor). Reprinted in 80 PAGE GIANT (Vol. 1) #12, July 1965 & in WORLD’S FINEST ARCHIVES Volume Two, 2005.
1. ADVENTURE COMICS (Vol. 1) 247 "The Legion of Super-Heroes!"
Superboy is invited to the 30th century to join a club of super-powered teens, only to fail their initiation tests. But proving he’s a good sport, Superboy is inducted onto the team anyway. First appearance of the Legion of Super-Heroes, Lightning Boy (later called Lightning Lad), Cosmic Boy, Saturn Girl, Legion Clubhouse, & Legion Time Bubble. Reprinted in SUPERMAN ANNUAL (vol. 1) #6, Winter 1963 ["Lightning Boy" changed to "Lightning Lad" and final page cut there]; in DC SPECIAL BLUE RIBBON DIGEST (Vol. 1) #1, March-April 1980; in ADVENTURE COMICS DIGEST (Vol. 1) #491, September 1982; in LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES ARCHIVES Volume One, 1991; in DC SILVER AGE CLASSICS (Vol. 1) #3C, 1992; in MILLENNIUM EDITION: ADVENTURE COMICS (Vol. 1) #247, November 2000; & in WORLD'S BEST COMICS: SILVER AGE DC ARCHIVES SAMPLER (Vol. 1), 2004.
Cover date: April 1958 Released: January 1958
1.1 ACTION COMICS (Vol. 1) 242 "The Super-Duel In Space"
First appearance of Brainiac (ancestor of Brainiac 5) a villainous alien who collects cities from various worlds by shrinking them down into bottles. First appearance of Kandor, Koko, and Brainiac’s “power-belt.” Reprinted in SUPERMAN ANNUAL (Vol. 1) #2, 1960; in SUPERMAN (Vol. 1) #217, June-July 1969; in SUPERMAN FROM THE THIRTIES TO THE EIGHTIES (Crown Publishers, Inc.) #1, 1983; & in SUPERMAN: THE MAN OF TOMORROW ARCHIVES Volume One, 2004.
1.2 ADVENTURE COMICS (Vol. 1) 250 "The Impostor from the Year 2958"
Superboy is notified by a Scotland Yard inspector from 2958 A.D. that a criminal known as Lorac-K7 has come back to his time to obtain cobalt to use in a cobalt bomb, but he is unable to reveal Lorac’s cover identity. Accordingly, Superboy has to figure out which citizen of Smallville has been abducted and impersonated by the criminal from the future. Reprinted in 80 PAGE GIANT (Vol. 1) #10, May 1965.
1.3 SUPERMAN (Vol. 1) 123 "The Three Magic Wishes (Part One): The Girl of Steel" First appearance of Super-Girl (actually a magically-created female partner for Superman). Reprinted as "The First Supergirl!" in SUPERMAN ANNUAL (Vol. 1) #6, Winter 1963; as "The First Supergirl!" (and edited) in SUPERMAN (Vol. 1) #217, June-July 1969; in SUPERGIRL ARCHIVES Volume One, 2001; & in SUPERMAN: THE MAN OF TOMORROW ARCHIVES Volume One, 2004.
Cover date: August 1958 Released: May 1958
1.4 SUPERMAN'S PAL, JIMMY OLSEN (Vol. 1) 31 "The E-l-a- s-t-i-c Lad!"
Jimmy Olsen becomes Elastic Lad for the first time. Reprinted in 80 PAGE GIANT (Vol. 1) #2, September 1964.
1.5 WONDER WOMAN (Vol. 1) 101 "Fun House of Time!"
No Legion appearances. Possible first appearance of the Time Trapper as Ty. M. Master (Time Master). Reprinted in WONDER WOMAN (Vol. 1) #217, April-May 1975.
1.7 ACTION COMICS (Vol. 1) 252 "The Supergirl from Krypton!" First appearance and origin of Supergirl (Kara Zor-El of Krypton). Reprinted in SUPERMAN ANNUAL (Vol. 1) #1, 1960; in ACTION COMICS (Vol. 1) #288, May 1962; in ACTION COMICS (Vol. 1) #314, July 1964; in ACTION COMICS (Vol. 1) #334, March 1966; in SECRET ORIGINS (Vol. 1) #2, April-May 1973; in DC SPECIAL SERIES (Vol. 1) #19, Fall 1979; in SUPERMAN FROM THE THIRTIES TO THE EIGHTIES (Crown Publishers, Inc.) #1, 1983; in DC SILVER AGE CLASSICS (Vol. 1) #4D, 1992; in MILLENNIUM EDITION: ACTION COMICS (Vol. 1) #252, July 2000; & in SUPERGIRL ARCHIVES Volume One, 2001.
Cover date: May 1959 Released: 1959
1.8 SUPERMAN'S PAL, JIMMY OLSEN (Vol. 1) 37 "The Elastic Lad of Metropolis!"
Second appearance of Jimmy Olsen as Elastic Lad. Reprinted in 80 PAGE GIANT (Vol. 1) #13/SUPERMAN’S PAL, JIMMY OLSEN (Vol.1) #104, August 1965.
Cover date: June 1959 Released: March 1959
1.9 SUPERBOY (Vol. 1) 76 "The Super-Monkey from Krypton!"
First appearance and origin of Beppo the Super-Monkey. Reprinted in SUPERMAN ANNUAL (Vol. 1) #5, Summer 1962.
2. ADVENTURE COMICS (Vol. 1) 267 "Prisoner of the Super-Heroes!"
Second appearance of the Legion. The Legionnaires create an entire planet to honor Superboy, and then imprison him on it when they mistakenly believe he has turned to evil. Lightning Boy becomes Lightning Lad, Saturn Girl (appears with brown hair), & Cosmic Boy first appear in classic Silver Age costumes. Reprinted in SUPERMAN ANNUAL (Vol. 1) #8, Winter 1964; in ADVENTURE COMICS DIGEST (Vol. 1) #491, September 1982; & in LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES ARCHIVES Volume One, 1991.
Cover date: December 1959 Released: September 1959
2.1 ACTION COMICS (Vol. 1) 261 "Supergirl’s Super Pet!"
First appearance and origin of Streaky the Super-Cat. Intro of X-Kryptonite. Reprinted in ACTION COMICS (Vol. 1) #334, March 1966 & in SUPERGIRL ARCHIVES Volume One, 2001.
First meeting between Superboy and Supergirl. Reprinted in ACTION COMICS (Vol. 1) #334, March 1966 & in BEST OF DC COMICS DIGEST (Vol. 1) #7, September-October 1980.
3. ACTION COMICS (Vol. 1) 267 "The Three Super-Heroes!"
The Legion (in their third appearance) invites Supergirl to the 30th century to join their super-hero club, but she fails to meet their membership criteria (18 years-old or younger) after prematurely aging from exposure to red kryptonite. The affects of which don’t wear off until she returns to the 20th century. First appearance of Invisible Kid, Colossal Boy, & Chameleon Boy. Reprinted in ACTION COMICS (Vol. 1) #334, March 1966; ADVENTURE COMICS DIGEST (Vol. 1) #492, October 1982; in LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES ARCHIVES Volume One, 1991; & in SUPERGIRL ARCHIVES Volume One, 2001.
4. SUPERBOY (Vol.1) 86 "The Boy Who Betrayed Clark Kent!!"
First appearance of Pete Ross. Reprinted in ADVENTURE COMICS (Vol. 1) #342, March 1966 & in BEST OF DC DIGEST (vol. 1) #15, August 1981.
"The Army of Living Kryptonite Men!"
Fourth Legion appearance. Superboy battles Kryptonite Men made out of asteroids by Lex Luthor. Lightning Lad saves Superboy’s life and aids him in defeating Luthor. Luthor speculates about the existence of a Legion of Super-Villains. Reprinted in 80 PAGE GIANT (Vol. 1) #11, June 1965; in ADVENTURE COMICS DIGEST (Vol. 1) #492, October 1982; & in LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES ARCHIVES Volume One, 1991.
Cover date: January 1961 Released: October 1960
4.1 SUPERMAN'S GIRLFRIEND, LOIS LANE (Vol. 1) 23 "The 10 Feats of Elastic Lass!"
Lois Lane uses Jimmy Olsen's Elastic Lad serum as Elastic Lass. Reprinted in LOIS LANE ANNUAL (Vol. 1) #2, Summer 1963.
5. ADVENTURE COMICS (Vol. 1) 282 "Lana Lang and the Legion of Super-Heroes!"
Fifth Legion appearance. Lana Lang feigns interest in the Legion's Star Boy in an attempt to make Superboy jealous and fails. First appearance of Star Boy (Thom Kallor of Xanthu). Adapted from "Lana Lang's Romance on Mars!" in 0.7 ADVENTURE COMICS (Vol. 1) #195, December 1953 . Reprinted in ADVENTURE COMICS (Vol. 1) #356, May 1967; in ADVENTURE COMICS DIGEST (Vol. 1) #493, November 1982; & in LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES ARCHIVES Volume One, 1991.
6. ACTION COMICS (Vol. 1) 276 "Supergirl's Three Super-Girlfriends!"
Sixth appearance of the Legion. Supergirl gets a second chance to join the Legion, and this time is succesful. First appearances of Phantom Girl, Triplicate Girl, Shrinking Violet, Bouncing Boy, Sun Boy, & Brainiac 5. Supergirl & Brainic 5 join. Reprinted in SUPERBOY (Vol. 1) #147, June 1968; in ADVENTURE COMICS DIGEST (Vol. 1) #493, November 1982; & in LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES ARCHIVES Volume One, 1991; & in SUPERGIRL ARCHIVES Volume Two, 2003.
Cover date: May 1961 Released: February 1961
6.1 ACTION COMICS (Vol. 1) 277 "The Battle of the Super-Pets!"
First meeting of Krypto the Super-Dog, Streaky the Super-Cat, and Beppo the Super-Monkey. Reprinted in Action Comics (Vol. 1) #373, March 1969 & in SUPERGIRL ARCHIVES Volume Two, 2003.
7. SUPERBOY (Vol.1) 89 "Part I…Superboy's Big Brother! Part II…The Secret of Mon-El!"
First appearance of Mon-El (Lar Gand of Daxam). Second appearance of the Phantom Zone. Superboy finds an amnesiac super-powered youth who he thinks is his older brother, and christens him Mon-El. Adapted from "Superman's Big Brother" in 0.5 SUPERMAN (vol. 1) #80, February 1953 . Reprinted in SUPERBOY (Vol. 1) #129, May 1966; in ADVENTURE COMICS DIGEST (Vol. 1) #494, December 1982; & in LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES ARCHIVES Volume One, 1991.
Pete Ross learns Superboy's secret identity! His keeping Clark’s secret will eventually earn him honorary membership into the Legion. Reprinted in ADVENTURE COMICS (Vol. 1) #343, April 1966 & in BEST OF DC DIGEST (vol. 1) #15, August 1981.
Cover date: July 1961 Released: April 1961
7.2 SUPERMAN'S PAL, JIMMY OLSEN (Vol. 1) 54 "Elastic Lad's Wrestling Match!"
Fourth appearance of Jimmy Olsen in his Elastic Lad guise. Reprinted in SUPERMAN’S PAL, JIMMY OLSEN (Vol. 1) #111, June 1968 [with four added pages].
Cover date: July 1961 Released: April 1961
7.3 ADVENTURE COMICS (Vol. 1) 287 "War of the Superboy's"
First appearance of Dev-Em, a juvenile delinquent from Krypton who creates problems for Kryptonian citizens including Jor-El & Superbaby. After stowing himself and his parents into suspended animation in a specially-equipped bomb-shelter, they eventually land on Earth after Krypton’s destruction. Reprinted in SUPERBOY (Vol. 1) #138, May-June 1967.
Cover date: August 1961 Released: May 1961
7.4 ADVENTURE COMICS (Vol. 1) 288 "The Knave from Krypton!"
Dev-Em (in his second appearance) awakens on Earth and proceeds to cause havoc disguised as Superboy after he tricks Superboy into going into the Phantom Zone. He then travels into the future with his weird bomb-shelter spaceship after freeing Superboy from the Zone. Chief Parker of the Smallville police fakes red kryptonite to clear Superboy of Dev-Em’s misdeeds. Reprinted in SUPERBOY (Vol. 1) #138, May-June 1967.
8. SUPERMAN (Vol.1) 147 "The Legion of Super-Villains!"
Seventh Legion appearance. Lex Luthor enlists super criminals from the future in his vendetta against Superman. First appearance & individual origins of the Legion of Super-Villains (Lightning Lord, Cosmic King, & Saturn Queen) & the adult Legion of Super-Heroes (Lightning Man, Saturn Woman, & Cosmic Man). Reprinted in SUPERBOY (Vol. 1) #147, June 1968; SUPERMAN [Grosset & Dunlap, 1978]; in ADVENTURE COMICS DIGEST (Vol. 1) #494, December 1982; & in LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES ARCHIVES Volume One, 1991.
8.1 ADVENTURE COMICS (Vol. 1) 289 "Clark Kent's Super Father!"
Jax-Ur (First appearance, Kryptonian criminal from the Phantom Zone) poses as Pa Kent with Superboy’s powers. Cameo of Legion statuettes. Reprinted in SUPERBOY (Vol. 1) #185, May 1972.
Cover date: October 1961 Released: July 1961
8.2 SUPERMAN'S GIRLFRIEND, LOIS LANE (Vol. 1) 28 "The Lois Lane of the Future!"
Lex Luthor, who was told by Cosmic King (of the LSV) that space and time could be bridged by combining the elements of several common objects, uses such a device to send Superman into an alternate future. In the year 2961, he is saved by Lois 4xR and together they use their super-powers to determine if she is descended from Superman and Lois Lane.
8.3 ACTION COMICS (Vol. 1) 282 "The Supergirl of Tomorrow!"
Superman sends Supergirl several thousands of years into the future using an exact duplicate Legion time machine he had built in an effort to restore her lost super-powers. Cameo of Brainiac 5. Reprinted in SUPERGIRL ARCHIVES Volume Two, 2003.
Cover date: November 1961 Released: August 1961
9. ADVENTURE COMICS (Vol. 1) 290 "The Secret of the Seventh Super-Hero!"
Eighth Legion appearance. Superboy helps newly elected Legion member Sun Boy recover a 30th century secret weapon hidden in his time while an imposter (Tom Tanner) takes over his life as Clark Kent. The Sun Boy of the story also proves to be an imposter. Adapted from "The Two Clark Kents" in 0.6 ADVENTURE COMICS (Vol. 1) #191, August 1953 . Reprinted in SUPERBOY (Vol. 1) #147, June 1968; in ADVENTURE COMICS DIGEST (Vol. 1) #495, January 1983; & in LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES ARCHIVES Volume One, 1991.
LSH cameo (Ninth appearance) at funeral of Superman in Part 3. Reprinted in SUPERMAN (Vol. 1) #193, January-February 1967 & in BEST OF DC DIGEST (Vol. 1) #1, September-October 1979.
9.2 ACTION COMICS (Vol. 1) 283 "The Red Kryptonite Menace!"
Chameleon Men (Zo-Gar & Jan-Dex) from the 30th century arrive in Superman’s present (1961) claiming to be members of the Legion of Super-Outlaws (Cosmic King and Lightning Lord are mentioned as members). They plan to attract green and red kryptonite with special meteor-attracting antennae and use it to kill the Man of Steel. However, the red kryptonite gives Superman the power to defeat his foes.
"The Six Red 'K' Perils of Supergirl!"
Superman mentions leaving to visit the Legion to Supergirl while Mr. Mxyzptlk and red kryptonite affect her life. Reprinted in ACTION COMICS (Vol. 1) #360, March 1968 & in SUPERGIRL ARCHIVES Volume Two, 2003.
Cover date: December 1961 Released: September 1961
Tenth Legion appearance. Superboy finds a new way to foil Lana Lang's latest attempt to uncover his secret identity with Chameleon Boy’s help. Reprinted in SUPERBOY (Vol. 1) #208, April 1975.
Cover date: December 1961 Released: September 1961
10. SUPERMAN ANNUAL (Vol.1) 4 "The Origins and Powers of the Legion of Super-Heroes!"
Two page feature gives a Legion roll call – Eleventh appearance. First mention of many origins, civilian names, and home planets. Reprinted in [altered with 2 pages added] ADVENTURE COMICS (Vol. 1) #316, January 1964; in LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES ARCHIVES Volume One, 1991; & in [altered with 2 pages added] LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES ARCHIVES Volume Two, 1992.
10.1 ACTION COMICS (Vol. 1) 284 "The Babe of Steel!"
Mon-El’s exile into the Phantom Zone is recapped as Mon-El helps to warn Superman of a growing portal that will allow Kryptonian criminals to escape the Zone. Reprinted in SUPERMAN (Vol. 1) #212, December 1968.
11. ACTION COMICS (Vol. 1) 285 "The World's Greatest Heroine! Part 1"
Superman introduces Supergirl to the World. Reprinted in ACTION COMICS (Vol. 1) #360, March 1968; in SUPERMAN ANNUAL (Vol. 1) #6, Winter 1963 [one page excerpt]; in SUPERMAN (Vol. 1) #217, June-July 1969 [one page excerpt]; in ACTION COMICS (Vol. 1) #334, March 1966 [one page excerpt]; & in SUPERGIRL ARCHIVES Volume Two, 2003.
"The Infinite Monster! Part 2"
Twelfth Legion appearance. Supergirl faces the “Infinite Monster” alone after Superman departs to the 50th century. After she sends a time-capsule into the future for his aid, Brainiac 5 sends her a ray device in response. However, Supergirl is forced to recreate that device after the “Infinite Monster” destroys it prior to her using it. The ray device allows Supergirl to safely shrink the creature. Reprinted in ACTION COMICS (Vol. 1) #360, March 1968 & in SUPERGIRL ARCHIVES Volume Two, 2003.
Cover date: February 1962 Released: November 1961
12. ADVENTURE COMICS (Vol. 1) 293 "The Legion of Super-Traitors!"
Thirteenth Legion appearance. First appearance of Comet the Super-Horse. First appearance and origins of both the Legion of Super-Pets & the Brain Globes of Rambat. The Legion are unsuccessful in aiding Superboy in preventing the conquer of the Earth by a highly evolved race until they travel through time gathering Super-Pets. Reprinted in SUPERBOY (Vol. 1) #147, June 1968; in ADVENTURE COMICS DIGEST (Vol. 1) #495, January 1983; & in LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES ARCHIVES Volume One, 1991.
12.1 ACTION COMICS (Vol. 1) 286 "The Jury of Super-Enemies!"
The second appearance of the Legion of Super-Villains (including Lex Luthor, Brainiac, & Electro along with Lightning Lord, Cosmic King & Saturn Queen), who all appear in dream sequence and on the cover.
The fourteenth Legion appearance. Supergirl is summoned to the 30th century by the Legion to help them defeat the Positive Man. While on her mission, Chameleon Men place the real Legionnaires into suspended animation on an asteroid and take their place. With a little help, she eventually saves the day after the Chameleon Men reveal themselves and place her and Whizzy into the Phantom Zone. First and only appearance of Whizzy, a 30th century decendent of Streaky, the Super-Cat. Reprinted in ACTION COMICS (Vol. 1) #373, March 1969; in ADVENTURE COMICS DIGEST #496, February 1983; & in LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES ARCHIVES Volume One, 1991.
The fifteenth Legion appearance. Superman is plagued by robot versions of his closest friends created by the “Robot Master.” The “Robot Master” turns out to be a gag that the Legion plays on him and Supergirl to celebrate the anniversary of Supergirl’s arrival on Earth.
Second adult Legion appearance - sixteenth overall. Supergirl attempts to find a suitable super-mate for Superman, which includes Saturn Woman of the adult Legion. However, it’s revealed that Saturn Woman is married to Lightning Man (Cosmic Man, Phantom Woman, Triplicate Woman, Sun Man, & Chameleon Man also appear. Superman and Supergirl find an anti-gravity meteor and invent anti-gravity belts in this story. Also note: this is the infamous "cousin lovin'" story.
15.1 ACTION COMICS (Vol. 1) 290 "Supergirl's Super Boyfriends!"
Seventeenth Legion appearance. Phantom Girl uses the time-projector to travel to Supergirl’s time and give her a Supergirl statuette as a present, which was inadvertently made out of red kryptonite. Supergirl then unknowingly gives both Dick Malverne and Jerro powers similar to hers through a kiss. First appearance of the Supergirl Emergency Squad (a group of Kandorian girls dressed up as Supergirl). Reprinted in ACTION COMICS (Vol. 1) #347, March 1967.
16. SUPERBOY (Vol.1) 98 "The Boy with Ultra Powers!"
Eighteenth Legion appearance. Ultra Boy travels to the 20th century in an attempt to uncover Superboy's secret identity as part of his Legion initiation. Introduction & origin Ultra Boy who joins the Legion. First appearance of the Legion's adult advisor Marla Latham. Pete Ross becomes an honorary member of the Legion. Reprinted in SUPERBOY (Vol. 1) #147, June 1968; ADVENTURE COMICS DIGEST #497, March 1983; & in LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES ARCHIVES Volume One, 1991.
Letter Column mentions new Legion series starting in the next issue –
“Dear Editor: I would like to cast my vote for the proposed series, "Tales of the Legion of Super-Heroes", to alternate with "Tales of the Bizarro World." The Legion has long been a favorite with me, and I hope you won't limit the stories merely to the origins of these heroes, interesting as these would be. You have many excellent characters in the Legion: my favorites are Lightning Lad and Chameleon Boy. I think they have the most attractive costumes and the most unusual powers of all the members. So how about it?
Richard C. West, Milton, Mass.
(Sold! So many readers have written in requesting a new series about the Legion of Super-Heroes, we are yielding to their demand. We are happy to announce, therefore, that the very next issue of ADVENTURE COMICS will feature this new series. A special sidelight of the new series will be the inclusion of a new member of the Legion. He will be none other than our old friend from the Phantom Zone - Mon-El! -Ed.)”
17. SUPERMAN (Vol.1) 155 "The Downfall of Superman!"
The third adult Legion appearance – nineteenth overall. In an elaborate scheme to capture Duke Marble and his gang with their stolen loot, Superman switches identities with famous wrestler, Antonio Rocca. Adult Legionnaires Lightning Man & Cosmic Man help with the ruse by playing Samson & Hercules, respectfully. Krypto also appears disquised as Mr. Mxyzptlk.
17.1 SUPERMAN'S PAL, JIMMY OLSEN (Vol. 1) 63 "The League of Fantastic Supermen!"
The third appearance of the Legion of Super-Villains (Cosmic King, Lightning Lord, Chameleon Chief, & Sun-Emperor). First appearance of Chameleon Chief and Sun Emperor. Reprinted in SUPERMAN FAMILY (Vol. 1) #169, February-March 1975.
17.2 ACTION COMICS (Vol. 1) 292 "The Super-Steed of Steel!"
Second appearance of Comet, the Super-Horse. Reprinted in ACTION COMICS (Vol. 1) #334, March 1966.
Cover date: September 1962 Released: 1962
18. ADVENTURE COMICS (Vol. 1) 300 "The Face Behind the Lead Mask!"
Twentieth Legion appearance. The Legion begins as a regular feature with this issue. Mon-El’s first Legion-related appearance – becomes a member. The Legion battles the mysterious Urthlo, who can control their super-powers. Saturn Girl creates “serum XY-4” to temporarily release Mon-El from the Phantom Zone to defeat their foe, who is a robot with an adult Lex Luthor’s face created by Luthor to destroy the Legion. Reprinted in ACTION COMICS (Vol. 1) #377, June 1969; in ADVENTURE COMICS DIGEST (Vol. 1) #497, March 1983; & in LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES ARCHIVES Volume One, 1991.
18.1 SUPERMAN'S PAL, JIMMY OLSEN (Vol. 1) 64 "Jimmy Olsen, Hollywood Star!"
Superman mentions that he and Supergirl are going to the 30th century on a mission with the Legion.
Cover date: September 1962 Released: June 1962
18.2 ACTION COMICS (Vol. 1) 293 "The Secret Origin of Supergirl's Super-Horse!"
Third appearance and origin of Comet, the Super-Horse. Reprinted in ACTION COMICS (Vol. 1) #347, March 1967.
Cover date: October 1962 Released: 1962
19. ADVENTURE COMICS (Vol. 1) 301 "The Secret Origin of Bouncing Boy!"
Origin of Bouncing Boy. Legion applicants are inspired at hearing how Bouncing Boy became a Legion member. Only appearance of applicants Lester Spiffany & the first Storm Boy. Reprinted in SUPERBOY (Vol. 1) #180, December 1971; in ADVENTURE COMICS DIGEST (Vol. 1) #498, April 1983; & in LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES ARCHIVES Volume One, 1991.
20. SUPERMAN (Vol.1) 156 "The Last Days of Superman!"
Supergirl enlists the aid of the Legion of Super-Heroes and the Superman Emergency Squad, after Superman is seemingly afflicted with Virus X. While the Super-Heroes pay tribute and Brainiac 5 searches for a cure, Saturn Girl contacts Mon-El who informs her that Superman is suffering from green kryptonite logged into Jimmy Olsen’s camera. Adapted from SUPERMAN (Vol. 1) #66, September-October 1950. Reprinted in SUPERMAN: THE GREATEST STORIES EVER TOLD (Vol. 1) nn, 2004.
20.1 ACTION COMICS (Vol. 1) 294 "The Kryptonite Killer!"
Saturn Queen appears among the trophy busts of Superman foes in Fortress of Solitude.
"The Mutiny of Super-Horse!"
Third appearance and partial origin of Comet the Super-Horse.
Cover date: November 1962 Released: August 1962
21. ADVENTURE COMICS (Vol. 1) 302 "Sun Boy's Lost Power!"
Sun Boy is kicked out of the Legion when his super-power disappears. He seeks out a flame-beast who then restores his powers. Reprinted: in ACTION COMICS (Vol. 1) #388, May 1970; in ADVENTURE COMICS DIGEST (Vol. 1) #498, April 1983; & in LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES ARCHIVES Volume One, 1991.
22. SUPERMAN (Vol.1) 157 "The Super-Revenge of the Phantom Zone Prisoner!"
Superman uses his Zone-Ophone to contact Mon-El. Reprinted in SUPERMAN (Vol. 1) #227, June-July 1970.
"Superman's Day of Doom!"
Superman learns that someone with the initials L.L. will aid him should he get into trouble. After almost receiving aid from several people including Lightning Lad, he finally is saved from kryptonite by Little Leaguer, Steven Snapinn.
Mon-El is forced to bear witness to Superman's madness.
Cover date: December 1962 Released: September 1962
23. ADVENTURE COMICS (Vol. 1) 303 "The Fantastic Spy!"
First appearance of Matter-Eater Lad who joins with this issue. The Legion fears that its newest member has betrayed them to Meglaro, the evil alien who exists as a brain in a globe containing a fluid chemical that gave him super mind-power. The true culprit turns out to be a microscopic spy implanted into Sun Boy’s ankle. Reprinted in ADVENTURE COMICS DIGEST (Vol. 1) #499, May 1983; & in LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES ARCHIVES Volume One, 1991.
Cover date: December 1962 Released: September 1962
23.1 SUPERBOY (Vol. 1) 101 "The Valhalla of Super-Companions!"
First appearance of the Super-Companions (Superboy of Krypton/Earth, Liquidman of Cruxl, Stormboy, Tree-Man, Telepathy Man, & Shadowman). Othar of Thrann forces several heroes to live on his homeworld only to have them overstay their welcome and return to their own worlds. Story later adapted (with color changes) to make a Legion connection in ADVENTURE COMICS (Vol. 1) #371, August 1968.
Cover date: December 1962 Released: September 1962
"The Superman Family" Legion of Super-Heroes (Sun Boy, Cosmic Boy, Lightning Lad, Saturn Girl, & Chameleon Boy) appear in the poster on the back cover.
24. ADVENTURE COMICS (Vol. 1) 304 "The Stolen Super-Powers!"
Saturn Girl becomes Legion leader and promptly maneuvers all members out of active duty after she acquires their powers, so that she alone will face Zaryan the Conqueror. Mon-El warns Lightning Lad of her plan, who then sacrifices himself in her place. Death of Lightning Lad. Lori Lemaris cameo. Reprinted in ADVENTURE COMICS (Vol. 1) #403, March 1971; in ADVENTURE COMICS DIGEST (Vol. 1) #499, May 1983; & in LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES ARCHIVES Volume One, 1991.
"SMALLVILLE MAILSACK"
Reader suggests future Legionnaire and defines “Bits of Legionnaire Business” –
“Dear Editor: In a recent issue, Allen Pelcher suggested that you encourage readers to send in "Bits of Legionnaire Business." You responded that you would go along with his idea if someone would define what a bit of "L.B." was to be. Well, how about if a "Bit of Legionnaire Business" is a postal card with a few lines suggesting the name of a NEW super-hero to be admitted in the Legion, plus a suggestion of the super-power he might possess. Thus, a bit of "L.B." might be: "I suggest a new character, POLAR BOY, who has the power of freezing to ice anything in his area." How about it?
Buddy LaVigne, Northbrook, Ill.
(Great idea. Readers, take note and start sending us your suggestions on a postal card. We'll print the best ones and use all accepted new characters in future Legion tales. -Ed.)”
24.1 ACTION COMICS (Vol. 1) 297 "The Forbidden Weapons of Krypton!"
Phantom Girl and Saturn Girl are mentioned on the caption of the splash page for the second story. In that story, when Lesla-Lar frees some of the Phantom Zone prisoners (General Zod, Jax-Ur, & Kru-El), Mon-El attempts to leave the Phantom Zone as well and warn Superman and Supergirl. Reprinted in SUPER DC GIANT (Vol. 1) #S-24, May-June 1971.
Sick and tired of Clark having to pretend he’s weak and timid, Pa Kent decides to move the family to Rail City where Superboy can wear a mask and Clark can excel mentally and physically. But, when it takes the intervention of the Legion’s Chameleon Boy to maintain his dual identities the family decide to return to the status quo.
"The Secret of the Mystery Legionnaire!"
The Legion tests new applicants to replace their fallen comrade Lightning Lad. After dismissing Antennae Boy (first appearance) & The Dynamo Kid (first and only appearance), they give initiation tests to Legionnaire Lemon aka Marvel Lad. Who turns out to be Mon-El, after Brainiac 5 discovers an antidote serum for his lead poisoning, allowing him to permanently leave the Phantom Zone. Reprinted in ADVENTURE COMICS (Vol. 1) #403, March 1971; in ADVENTURE COMICS DIGEST (Vol. 1) #500, June 1983; & in LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES ARCHIVES Volume One, 1991.
25.1 ACTION COMICS (Vol. 1) 298 "The Super-Powers of Lex Luthor!"
The Legion of Super-Heroes (Lightning Lad, Saturn Girl, & Cosmic Boy) fail to travel back into time to aid Supergirl against some Phantom Zone criminals. Reprinted in SUPER DC GIANT (Vol. 1) #S-24, May-June 1971.
Cover date: March 1963 Released: December 1962
26. ADVENTURE COMICS (Vol. 1) 306 "The Legion of Substitute-Heroes!"
Rejected Legion applicants band together to form the Legion of Substitute Heroes. Introduction & origin of Polar Boy (Brek Banin of Tharr – character suggested by Buddy LaVigne in ADVENTURE COMICS (Vol. 1) #304's Smallville Mailbag), Night Girl of Kathoon, Stone Boy, Fire-Lad, & Chlorophyll Kid. Reprinted in DC SPECIAL BLUE RIBBON DIGEST (Vol. 1) #1, March-April 1980; in ADVENTURE COMICS DIGEST (Vol. 1) #500, June 1983; & in LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES ARCHIVES Volume Two, 1992.
27. ADVENTURE COMICS (Vol. 1) 307 "The Secret Power of the Mystery Super-Hero!"
First appearance and origin of Element Lad, who joins as of this issue. After rejecting two unnamed applicants (one with the power to turn nearby objects green temporarily and the other with a camera eye that projects any event he’s ever seen), the Legion accepts Mystery Lad (Jan Arrah). His power is known only by Saturn Girl who vouches for him. He joins the Legion in a battle against the space pirate Roxxas (first appearance) and his gang. They soon discover that he is in fact from a world of element-changers that had been destroyed by Roxxas. Reprinted in ADVENTURE COMICS DIGEST (Vol. 1) #500, June 1983; & in LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES ARCHIVES Volume Two, 1992.
"SMALLVILLE MAILSACK"
Note: "Bits of Legionnaire Business" begins as of this issue –
Dear Editor: In one of your recent SMALLVILLE MAILSACKS you encouraged your readers to suggest new members for the "Legion of Super-Heroes" and to list their super-powers. You said you would print the best ones under the heading "Bits of Legionnaire Business." So here is my nomination: ANTI-GRAVITY BOY . . . he has the power to make anything rise at will.
Leo Manning & Stephen Gilpin, Dorchester, Mass.
(We have been deluged with "Bits of L.B." from thousands of readers. Following is a list of the best of this month's lot. From time to time, Edmond Hamilton, the author of the current Legion series, will feature some of the new heroes and heroines suggested by readers which he deems the most interesting. So, if you have a "Bit of L.B.", send it on to us, ON A POSTAL CARD! -Ed.)
* * *
Bits of Legionnaire Business
From Lucinda Briggs, Port Alsworth, Alaska: "TELEPORT GIRL . . . she possesses the unique ability to teleport herself anywhere, through time, space, and matter." . . . From David Dickhereber, Wentzville, Mo.: "RADAR LAD . . . a boy who can detect any object and pinpoint its location on the map." . . . Roger Anderson, Eau Claire, Wis.: "BRAIN BOY . . . he has a super-intelligent brain." . . . Alexander Naumov, Paterson, N. J.: "GLASS GIRL . . . she has the ability to change into a glass statue." . . . Janet Hein, West N. Y., N. J.: "CREATIVE GIRL . . . she has the power of creating anything she wishes." . . . Mark Kaufman, Bronx, N. Y.: "RING GIRL . . . her power lies in her rainbow-colored ring, which can act as a stun ray, a blowtorch and also contains a super-compressed parachute." From Toni-Joe Frazier, Atlantic City, N. J.: "HUMAN DRILL BOY . . . he can drill through any substance." . . . Bill Hodges, Huntsville, Ala.: "VIBRATORY BOY . . . his power consists of emitting vibratory pulsations with which he can shatter any object." . . . James Cook, Phila., Pa.: "HYPNO BOY . . . he has the talent of super-hypnosis." . . . Ronald Domsky, Phila., Pa.: "MOLECULE BOY . . . he can re-arrange the molecules of any object to form something else; for example, he could change a crook's ray gun into a harmless pencil." . . . Stephen Maloney, Boston, Mass.: "UNIVERSE BOY . . . his powers are that he can talk, understand and translate the language of any race or civilization in any solar system of the Universe, past or present or future." Alan Geros, W. St. Paul, Minn.: "AMOEBA LAD . . . he can split in two, then each split part can split in two, and so on, just the way a real amoeba can multiply." . . . Jess & Steve Weiner, Little Neck, N. Y.: "RAIN GIRL . . . she can cause rainstorms at will, even in the Sahara Desert."
Jimmy Olsen gives Lois Lane a charm bracelet of the 'whole' Superman family (including Saturn Girl, Chameleon Boy & Sun Boy). Elastic Lad appears for one panel. Contains ad for ADVENTURE COMICS (Vol. 1) #307 featuring "Mystery Lad."
Cover date: April 1963 Released: January 1963
28. ADVENTURE COMICS (Vol. 1) 308 "The Return of Lightning Lad!"
First appearance and origin of Lightning Lass who joins as of this issue. First appearance of Proty. Lightning Lad seemingly returns from the dead to rejoin the Legion. However, Sun Boy discovers that it is actually Lightning Lad’s sister in disguise. Reprinted in ADVENTURE COMICS (Vol. 1) #403, March 1971; in ADVENTURE COMICS DIGEST (Vol. 1) #500, June 1983; & in LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES ARCHIVES Volume Two, 1992.
"SMALLVILLE MAILSACK"
"BITS OF LEGIONNAIRE BUSINESS"
Following are suggestions from readers for new members of the Legion of Super-Heroes: From Mike Meridier, Kenner, La.: "NIGHT OWL - a girl who has the power to produce darkness over a small area." . . . Richard Depoe, Syracuse, N. Y.: "ZODIAC BOY . . . who can change the future by altering a preson's horoscope." . . . Bob Marcus, East Meadow, L. I.: "BRITTLE BOY . . . who can break himself into hundreds of pieces and then re-unite." . . . Mike Witherspoon, Weatherford, Tex.: "KEY KID . . . a lad who has the power of opening any lock with his fingers." . . . Brenda Grant, Claremont, Calif. "Quiz Queen . . . a girl who can answer any factual question, because she has memorized every book in print." . . . Michael Colby, Hewlett, L. I.: "DETECTOR LAD . . . he has the power to learn the location of anyone in the Universe" . . . "JINX BOY . . . he can 'hex' crimincals so that they encounter bad luck." . . . Harvey Pond, Milford, Conn.: "MIRAGE MASTER . . . he can create fantastic mirages merely by will power." . . . Jess & Steve Weiner, Little Neck, N. Y.: "RAIN GIRL . . . she can cause rainstorms." . . . Matthew Maynard, Seattle, Wash.: "NATURE BOY . . . he can cause tidal waves, stop waterfalls, make volcanoes erupt."
28.1 SUPERMAN (Vol. 1) 161 "The Last Days of Ma and Pa Kent!"
Mon-El is mentioned. Reprinted as "The Death of Ma and Pa Kent" in SUPERBOY (Vol. 1) #165, June 1970.
Cover date: May 1963 Released: February 1963
28.2 ACTION COMICS (Vol. 1) 301 "The Secret Identity of Super-Horse!"
While accompanying Supergirl on an adventure to Zerox (first appearance), Comet the Super-Horse is transformed back into a man without any super-powers by Prince Endor. However, the effect is only temporary and only in effect when a comet is present. When the transformation again occurs next on Earth, he adopts the identity of “Bronco Bill” and gets a job at a rodeo where he encounters Supergirl before reverting back into Super-Horse. Reprinted in ADVENTURE COMICS (Vol. 1) #390, March 1970.
29. ADVENTURE COMICS (Vol. 1) 309 "The Legion of Super-Monsters! Part I"
The Legion rejects both Rainbow Girl and Jungle King (first appearance of both). But, Jungle King vows revenge and recruits his own Legion of Monsters (Earthquake Beast, Eye Monster, Mirror Monster, Omnibeast, and the Driller) on Monster World. In doing so, he rejects the Super-Spinner and Gas Creature. Changing his name to Monster Master he uses his Super-Monsters to steal rare jewels. Reprinted in ADVENTURE COMICS DIGEST (Vol. 1) #500, June 1983 & in LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES ARCHIVES Volume Two, 1992.
"The Legion’s Super-Showdown! Part II"
The Legion defeats Monster Master and his Super-Monsters with the aid of the Gas Creature who enacts its own revenge for being rejected. Reprinted in ADVENTURE COMICS DIGEST (Vol. 1) #500, June 1983 & in LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES ARCHIVES Volume Two, 1992.
"The Fake Superboy from Krypton!"
An ex-convict Blackie Burke witnesses Superboy leaving the Kents farm. Superboy realizes this and sets up an elaborate scheme to convince him that he was hallucinating everything with Brainiac 5’s help.
"SMALLVILLE MAILSACK"
"BITS OF LEGIONNAIRE BUSINESS"
From Jeff Greenberg, Los Angeles, Calif. "Color Kid - he can change himself or any object to any color in the spectrum." . . . Thomas Raimondo, Brooklyn, N. Y. "Beast Boy - he has the power to transform himself into any animal he wishes." . . . Ed Stephenson & Dan Thompson, Risingsun, Ohio. "Computer Girl - she is a human lightning calculator and can figure out any problem in her mind." . . . Eric Heidman, Hancock, Mich. "Life Lass - she has the ability to transform inanimate objects into living things by willing it." From Ed Lima, New Bedford, Mass. "Cloud Boy - he can control the elements." . . . Tommy Fine, Braddyville, Iowa. "Healing Boy - he can heal any wound with a touch of his hand." . . . Barbara Reed, Yuma City, Calif. "Atomic Kid - he has the power of atomic radiation and the explosive force of an atomic bomb." . . . John Derer, Chicago, Ill. "Ray Lad - he can detect the presence of any sort of ray, such as gamma rays, cosmic rays, infra-red, ultra-violet, etc." . . . Alan Geros, W. St. Paul, Minn. "Amoeba Lad - he can split in half and keep reproducing himself, like an amoeba." From Reed Sechan, Chicago, Ill. "Snow Girl - she can create icebergs." . . . Rick Brown, Leasburg, Mo. "Mirage Lad - his mind can project any type of illusion." . . . Wayne Robinson, Louise, Texas. "Radioactive Boy - he can generate radioactivity at will." . . . Raymond Pearson, Jersey City, N. J. "Time Boy - who can travel into the past or future when he wants to." Judson Hoffman, St. Louis, Mo. "Key Kid - he can turn his fingers into keys to open any door or lock."
Cover date: June 1963 Released: March 1963
30. ADVENTURE COMICS (Vol. 1) 310 "The Doom of the Super-Heroes! Part I"
The Legion attempts to stop the mysterious Mask Man, who has every super-power the Legionnaires have, from looting Metropolis. In the course of the adventure, Ultra Boy, Shrinking Violet, Chameleon Boy, Triplicate Girl, Element Lad, & Phantom Girl are killed. Reprinted in ADVENTURE COMICS DIGEST (Vol. 1) #500, June 1983 & in LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES ARCHIVES Volume Two, 1992.
"The Last Stand of the Legion! Part II"
The Legionnaires build a citadel to fend off Mask Man’s murderous wrath. But, Mask Man easily kills Colossal Boy, Cosmic Boy, Saturn Girl, Brainiac 5, Lightning Lass, Invisible Kid, & Mon-El. As the only Legionnaire left alive, Superboy deduces that the Mask Man is a descendant of Mr. Mxyzptlk, Mxyzptlk V. He tricks him into vanishing back into the 5th dimension which restores all of the Legionnaires. Reprinted in ADVENTURE COMICS DIGEST (Vol. 1) #500, June 1983 & in LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES ARCHIVES Volume Two, 1992.
"SMALLVILLE MAILSACK"
Includes a letter about using readers’ suggestions by the writer of the series –
Dear Editor: I've been reading with a great deal of relish the letters in your SMALLVILLE MAILSACK, particularly the paragraphs at the end you call "Bits of Legionnaire Business". Inasmuch as I have had the privilege of writing several of the Legion of Super-Heroes stories for your magazine, I have been amused, startled and overwhelmed by the ingenious suggestions of your readers for new characters and the imaginative powers attributed to them. Would it be possible for me, in the near future, to write a Legion story in which I would try to give some of these proposed heroes a "guest try-out?" I'm sure it would be a lot of fun.
Edmond Hamilton
(Great idea, Ed. Go ahead - and we'll give credit to the fans whose ideas you use. As most of our readers are probably aware, Author Edmond Hamilton is a highly successful science fiction novelist and we are honored to consider him our most versatile staff writer. Ed has written some of our greatest 3-part novels, including that recent smash hit, " The Last Days of Superman." His wife, who writes under the name of Leigh Bracket, is one of Hollywood's most talented screen writers. Her recent picture, "Hatari," was one of the ten top box-office hits. She is currently busy writing a new picture for her producer, Howard Hawkes, which will feature Rock Hudson. -Ed.)
* * * * "Bits of Legionnaire Business"
From Arthur Davis, Jr., Roanoke, Va.: "ESP KID - has extra-sensory perception powers." . . . Gregory Gallagher, Brooklyn, N.Y.: "WEAPONS LAD - can design ingenious new weapons without a workshop." . . . Steve Cohen, Newburgh, N.Y.: "DUPLICATE BOY - he has the ability to duplicate the power of any Legionnaire." . . . Gordon Thomas, Pilot Mountain, N.C.: "GEOGRAPHY GIRL - she has the unique talent of being able to exist in several different areas at one time!" . . . Phil F. Leibfred, Bronxville, N.Y.: "BACTERIA BOY - he can transmit a disease which gives enemies temporary sleeping sickness." . . . Jim Tilley, Rockaway, N.Y.: "SPIDER LASS - she has the power of converting her hair into a super web, and casting it around opponents." . . . Michael E. Colby, Long Island, N.Y.: "ILLUSTRATOR YOUTH - he can draw anything he has ever seen in seconds." Charles Christesson, Rio Grande City, Tex.: "LUNAR LASS - she has the power to turn people into lunatics for short periods." . . . Jon Ingresoll, Cleveland, Ohio: "MIDAS MAID - she can transmute anything she touches into gold." . . . Roger Ho, N.Y., N.Y.: "VOCAL WHIZ - he can perfectly imitate anybody's voice." . . . Randy Steele, Tunkhan Rock, Pa.: "CYCLONE KING - he can create twisters, monsoons typhoons, etc."
30.1 SUPERMAN (Vol.1) 162 "The Amazing Story of Superman-Red and Superman-Blue!"
The Legion makes a cameo appearance in Part III, “The End of Superman’s Career!” of this imaginary tale where Superman is split into two, who among other things become immune to kryptonite, restore the bottle city of Kandor along with Krypton, & make all crime and evil disappear before settling down and marrying Lois Lane and Lana Lang. Reprinted in 100-PAGE SUPER SPECTACULAR (Vol. 1) #DC-18, July 1973; in BEST OF DC DIGEST (Vol. 1) #19, December 1981; & in DC'S GREATEST IMAGINARY STORIES (vol. 1) nn, 2005.
31. SUPERMAN'S PAL, JIMMY OLSEN (Vol. 1) 70 "The Secret of Silver Kryptonite!"
Element Lad makes his 3rd appearance to help celebrate Superman's 25th anniversary.
Cover date: July 1963 Released: April 1963
32. ADVENTURE COMICS (Vol. 1) 311 "The War Between the Substitute Heroes and the Legionnaires! Part I"
The Substitute Legion discovers an alien plot to loot Earth’s rarest metals. But are told to disband by the Legionnaires after they offer to help. Reprinted in ADVENTURE COMICS DIGEST (Vol. 1) #500, June 1983 & in LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES ARCHIVES Volume Two, 1992.
"The Duel of the Legions! Part II"
The Legion attempts to kill the Substitutes in their new base. But, the Subs soon discover that this Legion are imposters from Zyzan using projectors that radiate a disguise-illusion and stop them. The real Legion is freed from suspended animation unaware of what had transpired. Reprinted in ADVENTURE COMICS DIGEST (Vol. 1) #500, June 1983 & in LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES ARCHIVES Volume Two, 1992.
"SMALLVILLE MAILSACK"
Readers point to the existence of Lightning Man in stories of the adult Legion as proof that Lightning Lad's death can't be permanent, editors admit that he'll be restored in the following issue at the cost of another member's life. –
Dear Editor: I am writing to tell you how much I like your new series, "The Legion of Super-Heroes." Each story surpasses the previous one and demonstrates the fact that the author, Edmond Hamilton, has a bottomless bag of tricks, twists and theatrics. And, while I sadly regret the fact that LIGHTNING LAD is dead, I would still be a faithful follower of the Legionnaires even if you "knocked off" 18 of them. (There are exactly 18 living members.)
Tommy Tryon, Elizabeth, N. J.
(Perish the thought that we eliminate another Legionnaire. We're still paying penance for having disposed of LIGHTNING LAD. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: In issue No. 155 of SUPERMAN, in a story entitled "The Downfall of Superman", which featured the famous wrestler, Antonino Rocca, you also had Samson and Hercules in the same adventure. Art the conclusion of this story you revealed that Hercules was COSMIC MAN (Cosmic Boy grown to an adult) and Samson was LIGHTNING MAN (Lightning Lad grown up.)! Now, if Lightning Lad is dead, how could there ever have been a LIGHTNING MAN? Am I correct in assuming therefore, that Lightning Lad's death will not be permanent?
Todd Walters, Ithaca, N. Y.
(No comment at this moment, but read the next letter. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: In ACTION COMICS No. 289, in the story, "Superman's Super-Courtship", Supergirl and Superman traveled into the far future and discovered that SATURN WOMAN (Saturn Girl, grown up) was married to LIGHTNING MAN (Lightning Lad as an adult.) Yet, in ADVENTURE No. 304, Lightning Lad died to save Saturn Girl. So the only possible way for Lightning Lad to marry Saturn girl is for him to be brought back from the dead; otherwise, the statement that Lightning Lad married Saturn Girl will be false! What's your explanation for this inconsistency?
Steven J. Gerstein, New Rochelle, N. Y.
(No comment at this moment, but read the next letter. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: Who are you kidding? You've got all of America's comic book fans crying their eyes out, grieving at Lightning Lad's death, except that you and I know he never really kicked the bucket. I call the attention of your readers to the story, "The Legion of Super-Villains", in SUPERMAN No. 147, which shows LIGHTNING MAN in one of the sequences. Since he is our deceased friend, Lightning Lad, grown up, obviously he will be brought back to life, Right?
Caroline Dove, Wildwood, Neb.
(Right! Ever since we published the story which told how Lightning Lad died, we received hundreds of letters similar to the preceding from sophisticated readers who guessed that Lightning Lad's demise would only be temporary. We did not print any of these letters so that his revival could come as a surprise bombshell. Now, however, we are happy to announce that the next issue of ADVENTURE will feature a great two-part story which shows how Lightning Lad will be brought to life. However, there is one great drawback. In order for Lightning Lad to be revived, one of the Legionnaires must sacrifice his or her life in his stead. This is exactly what will happen in the next issue, and we defy you to guess which member volunteers to die in his place! -Ed.)
* * * *
"BITS OF LEGIONNAIRE BUSINESS"
From Mike Thompson, Dearborn, Mich.: "COPY BOY - he doesn't work on a newspaper, but he can copy anything he sees." . . . Billy Muffett, San Jose, Calif.: "WEIGHT LAD" - he has the power to make anything lighter or heavier." . . . Peter Sipchen, Richardson, Tex.: "SLOW-MOTION KID - he has the ability to slow down any moving object or person." . . . Michael E. Colby, L.I., N.Y.: "SPORT YOUTH - he is a champion in every type of athletics." . . . J. Adam King, Yellow Springs, Ohio.: "DEGREE DAMSEL - she has the power to alter the temperature of anything." . . . Leslie Leibow, Fair Lawn, N. J.: "COLOR KID - he can change the color of any object." Daniel Camerford, Buffalo, N. Y.: "BIZARRO BOY - he can turn into a Bizarro and fight against the Bizarros for the Legionnaires." . . . Mark Wade, Livermore, Calif.: "EVOLVO LAD - he has the power of going back, or forward, the Evolution track. For instance, he can change from a boy to a cave-boy, an ape, lemur, amphibian, fish, invertebrate, amoeba, and then to protoplasm. Or, from boy to a big-brained future boy." . . . Edith Frome, Newark, N. J.: "EL LASS - she can give super-powers to anyone whose initials are L.L." . . . Ben Wright, Waltham, Mass.: "ENDURANCE GIRL - she can survive without air, water, or food for several years." Karen D. Argis, Detriot, Mich.: "RADIO ROVER - he can connect with any radio in the Universe, without wires." . . . Mark Hawley, Burbank, Calif.: "COMPUTER KID - he can predict any future event." . . . Jeff Baker, Ft. Worth, Tex.: "MEDIC MASTER - he can cure any disease or illness ever shown on the Ben Casey or Dr. Kildare shows." . . . Jeanie Cox, Joplin, Mo.: "MIRROR MISTRESS - she can reflect, in her mind's eye, anything another person is thinking."
33. ADVENTURE COMICS (Vol. 1) 312 "The Super-Sacrifice of the Legionnaires! Part I"
The Legion searches for ways to bring Lightning Lad back from the dead. Saturn Girl discovers that Mon-El has found a way. Reprinted in ADVENTURE COMICS (Vol. 1) #403, March 1971; in ADVENTURE COMICS DIGEST (Vol. 1) #500, June 1983; & in LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES ARCHIVES Volume Two, 1992.
"The Bravest Legionnaire! Part II"
After an unsuccessful attempt to restore Lightning Lad, Saturn Girl forces Mon-El to reveal a plan that would force a Legionnaire to sacrifice their life for Lightning Lad’s. Proty discovers Saturn Girl’s plot to give up her life and dies in her place. Reprinted in ADVENTURE COMICS (Vol. 1) #403, March 1971; in ADVENTURE COMICS DIGEST (Vol. 1) #500, June 1983; & in LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES ARCHIVES Volume Two, 1992.
"SMALLVILLE MAILSACK"
”Bits of Legionnaire Business”
From Dennis Persica, New Orleans, La.: "BIRD GIRL - she has the power of doing anything that any bird in the solar system can do." . . . Rex Osborne, Essex, England: "TIME GIRL - she possesses the power to alter time and evolution." . . . Mike Meridier, Kenner, La.: "BANISH BOY - he has the power to exile anyone to the Phantom Zone for a temporary time, without the need of a projector." John Maynard, Columbus, Ohio: "AIRLESS BOY - he can live anyplace without having to breathe." . . . Gary Haught, Akron, Ohio: "SPELL BOY - he has the power to cast a spell on any outlaw." . . . Tom Holberg, Forest Park, Ill.: "E.S.P. KID - he has the powers of second sight, telepathy and hypnotism." . . . Maggie Fraser, Pleasantville, N. Y.: "WEIGHT WIZARD - he can make himself weigh any amount, from an ounce to ten tons." Tom Kegley, St. Paul, Minn.: "BLOCKADE BOY - he can change himself into an invulnerable steel wall of any size or shape."
Cover date: September 1963 Released: June 1963
34. ADVENTURE COMICS (Vol. 1) 313 "The Condemned Legionnaires! Part I"
A mysterious Crimson Virus strikes the girl Legionnaires. Satan Girl tries to take their place, but attacks the girls when the boy Legionnaires reject her. Supergirl returns from the 20th century and is named Honorary Leader of the Legion to deal with Satan Girl’s threat. Third Legion of Substitute Heroes appearance. Reprinted in ADVENTURE COMICS (Vol. 1) #409, August 1971; in ADVENTURE COMICS DIGEST (Vol. 1) #500, June 1983; & in LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES ARCHIVES Volume Two, 1992.
"The Secret of Satan Girl! Part II"
Supergirl enlists the aid of the Legion of Super-Pets (second appearance) to stop Satan Girl. Satan Girl is revealed as a red kryptonite created duplicate of Supergirl who tried to siphon off the kryptonite’s effect on her body before her 48 hours of existence expired. Reprinted in ADVENTURE COMICS (Vol. 1) #409, August 1971; in ADVENTURE COMICS DIGEST (Vol. 1) #500, June 1983; & in LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES ARCHIVES Volume Two, 1992.
Cover date: October 1963 Released: July 1963
35. SUPERMAN'S PAL, JIMMY OLSEN (Vol. 1) 72 "The World of Doomed Olsens!"
Jimmy Olsen is kidnapped by the Collector (actually Mon-El) and taken to the planet Gion-El where he is confronted by five of his past transformations – Wolf-Man (Proty II – first appearance), Turtle-Man (Colossal Boy), the Human Porcupine (Cosmic Boy), Fat Boy (Bouncing Boy), & Elastic Lad (Chameleon Boy). But, Jimmy quickly figures out that its all a ruse. By passing his super-initiation test, the Legion inducts Elastic Lad as an honorary Legionnaire. Cameo of the Legion of Substitute Heroes (tied as third appearance). Reprinted in SUPERMAN'S PAL, JIMMY OLSEN (Vol. 1) #140, September 1971; in ADVENTURE COMICS DIGEST (Vol. 1) #500, June 1983; & in LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES ARCHIVES Volume Two, 1992.
36. ADVENTURE COMICS (Vol. 1) 314 "The Super-Villains of All Ages! Part I"
The Legion rejects both Ronn Kar of Neptune and Alaktor, who uses his Marvel Belt to take x-ray photographs of the inside of the Legion’s clubhouse. Using them as guides, he steals a time bubble and recruits Nero, John Dillinger, and Adolf Hitler. Reprinted in ADVENTURE COMICS DIGEST (Vol. 1) #501, July 1983; & in LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES ARCHIVES Volume Two, 1992.
"The Civil War of the Legion! Part II"
Alaktor projects Hitler's, Nero's, and Dillinger's minds into Superboy's, Mon-El's, and Ultra-Boy's bodies, respectfully. Saturn Girl tricks them into defeating each other, and the Legion forces Alaktor to undo the process. Reprinted in ADVENTURE COMICS DIGEST (Vol. 1) #501, July 1983; & in LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES ARCHIVES Volume Two, 1992.
"SMALLVILLE MAILSACK"
”Bits of Legionnaire Business”
From Karen Hailey, Gholson, Miss.: "WISH GIRL - she gets anything she wants by wishing for it." . . . Billy Ilhany, Roanoke, Va.: "LANGUAGE LAD - he can translate any language in the universe." . . . Vincent Auleta, Long Island City, N.Y.: "HISTORY HANNAH - she can remember the exact date, year, hour and minute, in which any event occurred." . . . Philip McCrum, Chula Vista, Calif.: "INSECT KING - can duplicate the powers of any insect." . . . Charlie Hendrix, Greenville, S.C.: "GAS GIRL - she can change herself into a vapor and go under doors, through cracks, etc., and change herself into tear gas, laughing gas, etc." . . . Mervyn La Floyd, West Orange, N.J.: "NASAL HAZEL - she has the power of super-smell." . . . Dale Jenkins, Chicago, Ill.: "DAZZLE DANNY - has the power of temporarily blinding any person or animal with blinding colors." . . . Bill Schupp & Jim Cooper, Hinsdale, Ill.: "ROBOT MASTER - he can control any robot."
37. SUPERMAN (Vol.1) 165 "Beauty and the Super-Beast! Part I" & "Circe’s Super-Slave Part II"
Superman comes up with an elaborate ruse involving Saturn Woman as Circe and Proty II (as a lion’s head and mouse’s head) in order to fool the Superman Revenge Squad into thinking that their counter-energy ray doesn’t work. Reprinted in SUPERMAN (Vol. 1) #272, February 1974.
The Kryptonian criminal Tor-An escapes from the Phantom Zone and attempts to humiliate Superman's family by marrying Supergirl, but is foiled when Supergirl's telepathic friends enlist the aid of Saturn Girl. Reprinted in ADVENTURE COMICS (Vol. 1) #390, March 1970.
Cover date: December 1963 Released: September 1963
38. ADVENTURE COMICS (Vol. 1) 315 "The Legionnaires Super-Contest! Part I"
The Legion of Super-Heroes learns of the Legion of Substitute Heroes’ (fourth appearance) existence and holds a super-contest to determine which of them will get to join the main team. Polar Boy, with Sun Boy as his judge, is the first to pass his test. Reprinted in ADVENTURE COMICS DIGEST (Vol. 1) #501, July 1983; & in LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES ARCHIVES Volume Two, 1992.
"The Winner of the Super-Tests! Part II"
Night Girl, with Superboy as her judge, succeeds in her task. Lightning Lad watches as Chlorophyll Kid passes his test. Fire Lad also accomplishes his mission as Bouncing Boy and the others look on. Even though Stone Boy fails and is forced to allow Saturn Girl to finish his test, the Legion decides to vote him in because of his self-sacrifice. In the end, Stone Boy opts to remain a Substitute. Reprinted in ADVENTURE COMICS DIGEST (Vol. 1) #501, July 1983; & in LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES ARCHIVES Volume Two, 1992.
"The Titanic Boy of Steel!"
Superboy becomes a giant after being exposed to red kryptonite and is aided in protecting his secret identity by Colossal Boy. Last new Superboy story for the duration of the Legion’s run in Adventure Comics.
"SMALLVILLE MAILSACK"
Bits of Legionnaire Business
From John Vogel, Silver Spring, Maryland: "ORBIT KID - he can hurl any object in perfect orbit around any world." . . . Greg Flood, Needham, Mass.: "EARTHQUAKE LAD . . . has the power to create earthquakes." . . . Arthur Collins, Crystal Lake, Ill.: "A.G.BOY . . . he can make any object float via his power of transmitting anti-gravity." . . . Frank Jennings, Eufaula, Ala.: LANGUAGE LASS . . . she has the power to speak in any language in the Universe." . . . Ernest Fode, Medicine Hat, Canada: "BIZARRO BOY - he can make a Legionnaire's powers work in reverse." Virginia Bruce, Bennetsville, S.C.: "CALENDAR GIRL . . . she knows every important date in past and future history." . . . R. Goo, San Bernardino, Calif.: "OMNIBOY . . . he can travel on and under land, beneath the sea, and in air or space." . . . Robert N. Behnke, Cresskill, N.J.: "GHOST GIRL - she is able to pass through any solid object."
Cover date: December 1963 Released: September 1963
39. ADVENTURE COMICS (Vol. 1) 316 "The Renegade Super-Hero! Part I"
After the Legionnaires create a memorial for Proty, Ultra Boy’s past as escaped criminal, Rann Varal is revealed. Ultra Boy is expelled and vows to live a life of crime as he flees his friends. Reprinted in ADVENTURE COMICS DIGEST (Vol. 1) #502, August 1983 & in LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES ARCHIVES Volume Two, 1992.
"The End of a Super-Traitor! Part II"
Phantom Girl proves her love for Ultra Boy by being the only one to believe that he couldn’t be a traitor. Her instints prove right after Ultra Boy reveals he set everything up to capture some evil aliens . Reprinted in ADVENTURE COMICS DIGEST (Vol. 1) #502, August 1983 & in LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES ARCHIVES Volume Two, 1992.
"SMALLVILLE MAILSACK"
Bits of Legionnaire Business
From Mike Jones, Orlando, Florida: "BAT BOY - like his namesake, the bat, he has the power of hearing super-sonic frequencies." . . . From Carol Ogden, Hawthorne, Calif.: "CURSE KID - he has supernatural powers and can put hexes and spells on his enemies." . . . Eddie Jones, Rogersville, Tenn.: "DIMENSION DAMSEL - she has the power to visit the 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th dimensions." . . . James Vincent, Fairfax, Va.: "BLACKOUT BOY - he has the power to blackout vast areas." . . . Glenn Rifkin, Paramus, N. J.: "TRACK LAD - he can track anything in the Universe."
"The Origins and Powers of the Legion of Super-Heroes"
In the city of Metropolis in the 30th Century, there exists one of the most amazing clubs of all time! It's members are teen-aged youths, each possessing one special super-power! The club members have vowed to use their fantastic powers to battle crime. Years ago, when SUPERMAN was SUPERBOY, he joined the club when its members contacted him during a visit into the past. . . this rocket-shaped building is the SUPER-HERO clubhouse!
ORIGINS and POWERS of the LEGION of SUPER - HEROES (Explanation of Pictures 1 - 23)
(1) PHANTOM GIRL came to Earth from the planet BGZTL, in the 4th dimension, which co-exists, unseen, in the same space Earth occupies.
(2) TRIPLICATE GIRL comes from the planet CARGG, where a triple sun imbued all inhabitants with the power of splitting into tree bodies. TRIPLICATE GIRL sometimes shocks her escorts on Earth who expect to be dating ONE girl.
(3) BRAINIAC 5 is the great-great-great-great adopted grandson of the space villain. His force-shield can protect him from danger. He has a "computer mind" and can perform intricate calculations in seconds.
(4) LIGHTNING LAD gained mastery of lightning when a blast from a lightning monster on the planet Korbal freakishly electrified his body.
(5) BOUNCING BOY gained the power of super-bouncing when he drank a scientist's strange potion, mistaking it for soda-pop. Scene shows him bouncing away from angry crooks with important papers.
(6) INVISIBLE KID is a young genius who invented a serum which enables him to become invisible, uses his power to spy on outlaws.
(7) SHRINKING VIOLET inherited her shrinking powers from her parents who came from the planet IMSK.
(8) COSMIC BOY possesses the power of super-magnetism, which he inherited from his parents who migrated from the planet BRAAL! Evolution has given Braalians the power to magnetically battle metal monsters who roam that world. Scene shows COSMIC BOY preventing a rocket-car collision by magnetically repelling the two metal craft.
(9) CHAMELEON BOY inherited his weird power to disguise himself as anything from his parents, natives of the planet DURLA.
(10) SATURN GIRL comes from Saturn, where all people can perform amazing mental feats. Scene shows her mentally ordering a monster to retreat.
(11) COLOSSAL BOY has the power of super-growth gained from the radiation effect of a meteor from outer space.
(12) SUN BOY became accidentally locked inside an atomic reactor chamber. The atomic bombardment transformed him into a human beacon of blazing light and heat. Scene depicts him melting a deadly missile before it can explode.
(13) SUPERBOY came from the planet Krypton, which has a red sun. He derived his super-powers of invulnerability, flying, super-strength, super-speed, X-ray vision, heat vision, etc. from Earth's yellow sun.
(14) LIGHTNING LASS is the sister of LIGHTNING LAD; she was caught in the same electric-force charge which struck her brother and gained similar powers.
(15) STAR BOY has the unique power of drawing mass from the stars and inducing it into any object, so that the object becomes extremely heavy. His father was a famous other-world astronomer who lived in an observatory located on a satellite-station which orbitted [sic] far out in space, picking up starlight. When his son was born on this satellite station, the starlight affected him, giving him his unusual powers.
(16) MON-EL is a native of the planet DAXAM and posses super-powers comparable to Superboy's. However, lead affects the people of his world the way Kryptonite affects the Boy of Steel. When MON-EL came to Earth, he was exposed to lead and became so dangerously ill that SUPERBOY was forced to project him into the Phantom Zone until an antidote could be found for his lead-poisoning. One day in the future BRAINIAC 5 perfected a serum to protect MON-EL from his vulnerability to lead, and he was permanently released from the Phantom Zone.
(17) ULTRA-BOY was born on the distant planet, RIMBOR. Once, exploring space, the youth was swallowed by a strange energy beast, just as Jonah was gulped down by a whale. A passing galactic patrol cruiser rescued him by slicing open the bizarre creature with a ray. Returning to his world, the youth soon learned that radiations from the energy monster had given him the amazing power of PENETRA-VISION which enables him to see through ANY substance, even lead!
(18) MATTER-EATER LAD comes from the planet BISMOLL. Gradually, over a period of eons, microbes on that world made all food poisonous. As a result, evolution there transformed the inhabitants so that they could eat anything - glass, metal, chemicals, etc. - without being harmed in the least!
(19) SUPERGIRL was born in ARGO CITY, a chunk of KRYPTON which was cast off into space, protected by an air bubble, when that planet exploded. She has the same powers as SUPERBOY.
(20) PROTY II is the pet of CHAMELEON BOY and possesses a protoplasmic body which enables him to imitate any animal, vegetable or mineral. He replaced Chameleon Boy's original pet, PROTY I, who sacrificed his life to save SATURN GIRL.
(21) ELEMENT LAD hails from the faraway planet, TROM, where a unique radioactive environment gave the inhabitants the amazing power of using mental radiations to alter atomic structure. Consequently, he can change any chemical element into another, like changing iron into gold.
(22) JIMMY OLSEN, because of his services to SUPERMAN, has been voted an Honorary Member of the Legion, even though he is over 18 years of age and gains his power of becoming ELASTIC LAD through a serum which was given him by Professor Potter.
(23) KRYPTO and SUPER-MONKEY were born on Krypton, came to Earth in experimental capsules which were launched into space. STREAKY, the super-cat, is Earth-born, derived his super-powers from contact with a special element, SUPER-HORSE is really BIRON, a centaur who existed in mythological times. He was changed into a super-horse by CIRCE, the sorceress. SUPER-HORSE changes into human form whenever he is within sight of a celestial comet.
Pages 1 & 2 reprinted from 10. SUPERMAN ANNUAL (Vol.1) 4, 1961 with some changes. Reprinted [reformatted] in LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES ARCHIVES Volume Two, 1992.
39.1 SUPERMAN (Vol. 1) 166 "The Fantastic Story of Superman's Sons!"
Superman’s son Kal-El uses a Legion Time Bubble to travel to Krypton before its destruction. Reprinted in SUPERMAN (Vol. 1) #222, December 1969 & in DC’S GREATEST IMAGINARY STORIES (Vol. 1) nn, 2005.
39.3 ACTION COMICS (Vol. 1) 309 "The Superman Super-Spectacular!"
The Legion and the Super-Pets make appearances in this tale where President John F. Kennedy protects Superman’s identity.
Cover date: February 1964 Released: November 1963
40. ADVENTURE COMICS (Vol. 1) 317 "The Menace of Dream Girl! Part I"
First appearance Dream Girl & first mention of the Time Trapper and his “iron curtain of time.” Dream Girl of Naltor is inducted into the Legion after they reject Rann Antar. Dream Girl forces Lightning Lass to resign after she loses her powers. Reprinted in ADVENTURE COMICS DIGEST (Vol. 1) #502, August 1983 & in LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES ARCHIVES Volume Two, 1992.
"The Doom of the Legion! Part II"
Dream Girl expels Lightning Lad, Ultra Boy, Shrinking Violet, & Bouncing Boy after they are turned into babies in the Valley of the Aurora on the planet of Vondra. And, then she has Matter-Eater Lad removed for accusing her of being Chameleon Boy, all in an effort to prevent their deaths that she had forsaw. Lightning Lass becomes Light Lass. Reprinted in ADVENTURE COMICS DIGEST (Vol. 1) #502, August 1983 & in LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES ARCHIVES Volume Two, 1992.
40.2 SUPERMAN'S GIRLFRIEND, LOIS LANE (Vol. 1) 47 "The Super-Life of Lois Lane!"
Lois Lane, not Kal-El, comes to Earth from Krypton and adopts the identity of Krypton Girl. Legionnaires Saturn Girl and Sun Boy send Night Girl to help Lois conceal her secret identity from Clark Kent in this imaginary tale.
Cover date: February 1964 Released: November 1963
41. ADVENTURE COMICS (Vol. 1) 318 "The Mutiny of the Legionnaires! Part I"
Second appearance of the Time Trapper and his “iron curtain of time.” Sun Boy leads the Legion as they help evacuate the people of Xenn from their world’s destruction in a space-arc. The members mutiny after he becomes drunk with power and Sun Boy sends them off in a space lifeboat. Reprinted in ADVENTURE COMICS DIGEST (Vol. 1) #503, September 1983 & in LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES ARCHIVES Volume Three, 1993.
"The Castaway Legionnaires! Part II"
The castaway Legionnaires make their way back to the space-arc only to discover that Sun Boy is a victim of space-fatigue. Reprinted in ADVENTURE COMICS DIGEST (Vol. 1) #503, September 1983 & in LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES ARCHIVES Volume Three, 1993.
"SMALLVILLE MAILSACK"
The editor mentions a Super-Pet that never manifests –
Dear Editor: As a new reader of your magazine, I would like to know more about the "Legion of Super-Pets." Could you list the various creatures who belong to this super-menagerie? - Sandy Tail, Great Neck, N.Y.
(The super-creatures include: Super-Horse, Krypto, Super-Monkey, Streaky, Proty II and, coming up soon, Super-Bird. Incidentally, how many readers would like to see "Krypto-Mouse," featured in the Hall of Fame classic story in this issue? -Ed.)
41.1 SUPERBOY (Vol.1) 111 "Krypto's Three Amazing Transformations!"
Superboy returns from 30th century mentions how important the initials L.L. are to his life including Lightning Lad and Lightning Lass (she became Light Lass the month before). Reprinted in SUPERMAN FAMILY (Vol. 1) #165, June-July 1974.
Cover date: March 1964 Released: December 1963
42. ADVENTURE COMICS (Vol. 1) 319 "The Legion's Suicide Squad! Part I"
A Legion party of seven (Brainiac 5 – leader, Saturn Girl, Lightning Lad, Superboy, Chameleon Boy, Invisible Kid & Bouncing Boy) is chosen by the Planetary Chance Machine to destroy ray-projectors on Throon. All are defeated while trying to enter the planet’s citadel. Reprinted in BEST OF DC DIGEST (Vol.1) #44, January 1984 & in LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES ARCHIVES Volume Three, 1993.
"The Charge of the Substitute Heroes! Part II"
Another Legion party (Star Boy – leader, Cosmic Boy,Ultra Boy, Triplicate Girl, & Matter-Eater Lad) is chosen by the Planetary Chance Machine to rescue and finish the mission of the first party only to fail. After the last remaining Legionnaires also fall, the Subs (fifth appearance) prove successful in ending the threat. Reprinted in BEST OF DC DIGEST (Vol.1) #44, January 1984 & in LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES ARCHIVES Volume Three, 1993.
"SMALLVILLE MAILSACK"
Bits of Legionnaire Business
From Bobby Flash, Jersey City, N. J. "WEAPON LAD - he has the power to create any weapon in the Solar System after seeing it once." . . . Roberta Davidson, New Shrewsbury, N. J. "SONG GIRL - she can charm any person into obeying her orders by singing to them." Michael Pochan, Pittsburgh, Pa. "ANTIDOTE ANDY - he can concoct an antidote to neutralize any disease, poison or magic spell." . . . Chuck Davis, Ferndale, Mich.: "MEDUSA MAID - she has the power to turn any living matter to stone and back again." . . . Andy Purcell, Leoma, Tenn.: "MAGIC MISTRESS - she is a descendant of the wizard Merlin and has the power of super-sorcery, inherited from him."
Cover date: April 1964 Released: January 1964
43. SUPERMAN'S PAL, JIMMY OLSEN (Vol. 1) 76 "Elastic Lad Jimmy and his Legion Romances!"
The Legion girls (Saturn Girl, Triplicate Girl, and Light Lass) try to help Jimmy impress his would-be girlfriend Lucy Lane. Reprinted in ADVENTURE COMICS DIGEST (Vol. 1) #503, September 1983 & in LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES ARCHIVES Volume Three, 1993.
Cover date: April 1964 Released: January 1964
44. ADVENTURE COMICS (Vol. 1) 320 "The Revenge of the Knave from Krypton! Part I"
Superboy arrives in the 30th century just in time to save the Legionnaires from applicant Radiation Roy’s out-of-control power. The Legion then captures Dev-Em (third appearance, flashbacks recap 7.3 ADVENTURE COMICS (Vol. 1) 287,...TURE COMICS (Vol. 1) 288, September 1961 ) who was on a mission for the Inter-Stellar Counter-Intelligence Corps to capture “Molock the Merciless.” But, after the Legionnaires discover his mission, Commander Kolar decides to use Superboy instead. Reprinted in SUPERBOY (Vol. 1) #177, September 1971; in BEST OF DC DIGEST (Vol.1) #44, January 1984; & in LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES ARCHIVES Volume Three, 1993.
"The Treachery of Molock the Merciless! Part II"
Disguised as Dev-Em, Superboy sets out to capture Molock and his spies and does so with the help of Proty II. Dev-Em turns down Legion membership. Reprinted in SUPERBOY (Vol. 1) #177, September 1971; in BEST OF DC DIGEST (Vol.1) #44, January 1984; & in LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES ARCHIVES Volume Three, 1993.
Note: Letter column name changed to “The LEGION OUTPOST” with this issue.
45. ADVENTURE COMICS (Vol. 1) 321 "The Code of the Legion! Part I"
As the Legion becomes determined to stop the Time Trapper, Bouncing Boy is placed in the Legion Reserve after he loses his powers because of the matter-shrinking projector. When word of the Concentrator is leaked, Commander Wilson of the Science Police psychologically tests the team on the uninhabited world of Althar. Reprinted in BEST OF DC DIGEST (Vol.1) #44, January 1984; & in LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES ARCHIVES Volume Three, 1993.
"The Weakest Legionnaire! Part I"
As the tests continue, all pass except for Lightning Lad. But, his confession is a ruse to expose Wilson as the Time Trapper (first full appearance). But the Legion is forced to use their weapon, the Concentrator after the Trapper sends dark stars to destroy them. First and only appearance of Iresa, Bouncing Boy’s girlfriend. Reprinted in BEST OF DC DIGEST (Vol.1) #44, January 1984; & in LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES ARCHIVES Volume Three, 1993.
45.1 SUPERMAN'S PAL, JIMMY OLSEN (Vol. 1) 77 "The Colossus of Metropolis!"
Jimmy wears Colossal Boy’s costume and uses his enlarging compound to subdue Titano (whose story is recounted by Lucy Lane). Allura (the Giantess Ruler of a distant planet – see 18.1 SUPERMAN\'S PAL, JIMMY OLSEN 64, September 1962 ) arrives to take Titano to her world.
45.2 WORLD'S FINEST COMICS (Vol. 1) 142 "The Composite Superman! Part I"
Superman gets Joe Meach a job at the Superman Museum after he saves his life. Where he gains all of the Legion of Super-Heroes powers after lightning strikes the trophy statuettes that the team gave to Superboy years before. Joe uses Chameleon Boy’s powers to become the Composite Superman and humiliate Superman, Batman, & Robin. Reprinted in WORLD’S FINEST COMICS (Vol. 1) #223, May-June 1974 & in DC SPECIAL SERIES (Vol. 1) #23, February 1981.
"The Battle Between Titans! Part II"
Superman and Batman are almost defeated before the Composite Superman loses his super-powers. Reprinted in WORLD’S FINEST COMICS (Vol. 1) #223, May-June 1974 & in DC SPECIAL SERIES (Vol. 1) #23, February 1981.
Cover date: June 1964 Released: March 1964
46. ADVENTURE COMICS (Vol. 1) 322 "The Super Tests of the Super-Pets! Part I"
The Legionnaires leave the Super-Pets to guard their clubhouse while they prepare to battle the Time Trapper. When Proty II (who recounts the origin of his race) applies for membership into the Super-Pets, the Super-Pets decide to give him initiation tests. Reprinted in BEST OF DC DIGEST (Vol.1) #44, January 1984; & in LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES ARCHIVES Volume Three, 1993.
"The Pet of a Thousand Faces! Part II"
Proty II passes all of the Super-Pet’s tests and becomes a member of the Legion of Super-Pets. Reprinted in BEST OF DC DIGEST (Vol.1) #44, January 1984; & in LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES ARCHIVES Volume Three, 1993.
Three girls (actually Legionnaires), Phyllis Groves (Phantom Girl), Sharon Vaughn (Shrinking Violet), & Tina Glenn (Triplicate Girl), join Lois Lane's fan club and help to make it Lois' lucky day. Reprinted in BEST OF DC DIGEST (Vol.1) #44, January 1984.
48. ADVENTURE COMICS (Vol. 1) 323 "The Eight Impossible Missions! Part I"
After rejecting both Spider-Girl & Double-Header (first appearance of both), Proty II devises a test to see which Legionnaire will be the next Legion leader. Saturn Girl, Ultra Boy, and Phantom Girl are given missions. Reprinted in SUPERBOY (Vol. 1) #185, May 1972; in BEST OF DC DIGEST (Vol.1) #44, January 1984; & in LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES ARCHIVES Volume Three, 1993.
"The Amazing Winner of the Great Proty Puzzle! Part II"
Element Lad, Pete Ross, Brainiac 5, and Jimmy Olsen continue to complete their missions. And when Saturn Girl has Proty use the sign he made as a Bizarro – “Ytorp,” she wins the game and is re-elected leader. Reprinted in SUPERBOY (Vol. 1) #185, May 1972; in BEST OF DC DIGEST (Vol.1) #44, January 1984; & in LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES ARCHIVES Volume Three, 1993.
Extra text piece added:
ORIGIN OF THE LEGION OF SUBSTITUTE HEROES
Many young people have tried unsuccessfully to join the Legion of Super-Heroes, for it is no easy matter to be admitted to the mightiest crime-fighting group of the 30th century. But Brek Bannin, known as Polar Boy, was one reject who would not accept defeat. Contacting four other worthy applicants who, upon being turned down, had been given anti-gravity belts as "consolation prizes", he formed with them the Legion of Substitute Heroes, a group ready to take over whenever an emergency arose which the Super-Heroes could not handle. Polar Boy, organizer and leader of the Substitutes, comes from the hottest region of Tharr, a planet whose orbit takes it so near its sun that the inhabitants had to develop cold-producing powers to save themselves from destruction. Night Girl, of the dark planet Kathoon, had a scientist father who invented a ray that gives her super-strength, but only at night or in deep shadow. Direct sunlight cancels her power. On Stone Boy's world the nights are half a year long. The people there developed the power of turning themselves to stone, and thus sleeping in super-suspended animation through the long darkness. Fire Lad gained his power of flame-breath from the weird vapor he inhaled when a fiery meteor crashed in front of him. Chlorophyll Kid attained his power of making plants grow super-fast when he fell into a powerful plant-growing solution as a small child. Will there be new additions to the Legion of Substitute Heroes? Read every issue of ADVENTURE COMICS and find out.
Cover date: August 1964 Released: May 1964
49. ADVENTURE COMICS (Vol. 1) 324 "The Legion of Super-Outlaws! Part I"
First appearance of the Heroes of Lallor (Beast Boy, Gas Girl, Evolvo Lad, Life Lass, & Duplicate Boy – all readers suggestions). Dr. Martin King, brother to Jungle King, tricks the Legion and the Heroes of Lallor into fighting each other. Reprinted in BATMAN (Vol. 1) #238, January 1972; in BEST OF DC DIGEST (Vol.1) #57, February 1985; & in LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES ARCHIVES Volume Three, 1993.
"The Battle of the Super-Teams! Part II"
The battles continue as the Heroes learn the truth about each other and defeat the evil scientist. Reprinted in BATMAN (Vol. 1) #238, January 1972; in BEST OF DC DIGEST (Vol.1) #57, February 1985; & in LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES ARCHIVES Volume Three, 1993.
Extra text piece added:
THE STORY BEHIND THIS MONTH'S LEGION STORY
When you have read "The Legion of Super-Outlaws" in this issue, you many wonder how these five super-youths came to be created. The truth is that we got them from you - our readers! All five were suggested in "Bits of Legionnaire Business" in the letter columns of ADVENTURE COMICS No. 309, 310, 311 and 314. Here are the names of the readers who thought up the members of the Legion of Super-Outlaws:
BEAST BOY - suggested by Thomas Raimondo, Brooklyn, N.Y. GAS GIRL - suggested by Charlie Hendrix, Greenville, S.C. EVOLVO LAD - suggested by Mark Wade, Livermore, Calif. LIFE LASS - suggested by Eric Heidman, Hancock, Mich. DUPLICATE BOY - suggested by Steven Cohen, Newburgh, N.Y.
From time to time, in our Legion stories, we plan to feature other super-characters submitted by our readers as "Bits of Legionnaire Business".
49.2 SUPERMAN'S PAL, JIMMY OLSEN (Vol. 1) 79 "The Red-Headed Beatle of 1,000 B.C.!"
Kasmir, a criminal from 30th century steals a Legion time-bubble and uses Jimmy to take him further into the past. The Mighty Youth (Samson) saves Jimmy’s life and then Jimmy returns the favor before Superman arrives to take them both back to their proper time.
Cover date: September 1964 Released: June 1964
50. ADVENTURE COMICS (Vol. 1) 325 "Lex Luthor Meets the Legion of Super-Heroes! Part I"
Lex Luthor arrives in the 30th century in time to save Triplicate Girl and Matter-Eater Lad on the planet Khann. He wears a wig and pretends to be good to gain the Legion’s confidence. Reprinted in BEST OF DC DIGEST (Vol.1) #57, February 1985 & in LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES ARCHIVES Volume Three, 1993.
"The Super-Vengeance of Lex Luthor! Part II"
As the Universe watches, Lex Luthor seemingly kills several Legionnaires with his dissolver-ray weapon only to have the truth that it was a Phantom Zone Ray-gun be revealed when the Legionnaires force him to telepathically release them from the Zone. Reprinted in BEST OF DC DIGEST (Vol.1) #57, February 1985 & in LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES ARCHIVES Volume Three, 1993.
The Legion Outpost
THE LEGION CONSTITUTION
For those who would like to know more about the Legion of Super-Heroes, we present selected passages from their Constitution. "To qualify for membership in the Legion of Super-Heroes, a candidate must be under the age of 18; must have at least one genuine super-power, which he or she can fully control; and must be courageous and of good character. "Having qualified by passing such tests as may be determined by the Membership Board, the candidate shall then be voted upon. For such voting, a quorum, consisting of 3/4 of the acting membership, must be present. A vote of 2/3 of those present shall be required for acceptance. "All Legionnaires are required to continue their scientific education. Special classes shall be set up for this purpose. While off duty, all Legionnaires must attend classes regularly, unless prevented by illness. Failing marks shall be grounds for suspension from the Legion. "The Legion's leader shall be chosen each year in a manner to be determined by a vote of 3/4 of the entire active membership. "Except in cases of dire emergency, no Legionnaire shall go on more than five successive space-missions without a rest period, to prevent space-fatigue." We plan to publish more passages from the Legion Constitution in future issues of ADVENTURE COMICS.
When Superman loses his powers, he has to pass the mantle of Superman over to Kandorian Ar-Val (first appearance). But, when Ar-Val proves inadequate for the job several Legionnaires grant Superman their powers (Saturn Girl gives telepathic thought-casting, Cosmic Boy grants him super-magnetism, Invisible Kid grants him invisibility, & Jimmy Olsen gives him his elastic serum). With these powers, Superman becomes “Former Superman” to get the job done.
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