The Legion of Substitute Heroes (often called the "Subs") is a DC Comics team of 30th/31st-century super-powered teenagers rejected from the main Legion of Super-Heroes due to seemingly limited or impractical powers. They banded together to prove their worth as backup support.
The team has evolved through several iterations across numerous reboots with fluctuating rosters and tones, from earnest backup heroes to outright jokes, and then back toward more serious or reformed versions.
On this tour, we will explore the team itself and look at all the heroes who have served as members.
The Legion of Substitute Heroes burst onto the scene in Adventure Comics #306 (March 1963), cooked up by Edmond Hamilton and John Forte. And man, what a perfect bunch of lovable underdogs they are.
Picture this: Legion of Super-Heroes tryouts are happening, and a handful of hopefuls get the polite “thanks but no thanks.” Their consolation as worthy applicants is that they are issued Legion flight belts. Instead of heading home defeated, five of them say “forget that” and secretly form their own auxiliary squad. Their mission? Be ready to swoop in as backup whenever the main team needs a hand. They train in secret, build a hidden base, and wait for their big break. It comes when the entire Legion is off-planet.
A sneaky invasion of Plant Men is about to take over Earth. The Subs jump in, kick some leafy butt, and save the day! But being the humble heroes they are, they keep the whole victory quiet so they don’t steal any spotlight from the big leagues. They embraced the role of secret pinch-hitters, ready to jump in whenever the Legion was stretched thin. They decided to stick together, hoping that one day they could proudly operate openly as the Legion’s official backup crew. Underdogs with heart? Absolutely. And that’s just the beginning of their long, wild, and often hilarious history.
Let's take a look at the original five members.
POLAR BOY
Picture this: Legion of Super-Heroes tryouts are happening, and a handful of hopefuls get the polite “thanks but no thanks.” Their consolation as worthy applicants is that they are issued Legion flight belts. Instead of heading home defeated, five of them say “forget that” and secretly form their own auxiliary squad. Their mission? Be ready to swoop in as backup whenever the main team needs a hand. They train in secret, build a hidden base, and wait for their big break. It comes when the entire Legion is off-planet.
A sneaky invasion of Plant Men is about to take over Earth. The Subs jump in, kick some leafy butt, and save the day! But being the humble heroes they are, they keep the whole victory quiet so they don’t steal any spotlight from the big leagues. They embraced the role of secret pinch-hitters, ready to jump in whenever the Legion was stretched thin. They decided to stick together, hoping that one day they could proudly operate openly as the Legion’s official backup crew. Underdogs with heart? Absolutely. And that’s just the beginning of their long, wild, and often hilarious history.
Let's take a look at the original five members.
POLAR BOY
First appearance: Adventure Comics #306 (March 1963)
Created by: Edmond Hamilton and John Forte
Real Name: Brek Bannin
Home Planet: Tharr
Power: Ice creation, cold manipulation, and heat negation
Polar Boy is the energetic, optimistic founder and original leader of the Legion of Substitute Heroes. Hailing from a super-hot world, everyone on Tharr developed the ability to generate intense cold.
His rejection from the main team always seemed a bit odd, given that his cryokinesis powerset was basically the opposite of Sun Boy's. Why heat was worthy of membership, while cold wasn't, never really made much sense. In fairness, Polar Boy seemed to be portrayed as being much younger than members of the main team.
He rounded up the other rejects, formed the Subs, and led them with plenty of heart and determination. He’s the icy underdog who never quits. Cool guy in every sense of the word!
FIRE LAD
First appearance: Adventure Comics #306 (1963)
Created by: Edmond Hamilton and John Forte
Real Name: Staq Malvern
Home Planet: Shwar
Power: Flame breath
Born on a world with a thin atmosphere, young Staq investigated a crashed meteor and accidentally inhaled some weird vapors, giving him the power to breathe fire from his mouth and nose. (Oddly, in his origin flashback, he's already wearing his Fire Lad costume when this inhalation occurred!) Early on, his control was pretty shaky (think accidental barbeques), which is probably why the Legion turned him down during tryouts.
Undeterred, he teamed up with Polar Boy and the other rejects to form the Subs. He used his fiery breath to melt metal, send up signal flares, and generally light up the bad guys. Over the years he got better with his powers, sometimes even rocking the full “hair and eyes on fire” look when he really cuts loose.
CHLOROPHYLL KID
First appearance: Adventure Comics #306 (1963)
Created by: Edmond Hamilton and John Forte
Real Name: Ral Brenem
Home Planet: Mardru
Power: Control over the speed and growth of plant life. This includes controlling the shape the plant will assume
While visiting his dad’s agricultural research lab, young Ral took an accidental dip in a vat of experimental fertilizer/serum. Instead of turning into a plant monster, he gained the power to super-accelerate plant growth (and sometimes slow it down too).
He’s a walking greenhouse. He can sprout vines to trap bad guys, grow instant trees, create plant barriers, or whip up whatever botanical backup the situation calls for. He’s also a legit botany expert. Sometimes he's shown needing plant seeds to assist his powers, and other times he's able to generate plant growth on his own.
The main Legion rejected him because they didn’t see much combat potential in “make plants grow fast.” Big mistake! He’s the ultimate nice guy of the team... chill, dedicated, and always ready to lend a leafy hand. Proof that sometimes the “useless” power is secretly awesome when you get creative with it.
NIGHT GIRL
First appearance: Adventure Comics #306 (1963)
Created by: Edmond Hamilton and John Forte
Real Name: Lydda Jath
Home Planet: Kathoon
Power: Superhuman strength, but only in the absence of sunlight.
The Subs are eventually found out by the main Legion. After a couple of assists, the Legion-proper decides to hold a contest, with the winning Sub extended membership in the main team (Adventure Comics #315, December 1963). Each Substitute is sent on a different mission, and in the end, it is Stone Boy who wins a spot in the Legion of Super-Heroes. He turns the offer down, preferring to stay with his new friends and team.
Following this tale, the Substitute team generally becomes background filler, used in multi-issue tales to increase the hero count.
Eventually, new members come on board.
Kathoon is a world of perpetual darkness, so when Lydda developed a massive crush on Cosmic Boy, she convinced her dad to give her super-powers so she could join the Legion and meet her hero.
Her father was a renowned scientist who then invented the vitalizing ray that provided Lydda with super-strength and durability on par with Superboy or Mon-El. But because Kathoon was always in darkness, Lydda later realized that her abilities only worked in the same environments. Bright light (especially sunlight) completely shuts her powers down. Ouch!
The Legion rejected her because of that annoying daylight weakness. Let's examine this quickly. This is a girl who can be as powerful as Superboy or Mon-El in darkness, but the Legion says "no". The same Legion that inducted Dream Girl, Matter-Eater Lad, Triplicate Girl and Bouncing Boy!
She’s often considered the strongest and most serious of the original group. Since her powers aren’t always available, she’s also trained hard in hand-to-hand combat and makes an excellent fighter even without the super-strength. Night Girl brings the muscle, the heart, and the determination.
Her desire to impress Cosmic Boy paid off. Despite not being inducted into the main Legion, her romantic relationship with Cosmic Boy was among the longest in Legion history.
STONE BOY
First appearance: Adventure Comics #306 (1963)
Created by: Edmond Hamilton and John Forte
Real Name: Dag Wentim
Home Planet: Zwen
Power: Can transform his entire body into stone.
On Zwen, nights last six months, so the whole population evolved the ability to turn their bodies into living stone for hibernation. Dag can do it at will, becoming super-strong and nearly indestructible in that form. The downside? Total immobility... like a very tough, very heavy statue.
The Legion rejected him because “can turn into an immobile rock” didn’t scream “useful in a fight.” So he joined Polar Boy and the other rejects to form the Subs, where the team has creatively used him as a living projectile, shield, or blunt instrument more than once. He’s the quiet, loyal, dependable one of the group—always ready to take a hit (literally) for the team. Ultimate underdog with a heart of... well, stone.
DREAM GIRL
First appearance: Adventure Comics #317 (1964)
Created by: Edmond Hamilton and John Forte
Real Name: Nura Nal
Home Planet: Naltor
Power: Precognition through dreams and visions
Dream Girl is a glamorous, platinum-blonde with a knack for dramatic entrances. Natives of her home planet are natural precogs, and Nura is one of the strongest, able to see the future through vivid dreams and visions
She joined the Legion of Super-Heroes under false pretenses, hoping to prevent several Legionnaires from being killed. She also used her science know-how to tweak Lightning Lass's powers. Once the truth came out, Dream Girl resigned from the team to hone her abilities.
Her second appearance is in Adventure Comics #342 (March 1966), where it was revealed that she has joined the Legion of Substitute Heroes for further training.
She joined the Legion of Super-Heroes under false pretenses, hoping to prevent several Legionnaires from being killed. She also used her science know-how to tweak Lightning Lass's powers. Once the truth came out, Dream Girl resigned from the team to hone her abilities.
Her second appearance is in Adventure Comics #342 (March 1966), where it was revealed that she has joined the Legion of Substitute Heroes for further training.
STAR BOY
First appearance: Adventure Comics #282 (March 1961)
Created by: Otto Binder and George Papp
Real Name: Thom Kallor
Home Planet: Xanthu
Power: Ability to increase the mass/weight of any object or person
Star Boy was born on a space observatory satellite orbiting Xanthu to astronomer parents. Baby Thom got zapped by stellar radiation and research equipment, granting him the natural mutant power to increase the mass/density of anything by borrowing gravity from the stars.
After participating in one of the Legion's regular tryouts, he showed off his powers and was extended membership. Life was good... until he started dating Dream Girl. Her obsessed ex showed up, tried to murder him in a jealous rage, and Thom shot the guy in clear-cut self-defense. The Legion, sticklers for their "no killing, no exceptions" rule, put him on trial and kicked him out. Ouch!
Undeterred, he promptly joined the Legion of Substitute Heroes in Adventure Comics #342 (March 1966), reuniting with Dream Girl, and kept right on heroing. Because when one super-team boots you, another one's always ready with open arms (and with fewer rules). Classic Silver Age Legion stuff!
After participating in one of the Legion's regular tryouts, he showed off his powers and was extended membership. Life was good... until he started dating Dream Girl. Her obsessed ex showed up, tried to murder him in a jealous rage, and Thom shot the guy in clear-cut self-defense. The Legion, sticklers for their "no killing, no exceptions" rule, put him on trial and kicked him out. Ouch!
Undeterred, he promptly joined the Legion of Substitute Heroes in Adventure Comics #342 (March 1966), reuniting with Dream Girl, and kept right on heroing. Because when one super-team boots you, another one's always ready with open arms (and with fewer rules). Classic Silver Age Legion stuff!
COLOR KID
First appearance: Adventure Comics #342 (1966)
Created by: Edmond Hamilton and Curt Swan
Real Name: Ulu Vakk
Home Planet: Lupra
Power: Ability to change the color of anything or anyone, either temporarily or permanently.
While assisting a scientist, Ulu was zapped by a mysterious multi-colored energy beam from another dimension. Instead of turning into a pile of ash, he gained the ability to change the color of any person or object at will. Yes, that’s it. No flight, no strength, just serious interior-decorator vibes!
He showed up for Legion of Super-Heroes tryouts, hoping his hue-shifting skills would impress the team. They didn’t. The Legion politely rejected him.
He was quickly steered toward the Legion of Substitute Heroes, where the other “not quite good enough” rejects welcomed him with open arms.
He showed up for Legion of Super-Heroes tryouts, hoping his hue-shifting skills would impress the team. They didn’t. The Legion politely rejected him.
He was quickly steered toward the Legion of Substitute Heroes, where the other “not quite good enough” rejects welcomed him with open arms.
In 1966, Adventure Comics #350 and #351 delivered one of those gloriously bonkers two-part Legion stories that only the Silver Age could pull off.
A massive green kryptonite cloud had enveloped 30th-century Earth, forcing Superboy and Supergirl to resign from the Legion (since, y’know, it would slowly kill them). Before leaving, they recommended two mysterious new applicants to fill their spots: the armored Sir Prize and Miss Terious, both decked out in heavy lead-lined suits.
Of course, it didn’t take long for readers to figure out the big twist... Sir Prize and Miss Terious were actually Star Boy and Dream Girl in disguise. By the end of the epic tale, both were welcomed back into the Legion with full membership.
Oh, and in a nice little bonus, Color Kid officially joined the Legion of Substitute Heroes during this arc. He even proved his worth right away by using his color-changing powers to turn the deadly green kryptonite cloud blue (harmless to Kryptonians), allowing Superboy and Supergirl to keep visiting the future and remain active with the team.
The Subs faded into the background as DC's Silver Age transitioned into its Bronze Age. One important event for the team occurred in Superboy (vol. 1) #211 (September 1975). In a backup tale, it is revealed that the main Legion gifted the Subs their old rocket-shaped headquarters. Chlorophyll Kid, Stone Boy, and Fire Lad are given updated costumes, but sadly they were forgotten by later writers and artists
The Substitutes' next major appearance was in the 5-issue Earthwar storyline that spanned Superboy and the Legion of Super-Heroes #241 through #245 (1978), even earning some cover recognition!
A massive green kryptonite cloud had enveloped 30th-century Earth, forcing Superboy and Supergirl to resign from the Legion (since, y’know, it would slowly kill them). Before leaving, they recommended two mysterious new applicants to fill their spots: the armored Sir Prize and Miss Terious, both decked out in heavy lead-lined suits.
Of course, it didn’t take long for readers to figure out the big twist... Sir Prize and Miss Terious were actually Star Boy and Dream Girl in disguise. By the end of the epic tale, both were welcomed back into the Legion with full membership.
Oh, and in a nice little bonus, Color Kid officially joined the Legion of Substitute Heroes during this arc. He even proved his worth right away by using his color-changing powers to turn the deadly green kryptonite cloud blue (harmless to Kryptonians), allowing Superboy and Supergirl to keep visiting the future and remain active with the team.
The Subs faded into the background as DC's Silver Age transitioned into its Bronze Age. One important event for the team occurred in Superboy (vol. 1) #211 (September 1975). In a backup tale, it is revealed that the main Legion gifted the Subs their old rocket-shaped headquarters. Chlorophyll Kid, Stone Boy, and Fire Lad are given updated costumes, but sadly they were forgotten by later writers and artists
The Substitutes' next major appearance was in the 5-issue Earthwar storyline that spanned Superboy and the Legion of Super-Heroes #241 through #245 (1978), even earning some cover recognition!
In 1982, a character named Ambush Bug made his debut. He was the creation of writer/artist Keith Giffen. He’s a teleporting “hero” in a bright green full-body suit with antennae, who believes he’s a superhero but is actually a mentally unstable, reality-challenged oddball.
He started as a minor comedic villain opposing Superman, then evolved into a wannabe hero who pops up across the DC Universe.
He is an affectionate parody and meta fourth-wall-breaking character... essentially DC’s version of a wacky, Bugs Bunny-like trickster. His stories are full of in-jokes, satire of superhero tropes, comic book fandom, and the industry itself. He’s known for being silly, chaotic, self-aware, and surreal rather than serious.
Ambush Bug's second appearance was in DC Comics Presents #59 (July 1983) in a tale co-written by Paul Levitz. In this issue, the Bug accidentally hitches a ride with Superman into the 30th Century, causing havoc in a Superman museum where he is hunted down by the Legion of Substitute Heroes.
Giffen and Levitz played the Legion of Substitute Heroes completely for laughs (their powerhouse Night Girl was notably absent from the story), zooming in on how ridiculous and absurd their powers were. This tale is notable for increasing the membership of the Substitute team when it is revealed that several other rejected applicants from the main Legion's long history were now included in the Substitute team's roster.
PORCUPINE PETE
First appearance: Superboy #201 (April 1974)
Created by: Cary Bates and Dave Cockrum
Real Name: Peter Dursin
Home Planet: Earth
Power: Metahuman with a humanoid porcupine physiology. He grows quills all over his body and is able to launch them at will.
Pete is a lovable, walking pincushion! Born with skin that went from "kinda rough" to "full porcupine mode," Pete grew quills he can fire as projectiles. The only problem? His aim is... let's say enthusiastically random. He showed up for Legion tryouts all smiles, launched a barrage that sent everyone diving for cover, and got the polite "thanks but no thanks."
Undeterred, he joined the Legion of Substitute Heroes. There, Pete found his people and got to play hero on the B-team.
Basically a walking satellite dish, offering up old journalism, sitcoms, and often some static and feedback!
ANTENNA LAD
First appearance: Adventure Comics #305 (February 1963)
Created by: Jerry Siegel and John Forte
Real Name: Khfeurb Chee Bez
Home Planet: Grxyor
Power: Able to pick up electromagnetic transmissions and sound waves across time and space.
INFECTIOUS LASS
First appearance: Superboy #201 (April 1974)
Created by: Cary Bates and Dave Cockrum
Real Name: Drura Sehpt
Home Planet: Somahtur
Power: She is the carrier of thousands of different diseases that she is able to inflict on others.
Infectious Lass is a living biohazard, a sweet alien girl who just wants to help... by giving everyone a cold. Her powers come from her home planet, her abilites are shared by all Somahturians.
Unfortunately, when she first showed up for Legion tryouts, she had poor control and ended up making several members sick because she was nervous. The Subs welcomed her with open (and quickly quarantined) arms. She’s basically the superhero equivalent of that friend who shows up to movie night with “just a little cold” and wipes out the whole group chat. Adorable, well-meaning, and highly contagious.
DOUBLE-HEADER
First appearance: Adventure Comics #323 (August 1964)
Created by: Jerry Siegel and John Forte
Real Name: Frenk and Dyvud Retzun
Home Planet: Janus
Power: The dudes share one body. This gives them increased skills and better hand-to-hand combat skills.
Playing on the ridiculousness of the Main Legion of Super-Heroes having a Substitute team, Double-Header is said to be an Auxiliary Member of the Substitute team!
URK
Later the same year, the membership of the primary Legion was getting a shakeup as several long-time members decided to resign and/or retire from active membership. Polar Boy disbanded the Legion of Substitute Heroes and actively set out to be part of the Legion of Super-Heroes' most recent audition for new members. He finally proved himself and was inducted as a member, along with 4 other new recruits.
First appearance: Legion of Super-Heroes (vol. 2) #304 (1983)
Created by: Paul Levitz and Keith Giffin
Real Name: Urk
Home Planet: Unknown
Power: Unknown
Originally seen as a Legion Academy student, he later shows up as a member of the Legion of Substitute Heroes.
Urk is the ultimate background gremlin of the Legion of Super-Heroes universe, a tiny, mischievous alien critter whose vocabulary mostly consists of “Urk!” (his only clear word). Not much is known about him, even after decades of cameos.
He's often seen causing havoc by chewing on wires and eating electronics.
This humorous take on the Substitute team was so well received that they were awarded their own one-time giant issue special! Legion of Substitute Heroes Special #1 was dated April 1985.
Later the same year, the membership of the primary Legion was getting a shakeup as several long-time members decided to resign and/or retire from active membership. Polar Boy disbanded the Legion of Substitute Heroes and actively set out to be part of the Legion of Super-Heroes' most recent audition for new members. He finally proved himself and was inducted as a member, along with 4 other new recruits.
Polar Boy served admirably and proudly as a member of the Legion of Super-Heroes. It took him many years (22 years in real time!), but he finally accomplished his dream. In fact, he was later elected Legion Leader by his teammates after Element Lad's term was completed.
While Polar Boy may have disbanded the original team of Legion Substitutes, the concept of a Legion of Substitute Heroes was not over!
In Legion of Super-Heroes Annual #3 (vol. 3 - 1987), retired Legion founder Cosmic Boy, along with several other retired members and a handful of Legion Academy members, form a new Legion of Substitute Heroes, recognizing that the main team needs a backup when threats call for it.
Former Substitute member Night Girl is the only Substitute member to transition from the original iteration of Substitutes to this new team. Other new Substitute members are as follows:
COSMIC BOY
First appearance: Adventure Comics #247 (1958)
Created by: Al Plastino and Otto Binder
Real Name: Rokk Krinn
Home Planet: Braal
Power: Able to control, repel, and manipulate magnetic energy.
Rokk grew up a magno-ball champ (basically future-space soccer with magnetic powers). His abilities come naturally to Braalians, but being born on Earth (stronger magnetic field) gave him an extra power boost. He can attract, repel, and juggle massive metal objects, fly by manipulating his own body’s iron, and generally act like a walking electromagnet.
Young Rokk teamed up with Lightning Lad and Saturn Girl to save billionaire R.J. Brande from an assassin. Brande was so impressed by their improvised superhero teamwork that he basically said, “Kids, you’re hired, go start a super-team!” Thus, the Legion of Super-Heroes was born, with Cosmic Boy quickly selected as the first leader.
He helped turn three random teens into a galaxy-saving powerhouse. He served as a solid, serious leader for years, reliable, charismatic, and duty-bound. Eventually, the founding trio decided it was time to step back for “new blood.” Rokk retired... sort of. Not long after, he co-founded the second version of the Legion of Substitute Heroes with his girlfriend Night Girl. Because even in retirement, Cosmic Boy just couldn’t stay on the bench. Classic overachiever move.
BOUNCING BOY
First appearance: Action Comics #276 (1961)
Created by: Jerry Siegel and Jim Mooney
Real Name: Chuck Taine
Home Planet: Earth
Power: Can inflate his body into a spherical, rubbery, and highly elastic form.
While running an errand for a scientist on 30th-century Earth, young Chuck got distracted by a sports event, got thirsty, and chugged what he thought was soda. Surprise! It was an experimental super-plastic formula. Now he can inflate into a giant bouncy sphere, ricochet around at high speeds, and laugh off impacts (plus he's conveniently immune to electric shocks while inflated). It's... not the most dignified power set. He basically became the team's living whoopee cushion.
As the Legion's stories grew up and got less silly in the '70s, poor Chuck was written out for a while. His powers kept glitching or vanishing (once from bouncing in front of a matter-shrinking machine, because of course), and the "no-married-Legionnaires" rule gave him the perfect exit ramp after he finally married fellow Legionnaire Duo Damsel.
But the big guy stuck around out of pure dedication: he became a teacher (and later headmaster) at the Legion Academy, molding the next generation of heroes, and joined the second version of the Legion of Substitute Heroes. Because when you're basically a sentient beach ball, you don't quit the superhero life... you just pivot to coaching and backup duty.
DUO DAMSEL (former TRIPLICATE GIRL)
First appearance: Action Comics #276 (1961)
Created by: Jerry Siegel and Jim Mooney
Real Name: Luornu Durgo
Home Planet: Cargg (or Carggg)
Power: Originally able to split into three separate entities, later only two
From the triple-sun planet Cargg, where everyone can split into identical bodies, Luornu waltzed into Legion tryouts and impressed the founders by approaching all three of them simultaneously. She became the team's first new recruit as Triplicate Girl, complete with coordinated attacks, shared memories when she merged back, and a knack for Trijitsu martial arts.
Handy... until tragedy struck. One of her bodies was tragically killed by the villainous robot Computo, turning her into Duo Damsel. She powered through the trauma, dated the team's resident bouncy morale officer (Bouncing Boy), and eventually married him. When they married, they knew the Legion's Constitution required them to resign, so they did.
True to form, Luornu didn't just ride off into the sunset. She and Chuck became dedicated instructors (and later headmasters) at the Legion Academy, training the next wave of potential Legionnaires, and then later pitching in with the second Legion of Substitute Heroes.
Duo Damsel and Bouncing Boy are examples of how heroes created in the 1960s for a silly children's story can be written and developed to become the true enduring hearts of a long-running team.
COMET QUEEN
First appearance: Legion of Super-Heroes (vol. 2) #304 (1983)
Created by: Paul Levitz, Keith Giffen, and Larry Mahlstedt
Real Name: Grava
Home Planet: Quaal-III
Power: Super speed, flight, and the ability to emit various gaseous trails behind her.
Comet Queen began as the Legion Academy's resident bubbly airhead and walking Valley Girl (a 1980s stereotype), like, totally cosmic, you know? A huge Legion fangirl, she got impatient waiting for powers to show up. So she did the smartest thing possible: she flew naked through a comet's tail to copy Star Boy's origin. It worked (sort of).
She gained the ability to fly through space, trail flaming comet-hair energy, and spew noxious gases that could knock people out or create fog. Very heroic. Very... aromatic. She showed up acting like the ultimate 1980s ditz, heavy on the slang, light on common sense, more interested in looking cool and chasing crushes than actual substance. She attended the Legion Academy while also acting as a member of the new Subs.
She was a perfect fit for a backup squad: flashy, gaseous support with maximum enthusiasm and minimum depth. Like, fer sure.
She gained the ability to fly through space, trail flaming comet-hair energy, and spew noxious gases that could knock people out or create fog. Very heroic. Very... aromatic. She showed up acting like the ultimate 1980s ditz, heavy on the slang, light on common sense, more interested in looking cool and chasing crushes than actual substance. She attended the Legion Academy while also acting as a member of the new Subs.
She was a perfect fit for a backup squad: flashy, gaseous support with maximum enthusiasm and minimum depth. Like, fer sure.
KARATE KID II
First appearance: Legion of Super-Heroes (vol. 3) #13 (August 1985)
Created by: Paul Levitz, Steve Lightle, and Larry Mahlstedt
Real Name: Myg
Home Planet: Lythyl
Power: Mastery of all forms of martial arts and unarmed combat.
From the lawless planet Lythyl, Myg mastered martial arts as a teen and served on its ruling council. After the original Karate Kid (Val Armorr) died, Timber Wolf and Sensei brought Myg to Earth. Inspired by Val's legacy, Myg took the Karate Kid mantle, trained at the Legion Academy, and joined the Legion of Substitute Heroes.
He is renowned for his exceptional hand-to-hand combat skills.
He is renowned for his exceptional hand-to-hand combat skills.
This iteration of the Legion of Substitute Heroes continued to provide the main team with support through 1994, when the publication of the Legion ended in Legion of Super-Heroes (vol. 4) #63 (August 1989).
The Legion of Super-Heroes enjoyed a remarkable 31-year publication run, while the Legion of Substitute Heroes had a 26-year presence of their own. Sales remained solid, but DC Comics decided it was time for a major shake-up.
The Legion, as longtime readers knew it, came to an end with the conclusion of its third volume. When the team returned, it was in a bold new series: Legion of Super-Heroes (vol. 4) #1 (November 1989). This launch kicked off the celebrated (and controversial) “Five Years Later” era, written and drawn by Keith Giffen with dialogue from Tom and Mary Bierbaum. The story jumps forward five years after the cataclysmic “Magic Wars” that closed out the previous volume. The United Planets has fallen on hard times: economic collapse, political upheaval, and the Dominators’ covert takeover of Earth have created a darker, more cynical 30th century. Many former Legionnaires have scattered, their powers lost or diminished, their lives upended by war, personal tragedy, or disillusionment. The once-shining beacon of hope feels like a faded dream.
Shown through flashbacks and narratives, it is revealed that Stone Boy, Chlorophyll Kid, Fire Lad, Color Kid, Infectious Lass, and Porcupine Pete all joined the main Legion as the team became desperate for members before it finally disbanded under Earthgov/Dominator pressure.
The former members of the Legion of Substitute Heroes shine in this era. Originally rejected from the main Legion for having “limited” powers, they step up significantly during the gap and the new series. Fire Lad, Stone Boy, Chlorophyll Kid, Color Kid, Porcupine Pete, and Infectious Lass become key players in the resistance against the Dominators’ occupation of Earth.
They operate as an insurgent group called S.U.B.S. (Superhuman Underground Battle Squad), proving their worth in gritty, ground-level fights for freedom.
STONE BOY - Through hypnotherapy, he can now stay conscious in stone form; he masters mobility in stone form, and eventually can partially petrify select areas of his body (e.g., a fist).
FIRE LAD - Mastery of his powers is increased, providing greater precision and intensity. He can also raise the temperatures with his flames.
CHLOROPHYLL KID - He developed inventive plant manipulation (e.g., using plants offensively or defensively). He was crucial to defeating the Dominators because he learned to hack and control their technology, which was plant-based.
COLOR KID - More skilled, he has refined his abilities for better camouflage and illusory effects.
PORCUPINE PETE - He can control and release his quills with much more precision. His quills are a reliable offensive tool.
INFECTIOUS LASS - She has full control of her powers. She is a powerful biological weapon for the resistance. She is married to former Legionnaire Jacques Foccart (Invisible Kid II), who is also the leader of S.U.B.S.
NIGHT GIRL - Is not part of the resistance. She is married to Cosmic Boy, and pregnant as the series begins. They eventually have a son named Pol.
ANTENNA LAD - He is not featured, but it is revealed he is now a newscaster.
The S.U.B.S. were joined by another character from the Legion's past:
RON-KARR
First appearance: Adventure Comics #314 (November 1963) Created by: Edmond Hamilton and John Forte Real Name: Ron-Karr Home Planet: Neptune Power: He can flatten his body, reducing it to two dimensions. He tried out for the Legion of Super-Heroes, got rejected (shocking, I know), briefly slummed it with the Legion of Super-Villains because even bad guys need warm bodies, then finally found his people in the S.U.B.S. resistance during the Five Years Later mess. There he actually did some good, honed his limited abilities, and stuck around as a militia instructor afterwards.
Many a debate can be had about the 5-Year Later Legion. Some love it, some hate it, and others merely tolerate it. In the end, everything that happened was wiped from continuity by the Zero Hour event in 1994.
Between 1994 and 2007, there were alternative versions of the Legion that were regularly published, and they often included updated versions of some of the original Subs. But these characters were members of other teams, or appeared only in cameos. No version of the Legion of Substitute Heroes existed in these continuities.
In 2007, following the events of Infinite Crisis, the original Legion of Super-Heroes was returned to mainstream continuity. Most of their history remained intact, though some changes had taken place since the "Magic Wars" in 1994. One major update was that Night Girl was finally an active member of the main Legion.
Another alteration with the return of the original team was the return of the Legion of Substitute Heroes, no longer disbanded! Chlorophyll Kid, Fire Lad, and Stone Boy return with a new member of their team.
RAINBOW GIRL
First appearance: Adventure Comics #309 (June 1963) Created by: Edmond Hamilton and John Forte Real Name: Dori Aandraison Home Planet: Xolnar Power: Radiates pheromones and can tap into and manipulate the emotional spectrum of those around her. In her original one-panel appearance, Sun Boy is letting her know that her application is rejected. No demonstration of her powers was presented. Years later, a back story was created for her. Rainbow Girl originally thought that being a Legionnaire would be a good stepping stone to her real desire to be a holovid actress! Forty-four years after her single-panel appearance, she's back and decides to join the Subs, even though she doesn't think they received enough publicity to help her in her holovid desires.
In 2024, it was revealed that yet another rejected applicant from the Legion's past had joined the Subs.
ANIMAL LAD
First appearance: Adventure Comics #331 (April 1965) Created by: Jerry Siegel and Jim Mooney Real Name: Ennis Janhson Home Planet: Earth Power: Can temporarily transform humans (including himself) into animals and vice versa. A metahuman, Animal Lad is a 30th-century zoologist who was rejected for Legion membership. When he later joins the Legion of Substitute Heroes, he's stuck in a lion-man/hybrid form. His powers also give him the ability to tame animals and to communicate with them.
The Legion, as longtime readers knew it, came to an end with the conclusion of its third volume. When the team returned, it was in a bold new series: Legion of Super-Heroes (vol. 4) #1 (November 1989). This launch kicked off the celebrated (and controversial) “Five Years Later” era, written and drawn by Keith Giffen with dialogue from Tom and Mary Bierbaum. The story jumps forward five years after the cataclysmic “Magic Wars” that closed out the previous volume. The United Planets has fallen on hard times: economic collapse, political upheaval, and the Dominators’ covert takeover of Earth have created a darker, more cynical 30th century. Many former Legionnaires have scattered, their powers lost or diminished, their lives upended by war, personal tragedy, or disillusionment. The once-shining beacon of hope feels like a faded dream.
Shown through flashbacks and narratives, it is revealed that Stone Boy, Chlorophyll Kid, Fire Lad, Color Kid, Infectious Lass, and Porcupine Pete all joined the main Legion as the team became desperate for members before it finally disbanded under Earthgov/Dominator pressure.
The former members of the Legion of Substitute Heroes shine in this era. Originally rejected from the main Legion for having “limited” powers, they step up significantly during the gap and the new series. Fire Lad, Stone Boy, Chlorophyll Kid, Color Kid, Porcupine Pete, and Infectious Lass become key players in the resistance against the Dominators’ occupation of Earth.
They operate as an insurgent group called S.U.B.S. (Superhuman Underground Battle Squad), proving their worth in gritty, ground-level fights for freedom.
STONE BOY - Through hypnotherapy, he can now stay conscious in stone form; he masters mobility in stone form, and eventually can partially petrify select areas of his body (e.g., a fist).
FIRE LAD - Mastery of his powers is increased, providing greater precision and intensity. He can also raise the temperatures with his flames.
CHLOROPHYLL KID - He developed inventive plant manipulation (e.g., using plants offensively or defensively). He was crucial to defeating the Dominators because he learned to hack and control their technology, which was plant-based.
COLOR KID - More skilled, he has refined his abilities for better camouflage and illusory effects.
PORCUPINE PETE - He can control and release his quills with much more precision. His quills are a reliable offensive tool.
INFECTIOUS LASS - She has full control of her powers. She is a powerful biological weapon for the resistance. She is married to former Legionnaire Jacques Foccart (Invisible Kid II), who is also the leader of S.U.B.S.
NIGHT GIRL - Is not part of the resistance. She is married to Cosmic Boy, and pregnant as the series begins. They eventually have a son named Pol.
ANTENNA LAD - He is not featured, but it is revealed he is now a newscaster.
The S.U.B.S. were joined by another character from the Legion's past:
RON-KARR
First appearance: Adventure Comics #314 (November 1963) Created by: Edmond Hamilton and John Forte Real Name: Ron-Karr Home Planet: Neptune Power: He can flatten his body, reducing it to two dimensions. He tried out for the Legion of Super-Heroes, got rejected (shocking, I know), briefly slummed it with the Legion of Super-Villains because even bad guys need warm bodies, then finally found his people in the S.U.B.S. resistance during the Five Years Later mess. There he actually did some good, honed his limited abilities, and stuck around as a militia instructor afterwards.
Many a debate can be had about the 5-Year Later Legion. Some love it, some hate it, and others merely tolerate it. In the end, everything that happened was wiped from continuity by the Zero Hour event in 1994.
Between 1994 and 2007, there were alternative versions of the Legion that were regularly published, and they often included updated versions of some of the original Subs. But these characters were members of other teams, or appeared only in cameos. No version of the Legion of Substitute Heroes existed in these continuities.
In 2007, following the events of Infinite Crisis, the original Legion of Super-Heroes was returned to mainstream continuity. Most of their history remained intact, though some changes had taken place since the "Magic Wars" in 1994. One major update was that Night Girl was finally an active member of the main Legion.
Another alteration with the return of the original team was the return of the Legion of Substitute Heroes, no longer disbanded! Chlorophyll Kid, Fire Lad, and Stone Boy return with a new member of their team.
RAINBOW GIRL
First appearance: Adventure Comics #309 (June 1963) Created by: Edmond Hamilton and John Forte Real Name: Dori Aandraison Home Planet: Xolnar Power: Radiates pheromones and can tap into and manipulate the emotional spectrum of those around her. In her original one-panel appearance, Sun Boy is letting her know that her application is rejected. No demonstration of her powers was presented. Years later, a back story was created for her. Rainbow Girl originally thought that being a Legionnaire would be a good stepping stone to her real desire to be a holovid actress! Forty-four years after her single-panel appearance, she's back and decides to join the Subs, even though she doesn't think they received enough publicity to help her in her holovid desires.
In 2024, it was revealed that yet another rejected applicant from the Legion's past had joined the Subs.
ANIMAL LAD
First appearance: Adventure Comics #331 (April 1965) Created by: Jerry Siegel and Jim Mooney Real Name: Ennis Janhson Home Planet: Earth Power: Can temporarily transform humans (including himself) into animals and vice versa. A metahuman, Animal Lad is a 30th-century zoologist who was rejected for Legion membership. When he later joins the Legion of Substitute Heroes, he's stuck in a lion-man/hybrid form. His powers also give him the ability to tame animals and to communicate with them.
The Legion of Substitute Heroes may never have been the galaxy’s first line of defense, but they’ve always been its most lovable proof that heart, creativity, and a willingness to show up matter more than “perfect” powers. From secret backup squad to resistance fighters, joke team to earnest supporters, the Subs embody the idea that even “useless” powers can make a difference, whether saving the day or providing laughs along the way.
The Legion of Super-Heroes and all related characters, names, and elements and the distinctive likenesses thereof are trademarks of DC Comics, Inc.
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