LETTER COLUMNS The letter columns are an important part of the Legion Lore, second only to the stories themselves as a source of information. Editor Mort Weisinger used the letter columns to explain various concepts and smooth over any seeming errors or continuity questions from fans. They also included "Bits of Legionnaire Business", a section dedicated to reader super-hero suggestions, and text features dedicated to the Legionnaires' origins and powers. This page features the complete letter columns and text features from the Legion of Super-Heroes' run in Adventure Comics, as well as the Legion-related letters from their time in Action Comics (both shown with blue banners). It also contains letters of note to Legion fans from other Superman Family titles of the Silver Age (seen with yellow banners). Please note that this feature is a "work in progress" as we continue to expand our comic book collection. If you want to find a specific reference in the letters below, just use your browser's Find fuction to search the page for related words. Many thanks to Miki, who provided us with several letter columns we were missing. Dear Editor: In your recent story, "Prisoner of the Super-Heroes", at the end of the story you show Ma and Pa Kent hugging SUPERBOY in front of a big crowd. Wouldn't such an act betray the secret of SUPERBOY's identity? I think someone goofed! -Jeffrey Keizer, Bronx, N. Y. (We think you goofed. The "crowd" you speak of consisted of the three super-heroes, Cosmic Boy, Saturn Girl and Lightning Lad, who knew Superboy's identity. Next time, look twice before you report a boo-boo. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: In many stories I've noticed that you feature characters who have the initials L.L., such as Lana Lang, Lois Lane, Lori Lemaris, Linda Lee. Even Superboy's mother, on the planet Krypton, has an "L" - her name is Lara. And in the last issue you featured Lightning Lad. Why do so many characters whose fate is intertwined with Superboy's have an "L" in their name? -Mike Richter, Houston, Texas. (Beats us! Incidentally, you'll have to increase your list of characters whose names have two "L's" when you see the next issue of ADVENTURE COMICS. It features the origin of the renegade scientist who became SUPERMAN's arch-enemy - the young Lex Luthor! -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: I enjoyed "Prisoner of the Super-Heroes" very much. Will we ever see a sequel wherein SUPERMAN mets all these super-heroes when they grow up? -Terry Slaven, Snyder, N. Y. (Great idea. We'll pass it on to our writers. -Ed.) Dear Editor: I would like to know if you will ever print a story showing Cosmic Boy, Saturn Girl and Lightning Lad grown up? Roy Robinson, Boston, Mass. (We are already working on such a story. But inasmuch as SUPERBOY will meet these great heroes when they are adults, and he is SUPERMAN, the story will be published in a future issue of ACTION COMICS. -Ed.) Dear Editor: In the January issue of SUPERBOY, at the end of one of the stories, you indicated that some day the Boy of Steel would meet up with a Legion of Super-Villains. Will we ever see that day? Jerry Hasson, Covina, Calif. [You sure will. He encounters the Legion of Super-Villains when he grows up to be SUPERMAN. And you'll find this situation takes place in the August issue of SUPERMAN COMICS. -Ed.] Dear Editor: In the recent story, "Lana Lang and the Legion of Super-Heroes", on Page 5 of the story you refer to the character, Lightning Lad, as Lightning BOY. Error? P.S. The story was great. Marc Krass, Columbus, Ohio (Error. By the way, if you're a fan of the Legion of Super-Heroes, see the August issue of SUPERMAN COMICS, which features the "Legion of Super-Villains." -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: In the story, "Lana Lang and the Legion of Super-Heroes", at the end of the story you show Lana returning to Earth, still wearing the red dress she obtained on that exotic world. Well, why don't you have Lana wearing the dress to school and become the envy of all the girls in Smallville? Christian Koehler, Leroy, N. Y. (Could be; but Lana already is the envy of all the girls for the numerous attentions SUPERBOY constantly showers upon her. -Ed.) Dear Editor: I certainly enjoyed the recent story, "Supergirl's Three Super Girl-Friends." I thought the way you presented BRAINIAC 5, the great, great, great, great grandson of BRAINIAC, Superman's arch enemy, was terrific! Will we ever see him again? Linda Norelli, Livingston, N. J. (Yes. We are planning an all-villain issue for a future issue of SUPERMAN COMICS, which will include a story telling the origin of BRAINIAC and also deal again with his various descendents. In the meanwhile, we urge you to see the next issue of ACTION COMICS, in which BRAINIAC shrinks Superman, Perry, Lois and Jimmy Olsen, and imprisons them inside one of his glass bottles! -Ed.) Dear Editor: It's been quite a few issues since we were treated to a new story of the Legion of Super-Heroes - who happen to be my favorite adventurers. Will you give us another one soon? Leonard Belter, Nyack, N. Y. (The next issue of ADVENTURE COMICS features a great story, "The Secret of the Seventh Legionnaire," which not only deals with such favorites as Lightning Lad, Saturn Girl, etc., but which also introduces the Legion's newest member - SUN BOY. -Ed.) KEY TO THE LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES 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 the inhabitants with the power of splitting into three bodies. Triplicate Girl sometimes shocks her escorts on Earth who expect to be dating one girl! 3. BRAINIAC5 is the great-great-great-great-grandson of the space villain who was Superman's foulest foe. His force-shield belt can protect him from danger. 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 imprtant papers. 6. INVISIBLE KID is a young genius who invented a serum which enables him to become invisible, [sic] uses his power to spy on outlaws. 7. SHRINKING VIOLET inherited her super-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 fierce monster to retreat. 11. COLOSSAL BOY has the power of super-growth gained from the radiation effect of a meteor from outer space. Scene shows him rescuing seamen from a storm. 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 space missile before it can explode. Dear Editor: In your June issue of SUPERBOY, in the story, "Superboy's Big Brother," at the end of the tale you announced that you would publish a story some day wherein Superboy enters the Phantom Zone as an adult and has a reunion with Mon-El. Have you forgotten your promise? I hope not, for I think Mon-El was one of the best characters you've given us in recent years. Roger A. Yannett, Queens Village, N. Y. (Mon-El makes a comeback in the February issue of our companion magazine, ACTION COMICS. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: My favorite SUPERBOY stories are those in which he has an adventure with the members of the Legion of Super-Heroes. Saturn Girl, Cosmic Boy, Lightning Lad, Bouncing Boy, etc. - I love them all. So here's my vote for more stories about this thrilling super-team. Stephen Rae, Great Neck, N. Y. (We intend to feature the various Legionnaires regularly in our family of "super" magazines. As a unique treat, we've prepared a special two-page feature, "The Powers and Origin of the Legion of Super-Heroes," which reveals new facts about twelve of these heroes. You'll find this feature in the fourth GIANT SUPERMAN ANNUAL, on sale November 10th, 1961. See full-page announcement elsewhere in this issue for additional details. -Ed.) Dear Editor: I don't know how to thank you for the latest addition to the "Superman family" - the LEGION OF SUPER-PETS. I like animals very much; I own a puppy named Sargie and, on occasions when I go to the stables, I ride a very beautiful horse called "Spook." I hope we'll see more of the super-pets. Vida Gestaula, Chicago, Ill. (The Legion of Super-Pets was such a smash hit we intend to bring them back shortly, in an exciting adventure. Meanwhile, we'd like to hear from readers with suggested names for our super-horse and our super-monkey. We'll send original covers to the readers who suggest the best names for these animals. -Ed.) Dear Editor: How does SUPERMAN do it? I mean, how does he have time to go to meetings of the Justice League of America, go on missions with the J.L.A., work with SUPERGIRL, visit the Legion of Super-Heroes in the future, work at the Daily Planet, fight with Batman and Robin, and fight by himself? If you could let me in on the secret, I will be very grateful. Steven Samuelson, Kew Gardens, N.Y. (The explanation is quite simple. Inasmuch as SUPERMAN never gets tired and requires no sleep, he is active around the clock. If he is busy with the J.L.A., he can instruct one of his robots to handle his patrol and he can direct his Clark Kent robot to perform his duties at the Daily Planet. And don't forget that, because of his super-speed, he can accomplish in the winkling of an eye things which would keep ordinary folks busy for days. -Ed.) Dear Editor: I've just finished the story, "Lana Lang's Superboy Identity Detection Kit." It was a swell tale, BUT . . . I found a goof. Lana's father told her that she couldn't have any privileges for a month, yet when Lana goes out on a bike sometime later, her father doesn't stop her. Doesn't bike-riding count on the no-privilege list? Nancy Geeting, Adrian, Mich. (Come now, don't be a meany. Back in those days, the only way a girl could get to school would be to ride her bike. It was a necessity, just like eating three meals a day. If Professor Lang listened to you, he wouldn't even let Lana bathe. -Ed.) Dear Editor: This card is in response to the suggestion in the April issue of ADVENTURE COMICS where, in the Smallville Mailsack, you talked about alternating a series called "Tales of the Legion of Super-Heroes" with the BIZARRO series. I'm really excited about this possibility and I think it's a fabulous idea which meets with my heartiest approval. I hope other fans feel the same way. Incidentally, you'll never believe this but I guessed who "Bronze Boy" was after seeing his statue on the 6th page. Arnold Secrest, West Linn, Ore. (Letters are pouring in from readers, pro and con, regarding the launching of "Tales of the Legion of Super-Heroes" in this magazine. We hope to have them tallied by next month, at which time we will announce the results. The following letters represent a tiny cross-section of our readers' reactions to this proposal. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: Not only would I like to see stories featuring the Legion of Super-Heroes which tell how this great club was formed, but I would like to go one step further. Why not give the Legion of Super-Heroes their own magazine? In it you could tell of the origin of each Super-Hero, how he or she acquired their powers. Then, later on, you could give us stories on how the various heroes defeated crime on their native world, how they passed their initiations, battles with interesting villains and monsters, etc. Is my idea any good? Bob Birnberg, Yonkers, N. Y. (Your idea is good and, even if we do not kick off with this new series right away, we'll touch on the themes you suggest in future Legion stories. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: You mentioned a possibility of a "Tales of the Legion of Super-Heroes" series in ADVENTURE COMICS, to alternate with "Tales of the Bizarro World." Frankly, the Bizarro stories don't send me, so I'd like to see them replaced by the Legion stories. I know the Bizarro tales are mighty popular with the majority of your readers, but I'd like to see you try giving the Legion more prominence. John Santino, Jr., West Roxbury, Mass. (You said a mouthful when you mentioned the popularity of the Bizarro series. Judging from the pro-Bizarro fans we've heard from, we'd be promoting a civil war among our readers if we bumped this feature. See the following letters! -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: PLEASE! Don't exile Bizarro in favor of the Legion of Super-Heroes. Don't get me wrong. I like the Super-Heroes, but I don't think they are as novel or as entertaining as the Bizarro tales. Besides, you keep giving us Legion stories in your various companion magazines, and ADVENTURE COMICS is the only place where we get full-length Bizarro stories. Marvin Sandler, Brooklyn, N. Y Dear Editor: I enjoyed your recent story, "Supergirl's Greatest Challenge," but one point puzzles me. In one sequence, you show Supergirl saying to Whizzy, and I quote: "Strange, the Phantom Zone is empty except for you and I, Whizzy!" Aren't you forgetting Mon-El? Did you goof, or did Mon-El take a vacation? Alex Schmidt, Flushing, N. Y. (You forget that this story took place in the future. If Mon-El wasn't in the Phantom Zone at that time, then obviously he has been released from that twilight world. In other words, we deliberately called attention to this fact by way of tipping off our readers that some day soon Mon-El will be freed from the Phantom Zone. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: Don't try to squirm out of this one. In the recent story, "Supergirl's Greatest Challenge", you show Supergirl defeating "The Positive Man". Now, isn't it against the Superman code to kill anything? No wisecracks, please. Saul Agranoff, New York, N. Y. (Sorry, but "The Positive Man" was described in the story as "a destructive force which was once human." We don't think it's a violation of the Superman code to destroy an evil force anymore than you'd reprimand a doctor for applying an antiseptic to a patient's wound which would annihilate dangerous microbes. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: In the recent story, "The Jury of Super-Enemies", Superman dreamed that he was captured and put on trial by Luthor and his other enemies. During the trial, Superman was shackled with handcuffs of GREEN KRYPTONITE, yet he used his x-ray vision to read the verdict of the jury. How was this possible, since we all know green kryptonite robs Superman of his powers? Bill Love, Tucson, Ariz. (You are somewhat confused as to the insidious effects of green Kryptonite on Superman. Its main effect is to render Superman helpless to fly or use his super-strength. Also, the kryptonite radiations make him feel weak and dizzy. However, in the early stages of exposure to kryptonite, he is still able to use his x-ray and heat vision at short range. He is also able to use super-ventriloquism and super-breath - but with modifications. Of course, even these powers keep fading the longer her endures exposure to Green K. An interesting sidelight is that no matter how long he is exposed to the stuff, his body, at all times, is invulnerable to weapons, explosives, acids, etc. We hope this clarifies the matter for you. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: In a recent story, "The Jury of Super-Enemies", you stated that the Superman Revenge Squad knows what planet Superman lives on. However, in the January issue of SUPERBOY, which preceded this story, the Revenge Squad villains do not know where Superboy lives. How do you explain this inconsistency? George Sheehan, Flushing, N. Y. (The members of the Superman Revenge Squad were able to find out the location of their enemy in the interval during which Superboy grew up into the adult Superman. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: In a story you published some time ago, "The Babe of Steel", Superman is faced with the problem of having to make himself small to meet an impending emergency. So he takes a certain piece of Red Kryptonite that he knows will make him small, and it does. My question is: if each piece of Red K causes unpredictable effects on Superman, how did he know that this particular fragment would reduce him in size? Harold Hansen, Guam (If you will reread this story, you will note the explanation on Page 4, Panel 2. In this panel Superman says: "Locked inside this safe are various kinds of Red Kryptonite. Type No. 4 once turned Supergirl into a baby and Krypto into a pup for a brief time!" Therefore Superman knew that if he exposed himself to Type No. 4, for the first time in his life, it would also turn him into a baby. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: What would happen if one of Linda Lee's friends accidentally entered Linda's room and discovered the model of the Legion of Super-Heroes Clubhouse, and just then the bells rang for Supergirl, announcing a necessary emergency in the future? Wouldn't Supergirl be in hot water then . . . particularly if the friend noticed that the figurines used as book-ends (shaped like the Legion of Super-Heroes) started to glow? Ned Snively, Winter Haven, Fla. (It sure could create a problem for Supergirl . . . one which we intend to solve in a forthcoming story. Thanks for suggesting it. -Ed.) 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.) * * * Dear Editor: Ever since you gave us a "preview" of "Super-Horse" several issues ago, I've been waiting anxiously for the introduction of this new super-pet. Can you tip us off as to when this big event will take place? Lyle Gorham, Springfield, Mass. (We always keep our promises. You'll find the first story of the super-steed of steel in the September issue of our companion magazine, ACTION COMICS. -Ed.) Dear Editor: I've always wondered why Lana Lang can't tell Clark Kent is Superboy. After all, don't they BOTH have the same voice? Larry Eaton, Long Beach, Wash. (Superboy is skilled at disguising his voice, so that when he speaks as Clark Kent he uses a falsetto voice. When he switches to Superboy, his voice becomes its natural self, with a rich, resonant sound. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: In the recent story, "The Bizarro Who Goofed Up History", you show John Wilkes Booth shooting Abraham Lincoln with a regulation Civil War pistol. However, everyone knows that Lincoln was shot with a small derringer. How do you explain this boo-boo? Stephen Gendler, Detroit, Mich. (We guess Booth also goofed up history in this story. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: I think I've got a good idea for a SUPERBOY story. My suggestion is that one day Clark Kent looks through old newspaper files in the Smallville library and reads that the Kents had another son before he came to Earth. How about it? Ned Snively, Winter Haven, Fla. (That's quite a baffling mystery you propose. We'll pass it along to our writing staff for unraveling. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: I enjoyed the recent story, "Lana Lang, Superboy's Sister", but I think I've found a goof. On your cover you show Lana Lang using her heat vision to grill hamburgers. But inasmuch as her heat vision is passing through her barbecue fork, wouldn't the fork have melted in the process? By the way, I enjoy your stories which tell us something about history, such as the ones in which Superboy visited Benjamin Franklin and Ben-Hur. Amy Bloom, Great Neck, N. Y. (Lana Lang was "controlling" her heat vision, so that it approximated the same temperature as heat from a charcoal fire - just intense enough to make the hamburgers well done. Incidentally, Miss Bloom is the daughter of the well known magazine writer, Murray T. Bloom, who is also the author of "Money of Their Own", a book about counterfeiters you can find in most any library. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: In the story, "The Bizarro Who Goofed Up History", in one sequence you show figs falling on Sir Isaac Newton, and you humorously suggest that this incident inspired the creation of "Fig Newtons." To illustrate this, you show a box of fig newtons with the name Nabisco on it. Why did you happen to pick Nabisco over all the other brands of fig newtons? Did they pay you for the plug? Larry Leichter, Irvington, N. J. (Nope. They didn't even give us a free fig. And we didn't get a free airplane from the Curtiss-Wright organization for plugging a Wright Brothers plane in the same story. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: I can't tell you how much I enjoyed the recent Bizarro story, "The Case of the Looney Lawyer", and the rib-tickling way it spoofed the Perry Mason TV show. I would like to see, in future issues, Bizarro versions of such other popular TV shows as "Dr. Kildare", "The Untouchables", "Ben Casey" and "Twilight Zone." Grace DiGangi, Brooklyn, N. Y. (As you will note from the cover of this issue, the Bizarro stories have been temporarily suspended in favor of our brand-new series, "Tales of the Legion of Super-Heroes." However, the Super-Heroes will soon participate in an adventure featuring their clash with a Legion of Bizarro Super-Heroes. You'll find this yarn exciting and hilarious, in more ways than one. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: Sometime ago you published a story involving the "Legion of Super-Pets", and in this story you gave us a "preview" of a new super-pet, "Super-Horse". You promised that we would meet Super-Horse again. Was this just another promise, or did you mean it? Gary Inge, Bayside, N. Y. (We certainly did mean it. Super-Horse - known as COMET - makes his debut in the September issue of ACTION COMICS, now on sale. We'll bet you can't guess the origin of this super-stallion. We'll provide only one clue; he is not a survivor from the planet Krypton! -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: Congratulations! You may not realize it, but you are about to publish the 300th issue of ADVENTURE COMICS! I've read the last 100 - and I hope to read another 100 issues. Long live the Superboy family! Myrt Gallagher, Princeton, N. Y. (Our thanks to Reader Gallagher, and the scores of other loyal readers who sent us Anniversary greetings. the next issue of SUPERBOY, on sale in a few days, will be Number 100. To celebrate the occasion, we are publishing a variety of surprise features in SUPERBOY No. 100, including pages of reprints of the VERY FIRST Superman story. Don't miss this gala issue! -Ed.) ____ Send all comments on a postal card to SMALLVILLE MAILSACK, National Periodical Publications, 575 Lexington Avenue, New York 22, N. Y. Dear Editor: I enjoyed the story, "The Boy With Ultra-Powers", very much, Will we ever see Ultra-Boy again? Max Regean, Newark, N. J. (Yes. He returns in this very issue. We won't tell you which story, as it will spoil the surprise. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: Of all the characters you've given us in the past few years, my favorite is Mon-El. However, I was very much saddened when he was doomed to live out his life in the Phantom Zone. Can't you release him somehow? Theresa Brady, Oswego, N. Y. (Surprise! Mon-El is liberated from the Phantom Zone and becomes an honorary member of the Legion of Super-Heroes in the September issue of ADVENTURE COMICS. -Ed.) Dear Editor: I enjoyed the recent story, "The Fat Superboy", which was based on the idea that all the people in Smallville became fat overnight, after having drunk milk. However, on Page 8 of the story, you show Superboy visiting a children's hospital dressed as Humpty Dumpty, but in this sequence all the kids are shown as being of normal weight. I give you permission to explain this with a wisecrack. Ricky Dunkelberger, Fall River, Mass. (Okay . . . you asked for it! These kids were all on a special diet - of goats' milk! -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: Now that "Tales of the Legion of Super-Heroes" has taken the place of "Tales of the Bizarro World", will you encourage readers to send in "Bits of Legionnaire Business"? Allen Pilcher, Memphis, Tenn. (Only if you can define for us what's a "bit of L.B." -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: I hate you for discontinuing the Bizarro stories. No matter what some readers may say, Bizarro was your greatest character. I think you're making a great mistake eliminating him from your books, and I wish you'd reconsider. Wendell Evans, Boston, Mass. (We have no intention of banishing Bizarro from our magazines. He will star often in various of our stories, but his appearances will be more in the nature of a "surprise". As an example of what we mean, see the role Bizarro plays in the next issue of SUPERMAN, No. 157, in a story entitled, "Superman's Day of Doom." We also intent to feature a Bizarro version of the Legion of Super-Heroes in a future issue of this magazine. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: I know that a great many of your readers enjoyed the story, "The Fat Superboy". But I didn't think it was so funny. You see, I'm overweight myself, and all my life my schoolmates have been teasing my because I'm fat. I wish people would realize that we fatties are very sensitive when we are kidded about our weight. Jim. L., Albany, N. Y. (We sympathize with you, Jimmy. But if you really feel sorry for yourself, you should skip sweets, sodas and snacks until you knock off those excess pounds. Remember the old saying - "a moment on the lips, forever on the hips." -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: Will Lana Lang ever go into the future and meet up with the Legion of Super-Heroes? Laura Schorr, Westfield, N. J. (We had Lana involved with the Legionnaires in a couple of stories several years ago and plan to stage a reunion between her and Lightning Lad very shortly. -Ed.) ____ Send all comments on a postal card to SMALLVILLE MAILSACK, National Periodical Publications, 575 Lexington Avenue, New York 22, N. Y. Due to the heavy volume of mail received, we regret that no communications can be answered. Dear Editor: Congratulations on the new series in ADVENTURE COMICS, "Tales of the Legion of Super-Heroes." I especially liked the dramatic cover you gave us to introduce this feature. One question, though. Where can I learn more about the origin of these fabulous heroes? Brooks Merritt, Cove Cay, Fla. (Judging by the first mail returns, the Legionnaires have scored a bull's-eye hit with our readers, for which Artist John Forte deserves a round of applause. As for the origin of this super-club, you'll find it republished in the next GIANT SUPERMAN ANNUAL (No. 6) on sale shortly before Christmas, 1962. -Ed.) Dear Editor: I enjoyed the first "Legion" story, but, as a 100% BIZARRO fan, I protest against the elimination of "Tales of the Bizarro World." The crazy, mixed-up, whacky, upside-down, reverse antics of the Bizarro creatures are funnier than laughing gas, and have proved extremely popular with adults, including my mother and father. Comedy of this type is rare in action magazines, so please reconsider your decision to give Bizarro the heave-ho. Sterling Angusky, Milwaukee, Wis. (We agree that the Bizarro creatures deserve continuation and we are far from exiling them completely from our pages. In the future, you will find Bizarro and his companions represented in various of our "family" of Superman magazines. Bizarro will also, from time to time, make "walk-on" appearances in certain stories. As an example of what we mean, see the story, "Superman's Day of Doom" in the November issue of SUPERMAN Magazine (No. 157). We are also contemplating a Bizarro Giant Annual, to be published at some future date. -Ed.) Dear Editor: I've enjoyed the "Imaginary Stories" in LOIS LANE Magazine wherein we see Lois or Lana Lang married to Superman. How about an imaginary story in which Lana Lang marries SUPERBOY? I think it would be refreshingly different. What do you say? Eleanor Harris, Buffalo, N. Y. (We say that both Lana and Superboy are minors, and too young to obtain a marriage license in any city of the United States. -Ed.) Dear Editor: I know that Green Kryptonite can make Superboy feel weak and eventually kill him. I know that Red Kryptonite can affect him in unpredictable ways. And I know that Gold Kryptonite can take away his super-powers permanently. But how does White Kryptonite affect the Boy of Steel? David Adams, San Antonio, Tex. (White Kryptonite is the only variety of Kryptonite which has no effect on survivors from the planet Krypton. It's effect is unique in that its radiations can destroy plants, trees, fruits and any other form of vegetative life anywhere in the Solar System, even on Earth. -Ed.) Dear Editor: Will we ever see a story wherein Clark Kent graduates from High School and goes to College? Lucy Boring, Madisonville, Tenn. (We published several "Untold Tales" about Clark Kent's life as a college student in Superman Magazine. We can't very well run stories about young Clark attending a university until he graduates from Smallville High - and that won't happen for at least a few years. -Ed.) Dear Editor: In many of your stories in which you feature the adventures of SUPERBABY, you often show him wearing a blue jersey, a red cape, red boots and red trunks. Wouldn't people seeing him in this outfit realize he was Superbaby? Milton Revere, Honolulu, Hawaii (No. With the exception of Ma and Pa Kent, no one in the world knew that baby Clark had super-powers. When people saw him in this colorful costume, they merely regarded it as a cute outfit for an infant. Of course, when baby Clark grew up and became Superboy, and revealed himself to the world, his official red-and-blue costume became his standard uniform. -Ed.) Dear Editor: Why is it that when Clark Kent projects his heat vision through his eye-glasses, the tremendous heat does not melt the glasses? This point has been bothering me for years. Norma Angello, Philadelphia, Pa. (We've explained this several times. Clark's glasses were made out of the indestructible plastic in the window of the rocket ship which brought him to Earth. -Ed.) _____ Send all comments on a postal card to SMALLVILLE MAILSACK, National Periodical Publications, 575 Lexington Avenue, New York 22, N.Y. Dear Editor: Hurray for "Tales of the Legion of Super-Heroes!" This promises to be a great series, if the first story is any indication. Even though I guessed the identity of "Urthlo," the story still had many thrills and plenty of suspense. As for the rest of the magazine, "The Super-Planet of Clark Kent and Lana Lang" was another super-power story loaded with gimmicks, but was still very good. The cover, which looked like one of your GIANT ANNUALS, was a brilliant stroke of genius. Who drew it? Paul Gambaccini, Westport, Conn. (Reader Gambaccini, a veteran follower of the Superman "family" of magazines, is one of our severest critics, so praise from him for the new Legion series is praise indeed! Artist Curtis Swan illustrated that cover introducing the new Legion feature. Incidentally, Mr. Swan has just drawn a great cover for the 6th GIANT SUPERMAN ANNUAL, which will be on sale shortly before Xmas 1962. This latest ANNUAL is devoted to the mightiest super-heroes of all time and includes, of course, the very first story of the Legion of Super-Heroes, which tells how they formed their great Club. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: Will you ever have a story in which SUPERBOY visits Russia and deposes the dictator in the Kremlin? Enoch Spears, Milwaukee, Wis. (We doubt it. It is our editorial policy never to mix entertainment with political propaganda. Besides, even if the Boy of Steel did penetrate the Iron Curtain, the Communists there would welcome him with - Red Kryptonite! -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: I have an idea for you as to how Superboy can improve his uniform. Inasmuch as he so often performs vital missions for the United States Government, why doesn't he change his uniform to red, white and blue, instead of red, yellow and blue? Steven Martin, Norman, Okla. (What we said about the separation of entertainment from politics in answer to the previous query pertains to your suggestion, too. However, inasmuch as Superboy is a great American patriot, we may have him alter his costume as your suggest should a great historic occasion arise . . . but just for one story. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: I guess this isn't too important, but over the years I've noticed you've ribbed the Boy Scouts. I can't help feeling that this is important, so why don't you have a story wherein the Boy Scouts save Superboy from Kryptonite or some other peril? Give 'em a plug . . . they're doing a great job. Michael Jona, 1st Class Scout Troop 13, Charleston, S. C. (Your comment IS important! If we have ever offended any Boy Scouts in previous stories, we apologize. We can recall having spoofed the Boy Scouts in a previous BIZARRO story, but that story was meant as a good-natured satire. We have a great respect and affection for the Boy Scouts of America, as you will find out from several of our forthcoming stories. Incidentally, we urge you to read "Superman's Day of Doom" in SUPERMAN No. 157. We think you'll be pleasantly surprised! -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: Of all the Legionnaire characters, I especially like Saturn Girl. I think her powers of thought-casting are the best since flying. I also think she's a cute chick. Keep up the good work. Jeff Stonehill, San Jose, Calif. (We don't think Saturn Girl will be so popular with you, and other readers, when you see what she does to her fellow Legion members in the next issue of ADVENTURE comics. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: As I write this, Marilyn Monroe, the beautiful Hollywood actress, has just died. How will her death affect your possible reprinting of the Bizarro story, "The Halloween Pranks of the Bizarro-Supermen," in a future ANNUAL? In this story, a Lois Lane Bizarro wore a Marilyn Monroe mask throughout the tale, and also on the cover. Eve Remsen, Henry, Ohio. (We think it would be bad taste to discuss this subject now, at a time when the whole world is deeply shocked by the lovely star's demise. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: When SUPERBOY came to Earth and lived in Smallville as Clark Kent, when he had to take his polio, diphtheria and vaccination shots, how did he take them? Wouldn't the needle have broken, since his skin is invulnerable? Ray P. Masaitis, Woodhaven, N.Y. (We explained this in great detail in a story published a few years ago. Superboy enlisted the aid of a friendly, BLIND doctor, told him his problem, and got the doctor to sign a certificate asserting that he had given Clark Kent his shots. So that the doctor wouldn't know Superboy's identity, he left the space for Clark's name blank, and permitted Superboy to fill it in himself. -Ed.) ____ Send all comments on a postal card to SMALLVILLE MAILSACK, National Periodical Publications, 575 Lexington Avenue, New York 22, N. Y. Dear Editor: I enjoyed the story, "The Secret Origin of Bouncing Boy," very much. But as a great admirer of the Legion of Super-Heroes, I would like to know if the various Legionnaires have secret identities, like SUPERBOY. Also, can you tell me who is the official leader of this super-club? Linda Emmick, DeQunicy, La. (The Legionnaires do not have any secret identities; with the exception of Superboy and Supergirl, they operate in the open. As to who is their leader, see the story in this issue. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: In the Legion story about Bouncing Boy, you show him buying a bottle of soda pop which costs fifty cents? Isn't that kind of expensive? Ronald Berglund, Minneapolis, Minn. (Obviously, inflation during the coming centuries will have zoomed the price of soda pop. Hot dogs at the Yankee used to cost 10c when Babe Ruth was a player, cost 25c today. Besides, this soda pop was a special brand, imported from another planet, hence the increased cost. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: In the story, "Clark Kent and Lex Luthor, Cell-Mates," you show Clark (Superboy) Kent walking past the prison's electric eye and being trapped by the alarm, because he has a concealed metal saw in his hat. But how come Lex Luthor's tape recorder and radio weren't spotted by this same device? Lee Goodman, Kansas City, Mo. (Wily Luthor had made his tape recorder and radio out of plastic material, which the electric eye metal-detector couldn't expose. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: I liked your latest Legion story very much, but I was quite disappointed because Mon-El had to go back to the Phantom Zone. I speak for numerous fans when I implore you to cure Mon-El completely, so that he can stay out of the Phantom Zone permanently. Elyse Eisner, Poughkeepsie, N.Y. (Please be patient. Remember, it took quite a while for Supergirl to prove herself so that Superman could reveal her publicity to the world. We promise you that eventually Mon-El will be released permanently from the Phantom Zone. However, we have several important missions for him to perform before he wins his freedom from the Zone. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: I enjoyed the story you published some time ago, in which you introduced the Legion of Super-Pets. Will we ever see them again? Gary Banks, Lexington, Ky. (Yes, indeed. and you'll see them in action with the Legion of Super-Heroes. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: I've dug up some interesting historical facts which pertain to Cosmic Boy and Lightning Lad. Back in 1890, a 16-year-old student of Maryland College, by the name of Louis Hamburg, had the ability to draw heavy metal objects toward him from a distance of several inches. Also, one Jennie Morgan, of Sedalia, Missouri, actually became a "Lightning Girl" in 1895. Though she could not hurl thunderbolts, her power was strong enough to shock people into consciousness. Who said truth isn't stranger than fiction? Bob Marcus, East Meadow, Long Island, N.Y. (Very interesting, but we know many of our skeptical readers will demand more evidence. Therefore, could you please furnish us with exact information as to where you ran across these facts, so that we can evaluate their historical accuracy. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: As a faithful follower of all your magazines for several years, I am very much grieved by the absence of the Bizarro characters. I know many readers prefer the "Tales of the Legion" series, but I for one miss the hilarious mad antics of those crazy Bizarro idiots. True, ofttimes their adventures were way out, but they offered something utterly original in comics history and they certainly gave everyone a barrel of belly-laughs. So how about bringing them back for a return engagement? Lonis Kates, Independence, Mo. (You are not alone in your request for a revival of the Bizarro family. Therefore, as a compromise, we intend to feature a story shortly in which the world sees the formation of a Bizarro Legion of Super-Heroes. We promise it will be funny and exciting. -Ed.) * * * 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.) ____ (Send all comments in a postal card to SMALLVILLE MAILSACK, National Periodical Publications, 575 Lexington Avenue, New York 22, N. Y. Due to the heavy volume of mail received, we regret that no communications can be personally answered.) Dear Editor: Superb is the word for the latest ADVENTURE COMICS! Everything was perfect. The cover, featuring the Legion of Super-Heroes, was another production by Curtis Swan. "Superboy Meets Steelboy" was an excellently developed plot. And the Legion story, "Sun-Boy's Lost Power," was the best of the series thus far - not an easy task, since they've all been good. Paul Gambaccini, Westport, Conn. (It isn't every day we can get an A-OK from hard-boiled critic Paul Gambaccini! So we'll quit while we're ahead! - Ed.) Dear Editor: When will the "Legion of Super-Heroes" add a new member to their roles? Ron Wenkart, Sepulveda, Calif. (See the next issue of ADVENTURE COMICS, when we introduce Stone Boy, the Chlorophyll Kid, and others. They become members of the "Legion of SUBSTITUTE Heroes!" -Ed.) Dear Editor: Recently, in your letter department, in answer to a question by Eleanor Harris, you state that Lana Lang and Superboy were too young to obtain a marriage license in any city of the United States. However, in Las Vegas, couples may obtain a marriage license at the age of 14. So couldn't Superboy marry Lana there? Lee A.. Litch, Sunnyvale, Calif. (No. Superboy would have to show the officials his birth certificate, which he lacks, because it was destroyed when his native planet, Krypton, blew up. -Ed.) Dear Editor: Have you ever printed a map of Smallville in any of your magazines? If not, how about it? Doug Seelye, Napa, Calif. (A detailed map of Smallville, home of Superboy, as well as an authentic map of Metropolis, where Superboy moved to when he grew up to become Superman, will be presented sometime during this year in SUPERBOY and SUPERMAN magazines. -Ed.) Dear Editor: In your recent story, "Lex Luthor and Clark Kent, Cell-Mates," the warden of the reformatory has Clark Kent go through the regular prison routine when he becomes an inmate there. Well, when they checked Clark, wouldn't they find that he didn't need glasses? And if his eyes were perfect, how would Clark explain why he wore glasses? Susan Kaghan, Nyack, N. Y. (This is scarcely a problem. Optometrists prescribe glasses when the individual being examined fails to read the eye-chart properly. So obviously, to protect his secret identity, Clark always goofs when he is asked to scan the chart, despite the fact that he possesses super-vision. -Ed.) Dear Editor: Will you please tell me how the members of the Legion of Super-Heroes are able to fly? As far as I know, only a few of them can really fly like Superboy? Tilson Van Broeck, Miami, Fla. (They all own friction-proof anti-gravity belts, supplied them in a previous story. -Ed.) Dear Editor: Of all the types of SUPERBOY stories you give us, the ones my girl friends and I like best are those yarns in which Lana Lang tries desperately to prove that Clark Kent is Superboy. I especially like the clever ways in which Lana tries to catch Clark red-handed, and the even cleverer ways in which Clark is able to thwart her. How about more of this type? Marie Rogers, Luboc, Maine. (Stand by . . . another one of these duels-of-wits between Lana and Clark is scheduled for the next issue of ADVENTURE! But even though Clark succeeds in foiling Lana in this yarn, we guarantee she'll never stop being suspicious that Clark and Superboy are one and the same. -Ed.) Dear Editor: "The Legion of Super-Heroes" has turned out to be a grand series. However, in the avalanche of congratulations you have received, almost everyone has forgotten BIZARRO, the wacky, pathetic, super-idiot who used to amuse us month after month with his zany antics. May I suggest, therefore, that you revive him by having him apply for membership in the Legion? Wayne Stodge, Waco, Tex. (We're with you. But first we'll have to dream up a kookie initiation test for Bizarro to pass. -Ed.) Dear Editor: Will you ever tell us how Ma and Pa Kent died? Abraham Lobsenz, Waco, Tex. (The tragic story of how the Kents passed away - and of how Superboy thought he was responsible for their death - is now being prepared. As soon as we schedule it for publication, we'll announce it in our Superman "family" of magazines. -Ed.) Dear Editor: I would just like to write a short note in answer to Reader Michael Jona's letter in the December issue of ADVENTURE, in which he complains about your having poked fun at the Boy Scouts of America in one of your Bizarro stories. He would have been very pleased to have read your story, "The Super-Boy Scout of Smallville", published in the March-April, 1951 issue of SUPERBOY. This story certainly praises the Boy Scouts for their various worthwhile activities. I'm a reader from way back, and I know you never deliberately spoof any deserving organizations. And thanks for the many hours of reading pleasure you Superman "family" of magazines has given us. Mike Nolan, San Jose, Calif. (We're grateful to Reader Nolan for coming to our rescue. We've just re-read this story, and we're gratified to note that it is a four-star salute to American's Boy Scouts. We're hoping to reprint it in a future GIANT ANNUAL for the benefit of new fans. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: In a story you published some time ago, "Superboy Meets Steelboy", you showed Superboy in full possession of all his super-powers, even though he was miles below the Earth's surface, where there was no yellow sun. Don't tell me that the artificial sun which illuminated the subterranean world of SUBBANIA gave him his powers. Peter Mirkel, Westfield, Mass. (SUPERBOY was able to function as usual because the energizing rays from Earth's yellow sun are able to penetrate solid matter for thousands of miles. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: I just finished reading the story, "The Man Who Hunted Superboy". In it you show Superboy falling to the floor, helpless, after the acid in his crown ate through the lead, thus enabling the kryptonite concealed within to emanate rays harmful to the Boy of Steel. How come the acid didn't dissolve the kryptonite? A. C. Haeger, Staten Island, N. Y. (Because the eroding powers of the acid were used up in dissolving the lead. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: Congratulations on that superlative story, "The Stolen Super-Powers", in which we see the tragic death of Lightning Lad. I think it takes considerable courage on the part of the editor to kill off such a popular hero. This great story also demonstrates that the "good guys" don't always win, and that it IS possible for a hero to die. For years comics have been in a rut, in that no matter how perilous a trap a hero is caught in, he ALWAYS manages to escape. Now, however, you've shown that this formula can be changed . . . which means that in future stories we will always be in suspense, not knowing whether the hero will survive or perish. Edward Morse, Washington, D. C. (Thanks for your enthusiastic reception of this story, which we too consider a milestone in comics history. However, for a different reaction, see the next letter. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: How could you! I'm referring to the cruel way you permitted my favorite member of the Legion of Super-Heroes, Lightning Lad, to die. I thought it was going to turn out to be a dream, or an "Imaginary" story . . . but no, you polished him off for keeps. What have you to say in your defense? Elsa O'Donnell, Albany, N. Y. (We can only suggest that you keep following the adventures of the Legion in this magazine. We predict you'll be in for a big surprise. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: Okay . . . so you killed of Lightning Lad. Not that I mind, for I thought the story was really touching and one of the best you've ever given us, but if you're going to tell us how characters die, WHEN do we get the story you've been promising us for a long time . . . the story in which you show how Ma and Pa Kent died? Oscar Disney, Scotch Plains, N. J. (We always keep our promises. The untold story of how Superboy's foster parents, Martha and Jonathan Kent, died, will definitely appear in the May issue of SUPERMAN, No. 161. We guarantee the story will justify your long wait for it. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: I enjoy all your Krypto stories very much. However, will you explain to me why we never see Krypto in action with SUPERMAN, only SUPERBOY? Millie Carbone, Blauvlet, N. Y. (Obviously you don't keep up with all our magazines. KRYPTO has been quite active in exploits with SUPERMAN throughout the years. You'll find him pretty much in the picture in the current issue of SUPERMAN. You'll also find him featured in JIMMY OLSEN No. 68, in a story wherein Jimmy becomes "The Human Metal-Eater." -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: Who is the fine artist who draws the Legion of Super-Heroes? Adam Osserman, Salt Lake City, Utah (The man behind the Legion brush is John Forte. He is the same artist who formerly drew our "Tales of Bizarro" feature. -Ed.) ____ Send all comments on a postal card to SMALLVILLE MAILSACK, National Periodical Publications, 575 Lexington Avenue, New York 22, N. Y. Dear Editor: Well, you could have knocked me over with a fender when I finished reading "The Secret of the Mystery Legionnaire" and learned that he was none other than our old friend, MON-EL. In behalf of many readers, let me thank you for the ingenious way you extricated him from the Phantom Zone. And now that's he's been permanently cured of his vulnerability to lead, let's see him in more stories! David Bergman, Roslyn, N. Y. (MON-EL will be very active in future Legionnaire stories. As a clue, we'll reveal that he will shortly become romantically involved with one of the Legion's pretty girl members. -Editor.) * * * Dear Editor: Now that you've brought back MON-EL, enclosed is my father's check for a two-year subscription to ADVENTURE COMICS. As you can guess, my entire family reads your magazine! Roberta Quirk, Luzerne, Nevada Dear Editor: I enjoyed the story, "The War Between Superboy and Superman." However, on Page 3, Panel 3, you show Superman flying in the air and talking to Superboy while holding a Red Kryptonite meteor. How come the Red K failed to affect either of them? Richard Grossman, Brooklyn, N. Y. (If you will re-read Page 11, Panel 6, of the story, you will note that this meteor was revealed to be "phoney Red Kryptonite." -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: I know that many of your readers objected to the story wherein you portrayed the death of "Lightning Lad." However, I thought it a very realistic touch which reveals that comics are making progress. Too many magazines don't dare publish anything but the routine "happy ending." And as we all know, in real life heroes often fail and die, even though they succeed in their missions. So a salute to you for your initiative and daring! Edgar Strohm, Montreal, Canada. (It is true that many of our readers were grieved to read of the tragic death of Lightning Lad. But a greater majority praised this story, regarding it as a "sensitive emotional treatment of what could have been an extremely depressing situation." -Ed.) * * * 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." ____ Send all comments on a POSTAL CARD to SMALLVILLE MAILSACK, National Periodical Publications, Inc., 575 Lexington Avenue, New York 22, N. Y. Due to the heavy volume of mail received, we regret that no communications can be answered. Dear Editor: Your recent story, "Clark Kent, He-Man", was terrific. I have been reading your stories for about three years, and I thought this one was just about the best. I've long been waiting for Clark to give the bullies that pick on him a taste of their own medicine. I've often sympathized with Clark Kent for the abuse and scorn heaped on him when he pretends to be "meek and timid" in order to precent the world from knowing he's secretly SUPERBOY. Therefore, I was very pleased to see Clark rate the respect he deserves. Now, can't you figure a plot in which the grown-up, adult Clark Kent also becomes a hero? Ken Newman, Nutley, N. J. (This story proved a favorite with all our readers. If you want to see a tale in which the adult Clark Kent also becomes a respected hero - but under very different circumstances - get the May issue of SUPERMAN! -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: I can't tell you how thrilled I was to see MON-EL finally liberated from the Phantom Zone. His reunion with the members of the Legion of Super-Heroes was very touching; this was absolutely the greatest Legion story you've ever published. My sincerest congratulations. Ben Conner, Sherman, Tex. (Thanks for your kind words. We'll pass them on to author Jerry Siegel, who wrote this story. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: I have just read your superb story, "Clark Kent, He-Man", but something puzzles me. What would happen if, by some chance, a resident of Rail City should come to Smallville, see the Kents, and recognize them as the Dentons. This would prove interesting. Stuart Feuerstein, Glen Oaks, N. Y. (Not only would it prove interesting, but it would certainly complicate Clark's life - as we will demonstrate in a forthcoming sequel to this story. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: I enjoy each one of your "Legion" stories, but I'm wondering what ever happened to STAR BOY. He became a full-fledged member of the Super-Club in ADVENTURE COMICS No. 282. How come we've never seen him since? Herman Cummings, Cleveland, Ohio (STAR BOY has been on "detached [sic detatched] service" for the Legion on a mission of the utmost importance. You'll learn all about it in a future issue. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: My local stationary store doesn't handle comics. Is there any way I can get ADVENTURE COMICS direct, by subscribing? Ellen Watkins, Elton, Neb. (See the full-page announcement telling how you can subscribe to DC comics in the current issue of our companion magazine, ACTION COMICS. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: In ADVENTURE No. 305, in the Legion story, you have Mon-El saying: " . . . I'll find a means of restoring Lightning Lad to life again." Now don't get me wrong; I think Lightning Lad was a great character. But I do not think that he should be restored to life. In comic books, we are all used to seeing heroes who can fly, repel bullets, read minds, etc. However, no character (fictional or not) should be given the power of the Almighty to give or restore life! People like to use their imagination to an extent, but bringing a dead person back to life would be too much of a shock and your magazine would lose much of its believability. Russell Whittenburg, South Ft. Mitchell, Ky. (Your point, while interesting, is highly controversial, and we would prefer hearing from our readers on this delicate subject, pro or con. However, for the record, may we point out that we once published a story in ACTION COMICS wherein Luthor died, and was brought back to life by SUPERGIRL. Readers declared this story a great hit, and no one was offended. -Ed.) * * * "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." Dear Editor: How can I ever thank you for presenting that brand-new, original team, "The Legion of Substitute Heroes"? I think that Polar Lad, Night Girl, Stone Boy, Fire Lad and the Chlorophyll Kid are the greatest! Will we ever see them in action again? Susan Ann Robertson, Gerald, Texas (You bet! Cheers for these characters have been so vociferous, we have commissioned author Edmond Hamilton to start work at once on a sequel. It should be ready real soon. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: In your recent excellent story, "Clark Kent, He-Man", you have Clark transferring to another school in Rail City. Inasmuch as Clark entered this other school under a different name, how did he gain admission without showing his record card from his previous school? As we all know, a person is not allowed to enter a school until they have the students' past record in order to know what class to place him in. Or did he forge a record card bearing his new name? Joel Brandt, Brooklyn, N. Y. (Clark simply reported that he had "lost" his record card and submitted to an entrance examination so that the principal could determine for which grade he was qualified. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: In your November issue, you show Cosmic Boy handing Sun Boy a figurine of himself. Also, in various other stories featuring Supergirl, you show figurines of the various super-heroes in her room. Well, why don't you make small statues of the various Legion members and sell them to your readers at a nominal cost? I'm confident they would sell like hotcakes, for I'm sure thousands of fans would like to own true-to-life figures of our favorite characters. I hope you will consider my idea. Peter C. Cotter, Birmingham, Mich. (We appreciate your suggestion. However, we are essentially in the publishing business and have no facilities for producing the items you suggest. However, should a manufacturer who specializes in this type of novelty approach us for permission to turn out Legionnaire figurines, we will be glad to co-operate with him. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: I think the Legion of Super-Heroes should be in the movies. If they do, here's who I think should play some of the roles: Cosmic Boy - Fabian; Saturn Girl - Diane McBain; Sun Boy - Tucker Smith; Bouncing Boy - Tommy Kirk; Mon-El - Rick Nelson; Supergirl - Tuesday Weld; Pete Ross - Troy Donahue. Jeff Baker, Fort Worth, Texas (If Hollywood ever wants to film the Legion, you can be sure we'll recommend you for the job of casting director. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: As a follower of all your "Superman family" of magazines, I have run across five types of Kryptonite - Red, Green, Blue, White and Gold. Are there any other varieties? Edna Kane, Boston, Mass. (Yes. See the feature story, "The Secret of Silver Kryptonite", in the July issue of JIMMY OLSEN. It will give you the surprise of your life! -Ed.) "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." ____ Send all comments for this department on a postal card to SMALLVILLE MAILSACK, National Periodical Publications, 575 Lexington Avenue, New York 22, N. Y. Due to the heavy volume of mail received, we regret that no communications can be individually answered. Readers who wish to subscribe to ADVENTURE COMICS can obtain 24 copies for only $2.40 (a savings of 48c) by sending check or money order to NATIONAL COMICS, Dept. 4, 575 Lexington Avenue, New York 22, N. Y. Dear Editor: You used to feature the Legion of Super-Heroes in many SUPERGIRL stories. Lately, they haven't made much of an appearance there. What's happened? Ed Jacobsen, Winston, N. C. (The Legion of Super-Heroes are featured regularly in our companion magazine, ADVENTURE COMICS, in a series of two-part stories. Many of our readers consider the Legionnaires the best action-team in the comics field. -Ed.) Dear Editor: Readers have sent in numerous P's, K's and L's. Well, I've made a list of all the S's. So here goes [sic] Superman, Superboy, Supergirl, Super-Horse, Super-Monkey, Super-Heroes, Super Powers, Smallville, Fortress of Solitude, Clark's Signal Lamp, Sun Boy, Shrinking Violet, Saturn Girl, Krypton's Scarlet Jungle. Gordon Thomas, Pilot Mountain, N. C. (Readers - can you think of any other S's Gordon Thomas has overlooked? We'll print the longest list of additional S's. -Ed.) Dear Editor: As an ardent Legionnaire fan, I'm peeved that you very rarely show the members of the Legion of Super-Heroes on the cover of ADVENTURE. Even when you do, you show only a few of the band. How about giving us a break and giving these heroes the cover treatment? You must agree that they have become as popular as SUPERBOY. David Ocko, Besterville, N.Y. (Relax! The next issue of ADVENTURE will feature FIFTEEN of the Super-Heroes on the cover. And not to slight admirers of the Legion of Substitute Heroes, the same cover will also include POLAR BOY, CHLOROPHYLL KID, NIGHT GIRL and the others of their club. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: In a recent issue of a magazine called SCREEN THRILLS ILLUSTRATED, a concluding article on the history of SUPERMAN's career in movies and TV stated that, in the serial produced by Columbia Pictures, "Atom Man versus SUPERMAN," the Man of Steel was projected into the Phantom Zone. However, according to my memory, the first story of the Phantom Zone appeared in the April, 1961 issue of ADVENTURE, in a Superboy story. Now, where did the Zone originate? In the movie serial, or in the comic book? Please clarify this. Martin Sandler, Brooklyn, N.Y. (The Phantom Zone was created by the editor of this magazine, when he was sent to Hollywood to plot the Superman movie serial for Columbia Pictures. When the Phantom Zone turned out to be popular with fans, it was decided to adapt it for use in our magazines. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: I liked your recent story, "The Fifth Dimensional High School," and I was amused by the way it ended. Lana is very clever, I think, Although I usually prefer Lois, I would like to see an "Imaginary" story in one of your books wherein Lana marries Superman. How about it? Connie Olive, Fayetteville, Ark. (You're not the only reader who has made this request. So, because we always aim to please, see the third story in the August issue of LOIS LANE. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: I just thought that I'd drop you a line congratulating you on your newest edition to ADVENTURE Comics, "The Legion of Substitute Heroes". However, I am confused on a certain point. Hasn't it always been the practice of the Legionnaires not to destroy any form of life, be it human or plant life? If this is so, then why does Fire-Lad destroy the plant men in seed form? James Portnova, Flushing, N.Y. (Come now, would you say the Legionnaires are destroying plant life every time they eat an apple and swallow some of the seeds? -Ed.) 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." 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. * * * 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." _____ Send all contributions for this department on a postal card to SMALLVILLE MAILSACK, National Periodical Publications, 575 Lexington Avenue, New York 22, N. Y. For A Subscription To This Magazine, Write NATIONAL COMICS, Dept. 1, 575 Lexington Ave., New York 22, N.Y. $1.40 FOR ONE YEAR, $2.80 FOR FOREIGN, $1.70 IN CANADA $2.40 FOR 2 YEARS, $4.80 FOR FOREIGN, $2.70 IN CANADA (Please Allow Up To 4 Weeks for First Copies To Arrive) Dear Editor: Your reader, Russell Whittenburg, is mistaken when he says that if LIGHTNING LAD were restored to life, ADVENTURE COMICS would lose its credibility. I'm sure most DC fans have seen the great science fiction movie, "The Day the Earth Stood Still." It did not detract anything from the film when the hero from a distant world was killed and later restored to life by advanced scientific means. Similarly, the excellence of the Legion stories could not be lessened by the return of LIGHTNING LAD. If present-day science has succeeded in creating elementary life forms in a test tube, then it is not too much of an impossibility to suppose that a super-scientific civilization of the 30th Century might be able to restore life under certain conditions. David Smith, Knoxville, Tenn. (We agree with you thoroughly. As for the thousands of other readers who have been clamoring for the revival of LIGHTNING LAD, their wish is granted in the Legion story in this issue. Now - is everybody happy? -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: In the April issue of ADVENTURE, you show SUPERBOY making the water real salty, so Lana can't sink in it. But, according to Superboy's code of ethics, it is against his principles to kill any living thing. Wouldn't the fresh water fish die in the salty water? Stephen Tenyak, St. Marys, Ohio (Superboy had examined the water with his super-vision, was relieved to note that there were no fish in it of any kind. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: Some time ago, when a reader wrote in asking if we could have a story where Superboy marries Lana Lang, you answered that they were too young to obtain a marriage license in any city of the United States. However, according to the World Almanac, in the state of New Hampshire a girl can marry at 13 and a boy at 14 providing they have their parents' consent. Let's see you squirm out of this one! Violet Smith, Santa Ana, Calif. (Superboy's parents are Martha and Jonathan Kent, right? and if they gave their consent to his marriage to Lana, everyone would know that Superboy was their son, a fact they have gone to great lengths to conceal. So your ingenious suggestion won't work. Ed.) Dear Editor: Did Krypto, Superboy's pet dog, ever meet Streaky, Supergirl's pet? Paul Tremaine, Denver, Colo. (Yes. They are both members of the Legion of Super-Pets, which also includes Super-Horse and Super-Monkey. They'll all be featured soon in an upcoming story. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: I like your stories which feature Lex Luthor. I can understand why he is bald as an adult. But how did he become bald as a youth? Larry Minton, Paris, Texas (As a youth, Lex Luthor had a shock of curly hair. But one day, while conducting an unusual experiment, an explosion occured, and the escaping chemical fumes affected the roots of his hair so that he became permanently bald. Despite his scientific genius, Luthor has never been able to find a way to make his hair grow again. -Ed.) * * * 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." _____ Send all comments on a postal card to SMALLVILLE MAILSACK, National Periodical Publications, 575 Lexington Avenue, New York 22, N. Y. Due to the heavy volume of mail received, we regret that no communications can be individually answered. Dear Editor: "The Doom of the Super-Heroes" was one of the best Legion stories to have appeared so far. The Mask Man proved to be a truly great foe. The sudden death of Ultra-Boy was an unexpected twist, and immediately provoked the thought that the Legion would go on the avenge the death of their newly lost member and defeat the Mask Man. But no, the plot took a different turn. Bing, bing, bing . . . the Legionnaires dropped like flies! Then I began to suspect that something was fishy. After all, you wouldn't be killing off ALL your top characters. I finally realized it had to be Mr. Mxyzptlk or a dream after eight or nine of the super-heroes had bitten the dust. The ending was quite good. Superboy was at his best; the imp at his gloating worst. It was the best Mxyzptlk story ever. Thanks. Tom Jones, Aberdeen, Md. (Reader Tome Jones is one of our most severe critics. So praise from him is praise indeed. We hope future stories excite him just as much. Incidentally, Tom, did you guess the ending of the Legion story in this issue? -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: "The Doom of the Super-Heroes" was a great, remarkable story. The suspense kept building to a terrific climax, and the surprise ending exploded like a bombshell. Who wrote this masterpiece? Betty Shaw, Dallas, Texas (Credit for this excellent yarn goes to the author, the fabulous Edmond Hamilton. And don't forget the artist, John Forte! -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: Ha, ha! I've finally done it! Don't try to squirm out of it. I found a mistake in the story, "The Doom of the Super-Heroes." The villain, Mask Man, said he would kill the Super-Heroes, one by one. Then, at the end of the story, he said that Superboy was the only survivor. How could this be? When in the story were Bouncing Boy and Sun Boy killed? If you can show me any place in the story which shows these two being knocked off I'll eat my hat. Other than that goof, the story was excellent. Gary Arnold, Camarillo, Calif. (Author Edmond Hamilton must get the blame for this goof. and Artist John Forte, too. Speaking seriously, Bouncing Boy and Sun Boy were supposed to have joined their slain comrades on Page 5, panel 6 of Part II, but Mr. Mxyzptlk impishly deleted them from the script. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: The story, "Doom of the Super-Heroes," was fabulous. There was just so much action and mystery seeing the Legion picked off one by one and desperately fighting to the last. The Legion should have their own book. I think they're better than any other club of heroes because most of them have just one unique power and are not so unbeatable. Another thing I like is that you don't put every single member in each story. If you did, it would get too crowded and cheapen the quality of the stories. All I can say is that I hope the Legion of Super-Heroes will stay in business until it really is the 30th Century. Gregory Kerekes, Hollis, N.Y. * * * Dear Editor: I feel that the varieties of Kryptonite you have featured in your Superman "family" of magazines - green, red, gold, white and blue - are enough for the present time. Before giving us polka-dotted kryptonite with blank horizontal stripes and white vertical ones, I think that, for the next five years, your writers can use their imagination to get plenty of good stories just from the five types of kryptonite you've already established. Louis B. Cohen, Baltimore, Md. (We intend to limit the number of Kryptonite types to be used. But what do we do if one of our writers comes up with an idea for terrific 3-part story based on the effects of - Rainbow Kryptonite? -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: I enjoyed the story, "When Krypto Was Superboy's Master." But on Page 6, Panel 1, Professor Lang is referred to as Professor Kent. Error or not? Please answer with a wisecrack. Edward J. Thompson, Milwaukee, Win. (Don't say you didn't ask for it . . . the man who lettered this story smokes Kent cigarettes. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: How dumb can Lana Lang be? When she knew Superboy in Smallville, she also knew Clark Kent. Then, when she grew up and came to Metropolis, she found Superman there - and also Clark Kent. Can't she put two and two together and guess Superman's identity? Diane Olson, Creve Coeur, Ill. (If you will follow future issues of ACTION Comics, you will see that Pete Ross, when he becomes an adult, also moved to Metropolis. So does this make him Superman? The point is that Metropolis is a huge city, and it is only natural for most people who grow up in small towns to move there, just as New York City is the focal point for thousands of young people setting out on a career who migrate to N.Y. from small towns. -Ed.) _____ Send all comments for this department on a postal card to SMALLVILLE MAILSACK, National Periodical Publications, 575 Lexington Avenue, New York 22, N.Y. Because of the heavy volume of mail received, we regret that no communications can be answered personally. Dear Editor: I very much enjoyed the recent story, "The Hero Who Was Greater Than Superman." I thought "Wonder-Man" was one of the best characters you've come up with in a long time. One question, though. Since it was just his android body that died, couldn't SUPERMAN put his brain in either a robot body or another android body? I'd sure like to see Wonder-Man again. Linda Simpson, Pomona, Calif. (We'll bring Wonder-Man back - if enough readers request his return. But don't you think we'll be overdoing the "revival" bit now that LIGHTNING LAD has been returned from the dead? -Ed.) Dear Editor: The August issue of ADVENTURE COMICS had a beautiful, dramatic cover - a group line-up of my favorite action characters, the Legion of Super-Heroes. However, according to my calculations, we fans were short-measured. You neglected to include pics of MON-EL and SUPERGIRL. Aren't they members in good standing? Rusty Schireson, Encino, Calif. (Lack of space prevented us from including these two, and we also were forced to omit "Phantom Girl" and "Matter-Eater Lad". And now that LIGHTNING LAD is back, it would take considerable juggling to show all the Legionnaires on one cover. But cheer up . . . we may surprise you in the next GIANT SUPERMAN ANNUAL. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: I think it would be interesting to give us a story in which the Legionnaires are grown up and have a reunion party. How about it? Gary Heeter, Farmington, N.M. (On various occasions we have shown the Legionnaires in action as adults, and we will do so again in forthcoming issues. In the meanwhile, you'll find SATURN WOMAN (Saturn Girl, grown up) somewhere in the November issue of SUPERMAN, No. 165. If we told you exactly where she appears, we'd be ruining the surprise of the story. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: I simply love the Super-Heroes. They always hold my interest. But something seems to be missing. Couldn't there be a little romance in some of the stories? Mary Wintrol, Wichita, Kansas. (Although most of the Legion stories are plotted to feature high adventure and suspense, we welcome the romantic element whenever it seems appropriate. In the recent story, "The War Between the Substitute Heroes and the Legionnaires," we established that Night Girl had a yen for Cosmic Boy. And in a story of a few years ago, "Superman's Super-Courtship," we showed that when Saturn Girl grows up she will marry Lightning Lad! -Ed.) Dear Editor: I think you boo-booed in your recent story, "Smallville's War Against Superbaby." You show Superbaby getting green cake-frosting over his face, but then you show him falling in a lake, head-first. How come the frosting didn't wash off? Louis Lopez, Manhattan, N.Y. (The frosting was waterproof, made from an old Timex-watch recipe. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: I thought you'd be interested to know that, in my class at school, we've nick-named the boys and girls after the members of the Legion. One kid's name is "Sun Boy," another is "Saturn Girl," etc. What do you think of our idea? Our school is P.S. 117. Charles Silbergleith, Queens, N.Y. (Great idea. But don't let your teacher catch you reading comics in class, or you'll wish you were "Invisible Kid." -Ed.) * * * "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." Dear Editor: Bravo! I must congratulate you and your entire staff for that blockbuster of a story, "The Super-Sacrifice of the Legionnaires," in which LIGHTNING LAD was brought back to life. The story was packed with suspense and human interest. The only sour note was the tragic end of that cute pet, PROTY. Ed Rolfe, Sugarleaf, Ill. (Cheer up! Chameleon Boy's pet, PROTY, has already been replaced by PROTY II. And in the next issue of ADVENTURE COMICS you'll see how the Legionnaires erect a memorial in honor of the original Proty's heroic deed. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: In Number 312 of ADVENTURE, you brought Lightning Lad back to life. This was truly a great event in the history of the Legion, for which we should all be grateful. But now there are TWO beings with the same power of super-lightning. Inasmuch as this will be needless duplication, I'm sure many readers will agree that it would be best to get rid of Lightning Lass. But I did like her. I was very sorry that Proty died. Anyway, keep up the good work. Ken Clarke, Brownsville, Tenn. (We agree that Lightning Lass's activities would seem repetitious when Lightning Lad was on the scene handling a situation with his super-bolts. However, Author Edmond Hamilton has no intention of dropping LL's sister from the Legion membership. Instead, he will write a special sequence in which she will be bestowed with new, unique powers. We guarantee you'll approve of his change. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: I considered the story in which Lightning Lad was brought back to life one of your greatest Legion stories. However, I think you committed a boo-boo in the episode wherein SUPERBOY flew to a world which had a blue sun. Inasmuch as you've established that he has super-powers only in a solar system with a yellow sun, like Earth's, how do you explain this inconsistency? Dexter LaCrosse, Macy, Kans. (For the benefit of Reader LaCrosse and dozens of others who queried us about this point, we suggest they read the following letter. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: The story of Lightning Lad's resurrection was quite good, even if I did guess the identity of the sacrifice victim the instant I found Proty was in the story. You are always fair enough to the reader to leave good clues at a story's beginning - like having Proty imitate Mon-El; hence it's not too difficult to guess a trick ending. Some readers may take you to task for an apparent goof in having Superboy retain his powers in the vicinity of a blue sun. However, they must realize that a yellow sun, such as our sun, is hotter than a red star (like Krypton's sun); and a blue-white star is hotter still. Hence, Superboy would not only retain his powers under a blue-white sun, but possibly increase them. E. Nelson Bridwell, Oklahoma City, Okla. (We are indebted to Veteran Reader Bridwell for his thoughtful and logical explanation, which gets us off the hook. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: It is my understanding that no one is eligible for membership in the Legion of Super-Heroes unless he has at least one super-power. To my knowledge, BRAINIAC 5 has never evidenced any super-power. So how come he's in? Gracie Culwell, Amarillo, Texas. (Brainiac 5 possesses the unusual power of being able to figure out mathematical problems, chemical formulas, and intricate calculations with incredible speed. In other words, he has a computer brain. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: I think all you Legion stories are just great, particularly those stories which feature the Substitute Heroes. However, have you ever considered giving us an IMAGINARY novel about the Legionnaires? All your IMAGINARY novels are always excellent, so how about it? Ken Lowe, Bingham, N.Y. (Bully idea, and we'll work on it. In the meanwhile, if you like IMAGINARY novels, see SUPERMAN No. 166, which features "The Sons of Superman," which shows what would happen if he married and had two sons . . . one WITH super-powers and the other WITHOUT. Also, see LOIS LANE No. 46, which features "LOIS LANE'S OUTLAW SON," which shows what would happen if Lois had married Lex Luthor and her son grew up to be the world's greatest criminal. We know you'll find both these novels the greatest yet! -Ed.) * * * * * 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." --- Send all comments on a postal card to: SMALLVILLE MAILSACK, National Periodical Publications, Inc. 575 Lexington Avenue, New York 22, N.Y. Dear Editor: I would like to voice a complaint about your recent story, "The Hero Who Was Greater than Superman." In it WONDER-MAN dies at the end. Whenever you have a new super-hero appear, he always meets his death in the end. Just when we get to like a super-character, you kill him off. Greg Feldman, Chicago, Ill. (We challenge this statement. The only super-character we killed in recent years was Lightning Lad and, as every reader knows, he was revived. Lesla-Lar was annihilated, but she was a super-villainess, not a hero. And Wonder-Man was a robot, not a human being. And while we regret the recent tragic sacrifice of Proty, who gave his life to save Saturn Girl, he, too, was not a super-human, but a loveable protoplasmic creature. So please don't cast us in the role of High Executioner. -Ed.) Dear Editor: Bravo for "The Legion of Substitute Heroes." I prefer them to the original Legionnaires for the following reasons: They are fewer in number, so it's easier to recognize each member. Their leader is the smallest in size among them, proving that strength and physique and not as important as personality and leadership. They are humble and don't claim to be as all-knowing as the real Legionnaires. So let's see more stories of the Substitute Legion! Christy Ortega, Prewitt, New Mexico (That's a good list of reasons and we'll serve up more stories of these gallant Legionnaire replacements in future issues. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: In the October issue of ADVENTURE you show Super-Horse as a member of the Legion of Super Pets. How can this be? Comet, the superhorse, is actually a centaur, who turns into a normal human whenever a comet enters the Solar System. So why do you consider him a pet? Charles Massoglia, Fort Detrich, Maryland (You must remember that no one knows Super-Horse is really a human being, not even his friend, Supergirl. So, to preserve the secret of his origin, he must let himself be included as a member of the Legion of Super-Pets. However, some day, when he becomes a human for keeps, things will be different! -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: I would like to borrow one of your robots to carry me back in time so that I may be able to buy all the old issues of your magazine that were published before I was born. Then I will be able to read the great SUPERBOY stories I missed. I know you are the only one able to help. Please consider this plea. Lon Mitchell, Toldeo, Ohio (Sorry, but we don't loan out our robots. However, we'll do the next best thing. Beginning with the next issue of ADVENTURE COMICS, in response to requests from numerous readers, we will inaugurate a new department, "Hall of Fame Classics", in which we will reprint a great SUPERBOY story of the past, just as it was drawn originally. The stories we have selected for reprinting truly represent the "Golden Age of Comics." We guarantee you'll find each one a masterpiece! -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: I see that you have brought Lightning Lad back to life, for which we are all grateful. But when Zaryan thee Conqueror's ship was destroyed by Lightning Lad, Zaryan was also destroyed. Therefore, since it is against the code of the Legionnaires to destroy life, he should be expelled from the Legion. Right? Barney Palmatier, Santa Monica, Calif. (It is against the code to destroy life ruthlessly, or in a wanton manner. It is not against this code to destroy life in self-defense. You would not criticize a police officer for using his gun to prevent a cold-blooded murderer from killing him, would you? Lightning Lad gave up his life to stop a diabolical villain. He deserves nothing but praise for his heroic deed. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: I just love your magazine, but it's obvious you don't know anything about animals. In the recent story, "Lana Lang, Hollywood Star," you show Lana facing a jaguar in Africa, and also a tiger. But according to the encyclopedia, you'll find tigers live in Asia ONLY and jaguars are found solely in South America and Mexico. So how do you explain this boo-boo? L. Taylor, Richmond, Va. (Both the jaguar and the tiger had escaped from a nearby zoo. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: I was very disappointed when the Legion of Super-Heroes took over ADVENTURE Comics and replaced the Bizarros. But I must say it was an excellent switch. The Legion is my favorite feature now. Robert Block, Los Angeles, Calif. (Thanks! But read the next letter and you'll see why editors go crazy. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: I think it was a mistake yanking the Bizarro series out of ADVENTURE. I have nothing at all against the Legion stories, but I miss those wacky, pathetic creatures, the Bizarros. Some time ago you promised to produce another Bizarro story. Well, where is it? Lynn Thompson, Winona, Minn. (Bizarro, that denizen of the square world, will soon be back. In the meanwhile, he will made a brief appearance in a future issue of SUPERBOY, our companion magazine. -Ed.) ______ 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." ______ Send all comments on a postal card to SMALLVILLE MAILSACK, National Periodical Publications, Inc., 575 Lexington Avenue, New York 22, N. Y. The ORIGIN 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. Dear Editor: I liked the story, "Beauty and the Super-Beast," but at the end of the story Superman explains that he was able to look like a lion because Proty II had put his protoplasmi body around his face and simulated the face of a lion. But if Proty II achieved this neat bit of camouflage with Superman's head, how did both of Superman's hands change into lion's paws? Bestor Cooper, Winchester, Va, (Proty II's body is similar to an amoeba's. Therefore, he possesses the power to subdivide himself into multiple parts, just as the simplest form of amoeba life can do. In this case, Proty split himself into three parts . . . one for the lion's head, the other two to assume the shape of the lion's paws. Naturally, when this masquerade was over, all of Proty's three parts merged together into their one original form. -Ed.) SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT! Over the years, thousands of readers have hopefully written us asking how they could obtain back issues of DC magazines, so that they could read the many wonderful and exciting stories which they had missed. Because our supply of back issues had long been exhausted, obviously we could not fulfill these requests. Nor was it feasible to reprint these old stories in future Giant Annuals. All of our Annuals have a special theme, and too often a story published many years ago, even though excellent, does not fit into any particular category. Therefore, to accommodate the legions of readers who missed the outstanding stories we published in yester-years, the editors of ADVENTURE COMICS launch with this issue a brand-new concept in comic magazines . . . the establishment of a "Hall of Fame" department in which we will reprint, from time to time, the greatest stories of past eras. Each of the stories will be a true classic, in that it has stood the acid test of time. Our first selection, published in this issue, is "The Shrinking of Superboy." This story is a milestone in the Superman saga, because it marks the first time the Boy of Steel had ever been reduced to tiny size - even before BRAINIAC reduced the people of Kandor to puny size. Future selections will depend on letters from readers . . . or their parents, who may wish to request a memorable story they read when they were DC fans! We'll be anxious to learn your reactions to our new "Hall of Fame" classic policy! * * * Dear Editor: Well, you did it! You topped the classic story, "Doom of the Super-Heroes". Edmond Hamilton really outdid himself when he wrote "The Super-Villains of All Ages." It was a master-stroke to bring Hitler, Nero and Dillinger to the future. To me, these villains from real life were much more credible than the fictional variety we see in your competitors' magazines. By all means keep Mr. Hamilton busy turning out more masterpieces like this one! Jerry Phillips, Torrance, Calif. (We have not the slightest intention of letting Ed Hamilton stay idle. He'll be represented in the next issue with his greatest Legion story yet - a 30th Century version of "Mutiny on the Bounty." See what happens when six Legionnaires mutiny against their leader while on a mission in outer space. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: Like most of your other readers, I enjoy watching the cute antics of Chameleon Boy's pet, Proty II. (I was also an admirer of the original Proty, who sacrificed his life for Saturn Girl.) But one thing puzzles me. When Proty II changes himself into the shape of a human being, how is it possible for him to talk? After all, if he's a protoplasmic blob in his natural form, how can he utter words when he has no larynx, no voice box, etc? Merle S. Winston, St. Louis, Mo. (When Proty II changes himself into the form of a human being, he moves his lips silently, to simulate speech - but really is communicating via telepathy. Ordinary humans who receive his telepathic messages imagine they are hearing his voice, particularly when they see his lips move. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: I've got a great idea for a story. Why don't you give us a yarn in which Superboy goes into the past and tries to prevent the disaster at the Alamo? Lane Tyson, Audubon, Pa. (It would be a futile mission. As we've established in other stories, it is impossible for Superboy to change history. If he could avert catastrophes which have already occurred, he would have saved Krypton from exploding. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: Isn't it time for SUPERBOY to encounter another variety of Kryptonite? May I suggest LIBERTY KRYPTONITE, which is red, white and blue? Your ingenious writers certainly should be able to do something with my idea. Buddy Messer, Lodi, N.J. (We hope you don't think we filched your idea, but you'll be startled to see a multi-colored Kryptonite featured on the cover of the February ACTION COMICS. It's "Jewel Kryptonite," derived from the Jewel Mountains of Krypton, and the effect it has on SUPERMAN is a story in itself! -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: I understand that Saturn Girl is the present leader of the Legion of Super-Heroes? When does her term expire, or does she hold this position for life? I'm a girl myself, but I can't see a girl commanding powerful heroes like Superboy, Mon-El and others. Can't you do something about this? Dora Knight, Winnipeg, Canada (Patience! There's an annual Legion election coming up soon, and we think you'll be in for a surprise. -Ed.) Dear Editor: I finally caught you! In the recent story, "The Titanic Boy of Steel," near the end of the story you show Clark (Superboy) Kent, Lana Lang, and a pilot riding around in a helicopter. Well, for your information, Igor Sikorsky built and flew the first helicopter in 1939. So, since your Superboy stories are supposed to take place before World War II, they couldn't be riding in one because they weren't invented yet! What happened? - Greg Faaborg, Columbus, Ga. (Your research is faulty. We refer you to the authoritative reference book, "Famous First Facts," by historian Joseph Nathan Kane, which is available in every public library. We quote from Page 221: "The first helicopter flight... was made June 16, 1922, by Henry Adler Berliner at College Park, Maryland, before representatives of the United States Bureau of Aeronautics. The craft Clark flew in was a duplicate of this one. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: I thought your writer-artist team of Edmond Hamilton and John Forte did a terrific job on your story "The Legionnaires Super-Contest," although I found one mistake. On your cast of characters on the first page of the magazine, you list "Bouncing Girl" when, of course, it should have been "Bouncing Boy". Error? - Debbie West, Hyattsville, Md. (Yep! But that's the way the name bounces when the editor is dozing. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: Bravo! Magnificent! These words describe your wonderful story in ADVENTURE COMICS No. 315. Your story was very heart-warming and realistic. I liked the emotional punch, which established that Stone Boy cared more for his comrades than fame and glory in the Legion. Keep up the good work. - Betty Shaw, Dallas, Texas. (We're glad you got the message. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: I just finished reading "The Legionnaires' Super-Contest." It was a great story. But in Page 2, Part 2, you showed Night Girl and Superboy flying. Of course Night Girl could fly in the darkness. But how could Superboy, when this was a world with a red sun? - David Langston, Cranbury, N.J. (Superboy was using an anti-gravity belt, standard equipment for all Legionnaires. -Ed.) Dear Editor: I thought your Legion story, "The Super-Villains of All Ages," was a vastly entertaining story. I especially liked the climax when the three super-villains rebelled against each other. However, when Alaktor went to get Nero on his side, you showed Nero was playing a lyre instead of a violin. How come? History says that "Nero fiddled while Rome burned," - Henry Yuk, Brooklyn, N.Y. (Come now. You wouldn't want to make a lyre out of us, would you? -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: I think "The Titanic Boy of Steel" was a superb story, with some spectacular artwork. But on the last page, first panel, the bridge is shown cracked. However, in the third panel, the bridge is repaired. How do you explain the miraculous repair of the crack? - Anthony Levatina, Rochester, N.Y. (Simple. It was a "wise" crack. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: I just love your new series, the Legion of Super-Heroes. If I recall correctly, in JIMMY OLSEN No. 72, in a story, "The World of Doomed Olsens," Jimmy was voted an Honorary Member of the Legion, because of his powers of becoming "Elastic Lad." Will we ever see Jimmy in an adventure with the Legionnaires in the 30th Century? - Alden Dodd, Lexington, Ky. (You bet. Jimmy has an adventure with Saturn Girl, Light Lass and Triplicate Girl in the very next issue of JIMMY OLSEN Comics. If you're a Legion lover, don't miss it. -Ed.) * * * 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.) * * * Dear Editor: You once published a story in one of your other magazines in which we got a peek into the future, when the Legion members are all adults, and we saw that Saturn Girl was the wife of Lightning Lad. Therefore, will you ever give us a story in which we see how their marriage took place? - Harrietta Rudnick, Provdence, R.I. (Good Idea. We'll start processing it pronto. -Ed.) ____ Send all comments on a postal card to SMALLVILLE MAILSACK, National Periodical Publications, Inc., 575 Lexington Avenue, New York 22, N.Y. Due to the heavy volume of mail received, we regret that no communications can be personally answered. Dear Editor: Congratulations on your new "Hall of Fame" classic section, in which you will feature great SUPERBOY stories of the past. This is a great break for many of us newer readers. I enjoyed seeing the first one, "The Shrinking of Superboy" - it was a true classic in every sense of the word. Is there any chance we will see this policy of featuring old "classics" in other Superman "family" magazines? Jack Darrow, Chicago, Ill. (We have been deluged with letters in praise of the new "Classic" feature in ADVENTURE COMICS, so we will continue to run them until the supply of excellent old stories is exhausted. As for other of our magazines following suit, all we can say is - buy the May issue of WORLD'S FINEST COMICS! -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: Now that ADVENTURE COMICS features the Legion of Super-Heroes in every issue, with Superboy stories only taking up one-third of the magazine, don't you think it would be a good idea to re-name the letter department something along the lines of: "Letters to the Legionnaires"? It seems to me that such a change would be giving the Legion the extra recognition it so richly deserves. Marlon Forman, Little Falls, N. J. (Right you are, and we'll get to work on a more appropriate title for this page immediately. In the meanwhile, for your valuable suggestion, we are sending you a year's free subscription to this magazine. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: I enjoyed your recent story, "The Titanic Superboy." But in it you make it a point to show Clark Kent opening a window so that his heat vision would not melt it! If his heat vision can melt glass, why is it that it does not damage his glasses? Bobby Waldon, Pittsburgh, Pa. (For the answer to that one, see the story, "The Secret of Superboy's Spectacles", which will be featured in the first GIANT SUPERBOY ANNUAL, on sale soon. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: In your January issue (No. 316) at the beginning of the story you show a dedication to Proty I and have Lightning Lad declaring that Proty I saved his life. But in your special feature, "Origins and Powers of the Legion", you state that Proty I saved Saturn Girl? Which version is correct? Sharon Ruben, Trumbull, Conn. (Both. In order to restore Lightning Lad to life, one of the Legionnaires had to volunteer to let a terrific lightning charge go through his or her body. Saturn Girl was picked for this sacrifice. But Proty I transformed himself to look like her and let the lightning charge go through his disguised body. The charge killed him, but revived Lightning Lad. Thus, Proty I saved Saturn Girl by preventing her death and also was instrumental in reviving Lightning Lad. -Ed.) * * * 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." [First issue where the letter column is titled "The Legion Outpost"] Dear Editor: I thought your recent story, "The Menace of Dream Girl," was an excellent story. However, I have one criticism. Inasmuch as I am a girl, I think I can safely say that Dream Girl really wasn't pretty enough to receive all of the attention that was showered upon her. Personally, I feel that Lightning Lass is considerably more attractive. Am I wrong, or do other readers feel the same way? Michelle Pruyn, Abington, Pa. (Judging from our mail from males - and females - you're outvoted. See letters below for an indication as to the type of raves we've been getting on our new cuties. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: Whee! Wow! My friends and I think your latest heroine, DREAM GIRL, is just that greatest. If they ever hold a REAL Miss Universe contest in the future, she'll undoubtedly win first prize. Thanks for giving us a terrific treat. Mae Dennis, Baltimore, Md. * * * Dear Editor: There is only one word for your new character, "Dream Girl" - BRAVO! I wish you would bring her back some day. Not only is she extraordinarily beautiful, but she has many admirable qualities. For example, she showed that she cared deeply for men and women she had never known previously. Incidentally, the power you gave "Lightning Lass", justifying her new name, "Light Lass," was a stroke of genius. Jeannine Dickey, Ogden, Utah (With Dream Girl a proven smash hit, you can bet we'll bring her back real soon. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: According to my calculations, the present members of the Legion of Super-Pets include Super-Horse, Super-Monkey, Streaky and Krypto. Why isn't PROTY II a member? His great deeds, which involved saving the lives of several of the Legionnaires, certainly should qualify him for admission. How about it? Donald Limoncelli, Albuquerque, N.M. (You are so right. Proty II absolutely has earned the right to become a full-fledged member of the Legion of Super-Pets. But first he should be able to pass an initiation test, don't you think? At any rate, we'll get to work pronto on a story in which this amazing pet applies for membership. We guarantee you'll find it exciting and full of surprises. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: I thoroughly enjoy all your Legion stories. But one thing puzzles my. Why is Triplicate Girl in the Legion? I don't see how her power can help the Legionnaires, or anyone, for that matter. Larry Lang, Somerville, N.J. (For a dramatic illustration of how useful the power of being able to split oneself into three bodies can be, we suggest you see the June issue of our companion magazine, WORLD'S FINEST. It features a bizarre new villain, "The Composite Superman," who, due to an amazing circumstance, has acquired the super-power of EVERY member of the Legion of Super-Heroes. In other words, he is as invulnerable as Mon-El, can discharge bolts like Lightning Lad, can transform himself into any shape like Chameleon Boy, etc. Naturally, he is also able to split into three like Triplicate Girl. As a result, with all these COMBINED Legionnaire powers, he shapes up as the most formidable foe ever encountered by the Superman-Batman team. This story is a "must" for all Legion fans! -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: Your new series in ADVENTURE - the Hall of Fame Classics - is great! It gives all of us readers a chance to see the wonderful stories of the past. By all means, continue this series! Leonard Hassan, Brooklyn, N.Y. * * * Dear Editor: Your choice for the first Hall of Fame classic, "The Shrinking of Superboy," was excellent. After all these years, this story really stood up. I'm looking forward to seeing more "oldies" in the Hall of Fame series. William Lee, Brooklyn, N.Y. (The preceding two letters are typical of the enthusiasm with which this classic story of yesteryear was received. Nominations for future reprints are pouring in from all over. Have you sent in yours? Don't forget - the older the story is, the better its chances for being reprinted. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: I would like to join the Legion of Super-Heroes. In my alter identity as "Super-Wolf," I am able to spot all the pretty girls in the area. This, I am sure you will agree, is a very desirable power. Please notify my as to membership procedures so that I may put my talent to use in the service of the Legion. Michael (Super-Wolf) Drake, West Allis, Wisc. (Sorry, Buster, but you're ineligible to join the Legion of Super-Heroes. However, we think you're a natural for the Legion of Super-Pets. -Ed.) _____ Send all comments on a postal card to THE LEGION OUTPOST, National Periodical Publications, Inc., 575 Lexington Avenue, New York 22, N.Y. Due to the heavy volume of mail received, we regret that no communications can be individually answered. Dear Editor: Your recent story, "The Mutiny of the Legionnaires", was a joy to behold, both from the point of art and story plot. My friends and I feel like kidnapping the author, Edmond Hamilton, and requesting hundreds of Legionnaire stories for his ransom. Tom Faltos, Santa Cruz, Calif. (Cheapskates! Ed Hamilton is worth THOUSANDS of stories. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: In the story, "The Menace of Dream Girl", in one sequence Saturn Girl tells Dream Girl to take three members with her to the planet, Vondra. Why then does she take four? Debbie Pascale, East Haven, Conn. (Don't you know that it's a woman's privilege to change her mind? -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: "The Menace of Dream Girl" was really good. It contained more romance than you have ever had in any Legion story. But I'm sticking up for the other girl members. They must all be at least 16 and, at that age, they are more romantic than you make them appear to be. Also, girls don't ALWAYS keep the same hair style. Couldn't Artist Forte make them a bit more feminine? Also, must it always be ALL work and NO play for the members? I'm sure the Legionnaires go out on dates together, shopping sprees, beauty parlors, etc. And how about an "Imaginary" story about a couple of the Legionnaires when they become adults? I'm sure it would be a hit. (Unsigned) (We'll forward your comments about new hairstyles to John Forte. As for your request for more romance, be patient. As long-time followers of the Legion are aware, SATURN GIRL is destined to marry LIGHTNING LAD when they become adults. So prepare for a great story in which we will show how their marriage came about. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: I wish to express my extreme happiness at seeing an old Superboy story reprinted in ADVENTURE No. 317, entitled "The Shrinking of Superboy." Your new "Hall of Fame" classic series will no doubt be a smash success in that it will permit your new readers to sample the great stories of the past, which they had missed. Is there a chance that this policy may extend to some of your other magazines? Walter G. Smith, Glendale, Calif. (You echo the sentiments of hundreds of other readers. As for extending this policy elsewhere, we refer you to the new "Surprise Feature", in each issue of WORLD'S FINEST. Not only are the stories in this department "oldies", but each one contains a special surprise. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: I think that every member of the Legion of Substitute Heroes should be in the regular Legion for the following reasons: Stone Boy should be in, because he already has been invited to join the real Legion. Polar Boy has Sun Boy's powers - but in reverse. Night Girl has good, if not better, powers that Triplicate Girl and both Fire Lad and Chlorophyll Kid have powers as good as Bouncing Boy. Steve Kelber, Upland, Calif. (We'd like to agree with you, but many readers have protested that the Legion already contains too many members and that it is difficult to keep up with them all. However, you'll notice that in this issue BOUNCING BOY has been dropped from the regular Legion, so we'll ask Author Hamilton to consider one of the Substitute Members to fill BB's vacancy. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: I was looking through my copy of the Columbia Viking Desk Encyclopedia and I found this definition: "Monel metal, a silvery white alloy. It is strong, durable and resists acid." Not only does it have the same name, but the description contains the characteristics of someone we know. Right? Bob Rozakis, Elmont, N. Y. (Right! We get the message, and we're sure all our other readers will, too. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: May I nominate another worthy animal for the Legion of Super-Pets? I am referring to that admirable four-footed character, "Swifty", who has been featured thus far in two issues of SUPERBOY (No. 105 and No. 109). He has all the good qualities of KRYPTO, in addition to some of his own. How about it? Jeffrey Allmesoth, El Dorado, Kansas (We'll consider Swifty a candidate for the animal Legion, providing he can pass their initiation test . . . which is pretty tough! As a matter of fact, the next issue of ADVENTURE will feature a story in which Proty II tries to enter the Legion of Super Pets, and has to pass a series of tests given to him by Krypto, Streaky, Super-Horse and Super-Monkey. -Ed.) _____ Send all comments on a postal card to : THE LEGION OUTPOST, National Periodical Publications, Inc., 575 Lexington Avenue, New York 22, N. Y. Due to the heavy volume of mail received, we regret that no communications can be individually answered. Dear Editor: I've discovered a goof in the April ADVENTURE COMICS. On page 4, Invisible Kid is a member of the first squad, which gets wiped out. Yet on page 2 of the second part, Invisible Kid is shown at the Planetary Chance machine! Don't alibi this by saying he escaped because you yourselves stated that the whole squad was paralyzed on the planetoid. Harry Delugach, Memphis, Tenn. (We wouldn't think of wriggling out with such an obviously phoney story! The second Invisible Kid was Proty II, who was mischievously impersonating him, just as he impersonates Superboy and Chameleon Boy in this issue. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: I was counting the females in the Legion of Super-Heroes. Should I count Triplicate Girl as three girls or just one? Gordon Ross, Los Angeles, Calif. (We refer you to page 6, panel 3 of "The Menace of Dream Girl", in ADVENTURE No. 317. You'll find that, despite her ability to become three girls, Triplicate Girl only gets one vote in the Legion. Therefore, we feel you should only count her once. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: I was reading a comic about the Legion of Super-Heroes, and in it was a girl named Lightning Lass, who had the power to generate lightning, A while later I bought another comic about the Legion, and the same girl was in it, but this time she was Light Lass and she had the power of making things light. What gives? Joan Peters, Jamaica, N. Y. (Apparently you missed our February issue, in which Dream Girl caused Lightning Lass to lose her lightning powers while gaining the new ability to make objects light. Incidentally, we hope you like her new costume, shown for the first time in this issue. -Ed.) Dear Editor: I found what may be a very serious mistake in the story, "The Legion's Suicide Squad." On page 6, panel 2, part 2, you have Shrinking Violet saying, "With only one Legionnaire left, we're beaten!" Well, I counted every Legionnaire that was listed, and found that Supergirl was not featured in the war. So how could Violet's statement be true? Jim Lawson, Santa Barbara, Calif. (Shrinking Violet was referring to the Legionnaires then present in the 30th century. Supergirl was busy in the year 1964, and there was no way of contacting her from the planetoid Throon. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: In ADVENTURE COMICS No. 319, you show Fire Lad shooting flame from his hands. Yet in ADVENTURE No. 315, you state that he sets things on fire by using his breath. Have I reported a boo-boo? Jon Lederhouse, Newfane, N. Y. (You have, indeed! We hope you weren't burned up over this error. You'll find Fire Lad back to his normal self in this issue. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: In many stories you show members of the Super-Family going forward or backward in time. In all these tales, you show the readers those circles of color, and put a date here and there. But how do our super-friends know which time they're in, since the circles and dates are symbolic and don't exist for them? Jeff Shaffer, Palo Alto, Calif. (Superboy long ago learned that the faster he flew, the further back (or forward) in time he would go. Since then, he and his super-friends have learned just how much speed it takes to cover a given number of years. By the way, they go in a clockwise motion to visit the past, and counter-clockwise to reach the future. -Ed.) 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. Dear Editor: I think I have found a mistake in the story, "The Revenge of the Knave from Krypton." On the first page of Part II Dev-Em gives Superboy his costume. Then on page 5, the costume Superboy is wearing is destroyed - but not his Superboy outfit, which he is wearing underneath. How is this possible, since Dev-Em's costume came from Krypton, and should be as indestructible as Superboy's -Glenn Rowsam, Lowville, N.Y. (Dev-Em's super-suit was at the cleaner's, so he wore a non-super duplicate. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: I feel sorry for Bouncing Boy. I would like to see him get his power back, or perhaps get a new one. -Russell Bell, Bethesda, Md. (Bouncing Boy seems perfectly satisfied to be plain Chuck Taine, with no super-powers. However, he'll be re-appearing shortly, in a surprise role. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: Boy, was "The Revenge of the Knave from Krypton" great. But I found one mistake. On page 6 of Part II you have Superboy carrying the spies through space without air helmets. Wouldn't they die, since there is no air in space? -Mike Stella, Colorado Springs, Colo. (Would you believe us if we told you they were wearing invisible space suits? -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: In ADVENTURE No. 303, you show Brainiac 5 speaking of himself as "the great-great-great-great grandson of Brainiac." Yet in a recent SUPERMAN, you stated that Brainiac was really a computing machine. How could this be? -Sunnie Walton, Charlton, Miss. (The original Brainiac had an adopted son, who posed as his real son in order to hide the fact that he wasn't human. This lad was the ancestor of Brainiac 5. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: I would like to become a member of the Legion of Super-Heroes. I am the Super DC Reader. My power is to read, from cover to cover, every DC comic published. I am willing to perform the three super-tasks necessary to join the Legion. -Dick (Super DC Reader) Muller, Scarsdale, N.Y. (We are sure the Legion will be glad to consider your application for membership. Just find a way of traveling to the 30th century and tell them we've recommended you. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: In ADVENTURE No. 318, Sun Boy says he is casting the other Legionnaires adrift with no radio! And in the other space ship, Cosmic Boy is answering him on a radio! Explain this mistake please. -Paul Lichtenstein, Ozone Park, N.Y. (Sun Boy gave them a radio that only worked on one frequency - that of the ship he was piloting. Therefore they couldn't use it to call for help. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: Why don't you have a story featuring the characters suggested by readers in "Bits of Legionnaire Business"? -Mark Santori, Chicago, Ill. (Coming up in the next issue! In this great story, the Legion battles the Legion of Super-Outlaws, all of whom are based on suggestions by our readers. We'll give credit to those who suggested these super-characters in our next Legion Outpost column. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: You goofed! In the May issue, Mon-El thinks, "This is the first time in the Legion's history that anyone ever turned down a chance to join it!" But in "The Legionnaires' Super-Contest" Stone Boy, who won the right to join the Legion, declined the honor because he did not want to break up the Legion of Substitute Heroes. Therefore, Stone Boy was the first to turn down Legion membership and Dev-Em (a real cute dream-boat) was the second! -Margie and Elsa Johnson, Duluth, Minn. (We guess Mon-El - and the editor - had a slight lapse of memory! -ED[sic].) Dear Editor: In your feature on the Phantom Zone criminals in the SUPERBOY ANNUAL, you state that Mon-El is in the Phantom Zone. Didn't Brainiac 5 release him? -Harley Broe, Brooklyn, N.Y. (Brainiac 5 released Mon-El from the Zone in the 30th century, 1,000 years in the future. Therefore, in our own time, Mon-El is still in the Phantom Zone. -Ed.) 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:
From time to time, in our Legion stories, we plan to feature other super-characters submitted by our readers as "Bits of Legionnaire Business". Dear Editor: Bravo! I think that ADVENTURE No. 319 ("The Legion's Suicide Squad") was the best story I have ever read. I especially was pleased with the surprise ending of two crack-pots standing off the whole Legion. However, please give Element Lad, Star Boy, Invisible Kid and Phantom Girl more of a chance to "show off" their talents. -David Eames, Sauquoit, N.Y. (Phantom Girl and Element Lad did their stuff in our last issue and Star Boy and Invisible Kid are prominently featured in this one. How's that for service? -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: Do any of the Legionnaires other than Superboy have secret identities? If so, who are they? -John Moan, Woodstock, Ill. (There is Supergirl, of course, whose other identity is Linda Lee Danvers. And Star Boy had a secret identity as Thom Kallor when we introduced him a few years ago. None of the other Super-Heroes has a dual identity. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: What happened to Star Boy? As I remember from his first appearance, he had all the powers of Superboy plus electrical vision. He had gained these powers when he flew his space ship through a comet's tail. In more recent stories, you say he has only the power to make things super-heavy. What's going on? -David Rhodes, El Segundo, Calif. (Star Boy's comet powers were only temporary. When he lost them, he had only the power he was born with, which he uses in his current Legion assignments. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: When Bouncing Boy became skinny and lost his powers, I was sorry. I'm fat like Bouncing Boy used to be. Now there is nobody in the Legion who is fat. Before Bouncing Boy lost weight, I felt like I wasn't the only fat person in the world. Now I feel bad. Please make Bouncing Boy fat again. -Anonymous (At present we have no plans for restoring Bouncing Boy's powers. However, cheer up. Lots of fat people in the world have done quite well. Presidents Grover Cleveland and William Howard Taft were both fat, you know.) * * * Dear Editor: In you June issue, when the Concentrator drained all the power in the universe, you show people pointing at the black sun just when their vehicles stopped. This is impossible, since it takes 8 minutes for sunlight to reach Earth. The vehicles should have stopped 8 minutes before the sun went dark, and been in operation again by the time that happened. -Scott Taylor, Westport, Conn. (Technically, you are right. We took a slight scientific liberty for dramatic effect. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: The Legion of Super-Heroes is my favorite. Why don't you have a story in which the Legionnaires marry and have children? The children have powers inherited from their parents, but combined to form new powers. Good idea? -Gary Karpinski, St. Louis, Mo. (Good idea! We'll keep it in mind for a future story. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: I feel you made a mistake in making the Legionnaires so old. They will all be adults before long and will have to be drawn as adults, especially since the wedding of Saturn Girl and Lightning Lad is taking place soon. Not to mention Phantom Girl and Ultra Boy, Brainiac 5 and Supergirl - and now Bouncing Boy! - Unsigned. (Not all the Super-Heroes are nearly grown up. Polar Boy, leader of the Legion of Substitute Heroes, is the youngest of our heroes, and smaller than the rest. Also, only Saturn Girl and Lightning Lad are definitely established as due to be married. If you think Brainiac 5 is sure to marry Supergirl, you'll be surprised to find out how many rivals he has. We suggest you read the feature on "Supergirl's Boy Friends" in the current issue of ACTION COMICS. -Ed.) [edited for Legion of Super-Heroes content] CLARK KENT'S CLASSMATES Hector Hooper, "The False Superboy" in this issue, is far from being the first of Clark Kent's classmates who have been helped - or straightened out - by the Boy of Steel. Of course, he has often aided Lana Lang and Pete Ross. Young Bruce Wayne, the future Batman, once attended Smallville High, as did Lex Luthor, Master Mxyzptlk and Ultra Boy, of the Legion of Super-Heroes. Dear Editor: I discovered a goof in "The Initiation of Proty II." When Proty changes to a double of Superboy, he thinks: "Since I now have a human-like body, I can talk aloud." But in a past issue I read that Proty can seem to talk by moving his lips and using his telepathic powers. -Karl Pettis, Gainesville, Fla. (Through frequent experimentation, Proty has learned to imitate the human tongue and diaphragm so perfectly that he actually can talk now! -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: My classmates and I all think that Bouncing Boy should drink some more super-plastic fluid so he could be put back in the regular Legion. How about it? -Walter Scott, Greenville, S.C. (We promise you that Bouncing Boy will soon bounce back - in a surprise fashion. It seems numerous readers are pining for our formerly rotund friend. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: In ADVENTURE No. 320, the villainous Molock says: "Our monitors couldn't observe what took place inside the lead-lined Legion Clubhouse!" But in No. 322, Superboy and Mon-El use their X-ray vision to see through the lead-lined Clubhouse wall! -Eric Paul Halvorson, St. Louis, Mo. (While most of the Clubhouse is lead-lined, the top-most room, where Proty erected his phony machine, is not. In this issue's feature story, Luthor's x-viewer is constructed on the principles of Ultra Boy's penetra-vision, so it can see through lead. -Ed.) Dear Editor: I think I've discovered a goof in the July ADVENTURE. In the Hall of Fame Classic, "Clark Kent, Class Cheat," you show the teacher writing on the blackboard. "Name the capitals and populations of 10 cities in Europe." How do you name the capital of a city? -Karen Manko, St. Petersburg, Fla. (That poor teacher! She was so upset by the knowledge that some of her pupils were cheating that she wrote the question wrong! -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: I wish you could have more stories with Dream Girl. She was great! I think there should be more girls in the Legion of Super-Heroes. Night Girl is more powerful than Triplicate Girl or Shrinking Violet. Please consider it. -Linda Keany, North Hollywood, Calif. (Whether they become Legion members or not, you'll be seeing more of Dream Girl and Night Girl, we promise you! Meantime, the six adorable girl Legionnaires are featured in the next issue of ADVENTURE. You won't want to miss this story! -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: I liked the story about Proty II joining the Legion of Super-Pets. Will you have one in which the Super-Pets fight another Legion - one of Criminal Pets? -Michael Sykes, Chicago, Ill. (A good idea! A tussle between two animal teams should be fun. -Ed.) 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. THE LEGION CONSTITUTION - PART TWO In the last issue we published some passages from the Legion Constitution. Here are more passages from that document, which lays down the rules of the Legion of Super-Heroes. "Absolute loyalty is required of all members. In the presence of the Legion Flag, Legionnaires must salute. The Legion's duly-elected leader is supreme commander of the Legion, answerable only to the Commissioner of the Science Police. Members must obey all orders from the leader. Failure to do so shall be grounds for court-martial and possible expulsion from the Legion. "The secrets of the Legion - weapons, alarm devices on the clubhouse, etc. - must be kept in strictest confidence. Revealing such secrets to any unauthorized person is grounds for expulsion from the Legion. "Failure of any member to live up to the requirements of Legion membership - such as loss of super-powers, cowardice while performing a mission, etc. - shall also be grounds for expulsion, as shall making false-charges against a fellow Legionnaire. Worthy members losing their powers may, however, be retained in the Legion Reserve. "The Legion Reserve, consisting of worthy former members, rejected members, honorary members and the Legion of Substitute Heroes, shall be prepared to go into action in the event of an emergency when all active members are away on missions or otherwise unable to respond. "Any Legionnaire expelled from the Legion, but not retained as a Reservist, must submit to being hypnotically brainwashed to remove all memory of Legion secrets." Dear Editor: I would like to know who started the Legion of Super-Heroes. And how did the other heroes know about the Legion? -Stephen Rich, Staten Island, N.Y. (Cosmic Boy, Saturn Girl and Lightning Lad were the first three Legionnaires. The news of their super-deeds soon reached every corner of the universe, and other super-youths were eager to join them. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: You goofed! In the July ADVENTURE, you show Ultra Boy flying and using penetra-vision at the same time, but in past issues you've said he can only use one power at a time. How do you get out of this? -Richard Walter, Berkeley, Calif. (Simple! Light Lass had used her power to make him super-light, so he could float in the air. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: Bravo for the Legion of Super-Heroes! One thing, though. Until yesterday, when I was reading a friend's old comics, I had never heard of Invisible Kid, nor did I know that Supergirl and Elastic Lad (Jimmy Olsen) were members. And you seldom give Phantom Girl and Element Lad important parts. Why not give these little-used heroes leading roles in some of your stories? -Lynne Crace, Ramsey AFB, Puerto Rico. (This is precisely what we've been doing in our last few issues. Four of the heroes you mention are featured in this issue. And you'll see Element Lad, Invisible Kid and three other Legionnaires on the cover of the December SUPERBOY. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: "The Eight Impossible Missions" was terrific. I liked the way it turned out, with Saturn Girl selected as the leader. But I found a mistake. The Mighty Gazor said that he was given the longest Phantom Zone sentence of all. But in ACTION No. 310, Jax-Ur said he'd gotten a life sentence. -Barry LeBeau, N. Providence, R.I. (Although Jax-Ur was given a life sentence, he could win an eventual parole or pardon. Gazor's sentence is life, with no hope of parole. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: In ADVENTURE No. 323, I caught a big mistake. It shows Jimmy Olsen the same age as in his own magazine, and Superman as Superboy. How could this be? Jimmy would have to be a small child if Superman was still Superboy. -Larry Schlesinger, Hillside, N.J. (Sorry - you're the one who goofed! You forget that we're dealing with time travel. The Legionnaires live 1,000 years in the future, but they use their time machines to reach any other era they choose. Thus, they can bring Jimmy from our own time, while Superboy travels to the 30th century from his own time. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: I'd like to report two errors concerning Brainiac 5. If the original Brainiac wasn't his ancestor, how can he have a computer mind? Also, in "The Eight Impossible Missions," where Superboy is being sworn into the Legion, Brainiac 5 is present. But, as I recall, he entered after Superboy did, with Supergirl. Am I right? -Michael E. Colby, Hewlett Bay Park, L.I., N.Y. (Brainiac 5 does not have a mechanical computer brain, like the original Brainiac. He is simply a super-mathematical whiz with a human brain. It's true that he joined the Legion at the same time as Supergirl. But are you sure Superboy had actually been sworn in as a member by that time? This time travel business can be tricky! -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: Since the cat in the Legion of Super-Pets is called Streaky instead of Supercat, and the dog is called Krypto, not Superdog, don't you think it would be more appropriate if Super-Horse was called Comet? And, if Super-Monkey has a name, it certainly should be used! -Jim Lawson, Santa Barbara, Calif. (Super-Monkey's name is Beppo. You'll find him featured in the current issues of SUPERMAN and ACTION COMICS. And we'll try to use Comet's and Beppo's names more often in the future. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: I enjoyed the story of "The Revenge of the Knave from Krypton." However, I would like to know what happened to Dev-Em's parents after they landed on Earth. -Mark Woolf, Arlington, Tex. (Although they have super-powers, Dev-Em's parents decided to leave the super-deeds to their son. They settled down to a quiet life in the 30th century. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: In "Clark Kent, Class Cheat," you show Clark answering questions about atomic energy. Since when was atomic energy discovered in Superboy's time? -Richard Burrell, Henderson, N.C. (While the atom had not been split in Superboy's time, a great deal of scientific research had been done in this area - research which let to the present Atomic Age. One of these was Einstein's famous formula, e=mc², which is what Clark's test question was about. -Ed.) Dear Editor: I would like to know when you are going to have another person join the Legion. You haven't had a new member in quite a while. -Jeremy Klein, Wayland, Mass. (How does the Lone Wolf in this issue strike you? Shall we make him a member of the Legion? And what name should he use, now that he's no longer a Lone Wolf? -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: Whenever I read an issue of ADVENTURE, I always try to guess the ending of the story. Usually, I do pretty well, but "The Great Proty Puzzle" really knocked me over. You made the answer so obvious, and normally, the fact that Jimmy Olsen and Pete Ross were in the story would have aroused my suspicions that it had something to do with their names, but I was too busy searching each panel for some tiny clue to give it much thought. Anyhow, no one in my family could guess the ending, either. One thing bothered me, though. Saturn Girl won that rodeo event by unfairly using her super-powers. The Legion frowns on that sort of thing - right? -Lynn Miller, Washington, D.C. (Saturn Girl did use her power to carry out the mission given her by Proty. But she disqualified herself and let the prize go to the rider who came in second. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: I have spotted an error in the August ADVENTURE. Gazor speaks of his earthquake machine. But he could not refer to an earthquake machine on Krypton. Gazor should have referred to it as a "Kryptonquake". -Robert Cohn, St. Louis, Mo. (Technically, you're right. But we used the common term in our language for the sake of simplicity. -Ed.) Dear Editor: I believe I have found a mistake in the story, "The Eight Impossible Missions". There are only seven missions. The last (and eighth) letter of Superboy's name was formed by Proty spelling his name backwards. So the title should have been "The Seven Impossible Missions". Am I right? -Sandra Fleehart, Bellevue, Wash. (No - you're wrong! The eighth mission was solving the puzzle. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: In ADVENTURE No. 321, you show Ultra Boy, Superboy and Mon-El flying. But in No. 323, you show Ultra Boy using a flying belt. I'm afraid I'm rather confused on this point. Could you please tell me whether or not Ultra Boy can fly under his own power? - Joe Shaw, Plentywood, Mont. (Ultra Boy can fly. But, since he can only use one of his powers at a time, he had to use a belt while using his Flash-Vision. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: You should give Ralph A. Moss, Allen Pelcher and Buddy La Vigre pats on the back and shake their hands. Why? Because Ralph Moss was the first to suggest TALES OF THE LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES, Allen Pelcher brought up the idea of "Bits of Legionnaire Business" and Buddy La Vigre defined for us what they would be. How about making them honorary members of the Legion of Super-Heroes? -Ned Snively, Winter Haven, Fla. (Good idea - if they could get to the 30th Century to take part in Legion activities, as required by the Legion Constitution. But since they can't, we'll make them honorary members of the Legion of Super-Fans. -Ed.) Dear Editor: Happy Anniversary! The Legion stories started in ADVENTURE in the September, 1962, issue, just two years ago. I have every issue since they started and I think they're great! -Jenny Franklin, Long Island City, N.Y. (Thanks! If it weren't for legions of others like you, the Legion wouldn't be here to celebrate an anniversary! -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: I want to be a good loser and congratulate you on "The Legion of Super-Outlaws!" Your choice was excellent! Duplicate Boy is double good; Beast Boy makes me feel like a bird; Evolvo Lad makes my brain tingle; Gas Girl makes me feel light as air; and Life Lass is as lively as they come! I have to admit I felt bad when I found out my suggestion wasn't used, but I'd like to congratulate the fans who thought up the Heroes of Lallor. -Michael E. Colby, Hewlett Bay Park, L.I., N.Y. (And after such a warm reception to our story, we could never be cold to Colby! - Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: You've stated that Supergirl and Superboy need secret identities to protect their families. But the Legionnaires can't have secret identities because they send much of their time in the clubhouse and sometimes go on month-long missions. Please explain how they protect their relatives, in a down-to-earth way. -Jere Link, Mobile, Ala. (Some of the Legionnaires, such as Element Lad, are orphans. But the rest have equipped their parents' homes with warning devices similar to those used to guard the Legion Clubhouse. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: "The Legion of Super-Outlaws" was terrific! I never thought I'd see the day when Shrinking Violet would fall in love. By the way, does she ever smile? She looks sad all the time. -Linda D. Griffin, Norfolk, Va. (We have a feeling that Shrinking Violet will be smiling a lot more now that she's in love. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: In ADVENTURE No. 325, you show Mon-El wearing a flying belt. But I thought he could fly under his own power. Please explain this to me. - Edwin Manguiat, Oakland, Calif. (How's this? - Mon-El took another Legionnaire's flying belt out to get it repaired, and decided to test it on the way back. That could explain why he wore it, even though he didn't need it. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: "In ADVENTURE No. 324, you show Star Boy being knocked out by Gas Girl. Since he has the power of making anything super-heavy, why didn't he make Gas Girl so heavy that she would sink to the ground? - Steve Spickler, Bellevue, Wash. (Star Boy never dreamed she could turn herself into knockout gas. Otherwise, he'd probably have done as you suggest. -Ed.) Dear Editor: In "The Team of Luthor and Brainiac," Superman states that he can't enlarge Kandor because the element that powers the enlarging ray is very scarce. Couldn't Element Lad of the Legion of Super-Heroes produce this element? -Dave Warnock, Newark, N.J. (No. When the element is produced artificially, as by Element Lad or in an atomic reactor, it explodes almost immediately. -Ed.) Dear Editor: Where are you hiding the Time Trapper? I've been waiting for a battle royal between him and the Legion for months now. He's the greatest antagonist they've ever faced, in my opinion. In the nearly twenty years I've been reading comics, by the way, the Legion is the most exciting creation you have yet produced. -David Briggs, New York, N.Y. (The Legionnaires are determined to end the Time Trapper's career during the new year, so watch for a showdown in the very near future. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: In ADVENTURE No. 310, you have Mr. Mxyzptlk the Fifth. If the first one is in the 20th century and the fifth one in the 30th century, each Mxyzptlk would have to live over 200 years. Let's see you get out of this. -Bruce Fisher, South Point, Ohio. (Don't you know that life spans are much longer for inhabitants of the Fifth Dimension? -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: I really liked "The Revolt of the Girl Legionnaires." And I thought it was cute at the end when Element Lad said he wished the girls had been on the level with their romances. So do I! Why can't the Legionnaires have more romance? I know Lightning Lad and Saturn Girl are destined to marry, but when? With all those cute girls and handsome boys, surely a few romances would start. -Unsigned, Kimball, Nebr. (Let's see - we've established in past stories that Brainiac 5 likes Supergirl, Night Girl has a crush on Cosmic Boy, Phantom Girl admires Ultra Boy, Star Boy goes for Dream Girl, Shrinking Violet loves Duplicate Boy, and Light Lass is crazy about Lone Wolf. If we give you a few more romances in the future, will you give us your name the next time you write? -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: I would like to know why Polar Boy, of the Legion of Substitute Heroes, was rejected when he applied for membership in the Legion of Super-Heroes. After all, his cold-producing power is just the opposite of Sun Boy's power of creating heat. -Roy Cunningham, Pine Bluff, Ark. (The Legionnaires were afraid he couldn't properly control his frigid powers, so they gave him the "cold shoulder." -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: In "Lex Luthor Meets the Legion," you show Ultra Boy flying down and using his penetra-vision. Since he can only use one power at a time, what gives? -Kevin Martin, Houston, Tex. (As he landed, he instantly switched from flying power to ultra-vision. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: What does that cloud sort of thing on Light Lass' costume mean? -George Horner, San Antonio, Tex. (It is a cloud and was supposed to indicate that she could make objects as light as a cloud. But apparently others have had the same trouble with it that you have, because she changed it for a feather emblem a couple of issues back. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: I discovered a major mistake in the story, "Lex Luthor Meets the Legion." You had Luthor wearing a wig. Yet you have previously stated that he tried to wear a wig, but discovered he was allergic to any human hair other than his own and he couldn't find an effective synthetic-hair wig. So how could he appear in a wig in this story? -Danny Odess, North Palm Beach, Fla. (With a great deal of discomfort. Didn't you notice how he took his wig off whenever he was alone? It just goes to show what Luthor will go through for revenge! -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: To quote from the Legion Constitution: "The Legion's leader shall be chosen each year in a manner to be determined by a vote of three-fourths of the entire active membership." So what's this nonsense about a pet (smarter than 99% of the Legion) giving a test to determine the leader? I know you won't print this, because you can't worm out of it. -Kenneth L. Gartner, Elmont, L.I., N.Y. (If you'll check the story in question - "The Eight Impossible Missions" - you'll find that the Legionnaires voted unanimously to let Proty's puzzle decide the new leader. And we don't feel he's smarter than the Legionnaires, either. A puzzle that's easy to devise can sometimes be mighty hard to solve. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: In the Hall of Fame Classic, "Superboy's Switch in Time," Pa Kent is angry at Clark and says he's going to give him a lesson - with a hairbrush! He knows Clark is invulnerable. So how could the hairbrush hurt him? -Eddie Scott, Stafford, Va. (Of course Pa Kent couldn't hurt Superboy, but the action was an outlet for his anger. Moreover, how did you expect Pa Kent to discipline his super-son - with Kryptonite? -Ed.) KNOW YOUR LEGIONNAIRES For newer readers, who missed our earlier Legion stories, we present this brief rundown of the Legionnaires, their origins and powers. BOUNCING BOY (Chuck Taine), while an errand boy for a scientist, drank a bottle of super-plastic fluid, mistaking it for soda-pop. This gave him super-bouncing power. Later, a laboratory accident deprived him of this ability. He is now a member of the Legion reserve. BRAINIAC 5 (Querl Dox) is a direct descendent of Vril Dox, who was adopted by the original Brainiac, Superman's foe, and renamed Brainiac II. Brainiac 5 has a super-powerful computer-brain - though it is a human brain and not an electronic computer like the original Brainiac's. CHAMELEON BOY (Reep Daggle) came from the planet Durla, where everyone can assume any shape he chooses. He is the leader of the Legion's Espionage Squad, since he can spy on criminals while disguised as a crook, an animal, or even a tree. COLOSSAL BOY (Gim Allon) was an ordinary lad until contact with a strange meteor gave him the power to grow to gigantic size. COSMIC BOY (Rokk Krinn) came with his parents from the planet Braal, where the people evolved magnetic powers to battle the metal monsters of that world. With Lightning Lad and Saturn Girl, Cosmic Boy was one of the Legion's original members. ELEMENT LAD (Jan Arrah) was the only inhabitant of the planet Trom to escape being wiped out in a battle with space-criminals. Trom's radioactive environment caused the people to evolve the power to change the atomic structure of elements by mental radiations. INVISIBLE KID (Lyle Norg) is a young scientific genius who invented a serum that gives him the ability to become invisible at will. He is a member of the Espionage Squad, since spying is easy for him. LIGHT LASS (Ayla Ranzz) is Lightning Lad's sister and once had the same lightning powers, which she got at the same time. She was then called Lightning Lass. But an electrical blast from a generator changed her power to the ability to make things super-light, so she became Light Lass. LIGHTNING LAD (Garth Ranzz), with his sister and brother, was struck by electrical charges from lightning-monsters of the planet Korbal, endowing all three with lightning powers. Lightning Lad and his sister (now Light Lass) used their powers for good; but their brother, Lightning Lord, became a criminal. MATTER-EATER LAD (Tenzil Kem) came from the planet Bismoll, where, over a period of eons, microbes made all food poisonous. To survive, the people evolved the ability to eat anything. With his super-strong teeth and super-digestion, Matter-Eater Lad can eat his way through stone, iron, wood, or any other material, with no ill effects. MON-EL (Lar Gand) was born on the planet Daxam, under a red sun. As a youth, he made a flight to Krypton, where Jor-El, Superboy's father, warned him of that world's coming doom and gave him a space map. An accident caused him to drift in space for years, in suspended animation, until he landed on Earth. Here he gained superpowers from the yellow sun, but he had amnesia. Superboy, finding Jor-El's map on him, thought the youth was his big brother and named him Mon-El, for the day he found him (Monday) and his family name on Krypton (El). Later, contact with lead, which is deadly to him, restored Mon-El's memory; but it would have killed him if Superboy had not saved him by projecting him into the Phantom Zone. There he remained for 1,000 years, until Brainiac 5 invented a serum which, taken at 24-hour intervals, makes him immune to lead and gives him super-powers even under a red sun. PHANTOM GIRL (Tinya Wazzo) came from the 4th-dimensional world of Bgztl, which occupies the same space as Earth. She can dematerialize at will and pass through solid objects. SATURN GIRL (Imra Ardeen) is serving her second term as the Legion's leader. She comes from Saturn, where all people have strange mental powers. She can read minds, send telepathic messages, and command all sorts of creatures mentally. SHRINKING VIOLET (Salu Digby) comes from the planet Imsk, where everyone can shrink to tiny size. STAR BOY (Thom Kallor) was the son of an astronomer who lived in an orbiting space-observatory, which picked up starlight for research. When Thom was born there, the starlight gave him the power to draw mass from the stars and use it to make anything super-heavy. SUN BOY (Dirk Morgna) was accidentally locked in an atomic reactor chamber. The atomic bombardment transformed him into a blazing beacon of heat and light. SUPERBOY (Clark Kent, born Kal-El) came from the red-sun planet, Krypton, as an infant. When that world exploded, his father, Jor-El, sent him to Earth in a rocket. Under our yellow sun, he gained his various super-powers. The Legionnaires went over 1,000 years into the past to enlist him as a member. SUPERGIRL (Linda Lee Danvers, born Kara Zor-El), Superboy's cousin, came to Earth when he had grown up to be Superman. She was born in Argo City, a community of Krypton which was thrown off in one piece and preserved under a plastic dome when that world exploded. She was sent to Earth in a rocket when a type of Kryptonite wiped out Argo City. She has the same powers as Superboy. TRIPLICATE GIRL (Luornu Durgo) comes from the planet Cargg, where a triple sun imbued all inhabitants with the power to split into three bodies. ULTRA BOY (Jo Nah), of the planet Rimbor, was charged with ultra-energy when his space-speedster was swallowed by an energy-beast. A passing galactic cruiser saved him by slicing the monster open. He has ultra-strength, invulnerability, ultra-speed and ultra-vision, but can only use one power at a time. His penetra-vision can even see through lead and his flash vision can melt that metal. Dear Editor: I thought "The Lone Wolf Legionnaire" was great. I suggest the name "Titan," for super-strength, for Lone Wolf. But, please, what powers does he have besides super-strength? -Norm Melzer, Kalamazoo, Mich. (Lone Wolf also has the power of super-agility, giving him the ability to perform amazing acrobatic feats. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: In ADVENTURE No. 304, you published a letter from Bob Marcus about a boy, Louis Hamburg, who had magnetic powers, and a girl, Jennie Morgan, who could discharge electricity. You asked for the source of this information. It is in the book, "Stranger Than Science," by Frank Edwards, Article 42, page 126, published by Ace Books, Inc. -Alan Batterman, Spring Valley, N.Y. (Thanks for giving us such detailed information . . . even if it's two years since we asked for it!" -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: "The Lone Wolf Legionnaire" was one of your best stories. I enjoyed it very much. I think maybe you could name him something to do with the planet he came from, as you did with Saturn Girl. By the way, I don't think there is enough romance in the Legion. The Legionnaires always seem so serious. Since they are teenagers, they must go on some dates. -Nancy Scott, Stuart, Fla. (Sure they go on dates - especially Triplicate Girl, who sometimes goes on three at a time! -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: In the Hall of Fame Classic, "Clark Kent, Class Cheat," you show Clark observing with his X-ray vision the structure of an atom. The picture shows an atom with four electrons on the first orbit and four on the second. An atom only has two electrons on the first ring - not four! -Ted Green, Largo, Fla. (There were only two electrons, but they revolved so swiftly around the nucleus - millions of times a second! - that they seemed to be in two places at once! -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: "The Revolt of the Girl Legionnaires" was terrific! But I found one small mistake. On the cover you show Shrinking Violet holding a statue of Invisible Kid, while on page 3 she is holding the statue of Cosmic Boy. What gives? -Tom Ackley, San Rafael, Calif. (As you said, we made a small mistake. However, it wasn't of cosmic proportions, so we won't shrink from shame, nor disappear in disgrace. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: This may come as a great shock to you, but Mon-El must be expelled from the Legion of Super-Heroes! Yes, he is too old! He is approximately 1,030 years old, whereas Legionnaires must be 18 or under. All right, so our buddy does look 18 . . . but he was born before Krypton exploded and therefore must technically be ousted from the Legion. I know he spent 1,000 years in the Phantom Zone, but I won't buy the answer that time stands still in the Zone. -David Shestokas, La Grange, Ill. (As we established once before, the determining factor is the Legionnaires' physical age, not their chronological age. When Supergirl tried to join the Legion first, she was turned down because Red Kryptonite had turned her physically into an adult. However, Mon-El is expelled in this issue - though for another reason - so we hope you're satisfied! -Ed.) Dear Editor: I enjoyed "Superboy and the 5 Legion Traitors" very much, but I think I've found a mistake. After Superboy discovered he was in a parallel world, he simply flew through the dimensional maze back to Smallville. Yet in ACTION COMICS No. 308 ("Superman Meets the Goliath Hercules"), Superman is in a parallel world and states he doesn't know how to cross back to his own world. Please explain how this could be. -Steve Foster, Mesquite, Tex. (Superboy was hurled into the parallel world by the force of an exploding star. By using his super-memory to reconstruct the direction, speed, and other factors, he was able to return to his own universe the same way. But in the ACTION story, Superman was sent into another world by a freak lightning flash, which caused a dimensional warp. If he had tried to fly back, he might have wound up on any one of countless parallel worlds. Luckily, a second lightning flash returned him to his own dimension. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: On page 3, panel 3 of "The 5 Legion Traitors," Ultra Boy has blond hair. On the cover and in the rest of the story, he has brown hair. How come? -Jon Brateman, Fort Wayne, Ind. (We'll bet Ultra Boy is dyeing to find out the answer to that one! -Ed.) [sic] Dear Editor: I enjoyed "The 5 Legion Traitors" very much. But it brings up an interesting point. Superboy is always complaining that he doesn't have a super-pal. But he now has two - the Superboy of this parallel world, and the one from "The Ordeal of Chief Parker." Why not have them get together and play super-games? The other Superboys probably long for super-pals, also. -David Shestokas, La Grange, Ill. (We'll keep your idea in mind. However, have you forgotten that the Boy of Steel has a whole club full of super-pals - the Legion of Super-Heroes? -Ed.) Dear Editor: I enjoyed "The Lad Who Wrecked the Legion," and I was especially happy to learn a little about Cosmic Boy's parents. You showed us a picture of them and revealed that they were celebrating their golden anniversary. Will you tell us about the other Legionnaires' parents in future stories? - Bill Lewis, Indianapolis, Ind. (Yes - from time to time we'll be giving you a look at the Super-Heroes' families. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: Mon-El seems to be the most powerful member of the Legion of Super-Heroes. Since he's been using the lead antidote invented by Brainiac 5, he seems to have no weaknesses at all. He even has super-powers under a red sun. Can't anything harm Mon-El? - Mel Adams, Chicago, Ill. (Yes, indeed! Like all the other Legionnaires, Mon-El is vulnerable to magic. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: ADVENTURE is my favorite magazine, and I thought "The Lad Who Wrecked the Legion" was terrific. But doesn't Command Kid ever have a haircut? I personally think he's a space-age Beatle. - Billy Edminster, Waupaca, Wisc. (You have something there. He certainly did "bug" the other Legionnaires! -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: I have been a faithful reader of your comics for some time. But one thing puzzles me. Why does Night Girl, who only has super-powers away from sunlight, have powers at night, since the moon's light is just reflected sunlight and the stars in the sky are actually distant suns? - Karen Beach, Anaheim, Calif. (Night Girl came from the dark planet Kathoon, which has no sun. It was here that her scientist father found a way to give her super-strength. Even on Kathoon stars are visible, but they are too far away to affect Night Girl's strength. And only direct sunlight can rob her of her power, which she even has in deep shadow. Therefore the reflected sunlight from the moon cannot weaken her. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: It seems incredible to me that all the members of the Legion of Super-Heroes manage to survive so many dangers without a scratch. They're hardly ever hurt at all. Aren't the Legionnaires ever seriously injured? - Ed Drew, Seattle, Wash. (Wait until you see how one of the Legionnaires loses his arm in the May ADVENTURE! -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: I have only one complaint about your otherwise superb Legion of Super-Heroes. That is the fact that there are so many more males than females in it. Of the 19 active members of the Legion, 13 are boys, while only 6 are girls. I do wish you'd put more girls in the Legion. -Sandra Williams, New York, N.Y. (We'll consider your suggestion the next time we're ready to add a member to the Legion. Meantime, you can console yourself with the fact that the Legion's leader is a member of the fair sex - Saturn Girl. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: At the end of "The Lone Wolf Legionnaire," you indicated that Lone Wolf would join the Legion. But now the next issue is out - and no Lone Wolf! What happened to him? -Charles Davis, Kansas City, Mo. (We wanted to get our readers' reactions to Lone Wolf before inducting him into the Legion. Since most of the letters we've received have been favorable, we plan to make him a member as soon as we can decide on a new name for him. -Ed.) Dear Editor: I thoroughly enjoyed "The Bizarro Legion" - in fact, the whole February issue. There were several reasons: (1) I never tire of the zany Bizarro antics; (2) the ending was fine, requiring some quick-thinking Legionnaire teamwork; (3) the "Know Your Legionnaires" feature was great. However, in this text, you overlooked Lone wolf, as well as Command Kid, who was dropped from membership. Otherwise, the whole issue was great. A final note: with the exception of "Superboy's Best Friend," "The 100 New Feats of Superboy" surpassed all your other HALL OF FAME CLASSICS combined! -Dale Matthews, Hanover, N.H. (Lone Wolf was not included in the text because he has not yet officially joined the Legion. And Command Kid was one of several youths who have been members only briefly. -Ed.) Dear Editor: Have the Bizarros changed their addition table? In JIMMY OLSEN No. 80, a Bizarro says that 2+2 equals 5 1/2; but in the February ADVENTURE, Bizarro-Brainiac 5 gets 3 as the answer. -Darrel Van Buer, Clinton, Iowa. (The Bizarros consider Earth people stupid because, no matter how many times they work a problem the answer is always the same. The Bizarros could figure out 2+2 a dozen times and get a dozen different answers - and the only answer they'd consider wrong would be 4! -Ed.) Dear Editor: In "The 100 New Feats of Superboy," the Boy of Steel says, "And while I've often endured the sun's heat of 20 billion degrees, I've never visited this star, the hottest in the universe - over 10 billion degrees." I'm sure this is a 100% goof! -Bob Rozakis, Elmont, N.Y. (Oops! It looks like the Bizarros got some of their whacky mathematics into this story, too! Seriously, the sun's heat should have been given as 20 million degrees. -Ed.) Dear Editor: Since Bouncing Boy is no longer in the Legion, why do you have his picture in the "Legion Outpost" logo? Are you going to bring him back? -Robert Innes, Albany, Calif. (We have definite plans for Bouncing Boy, so don't be surprised if one of these days he comes bouncing back into action. -Ed.) Dear Editor: I enjoyed "The Bizarro Legion." However, one thing bugs me. I can't believe you could fit 20 Legionnaires, plus trophy rooms, library, etc., into that one small clubhouse. -Richard Bands, Jr., Los Angeles, Calif. (We couldn't - if the clubhouse consisted of just what can se seen from outside. But beneath the land on which it is built are vast underground chambers. Thus the clubhouse is like an iceberg - only a small portion is visible on the surface. -Ed.) Dear Editor: You have presented four Legions so far: The Legion of Super-Heroes, The Legion of Substitute Heroes, The Legion of Super-Pets, and The Super-Heroes of Lallor (formerly The Legion of Super-Outlaws.) Now how about another Legion, using suggestions from the "Bits of Legionnaire Business?" -David Cardin, Albany, N.Y. (We'll be using more of these suggestions in future stories - but how we'll use them is something we'll save for a surprise. By the way, you forgot two Legions - The Legion of Super-Villains and The Legion of Stupor-Bizarros. -Ed.) Dear Editor: I enjoyed the feature, "Know Your Legionnaires." Lately you've been presenting these little "extras" in your magazines, explaining or highlighting parts of the Superman legend. This is a brilliant idea and I hope you continue it. -Cary Bates, Dayton, Ohio. (Rest assured that we'll be bringing you these "extras" whenever we have space available. You'll find some in the SUPERBOY 80 PAGE GIANT, now on sale, as well as in the next SUPERMAN GIANT. -Ed.) Dear Editor: I would like to suggest a pet for Saturn Girl - one of the Telepathic Hounds of the bottle-city of Kandor. This mind-reading canine could then be inducted into the Legion of Super-Pets. -Eugene Twilleager, Seattle, Wash. (Your idea sounds good. Outside Kandor, the Hound would have the same powers as Krypto - plus its telepathic ability. But we wonder how Streaky the Supercat would feel, being outnumbered two-to-one in the Super-Pets by Kryptonian Canines? Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: I like the Bizarros very much, but there is one thing I don't understand. You often state that they do everything the opposite of the way we do it on Earth. So, in "The Bizarro Legion," when the Bizarro-Super-Heroes were taking their oath, they said, "...and us promise to use our super-powers for only nasty purposes..." Yet, later in the book, you show them doing bad deeds - which, by their twisted way of thinking, would be good deeds! Can you explain this? -Timothy Loan, Oregon, Ill. (Sure! A Bizarro would be disgraced if, after swearing an oath, he didn't go right out and break his word! So, since they swore to do "bad" deeds, they did "good" ones instead. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: "Know Your Legionnaires" was a good, informative article. Couldn't Superboy drink some of the same liquid Mon-El does, and have powers under a red sun, too? -Ned Snively, Winter Haven, Fla. (No. On the contrary, this serum could be fatal to Superboy, because one of the ingredients is powdered Kryptonite. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: On the last page of "The 100 New Feats of Superboy," you show the Boy of Steel looking at a picture of himself rescuing a Martian kitten, in the Encyclopedia of Strength. But where did the editor of the book get that photo? Don't tell me an astronomer could take a picture of it, or that Superboy had a camera and snapped it himself. -Denis O'Sullivan, Flushing, N.Y. (Who says that was a photo? It might have been a drawing based on Superboy's description of the event. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: In "Bad Boy Clark Kent," you have Superboy melting the Arctic ice to reveal extinct dinosaurs - a stegosaurus, a tyrannosaurus and (of all things) a woolly mammoth! But the stegosaurus lived millions of years before the tyrannosaurus, while the mammoth, which is not a dinosaur, lived much later, during the Ice Age. -Tony Swanson, Donovan, Ill. (The upright dinosaur wasn't called a tyrannosaurus in the story, and could have been the somewhat similar-looking allosaurus, which lived at the same time as the stegosaurus. However, including that woolly elephant was an error of mammoth proportions! -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: I get mixed up when I see Superboy and Supergirl together in the Legion. Supergirl came to Earth when Superboy had grown up to be Superman. Therefore, he shouldn't know about her, since this would reveal something about his future. Does he take a serum, or hypnotize himself, or something, when he returns to his own time? I'm all befuddled. -Jerry Weissman, Providence, R.I. (You're close. Supergirl uses post-hypnotic suggestion to make the Boy of Steel forget about her when he returns to 20th-century Smallville. -Ed.) Dear Editor: Many readers have commented on the number of L's in your mags. However, I have noticed a lot of C's. For instance, there is Cosmic Boy, Chameleon Boy, Colossal Boy, Comet the Superhorse, DC, Clayface and the Jimmy Olsen Fan Club. Are there any C's I have missed? -Frank Toomes, Philadelphia, Pa. (How could you possibly have overlooked Clark Kent? -Ed.) Dear Editor: On the cover of ADVENTURE No. 329, the sign on the Bizarro clubhouse reads: "Bizarro Super-Hero Clubhouse." Shouldn't it be "Bizarro Weakling Finks' Pad," since Bizarro's think backwards? Also, the inside art was different on the Legion. I liked the old style better. -Roberta Lortez, Hatboro, Penna. (Our regular Legion artist, John Forte, was forced to cut down on his work for a while, due to illness, and Supergirl illustrator Jim Mooney had to pinch-hit. We're sure John's fans are glad to see him back drawing the Super-Heroes. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: I like your Superboy Hall of Fame Classics in ADVENTURE, which brings us great stories of yesteryear. Do any of your other comics carry a similar department? -Jim Safran, Van Nuys, Calif. (Yes. WORLD'S FINEST regularly publishes a "Surprise Feature" - which brings back some of our most popular stories. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: Saturn Queen, Cosmic King and Lightning Lord are said to be among the greatest villains you ever created. Then why are they hardly ever heard of? I hope you feature these fantastic foes more often in the future. -Rich Walls, Des Moines, Iowa. (Right! More stories about these super-baddies coming up! -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: I caught a mistake in "The Man Who Knew Superboy's Identity." Dad Kent had written on the wall of the cave, "Count the water drops falling here for one full hour, Superboy! Then return home as Clark Kent!" What if someone had wandered into the cave? This would have revealed Superboy's secret identity! -Dave Pawlishak, Ambridge, Pa. (Right! Dad Kent, as "The Mask," ran a grave risk of unmasking Superboy's dual identity. But don't worry. Before leaving the cave, the Boy of Steel wiped out the writing with his heat vision. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: I have been reading ADVENTURE COMICS for several months now, and I wish to express my congratulations on the fine job you are doing on the Legion stories. Knowing that the age limit is 18, my friends and I agree that it would be interesting to see what would happen when a member reached this age. Superboy, as a grown-up Superman, belongs to the Justice League of America, but what about the other Legion members? -V.P. Hennings, Boston, Mass. (18 is the age limit for admission to the Legion. However, a Legionnaire is not expelled upon reaching that age. Supergirl is over 18, but still a member. Indeed, we have shown that when the Legionnaires grow up, they will belong to an adult Legion of Super-Heroes. -Ed.) MEET THE LEGIONNAIRES BRAINIAC 5 (First of a Series) Many years ago, on a distant planet, scientists created huge electronic computers with tenth-level-effector minds, as compared to the sixth-level-effector brains of humans. The machines then revolted against their creators and conquered that world. Deciding that their superior minds entitled them to rule the universe, they created a computer in human form, whose duty would be to spy on human-kind throughout the cosmos, in preparation for conquest. This incredible automaton was Brainiac, Superman's arch-foe. In order to add a final touch to Brainiac's disguise, the computers forced a boy of their world, Vril Dox, to masquerade as Brainiac's son. They renamed the lad "Brainiac II," and imprinted his new name indelibly on the palm of his right hand. But Vril was clever. Having learned many of Brainiac's scientific secrets, he ran away; then, while his villainous foster-father went off on his espionage mission, which was to occupy many years, Vril used his knowledge to build a brain-stimulator which raised his mind to the twelfth-level effector. Now he was smarter than the tyrannous computers and led his people in a revolt against the machines. Honored by the people he had freed, Vril Dox, alias Brainiac II, lived a long, happy life. Long, indeed - for the green-skinned inhabitants of that world have a life-span far greater than that of an Earthman. When he grew up, Vril married and became a father. He found that his brain-stimulator had affected his genes, so that his children inherited his twelfth-level-effector brain. His son Pran Dox, was nicknamed Brainiac 3. He in turn was the father of Kajz Dox (Brainiac 4), whose son, Querl Dox, became Brainiac 5 of the Legion of Super-Heroes. Thus it is that Brainiac 5 has a twelfth-level-effector mind, like the original Brainiac. With a mind twice as powerful as ordinary humans, Brainiac 5 can solve the most difficult problems in seconds. Dear Editor: Congratulations on "The Super-Moby Dick of Space." At long last, you had a genuine development in the Legion. I was stunned when I saw that Lightning Lad still had his metal arm at the end of the story, because I am so used to "let-down" endings, such as dreams and illusions. You're finally pleasing your readers! -John Selsky, Philadelphia, Pa. (That's the whole idea, John - if we don't please the readers, they won't buy our magazines! -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: Could you tell me what Chameleon Boy's antennae are for? A friend of mine says that they give him his Chameleon power, and that if he remains in a shape without them for several hours, he loses his powers. Is that correct? Also, how does Saturn Girl do it? Saturn's day is 10 hours, 14 minutes long and scientists have proved that a change in the length of the day is the one thing we can't adapt to. I'll bet she goes through the meetings yawning! -Fred Kau, Honolulu, Hawaii. (We've never found out what Chameleon Boy's antennae are used for. We didn't like to ask him such a personal question. As for Saturn Girl, have scientists proved that Saturnians can't adapt to changes in the day? -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: The sequel to the story of Dynamo-Boy was superb. The issue wouldn't have been half as exciting without the appearance of the Legion of Super-Villains. They seemed like such nice people at the beginning of the story, but they were their old traitorous selves by the time they marooned Vorn in the far future. Let's see more of this trio in issues to come. -Peter Mancuso, Freeport, N.Y. (You must have E.S.P.! See the September issue of JIMMY OLSEN for a story in which the evil Legionnaires team up with Luthor and Brainiac. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: Don't the Legionnaires ever have any fun? Don't they ever go to parties, dances, or just out? Do they always have to work? Can't you publish a story wherein it's a Super-Hero's birthday and they celebrate? I'm getting sick of all those missions they're forever going on. They always do everything right! Don't they ever do things wrong or get scared? I really do love ADVENTURE COMICS, though. -Nancy Kahn, Paterson, N.J. (Okay, Nancy - we'll try to show more scenes of the Legionnaires' off-duty life. And if you want proof that the Super-Heroes don't always win, you should read this issue, wherein Starfinger clobbers the Legion. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: In "The Bizarro Legion," Superboy tries to squeeze a diamond into coal, but only crushes it to dust. But in the Hall of Fame Classic in that same issue, the Boy of Steel squeezes a diamond to microscopic size. Why didn't the diamond crumble to dust in the second story of become microscopic in the first? -Richard Duncan, Athena, Ore. (It all depends on how he squeezes it whether it crumbles or is compressed. At least, that's the best answer we can squeeze out of our minds! And that's the way the diamond crumbles! -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: I have read your magazine for many years, and I feel that you could use another animal in the Legion of Super-Pets - for instance, Super-RABBIT! I think he would be just as terrific as the other Super-Pets. I have a rabbit who "reads" the terrific stories in your excellent comics with me. -Harold Leibowitz. (If your pet rabbit enjoys our mags, we think he's super! Don't forget to reward him with a bunch of carrots! -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: How about taking a popularity poll to see which Legionnaires are the best-liked? it would be very interesting to see which ones are the readers' favorites. I suggest you leave out Superboy and Supergirl, since they have their own strips. I'll cast my vote for Mon-El right now. -Steve Rosenbery, New York, N.Y. (How about it, readers? Which of the Super-heroes are your favorites and why? We'll print the best answers in The Legion Outpost, if they are written on a postal card in less than fifty words. Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: I liked "The Triumph of the Legion of Super-Villains." Boy, was Lightning Lord off when he said they would destroy the Ex-Legionnaires! I especially liked the fact that the story was in 4 parts, published in two successive issues. Boy the way, don't you think it would be a good idea to have a GIANT Legion issue? -Shawn Childerse, Morgantown, Ky. (Most of our Legion stories are too recent to reprint in an 80 PAGE GIANT just yet. But we'll keep the suggestion in mind for the future. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: It looks like you and your staff don't like Lightning Lad very much. First you kill him off, after which he is brought back to life. Then you give him a robot arm. I, for one, think that this is unfair. Have you started an Anti-Lightning Lad Organization? -Ricky Crump, Riverton, Utah (Honestly, we like Lightning Lad! In fact, we always get a charge out of him! But we hope you won't be shocked when you find out what we have in store for him in a future issue. -Ed.) Dear Editor: In JIMMY OLSEN No. 72, Jimmy states clearly that Proty II can read minds and communicate telepathically, but can't speak. Yet, in ADVENTURE No. 322, Proty imitates Superboy - and he speaks! Do you have a wisecrack to explain this? -Robert A. Goetz, Fayetteville, N.C. (Yes. Proty II took a course in public speaking. -Ed.) Dear Editor: "The Civil War of the Legion" was fine, except that you put all the good Legionnaires on one side and all the crumby ones on the other. -Don Solla, Freeport, Pa. (If you go around calling some of the Legionnaires crumby, you might get the whole club mad at you! Those Super-Heroes do stick together! -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: I enjoyed "The Civil War of the Legion." There is something I would like you to clear up, though. On page 9 of part I, you show Brainiac 5 walking away with Saturn Girl's group, while, in the same panel, he is also walking away with the other group. How can he be going in two directions at the same time? Is this a mistake? -Bill Thom, Cleveland, Ohio. (Yes, it is - unless Brainiac 5 suddenly developed a split personality. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: In ADVENTURE No. 333, you say that Clark (Superboy) Kent is the fastest boy on Earth. But in FLASH, Kid Flash is the fastest. Please tell me which one really holds the title. -Bill Vickers, La Grange, Ill. (Since Superboy had grown up to be Superman before Kid Flash got his super-speed, there's no conflict in the two statements. But we'll never know which is the faster... unless the Legionnaires challenge the Teen Titans to a track meet. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: I want to the join Legion. I'm Code Kid. No - really, I'm just normally smart; but I've broken your Superman code in ACTION COMICS. However, I won't tell anyone how I did it. -Marshall Carpenter, Chelmsford, Mass. (Thanks! If all our readers learned how to break the code, they might stop joining the Supermen of America. Then they wouldn't get those beautiful Superman buttons and membership certificates. Don't you wish you had some, too, Marshall? -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: Colossal Boy is a scientific impossibility. According to the laws of physics, his strength-to-weight ratio would be twice as small when he is giant-sized as when he is normal-sized. Just supporting his own weight as a giant would give him as much trouble as carrying 180 lbs. on his back while in normal size. -Steve Maurer, Middle Village, N.Y. (We don't doubt your facts. But some scientists used to say that a bumblebee was built in such a way that it couldn't possible fly. The bumblebee kept on flying, and we've a hunch Colossal Boy will keep on growing. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: I have been an ADVENTURE and Legion fan for a year and have liked every issue, but "The Civil War of the Legion" and "The Super-Moby Dick of Space" were the best stories. In the June issue, after Star Boy made Element Lad super-heavy, did Light Lass restore him to normal weight again? -Keith Rise, Schenectady, N.Y. (She could have; or Star Boy could have neutralized his weight-induction power. On the other hand, maybe Element Lad just ate a light lunch. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: On the cover of "The Civil War of the Legion," you show Lightning Lad with two human arms, though he should have a robot right arm. Also, you show his sister, Light Lass, with lightning bolts on her uniform, instead of her new feather insignia. -Douglas Fyfe, Palatine, Ill. (Okay - we goofed twice on one cover! But, at least, we kept our boo-boos confined to one family, so we did okay, "relatively" speaking. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: ADVENTURE No. 329 was very good except for one small mistake. In the Hall of Fame Classic, Superboy is shown looking through his scrapbook to recall the super-deeds he's done in the past. Why would he need to do this, since he has a super-memory? However, I still enjoy your comics - all of them. -Alan Ashford, Oklahoma City, Okla. (Imagine that! Superboy forgot to use his super-memory! -Ed.) Dear Editor: I have three questions to ask: (1) Can't Brainiac 5 re-invent the Kryptonite antidote Lex Luthor discovered, as told in the recent SUPERBOY 80 PAGE GIANT? (2) Is it possible to tour your offices and see how comics are made? (3) Any chance of this being printed? -Ralph Vincelli, Newark, N.J. (Here are your answers, Ralph: (1) Luthor utilized a type of protoplasmic life he created after thousands of experiments. It was destroyed in the accident which cost Lex his hair. Re-discovering it would be about a trillion-to-one shot. (2) You can tour the DC offices at 575 Lexington in New York on Thursday afternoons. (3) What do you think? -Ed.) Dear Editor: I used to read the comics published by one of your competitors, but since I've discovered DC mags, I'm off all others for life! DC gives me more pages of greater action with more original characters - and terrific plots! I might add that the editor of the mags I used to read seems, judging by his letter pages, to be his own biggest fan. He's always patting himself on the back. -George L. Bixler, Two Harbors, Minn. (Don't worry about that blowhard editor, George. There's an old saying that begins, "You can fool some of the people some of the time . . ." which will eventually catch up with him. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: The June ADVENTURE was the best yet! I didn't dream there would ever be a "Civil War of the Legion." By the way, I've been waiting a year to see the return of Dream Girl and a battle royal with the Time-Trapper. Also, Lone Wolf is still not in the Legion! What happened to him? -Linda Rosen, Flushing, N.Y. (Dream Girl and Lone Wolf will be back, in time. Meanwhile, the Legion is faced with one of the Time-Trapper's most diabolical plots in the next issue. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: After reading about the Legion of Super-Heroes, I decided to apply for membership. I'm Quantum Lad (so called because of the theory that light is made of small particles called "quanta".) I come from Lucis, a world of concentrated light. I can emit a laser beam from my right index finger. I can change myself into light and hence fly at the speed of light and pass through transparent objects. And in my light form I can dazzle foes. -Quantum Lad (alias David Broomhead,) Horsforth, Leeds, Yorkshire, England. (Okay, chum, but you'll have to get in line. There are a lot of applicants ahead of you. See the page in this issue entitled "Bits of Legionnaire Business." -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: In ADVENTURE No. 334, you show Phantom Girl passing through solid rock while carrying a cylinder of Inhibitor Gas. How can the cylinder pass through the rock? -Tim Everly, Coshocton, Ohio. (The same way Phantom Girl's costume passes through solids. Whenever she becomes immaterial, an invisible aura of force around her body affects anything she wears or carries in the same way. Dig us? -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: Shame on you American editors! In "The Man Who Knew Superboy's Identity," you refer to "Wales, England." Sorry, but Wales is not in England. Together with England and Scotland, it is part of the British Isles. -Pat Gaskell, Bootle, Liverpool, Lancaster, England. (For detecting such a WHALE of an error, we here-by dub thee Boo-Boo Boy, and hope you'll forgive our ignorance of the facts of British geography. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: Whenever a boy takes me out on a date, I always wonder whether he likes me, particularly if he's handsome. I'd like you to tell me how Saturn Girl acts when she is with a boy she admires. Does she use her telepathic power to secretly read his mind and find out how she rates with him? -Joyce Mathau, Nashua, N.H. (No. If she did, she'd be a first-rate rat. Saturn Girl never exercises her telepathic talent to invade the privacy of law-abiding citizenry. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: I took a survey of the number of times the Legionnaires were shown in issues 300-333 (excluding No. 305, which I don't have) and got the following results: Saturn Girl - 671; Superboy - 622; Sun Boy - 600; Cosmic Boy - 543; Lightning Lad - 417; Brainiac 5 - 317; Mon-El - 287; Bouncing Boy - 281; Chameleon Boy - 271; Ultra Boy - 244; Triplicate Girl - 226; Star Boy - 209; Light Lass - 202; Shrinking Violet - 185; Element Lad - 146; Phantom Girl - 114; Matter-Eater Lad - 105; Colossal Boy - 100; Invisible Kid - 93; Supergirl - 91. -Greg Sanchez, South Gate, Calif. (And you we dub Census Kid. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: In every Legion story, some of the Legionnaires are off on a distant space mission, so that when a real emergency arises, all of the Super-Heroes aren't available to fight it. Why is this? -Murt Thompson, Jr., Warwick, R.I. (Give artist John Forte a break, will you? If he had to draw all the Legionnaires in every issue. he'd be a candidate for the psychiatrist's couch. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: Do the Legionnaires get paid for their crime-fighting services? I think they should. After all, sheriffs, policemen, FBI agents, and all other upholders of the law receive compensation for their activities. Don't tell me the people of the 30th Century are a bunch of cheapies who don't want to compensate their brave super-heroes. -Edward Wachtel, Bound Brook, N.J. (The Legionnaires waive all salaries - even huge financial rewards - because they are not professional law agents. They are all unpaid volunteers. And we resent your suggestion that they put a price on their heroism. We'll bet that when you were a Boy Scout you charged little old ladies for helping them across the street. -Ed.) BITS OF "LEGIONNAIRE BUSINESS" The three new super-characters who appear in this issue's feature story were thought up by three of our readers, who submitted the ideas to the "Bits of Legionnaire Business" department we used to run in this magazine. The creators of these characters were: James Vincent, Fairfax, Va. -BLACKOUT BOY; Tony Edwards, Yuma, Ariz. -STAR LAD; Bill Martin, Milwaukee, Wis. -MAGNETIC BOY. In the past, we have occasionally used other heroes suggested by our readers. For instance, the very first "bit of business" submitted was POLAR BOY, who became leader of the Legion of Substitute Heroes. We intend to use still others in the future. Here are some of the better "bits of Legionnaire business" sent in by readers of the past: Lucinda Briggs, Port Alsworth, Alaska: "TELEPORT GIRL . . . she possesses the unique ability to teleport herself anywhere, through time, space and matter." . . . David Dickhereber, Wentzville, Mo.: "RADAR LAD, a boy who can detect any object and pinpoint its location on the map." . . . Janet Hein, West N.Y., N.J.: "CREATIVE GIRL . . . she has the power of creating anything she wishes." . . . Bill Hodges, Huntsville, Ala.: "VIBRATORY BOY . . . his power consists of emitting vibratory pulsations with which he can shatter any object." . . . Ronald Domsky, Philadelphia, Pa.: "MOLECULE BOY . . . he can re-arrange the molecules of any object to form something else; for instance, he could change a crook's ray gun into a harmless pencil." 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." . . . Matthew Maynard, Seattle, Wash.: "NATURE BOY . . he can cause tidal waves, stop waterfalls, make volcanoes erupt." . . . Jeff Greenberg, Los Angeles, Calif.: "COLOR KID . . . he can change himself or any object to any color of the spectrum." . . . Barbara Reed, Yuma City, Calif.: "ATOMIC KID . . . he has the power of atomic radiation and the explosive force of an atomic bomb." . . . Roger Ho, New York, N.Y.: "VOCAL WHIZ . . . he can perfectly imitate anyone's voice." . . . Randy Steele, Tunkhan Rock, Pa.: "CYCLONE KING . . . he can create twisters, monsoons, typhoons, etc." . . . Peter Sipchen, Richardson, Tex.: "SLOW-MOTION KID . . . he has the power to slow down any moving object or person." J. Adam King, Yellow Springs, Ohio: "DEGREE DAMSEL . . . she has the power to alter the temperature of anything." . . . Jeff Baker, Ft. Worth, Tex. "MEDIC MASTER . . . he can cure any disease or illness." . . . Dennis Persica, New Orleans, La.: "BIRD GIRL . . . she has the power of doing anything that any bird can do." . . . Rex Osborne, Essex, England: "TIME GIRL . . . she possesses the power to alter time and evolution." . . . Tom Kegley, St. Paul, Minn.: "BLOCKADE BOY . . . he can change himself into an invulnerable steel wall of any size or shape." . . . Greg Flood, Needham, Mass.: "EARTHQUAKE LAD . . . has the power to create earthquakes." . . . R. Goo, San Bernadino, Calif.: "OMNIBOY . . . he can travel on and under land, beneath the sea, and in air or space." Mike Jones, Orlando, Fla.: "BAT BOY . . . like his namesake, the bat, he has the power of hearing supersonic frequencies." . . . Eddie Jones, Rogersville, Tenn.: "DIMENSION DAMSEL . . . she has the power to visit the 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th dimensions." . . . Roberta Davidson, New Shrewsbury, N.J.: "SONG GIRL . . . she can charm any person into obeying her orders by singing to them." Our thanks to those who contributed these and other suggestions. If you have any original "Bits of Legionnaire Business," send them on a postal card and we'll publish the best ones in The Legion Outpost. Also, we'll have author Edmond Hamilton put many of them into his Legion stories. Send all cards to : THE LEGION OUTPOST, National Periodical Publications, 575 Lexington Ave., N. Y., N.Y. 10022. Dear Editor: Every now and then, some readers writes in to tell about all the L's or K's or other letters they find in the Superman stories. I believe this could be done with most letters, For instance, I've compiled a whole Superman Alphabet: Argo City, Bizarro, Clark Kent, Daily Planet, Elastic Lad, Fortress of Solitude, Green Kryptonite, Super-Horse, Invisible Kid, Jor-El, Krypton, Lois Lane, Metropolis, Nightwing, Jimmy Olsen, Pete Ross, Saturn Queen, Red Kryptonite, Superman, Toyman, Ultra Boy, Van-Zee, Perry White, X-Ray vision, Krypto's "Yip!", and Zor-El. -Dave Warren, Boise, Idaho. (Great research! Now can you do the same feat, using the KRYPTONESE alphabet? -Ed.) Dear Editor: In "the One-Man Baseball Team," you show Superboy hitting a baseball into orbit. How could this be? If he hit a baseball hard enough to make it go into orbit, the ball would be going so fast it would disintegrate from the friction. Try to get out of this! Ha, ha! - Roger Woods, Kingsport, Tenn. (When Superboy connects with a pitch, even the air molecules get out of the way - wouldn't you? - Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: In ADVENTURE No. 335, I noticed that you've changed Light Lass' symbol to a feather. Didn't enough people know that the old symbol was a cloud, standing for lightness? -Hope Roberts, Seattle, Wash. (You guessed it! Evidently you saw the light, but the minds of many other readers were clouded, so we had to feather our nests - or, in this case, Light Lass' costume. -Ed.) ------ A few issues ago we asked readers to send us their votes for their favorite Legionnaire. While it's too early yet to announce any final results, because postcards are still pouring in, here are a few early returns, as well as the readers' reasons for their choices: I'm casting my vote in the popularity contest for Mon-El, because he is smart, brave, and willing to risk his life for another. Even without super-powers, he'd be terrific! -Marshall Carpenter, Chelmsford, Mass. My vote goes to Superboy, because he's Super-powerful, Upright, Polite, Extraordinary, Remarkable, Brave, Outstanding, and Young. -Thomas Tuna, Freeport, N.Y. I like Colossal Boy, because he is the Jolly Green Giant of the Legion. Being big myself, I am called the Jolly Green Giant, and when we play Legionnaires, I always portray Colossal Boy. -Dominick Corrado, Bronx, N.Y. I cast my vote for Cosmic Boy. He is magnetic and dynamic and attracts me. His power may not be the most fascinating in the Legion, but how he always gets out of trouble fascinates me. -Michael Colby, Newlett Bay Park, N.Y. I pick the entire Legion, because if it weren't for teamwork they wouldn't be any good. And that includes Jimmy Olsen and Pete Ross. -Jim Austin, Ceres, Calif. I'm for Invisible Kid. The reason? He's modest and doesn't try to act like a big-shot in the Legion. Let's see more of him in the future (and I really mean see). -Kirk Hall, Tarzana, Calif. My favorite member of the Legion is Lightning Lad. You may think that I like Lightning Lad because I feel sorry for him for what he's been through, and I do. But don't forget that he is also a great Legionnaire. -Steve Games, Portland, Ore. I like Brainiac 5 because he has a computer brain. I'd sure like to be him so I could figure out problems in seconds. Besides, Supergirl admires him and I like Supergirl. If I had Brainiac 5's brain, I'd be in the seventh grade by now! -[name withheld by request], Beloit, Wisc. My favorite Legionnaire is Element Lad. He has the most original super-power and the most colorful costume as well. Also, his origin was the most fascinating one to date. So let's have more of him. -Ben Wright, Waltham, Mass. (Continued on the last page) LEGION OUTPOST -Continued... We think that Chameleon Boy should win the honors because he can camouflage himself into any shape. He is also proof that someone can be as ingenious and resourceful as Superboy, even though he doesn't have super-speed, super-strength, etc. -Billy, Howard, and Bobby Davenport, San Antonio, Texas My vote is for Mon-El, because he is invulnerable now to both Kryptonite and lead. I have a friend, and his vote is for Matter-Eater Lad because he can't starve. He can eat things like homework or even eat his way out of jail. -Helmut Welke, Chicago, Ill. I think that to find a favorite Legionnaire you should divide the members into males and females. Therefore, my vote for the best male Legionnaire would be Mon-El, and my favorite super-heroine is Saturn Girl. -Mary Helen Fisher, Mundelein, Ill. Brainiac 5 is my favorite Legionnaire because he does not have any fantastic powers such as invulnerability or super-strength, but possesses a twelfth-level brain which gives him the power of super-intelligence. -Randy Hargraves, Bellville, Ill. In reference to your Legion polling, I would like to cast a vote for Cosmic Boy. I think he has done more for the Legion than any other member. I suggest you take Mon-El out of the race, because he has as many powers as Superboy. -Jonathan Rogawski, Los Angeles, Calif. I vote for Lightning Lad. In my opinion he has been the bravest of the Legionnaires. What other super-hero has died in action to save another, or has lost an arm in battle? -Lawrence Reich, Brooklyn, N.Y. My favorite Legionnaire is Mon-El, because he is the strongest of them all and yet isn't muscle-bound. The others probably even have muscles in their brains! Mon-El doesn't bother having a fancy costume like the rest, yet he's the handsomest anyway. He is always ready to go on missions and is never quarreling with his fellow Legionnaires. -John Irwin, Fort Wayne, Ind. I'm casting my vote for Mon-El. He has an interesting background, just the right powers and limitations, and is modest as well. I hope Mon-El wins. -Thomas Mosteller, Lewes, Delaware My favorite Legionnaire is Lightning Lad. It seems he's always "where the action is." I like his power, too. -Jeff Carroll, Glenview, Ill. I like Night Girl best. I know she isn't a member - but she should be! -Alex Marcos, Ocala, Fla. I choose Light Lass for the popularity poll because: 1. I like the way she mastered her new power. 2. She alone was the only member of the Legion who had faith in the innocence of the Lone Wolf. 3. She's darned cute! -Robin Hoffman, Hackettstown, N.J. I would like to cast my vote for Matter-Eater Lad because of a peculiar reason . . . I feel sorry for him. True, his power is not as spectacular as some of the others', but his wit and intelligence draw my vote. -Tom Baysinger, Emporia, Kansas. I like Mon-El the best of all, because his super-powers are the most helpful to the Legion. Unlike Superboy or Ultra Boy, he has powers under any sun and is invulnerable to anything except magic. -Richard Rufa, Newton, Mass. (Send your vote for your favorite Legionnaire to THE LEGION OUTPOST, NATIONAL PERIODICAL PUBLICATIONS, 575 Lexington Avenue, New York, N.Y. 10022. You have a greater chance of having your nomination published if you write it on a POSTAL CARD.) In our August issue, a reader suggested we take a poll to determine the most popular of the Legionnaires - excluding Superboy and Supergirl, who have their own features. Here are some more votes we've received on the subject so far. We'll announce the top choices in an early issue, after we tabulate all the ballots. -Ed. * * * Robert Kane, Marion, Iowa - "I like Matter-Eater Lad better than any other Legionnaire. I know he has a relatively minor super-power, which he can't use in a fight (unless he's going to chew the guy's arm off), so he has to rely on a weapon. I'd like to see him featured more prominently in your stories." . . . Ron Ridolfo - "My vote is for Phantom Girl. She has one of the best powers in the Legion. She is pretty and witty - a kind of example to Saturn Girl, who is bossy and arrogant. She keeps a clear head and acts upon thought." . . . Celeste Martin, San Jose, Calif. - "My favorite Legionnaire is Cosmic Boy. He has a very 'attractive' power of magnetism. I also am 'attracted' to him because he is so cute." Eric Hanigsberg, Great Neck, N.Y. - "My favorite Legionnaire is Brainiac 5, for the simple reason that he doesn't have any unbelievable powers." . . . Vicki Sand, Fergus Falls, Minn. - "I cast my ballot for Saturn Girl. She's beautiful, intelligent, and a good leader." . . . John Barrett, Allston, Mass. - "Sun Boy is the swingingest! He is the handsomest and best-dressed of all the Legionnaires. His costume is great." . . . Steve Kristiansen, Mountlake Terrace, Wash. - "Element Lad is my favorite Legionnaire because he's handsome and seems to be more modest than some of the others." Ed Martin, San Jose, Calif. - "The Legionnaire I like best is Chameleon Boy, because of his unique power to transform to a copy of any object." . . . Karl Kellar, Houston, Tex. - "My favorite is Ultra Boy, because he is powerful, but not overpowering, like Superboy and Mon-El." . . . Robert Thomas, North Kingstown, N.J. - "I vote for Lightning Lad. He seems to be willing to sacrifice anything for the Legion. He is also very brave in Legion missions." Susan Bartnick, Grand Rapids, Mich. - I like Triplicate Girl best, because she is so pretty and smart. She also has a beautiful figure. Her power makes her 3 times as sweet!" . . . Rose Ann Wasserman, Milwaukee, Wis. - "I pick Mon-El, because when he was in the Phantom Zone, he solved crimes that the people in the outer world could not. Also, he saved Superman's life in "The Last Days of Superman." And last but not least, I think he's pretty cute." * * * Dear Editor: The cover of "The Unknown Legionnaire" didn't tie in too well with the story. But otherwise, both story and art-work were (as Mary Poppins says) "super-cali-fragil-istic-expi-ali-docious!" -Beth Jackson, Ridgecrest, N.C. (Your opinion of the cover would have been hard medicine to take, but - again quoting Miss Poppins - "A Spoonful of Sugar Helps the Medicine Go Down" - and your last remark provided the sugar! -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: In "The Civil War of the Legion," you show Star Boy sinking Atlantis into the sea. Yet in a Lois Lane story, Roh-Tul's secret weapon destroyed Atlantis. How could you make such a drastic mistake? -Linda Biggers, Beaumont, Tex. (What mistake? Star Boy only sank one city of the vast continent of Atlantis. The rest of the continent sank eons later. -Ed.) THE GREAT BOO-BOO CONTEST Our older readers may recall having read this issue's Hall of Fame Classic, "The Night of March 31st." But how many of you, reading it for the first time, guessed what it was all about? The story began on the "Night of March 31st," of course - but all the action took place the next day - April 1st, or April Fool's Day! In fact, this was the story on which our "Great Boo-Boo Contest" was based a few years ago. We received over 30,000 letters pointing out the goofs in the story. Here are a few of the hundreds they spotted: On page 1, Superman is wearing a boot on one foot and a shoe and sock on the other. As Clark Kent, he wears his glasses to bed - and has telepathic powers. On page 2, panel 1, the phone cord is missing; in panel 3, Superman wears no cape; he is wantonly destructive, needlessly bursting through a wall and a window; Perry White is a Bizarro. On page 3, Lori the Mermaid has legs instead of a fish tail; in panel 1, Superman has one white shirt sleeve; there's a pay phone on Clark's desk; in panel 4, Jimmy wears formal clothes to work; in panel 5, Krypto has a short tail. On page 4, Clark's glasses are missing - except for one panel, in which he wears a pince-nez and Bermuda shorts; Lois' hair changes from short to long and back again; she's going to lunch when the clock says 8:22; Krypto feels pain; and Clark switches to Superman in front of witnesses. On page 5, Superman wears Clark's glasses; Lois has a pony tail and gloves in one panel; and in another, Mr. Mxyzptlk wears Clark's glasses, while Superman wears the Infernal Imp's hat. On page 5, Lana's costume changes in every panel; she tries to kill Superman, while his enemies come to his rescue; the Leaning Tower of Pisa is in Metropolis; a "deluxe penthouse" is a log cabin; and the last panel shows Lana standing in mid-air. On the final page, Ma Kent is selling Superman comic books in Metropolis; and Superman's enemies learn his identity from reading these mags. Now look the story over carefully and see how many more of our deliberate boners you can spot. - Ed. BITS OF LEGIONNAIRE BUSINESS Our recent request for more ideas for Legionnaires had brought an overwhelming response. So great has it been, in fact, that we're devoting this space to your suggestions. Many, unfortunately, were not usable - some because they were similar to others already submitted; others because they were variations to the real Legionnaires, or possessed powers close to those of the Legion of Substitute Heroes, or other DC characters. But here are the best suggestions submitted to date: Eric Hodges, San Francisco, Calif. - "Projecto Lad, who can project or retrieve anything from any dimension." . . . Rand Lee, Roxbury, Conn. - "Rainbow Girl - she has the power to split into four separate forms, each a different color and with a different power (Red - super-heat; blue-super-cold; yellow - super brightness; green - Kryptonite rays.)" . . . Lee Zimmerman, Lawrence, Kan. - "Sleep Lad, who has the power to make anything go to sleep." . . . Julie and Jack McLaughlin, Scarborough, Ont., Canada - Energy Lad. He can become pure energy and go anywhere in that form." Unsigned - "Molecule Moe - has the power of controlling every molecule in his body. He can speed them up and separate them until he's a liquid or even a gas. Or he can do the opposite, slowing down his molecules and moving them so close together that nothing can pass through him." . . . Peter Cooper, Detroit, Mich. - "Vampire Boy, who has the powers of the legendary vampire. He can become invisible, and turn into a bat, a wolf, a mist, or even specks of dust in the moonlight." Johnny Fulce, Dallas, Tex. - "Crystal Youth can turn to pure crystal." . . . Mike Young, Yakima, Wash. - "Plant Lad. His power is to change himself into any plant - for instance, long vines, a strong tree, or a cactus." . . . Brian Olmstead, Rochelle, Ill. - "Joking King. He can make people laugh so hard they're helpless." . . . Steven Petryszyn, Rochester, N.Y. - "Power Boy. He can drain the power - even a super-power - from any object or person and restore it or place it in another person." Paul Burns, Wilmington, Del. - "Distortion Boy - can project waves that distort vision and make him appear to be 30 feet away." . . . Brian Atherton, Stratford, Ont., Canada - "Alter Kid. He has the power to alter the shape, size, or controls of any machine." . . . Richard W. Gowen, Lynn, Mass. - "Imitation Kid . . . he has the power to vocally imitate any sound in the world." . . . Tom McCall, Jonesboro, Ark. - "Emotion Lass. She can change anger to calmness, sorrow to happiness, etc." Melissa Wiebers, Lanark, Ill. - "Length Lad can lengthen or shorten anything in less than a second - even parts of people's bodies." . . . Paul Stevenson, Kansas City, Kan. - "Quantity Kid. He can make one object into more than one, or make several into one. For example, he can turn Superboy into 3 or 4 Superboys; or he can make Sun Boy, Element Lad and Chameleon Boy into one person with all three powers." . . . Ken Grabarek, Chicago, Ill. - "Age Boy. He has the power to make himself or anyone else young, old, or middle-aged." Patrick Peduto, Jersey City, N.J. - "Mist Lad - he can change himself into mist and make weapons out of mist." . . . Dennis Coughlin, Palo Alto, Calif. - "Shadow Kid: has ability to turn himself into a shadow, in which form he has cold ray vision." . . . Gilbert Aubin - "Crazy Kid: he can upset a person's sense of balance, causing them to appear 'crazy.'" . . . Richard Bratt, La Puente, Calif. - "Hitch-Hike Hector, a youth who possesses the power to leave his physical body and enter another person's without their knowing it." Dear Editor: I am sick and tired of seeing Superboy on the cover of every issue of every issue of ADVENTURE COMICS. Also, he has to be the big hero in the story. It would be a miracle if the Boy of Steel weren't on the cover just once! I am sure your other fans are getting sick of this, too! -David Ouellette, Essex, Ont., Canada. (How about it, readers? Let's put it to a vote. Do you want to see Superboy continue on all ADVENTURE comics or not? Just send in your vote on a postal card, to the Legion Outpost, National Periodical Publications, 575 Lexington Ave., New York, N.Y. 10022, and we'll test the Boy of Steel's popularity. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: I was thrilled with "The Legion Dropouts." I was all set to frame the cover and put the story in my private "Hall of Fame." I turned every page with increasing interest! That is, until page 6 of part 2, when Brainiac 5 said, "It'll be a fake wedding, natch!" Why? Why? Why? The Legionnaires' affection seemed real enough. Other super-heroes have married successfully - Hawkman and Aquaman, for instance. The latter even has a son! This issue was a disappointment, so how about a sequel wherein the marriages are real? -Kevin Byrnes, Florham Park, N.J. (Eventually, it's bound to happen. In some of our Superman and Supergirl stories, we've already introduced the grown-up Lightning Man and Saturn Woman as man and wife - Mr. and Mrs. Garth Ranzz! But our crystal ball is foggy as to when it will occur. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: I liked your striking cover for "The Legion Dropouts." But I didn't expect Jimmy Olsen and Lucy Lane to be on it! -Ronald Denhaan, Lynn, Mass. (Why not? After all, Jimmy is an honorary member of the Legion and he was allowed to take Lucy along as his guest. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: "The Legion Dropouts" was excellent, but I found a mistake. When the preacher (really a robot) performed the ceremony, he called the grooms and brides by their Legion titles - Lightning Lad, Saturn Girl, Ultra Boy and Phantom Girl - instead of their real names - Garth Ranzz, Imra Ardeen, Jo Nah and Tinya Wazzo. -Alan Rosen, North Hollywood, Calif. (He sure did - and that should have tipped off sharp-eyed readers that it was a fake wedding. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: I think it's a marvelous idea to have some of the Legionnaires marry, but I hope the constitution will be amended to permit them to stay in the Legion, as long as they don't mix romance with duty. I'd like to see what kind of baby two Legionnaires would produce. Would it inherit the powers of one parent or both parents? -Rachel Sorokin, W. Hartford, Conn. (Who knows? If Light Lass married Colossal Boy, they might have a child who'd grow up to be 50 feet tall and weigh next to nothing! -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: I used to adore Cosmic Boy, and I suppose I still do, but he makes me so mad! It's the way he treats Night Girl that gets me all worked up. While she simply goes ga-ga over him, he treats he like dirt! Why don't you have him pay more attention to the poor girl? -Andrea Williams, Benton Harbor, Mich. (Cosmic Boy doesn't yet realize Night Girl's attracted to his magnetic personality. But wait till you see when he encounters a new character - Cupid Kid. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: I have some suggestions I feel would improve ADVENTURE. (1) If there are any new members, they should be girls, because the Legion now has more than twice as many heroes as heroines. (2) I suggest a Farm Legion, similar to the Legion of Substitute Heroes - or a big-league baseball team's farm clubs. When there's a vacancy in the Legion, the new member could be tried out and chosen from this Farm Legion if he proved himself in action with this group. -Glen Baron, Westminster, Calif. (And, of course, no one would remain with this Farm Legion if he was chicken or easily cowed! -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: Recently, one of your fans wrote in to tell you how many times each Legionnaire had been featured. The one I'm particularly interested in is Supergirl. There is a slight difference between 671 (the number of times Saturn Girl was shown) and 91 (Supergirl's appearances.) Not that I have anything against Saturn Girl, but it gets monotonous seeing her on practically every page. -Jeanne Sakata, Watsonville, Calif. (In a future issue, we plan to feature Supergirl in a Legion story. And it will be illustrated by guest-artist Jim Mooney, who draws the Supergirl stories in ACTION! -Ed.) * * * Here are some more letters in the voting for favorite Legionnaire. We hope to have the tallies completed and give you the winner in the next issue. Michael Hemingway, Tampa, Fla. - "I cast my vote for Colossal Boy. Who else could wade across an ocean or stop a city from plunging into the sea?" . . . D. Johnson - "I like Mon-El best because he is very handsome, brave and daring." . . . Jeff Haler, Brooklyn, N.Y. - "Ultra Boy, because he seems to be the mightiest Legionnaire. They don't call him Ultra Boy for nothing." . . . Curtis Coonrod, Lafayette, Ind. - "With me, Lightning Lad is the most popular. He's been in the Legion as long as anyone. Also, he's had more things happen to him than any other Legionnaire." . . . Paul Hendricks, Tampa, Fla. - "I vote for Matter-Eater Lad, because he has a very unusual power - he can never die of hunger." Dear Editor: I think your poll to determine the favorite Legionnaire is a fab idea! My vote goes to the mightiest member, who's frequently overshadowed by the less-powerful Superboy. I mean, of course, Mon-El. I'll bet he was the overwhelming favorite - right? -Stella Greer, St. Paul, Minn. (Wrong! Mon-El won - but by only ONE VOTE! If you hadn't sent in your ballot, he'd have ended up in a tie with Lightning Lad. And, because we haven't the facilities for conducting a re-count, let that be a lesson to all you fans who neglected to vote for your favorites! The girl Legionnaire with the biggest number of votes was Phantom Girl; she won by a landslide. To celebrate this decision, we plan to feature both Mon-El and Phantom Girl in a forthcoming story. -Ed.) Dear Editor: In the Legion Outpost (ADVENTURE No. 335) there is a letter suggesting you put a super-rabbit in the Legion of Super-Pets. There is a super-rabbit already! He appeared in a Lois Lane-Lana Lang story, "The Girl Atlas." This bunny has super-strength and invulnerability. He could even travel great distances by means of super-hops! -Ron Ziegler, Oregon City, Ore. (Okay - we'll give him a tryout, just as soon as we figure out how to catch him! -Ed.) Dear Editor: In "The Menace of the Sinister Super-Babies," Brainiac 5 used the Time Trapper's ring to create a force-shield that kept that villain from reaching his spaceship. But what happened to the ring? Did the Trapper get it back, or did Brainiac 5 keep it? -Arline Farnham, Kalamazoo, Mich. (To keep the force-barrier on, the ring had to remain there. But Brainiac 5 dropped it into a deep, narrow crack in the ground, where the Trapper could never reach it. -Ed.) Dear Editor: Here's my ballot in the vote for favorite Legionnaire: A vote please give to Superboy; I think he is terrific. The other Legionnaires are good, but my vote for him's specific. How's that for poetic polling? -Anita Kulina, Pittsburgh, Pa. (Here's our rhyming reply: The Boy of Steel is tops, no doubt; And you, his fan, are swell. But from competition he's bowed out; so the winner is - Mon-El! And we hereby appoint you Poet Laureate of the Legion! -Ed.) Dear Editor: Why is it against the Legion Constitution to stay in the Legion after marrying? -Steve Malloy, Fairland, Ind. (For several reasons. First, taking on the responsibilities of a wife (or husband) and children can add to a Legionnaire's worries. This is why, in our country, family men are deferred from the Army draft. After all, if a Legionnaire is thinking, when in combat with a criminal, that, if he died, he would leave a widow with fatherless children, he would make a pretty worried warrior. -Ed.) Dear Editor: Due to a rare illness, I lost all my hair. Because of this, and because I'm an A student in Science, some of my classmates have nicknamed me "Luthor." I guess I do look a little like Lex, but this kidding gets me down. Can you suggest anything I can do about it? -George Young, Council Bluffs, Iowa. (Don't let 'em bug you! There are always a few wise guys who make fun of anyone who looks different. Some of the Legionnaires had just such experiences when they first came to Earth - Brainiac 5, with his green skin; and Chameleon Boy, with his antennae, plus a bald head! Also, we'd like to call your attention to popular actor Yul Brynner, who deliberately shaves his head to keep himself attractively bald! -Ed.) Dear Editor: Every time I look at a newsstand, I see some new team of super-heroes. Sometimes there are two of them, like Superman and Batman, or a big group, like your Legion. What I want to know is, where did it all start? What was the very first super-team? I'd really like to find out. -Rick Parker, Cleveland, Ohio. (According to our research, one of the oldest parchments in existence, the ancient Babylonian Gilgamesh Epic, tells about a team of super-heroes, Gilgamesh and Enkidu. And the ancient Greeks told of the Argonauts, a group of over fifty heroes, including Hercules and Jason, who sought the Golden Fleece. Also, don't forget the first team of mighty heroes - the knights of King Arthur's round table! -Ed.) BITS OF LEGIONNAIRE BUSINESS Bubba Caton, Tampa, Fla. - "Water Boy, from the water world of Zeron. His people evolved the power of controlling water and shooting from their fingertips jets of water so intense they can knock out a person." . . . Billy Hayden, Oak Harbor, Wash. - "Suction Lad. He has the power to turn anything to smoke and inhale it, then eject it as smoke and cause it to materialize in any form he chooses." . . . Phil Morrison, Van Nuys, Calif. - "Atmosphere Girl. She can change the atmosphere of any world." Tommy Miers, Lone Star, Tex. - "Chemical Kid - Can produce any chemical or mixture of chemicals via rays from his eyes." . . . Brain Olmstead, Rochelle, Ill. - "Give-Up Girl can give off vibrations that make crooks surrender." . . . Dennis Coughlin, Jr., Palo Alto, Calif. - "Beam Boy; he can change into a beam of light to travel anywhere." Ronald Gillis, Dorchester, Mass. - "Detector Dick has the power of detecting the plans of any evil-doer on Earth." . . . Melissa Wiebers, Lanark, Ill. - "Backwards Boy can reverse the motion of anything and make it run backwards." . . . Patrick Chupp, Muskegon, Mich. - "Crystal Kid. He can change himself or anything else into unbreakable crystal." Dear Editor: In "The Bald Boy of Steel," you have Superboy thinking: "I'll kill two birds with one stone." You know it's against his code to kill! So he was violating that code! -Jeffrey Kaplan, Grand Forks, N.D. (No more than you were when you killed time by thinking up that letter, wise guy! But if you really want to see a super-hero violate the stern anti-killing code, get the March issue of ADVENTURE COMICS. -Ed.) Dear Editor: I have just finished reading the story of Kid Psycho. I was thouroughly enjoying it until I came to the panel in which his mother said: "Our baby's head is too big. It's deformed!" My head is also extra large, but I do not consider myself deformed. Would you please consider not using such terms in the future. -(Name and address withheld by request.) (We don't consider anyone with a large head deformed, either - and that goes for Kid Psycho as well. In the story, it was explained that he was really a mutant with extraordinary mental powers. However, if our semantics offended you or anyone else, we offer our sincerest apologies. -Ed.) Dear Editor: Bravo for Kid Psycho! I think he is a wonderful super-hero! I am saddened, though, that every time he uses his powers, he shortens his life. I certainly hope to see him in action with the Legion of Super-Heroes soon, however. -Greg Kent, Goleta, Cal. (So he can shorten his life still further? Man! With rooters like you, who needs enemies? -Ed.) [edited for Legion of Super-Heroes content] THE LOWDOWN ON LANA Lana has met other super-heroes in her time. One of these was Star Boy, of the Legion of Super-Heroes. (7) At this time, Star Boy had more powers than Superboy himself, due to contact with a strange comet. Later on, this wore off, leaving him with only his power of making things super-heavy. Discovering his secret identity of Thom Kallor [sic], Lana threatened to reveal it unless he helped her in a scheme to make Superboy jealous. Star Boy gave in and took Lana to the 30th century, where they faked a romance. Superboy was not fooled, though; and, with the help of a girl who was going with Star Boy at the time, he arranged for Lana to become the victim of the "Green-Eyed Monster." But Lana's greatest super-role is that which she enacts in this issue of SUPERBOY - the identity in which she'll be back with more thrilling adventures in the future - the INSECT QUEEN! 7. "Lana Lang and the Legion of Super-Heroes." Dear Editor: Why not try cutting down the number of Legionnaires to about the size of the Justice League (10 members)? You have so many Legionnaires now that we can never get a good look at their private lives. By whittling down the number, you can bring out the character of the remaining members. If you don't want to try it now, please toss it to the readers and see what they think. -Paul Laginess, River Rouge, Mich. (So far, Bouncing Boy has been bounced from the Legion because he lost his powers, and Star Boy lost his star status for breaking the code. If this keeps up, you may get your wish! See the next issue for more on the subject! -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: I want to congratulate you on "The Menace of Beast Boy." I do have one complaint. This was the saddest story I ever read and I wish you hadn't killed off Beast Boy. You brought back Lightning Lad after he was killed. Can't you do the same for Beast Boy? -Amy Behrens, Pekin, Ill. (Don't forget, the original Proty sacrificed his life to bring Lightning Lad back. Whom do you suggest we kill off to return Beast Boy to action? -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: I cast my vote in your survey to find the favorite Legionnaire for Supergirl, even though she doesn't appear in most issues of ADVENTURE, because she is: S-Super, U-Ultra-cute, P-Patient, E-Eager, R-Reliable, G-a Girl, I-Intelligent, R-Remarkable, and L-Law-abiding. -Uday Saraiya, Bombay, India. (As far as we're concerned, your analysis is letter-perfect! -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: My choice is Brainiac 5 because he is a human computer. All my friends and I are positively green with envy. -C. Alexander, Fort Worth, Texas. (And Brainiac 5 is tickled pink! -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: In "The Menace of the Sinister Super-Babies," Ultra Boy uses his super-strength to lift a train while he is flying. I understood he could only use one power at a time. -Brian Hoye, Montgomery, ala. (Have you forgotten that all Legionnaires wear flight-rings? -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: I think that whoever thought of bringing back the Great Boo-Boo Contest story should be given a 14-karat gold statue of Superman, studded with diamonds. Here are some goofs I found which were not mentioned in your explanatory text: Page 2, panel 6 - Perry's radio is directly in front of him instead of to his left, as in the preceding panel, and his left hand is in his right sleeve. Page 3, panel 7 - The initials on Lois' dress are backwards and Jimmy and Clark are wearing each other's ties, which are both the wrong colors. Page 4, panel 1 - Jimmy is calling Streaky "Krypto" and Lois is calling Krypto "Streaky." Streaky is barking and Krypto is saying "Meow!" Panels 2 & 3 - Clark's tie is black instead of red. Panel 3 - Lois' watch is on her right wrist. Panel 4 - Lois is wearing earrings and has no initials on her dress. Clark has a black handkerchief and knee-socks. Page 6, panel 2 - Superman's insignia is backwards. Panel 3 - Lana's cart says "Golly Ice Cream" instead of "Jolly." Panel 4 - There's an Eskimo, palm trees and a log cabin in Metropolis. Have I missed any? -Wayne Tenenbaum, St. Louis, Mo. (Plenty! More than we have room to publish here. The winners in the Great Boo-Boo Contest spotted over 300! But we suspect they went over the whole story with a magnifying glass! -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: One of the things I like most about your stories is the weird forms of animal life you show. Naturally, this made "The Menace of Beast Boy" a winner for me. However, I have one question. How is it that the Maw, a creature which eats enormous amounts, manages to remain so slim? I'm sure his secret would be appreciated by many people who have to diet. -Jeff Woods, Enid, Okla. (Sorry - the Maw is always eating, and he knows he shouldn't talk with his mouth full - so he couldn't tell us the secret! -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: What ever became of Dev-Em, the boy from Krypton who refused an offer to join the Legion? I've been wanting to see him again, but he hasn't been around since ADVENTURE No. 320. When will you bring him back? -Jack Stevenson, Dubuque, Iowa. (We know many readers will consider this an outright plug, but Dev-Em returns, with the Kryptonite Kid, in the April issue of SUPERBOY. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: One thing puzzles me about the Legion. I've never seen any signs of adult supervision. You'd think there'd be some control exercised over the Legionnaires, since they're all minors. For instance, I know they're supposed to keep up with their studies, but I can't recall ever seeing any teachers around. Are these kids really on their own? -Roger O'Connor, Bangor, Me. (Not at all! They have an adult senior advisor, whom we once featured in a story. We'll bring him back sometime soon for the benefit of new readers. -Ed.) BITS OF LEGIONNAIRE BUSINESS In this issue we introduce another hero suggested by a reader in "Bits of Legionnaire Business." Color Kid was submitted by Jeff Greenberg, Los Angeles, Calif. Now for some new super-doers thought up by fans: David Krels, Milwaukee, Wis. - "Porcupine Pete. He can shoot quills from his body which are tipped with a stunning liquid. He's a great hero, but for some reason, nobody ever pats him on the back." . . . Greg Sanchez, South Gate, Calif. - "Glass Girl has the power to turn anything, including living beings, into glass for one hour." . . . Betty Borbely, Spencer, W. Va. - "Colorless Kate has control over anything that is black and white. She's a whiz with zebras and skunks." . . . Sal Iacopelli, Boonton, N. J. - "Negative Nell can explode objects or make them immaterial by projecting bolts of negative energy." Greg Kent, Goleta, Calif. - "Rocket Roy. He can turn into any size rocket and carry other Legionnaires through space." . . . Phillip Cano III, Yuma, Ariz. - Disappearing Dan. He can make anything disappear temporarily." Dear Editor: "The Sacrifice of Kid Psycho" was great, but you made one goof. On page 7, you show Lightning Lad with two good arms. I thought he was supposed to have a robot right arm. -Gary Lojocono, Buffalo, N.Y. (He does now. But Kid Psycho's Legion tryout occured before Lightning Lad's accident which cost him his arm. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: In "Krypto's Super-Movie Stunts," Krypto says, "I wish I could talk and tell my master he's wrong!" I always thought Superboy and his super-pet could communicate through telepathy! -Margaret Piel, Chicago, Ill. (Then you thought wrong! The only times Krypto has telepathic powers are when Saturn Girl gives them to him temporarily during his missions with the Legion of Super-Pets. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: On page 6 of "The Sacrifice of Kid Psycho," you have a problem on a blackboard: 73 x 59 = 4301. I worked this out and the real answer is 4307. Explain this, if you can. -Michael Sternlieb, Brooklyn, N.Y. (We can't. Your note simply adds to our embarrassment, subtracts from our efficiency, and multiplies our blood pressure. -Ed.) Dear Editor: for some time, I have been reading the Finnish translation of SUPERBOY, and now I have subscriptions to all the Super-Family mags. I read about Beast Boy and the other heroes of Lallor in the Finnish translation and they instantly became my favorites. Nothing has shocked me as much as Beast Boy's death. Can't you revive him? Otherwise, I must regretfully take radical action and join the LRSFC (Legionnaire Revenge Squad Fan Club) -George Denissoff, Helsinki, Finland. (So this Finnish reader didn't like the finish of Beast Boy, eh? Well, you'll have to wait your turn. We're still trying to find a way to satisfy the readers who want us to restore Bouncing Boy's power and Lightning Lad's right arm. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: I'm puzzled. Who is the Legion's leader? Is it Brainiac 5 or Saturn Girl? -David Truesdale, Morton, Ill. (At present it's Brainiac 5, but soon after his election, he appointed Saturn Girl his deputy, so she can take over when he's away or injured - as in this issue. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: I was really surprised by the way you ended the Computo story. I thought either Chameleon Boy or Proty II would disguise himself as Computo and give orders to the other computers to let their captives go. But you sure fooled me. I could only find one mistake in this classic story. At the bottom of page 15, Duo Damsel is wearing Phantom Girl's insignia. I think your new Go-Go look has affected your stories and improved them. Hats off to ADVENTURE! -Dan Solla, Freeport, Pa. (Thanks! We think you're gone-gone! But that wasn't Duo Damsel with Phantom Girl's insignia - it was Phantom Girl wearing Duo Damsel's colors. She got tired of always wearing white. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: I enjoy ADVENTURE very much. Here are some of the reasons: Cosmic Boy has a lot of pull, Saturn Girl gives much thought to all problems, Colossal Boy has a big heart, Sun Boy is pretty hot, Star Boy never throws his weight around, Elastic Lad (Jimmy Olsen) has the long arm of the law, Shrinking Violet, though small, is big trouble for villains, and Duo Damsel is double trouble; the Legion if subject to change since Element Land joined, Chameleon Boy and Proty II are better at impersonations than Sammy Davis, Jr.; Matter-Eater Lad never fusses about his meals, and Light Lass can move mountains. -Bill Hawkins, Sunbury, Pa. (And you sent us a ray of sunshine from Sunbury. -Ed) * * * Dear Editor: Thank you for listing the two organizations which provide the names of pen pals in the November LOIS LANE. I wrote to one of them and got a pen pal in Australia. I'm helping my pal to learn about American life. -Richard Rufo, Newton, Mass. (For readers who missed that issue, the organizations we listed are: 1. People to People, Inc., 2401 Grand Ave., Kansas City, Mo. 64141. 2. Student Letter Exchanges, Waseca, Minn. Attention: R. C. Mishek. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: I am known as Crisco Kid. I am able to put lard in the works of any machinery and thus gum up the works for crooks. I am also known as Lard Lad. I would like to win membership in the Legion of Super-Heroes. What are my chances? -Bill Cummings, Springfield, Ill. (Not very good. The Legion doesn't accept slippery characters. For other suggested Legionnaires, see below. -Ed.) BITS OF LEGIONNAIRE BUSINESS Arleen A. Abramowitz, Brooklyn, N.Y. - "Itch Witch, who can make her enemies itch terribly till they surrender to her." . . . Dan Solla, Freeport, Pa. - "Eve of Destruction. She can predict any disaster or hardship, but she can't predict anything good." . . . Michael Capobianco, Woodbridge, Va. - "Repeller Ray. He radiates a gravitational aura that enables him to control anything within one foot of his body. Thus, he could stop bullets or flying shrapnel before they hit him." Philip Cobb, Charleston, Ill. - "Duplication Deb. She can materialize an exact duplicate of anything; however, the duplicate only lasts for one hour." . . . Mike Pigg, Pasadena, Tex. - "Petri-Pal can petrify anything." . . . Michael E. Colby, Hewlett Bay Park, L.I., N.Y. - "Venus Vamp. She can make others handsome or ugly and can make people love anything." . . . Veronica Brown, Philadelphia, Pa. - "Amnesia Al, who can make anyone lose his memory." David Blank, Brooklyn, N.Y. - "Octi-Lad has six arms, which, with his legs, make eight limbs." . . . Melissa Cook, Bronx, N.Y. - Feature Femme can change other people's features." . . . Carol Ann Wendover, Poughkeepsie, N.Y. - "Wolf Girl can change into a wolf and see in the dark." _____ Send all comments on a postal card to THE LEGION OUTPOST, National Periodical Publications, 575 Lexington Avenue, New York, N.Y. 10022. If you wish a reply, please send a stamped, self-addressed envelope. WE MUST BE DOING SOMETHING - WRITE! Dear Editor: Saturn Girl should be dead! In "The Strategy of Brainiac 5," Computo announces that Saturn Girl has 15 minutes to live. He then restores Bouncing Boy's power for a half hour. The effect wears off and Saturn Girl still has 5 more minutes to live. It seems that someone can't tell time. And don't tell me Computo forgot to wind his watch the night before. - Allan Valgemae, Minneapolis, Minn. (We'd never give you a ridiculous story like that! Actually, the huge robot forgot to wind his head! -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: Who is the oldest member of the Legion? Is Mon-El older than Superboy? Excluding the years he spent in the Phantom Zone, that is! And I don't mean his physical age, but the number of years he's lived. -Kirk Heriot, Cayce, S.C, (Mon-El is older than Superboy, as you can learn by reading his origin in the latest SUPERBOY 80 PAGE GIANT, now on sale. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: Since your magazine is published monthly, I figure that No. 341 marks 28 years and 5 months that ADVENTURE has been published. That makes it the oldest of your mags. Right? -Barry Katz, Massapequa, N.Y. (Right! But it's older than you figured. It started as NEW COMICS with the December, 1935, issue; it became NEW ADVENTURE COMICS with issue No. 12, and ADVENTURE Comics with No. 32. So the mag is just over 30! You slipped up because ADVENTURE was published bi-monthly for a while, during World War II. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: Some people want romance in your mag. I say they should buy ADVENTURE for adventure. If they want romance, let 'em read YOUNG ROMANCE. I'm also tired of seeing so many letters pointing out mistakes. Surely you get some letters that are not complaints! -Mark Lasky, Woodside, N.Y. (Yes, but yours sure isn't one of them! You're complaining about complaining letters! -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: A fan recently wrote in that he was sick and tired of seeing Superboy on the cover of every issue of ADVENTURE. Holy Hannah! This guy must be from the Phantom Zone! I say, keep Superboy on each and every ADVENTURE cover. -Don Wade, Cleveland, Tenn. (Most readers seem to feel that way; but there were some dissenters, like the next one. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: I think Superboy is sickening! Not only is he on every ADVENTURE cover, he's also hogging most of every story. The only sensible Legionnaires, as I see them, are Lightning Lad, Saturn Girl, Star Boy and Sun Boy. But THE Legionnaire is ELEMENT LAD! Even his uniform is just right for him. -Dave Jellison, Wheat Ridge, Colo. (Element Lad, Saturn Girl, Lightning Lad, Star Boy and Sun Boy thank you, and the Superboy Fan Club has just named you Fink of the Month! -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: Your D.C. Checks are Definitely Cool. Direct Currents (Devoted to Coming Dynamic Creations) Deserves Congratulations. You are Diabolically Crafty to Delightfully Conceive this Different Column. It may sound Dumb and Corny, but please Don't Change! -Jerry Mills, Harbor City, Calif. (Thanks for your Dazzling Compliment! -Ed.) * * * BITS OF LEGIONNAIRE BUSINESS Shirley Smith, Hazel Park, Mich. -"Tina Truth has the power to make any person blurt out the complete truth about who he is, where he is from, and what he's doing." . . . Daniel McShea - "Annihilation Lad: with a mere glance of his eyes he can destroy anything." . . . Keith Dale Kries, Honolulu, Hawaii - "Snake Kid can change any object into a living snake." . . . Dan Solla, Freeport, Pa. - "Calorie Kid: he can make anybody so fat and heavy he or she can't move." Richard Smoley, Waterbury, Conn. - "Tropic Kid: he has the power to create monsoons, terrific heat, etc." . . . Kevin Martin, Houston, Tex. - "Speed Lad can speed up or slow down any moving object." . . . Phillip Cano III - "Metal Mike: he can change himself into any metal." . . . G. Abbott, Massachusetts - "Incredible Boy: by pointing to an object or person, he can make it go in the opposite direction." _____ Send all comments on a postal card to THE LEGION OUTPOST, National Periodical Publications, 575 Lexington Ave., N.Y., N.Y. 10022. If you wish a personal reply, send a stamped, self-addressed envelope. WE MUST BE DOING SOMETHING - WRITE! Dear Editor: I think "The Legionnaire Who Killed" was great! The artwork on the cover was S-U-P-E-R ! But I do have two little complaints about your mag. I like Superboy, Saturn Girl, and Brainiac 5, but please don't show them on every page! Second, Invisible Kid and Matter-Eater Lad are rarely featured. Let's see more of them. Anyway, I still go for ADVENTURE! -Bill Retherford, Jacksonville, Fla. (And you should go for this month's story, with Invisible Kid and Matter-Eater Lad getting a big play. By the way, you won't see Saturn Girl or Brainiac 5 in the next two issues. You and many other readers convinced us we were giving them over-exposure. Satisfied? -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: I could have died when I read in THE LEGION OUTPOST that Lightning Lad had lost the Legionnaire poll by ONE VOTE! I looked in my drawer and there was a post card I'd forgotten to mail, naming Lightning Lad as my favorite. If I had mailed it, there would at least have been a tie, and if one other Lightning Lad fan had voted, he'd have one! -Andrew Zysman, Hillside, N.Y. (Many elections have been decided by just one vote. Remember this when you reach voting age and election day rolls around. That ballot you cast can by as powerful in its own way as Lightning Lad's bolts! -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: To me, one of the best parts of your mag is the letter department. I particularly liked the way you exposed the writer who claimed to be an English bobby. I'll bet most editors would have fallen for his story. But you pegged him as a phony and exposed him in print! Bully for you!" -Joe Cortesi, Ft. Meade, Md. (Maybe that will make other potential hoaxters think twice before they try pulling the wool over our x-ray eyes. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: You've finally gone and done it! Your latest story, "The Legionnaire Who Killed," simply has no basis. In your January, 1964 letter column, you stated: "It is against the code to destroy life ruthlessly, or in a wanton manner. It is not against the code to destroy life in self-defense." Admit it, you blew it! -Alan Anderson, St. Petersburg, Fla. (True, we forgot about that provision in the code. But Brainiac 5 proved that Star Boy could have used his power to beat the killer without doing him in. So the expulsion still stands. However, pressure from readers keeps mounting - as witness the next protest. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: What have you done to Star Boy? When I read "The Legionnaire Who Killed," I was sure he would be acquitted, or that the story was a hoax. But when I found it was real, I felt so MAD I wanted to give up all DC mags on the spot in favor of another line. The two people who astonished me most were that cold-hearted Saturn Girl and Jimmy Olsen! But there is a way to get Star Boy back into the Legion. Call it a mistrial! All of the Legionnaires were supposed to vote, but Pete Ross didn't. I'm sure he would vote for acquittal. I demand a RECOUNT! -Jimmy McNew, Bristol, Va. (Who are you, an amateur Perry Mason? How can you be so sure Pete would vote "Not Guilty"? And even if he did, it would only make the vote even. Who'd decide the case then? But we appreciate your loyal support for Star Boy and, before you switch over to Brand I in protest, stick with us for a few more issues. Big, big surprises are in the works! -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: "The Evil Hand of the Luck Lords" was one of your better stories. I was glad to see Saturn Girl's new and more attractive hairdo. I particularly liked the superstition motif - a very good plot device if you don't overdo it. -Rich Walls, Des Moines, Iowa. (Give the credit to author Edmond Hamilton. He's now leaving for Egypt with his wife, on a Hollywood movie assignment. If we know Ed, he'll find some weirdo story ideas in Pharaoh-land, which will give even Alfie Hitchcock the shivers. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: The Legion of Super-Pets could use a few new members, so I would like to suggest the following candidates: Krypto-Mouse; Ace, the Bathound; and Whizzy, the future Supercat, who appeared in "Supergirl's Greatest Challenge." -Anita Susi, Wayne, N.J. (How about Swifty, the super-greyhound? Lots of readers want him in the LSP, too. But maybe he'd rather join the Space Canine Patrol Agents (SCPA), an outfit of daring deputies you'll find Krypto working with in the next SUPERBOY. -Ed.) Send all comments on a postal card to THE LEGION OUTPOST, National Periodical Publications, 575 Lexington Ave., New York, N.Y. 10022. If you wish a personal reply, please send a stamped, self-addressed envelope. Dear Editor: I liked your answer to Cliff Taylor's letter in the February ACTION complaining that people derided him for reading comics. But I think you missed a real bet by not mentioning the fabulous prices that adult collectors pay for early editions of comics. I can't quite believe they'd just keep them under glass and never read them. Personally, I could read at the age of five. That was 20 years ago and I still enjoy comics - with yours ranking tops! -Dave Olsen, Santa Barbara, Calif. (No relation to Jimmy Olsen? Anyway, we can confirm that the collectors we've met not only read the old comics, but keep up with the new ones. In fact, with the phenomenal success of Batman on TV, the country's going daft about comic heroes. Don't be surprised if the 1966-67 season brings more costumed crimebusters to your TV screen than are in the Legion of Super-Heroes! -Ed.) Dear Editor: In 1963, I sent you a "Bit of Legionnaire Business," suggesting "Color Kid," who can change himself or any object to any color of the spectrum. It was not only used in your column, but was used again later in a page of the BEST bits of business. I was happy that you'd printed it the first time, but now I was really overjoyed! Then, in your March issue, Color Kid showed up again, this time in the story, as an applicant for Legion membership. Even though he wasn't accepted, I was ecstatic! Never had I imagined that my creation would appear in print. It was a very big honor. Thank you! By the way, Color Kid was recommended to the Legion of Substitute Heroes. Did they accept him? -Jeff Greenberg, Los Angeles, Calif. (Yes - Color Kid is now one of the Substitute Heroes. And while we're thinking of it, we'd like to correct an inadvertent oversight. Two of the heroes in our recent "Stalag of Space" story were also submitted by readers: Weight Wizard by Maggie Fraser of Pleasantville, N.Y., and Blockade Boy by Tom Kegley, St. Paul, Minn. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: Concerning the recent controversy in your letter department on whether to use Superboy on all ADVENTURE covers, I say YES! His presence gives a hint of the excitement inside and makes one want to read the comic. Down with people who don't like Superboy covers! -Jay James, Asheville, N.C. (Your letter sums up what most of our readers seem to think, judging by the mail we received, so the Boy of Steel stays. After all, when you have a star player like Mickey Mantle or Willie Mays, you don't keep him on the bench. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: Well, for goodness' sake! You certainly are improving the Legion of Super-Heroes! First you give them a simply magnificent artist, then some decent stories for a change. What next? (I MUST congratulate the artist who drew "The Evil Hand of the Luck Lords". It was gorgeous!) to be dead serious, there was a time when the Legion was not well-done, either in the art or the plot department, and I for one was ready to give it up as a total loss. But my opinion has changed considerably in the last few months, and I feel that the Legion will continue to be popular and generally worshipped. -Irene Vartanoff, Bethesda, Md. (To you, Irene - one of our severest critics, - many thanks, both from us and from artist Curtis Swan, who illoed the "Luck Lords" tale. From the readers' response, we'd say the Luck Lords brought us good luck. The tale preceding it - "The Legionnaire Who Killed" - was a different story, as witness the following letters. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: Just who do they think they are? I mean Brainiac 5, Saturn Girl, Jimmy Olsen, and all the other jerks who voted Star Boy guilty and expelled him from the Legion! Brainiac 5 started preaching about how Star Boy could have saved himself. Well, for his information, not everybody had a kookie computer-brain. Also, he should know that we mere humans with normal brains sometimes get confused. I think some of those Legion finks who voted against Star Boy were just jealous of him. They should form a new group - the Legion of Super-Traitors! -Mark Combs, Akron, Ohio. * * * Dear Editor: Brainiac 5 is a rat for getting Star Boy expelled! He himself should have been expelled long ago, because the computer he built - "Computo the Conqueror" - killed innocent people. Bad luck to him on his next case! -David A Wainwright, Hollis, N.Y. (Brainiac 5 did have bad luck on his next case - "The Evil Hand of the Luck Lords" - when he received a concussion during a crash-landing. We seem to have stirred up a real hornets' nest with "The Legionnaire Who Killed," and most of the letters are against conviction for Star Boy. Whether he'll remain with the Substitute Heroes, or somehow get back into the Legion is something we can't say just yet. But this we promise you: he'll be back in action soon! -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: I have a super-power - it is super-reading DC Comics. Please get me into the future so I can join the Legion. The only trouble is, if I have to take a medical check-up before I can enter, I'm sure to flunk, because I have a contagious disease called DC-Mania. Anyone suffering from it can't stop reading DC mags. Do you think I can still enter? -Fortunato Papalia, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. (Not if you suffer from this disease. But if you enjoy it, as most of our readers do, you have an excellent chance. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: On page 14 of "The Evil Hand of the Luck Lords," you show Lightning Lad with two human hands instead of his usual robot hand. Can you get out of this one with a wisecrack? -Stan Heflin, Little Rock, Ark. (After seeing this Lightning Lad boo-boo, we're just too thunderstruck to think of one. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: I like the art on the Legion stories, but I can't help wondering what other artists would do with the characters. Why not give your other Superman artists a crack at the feature and let the readers judge them? -Ernest Pryor, Flint, Mich. (We've been thinking along the same lines. This issue we're trying out Sheldon Moldoff on the Legion, and George Papp gets a turn at bat in the near future. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: So far, the Legion has had two leaders - Saturn Girl and Brainiac 5. They've been fine, but these were characters who had been appearing prominently in most of your stories. I have the horrible feeling that when the next leader is chosen, it'll be another overdone hero, like Lightning Lad or Superboy. Why can't it be one of the Legionnaires who haven't spent so much time in the limelight, like Duo Damsel, Matter-Eater Lad, or Invisible Kid? -Trudy Jones, Lebanon, Pa. (We promise faithfully that the Legion's next leader will be one of those you named. But which one it will be will have to remain classified information for the time being. -Ed.) MEET THE LEGIONNAIRES For the benefit of our newer readers, who aren't familiar with the members of the Legion of Super-Heroes, here is a complete list of all of them, with their powers: BRAINIAC 5 - Has a 12th level-effector brain, making him a human "computer." CHAMELEON BOY - Has the power to assume any form he chooses. COLOSSAL BOY - Can grow to gigantic size. COSMIC BOY - Has magnetic powers. DUO DAMSEL - Can split into two identical forms. ELEMENT LAD - Can change any element into any other element, even when the element is part of a compound. FERRO LAD - Can turn his body to solid iron. INVISIBLE KID - Can vanish at will. KARATE KID - Has super-developed ability at scientific fighting methods like Judo and Karate. LIGHT LASS - Can make any object super-lightweight. LIGHTNING LAD - Shoots lightning bolts from his fingertips. MATTER-EATER LAD - Can eat anything in any amount without harm. MON-EL - Has the same powers as Superboy, but not the same weaknesses. He must take a serum from time to time or lead will be deadly to him. NEMESIS KID - Automatically gains the powers necessary to defeat any one opponent. PHANTOM GIRL - Can become immaterial and walk through walls. PRINCESS PROJECTRA - Projects realistic illusions. SATURN GIRL - Has telepathic powers. SHRINKING VIOLET - Can shrink to incredibly small size. SUN BOY - A human beacon of heat and light. SUPERBOY - Super-strength, speed, invulnerability, flying power, super-senses, etc. SUPERGIRL - Same powers as Superboy. ULTRA BOY - Has ultra-strength, ultra-speed, ultra-vision and invulnerability, but can only use one power at a time. Honorary Members JIMMY OLSEN (ELASTIC LAD) - Takes a serum which enables him to stretch any part of his body. PETE ROSS - Superboy's best friend; has no super-powers. Legion Reservists BOUNCING BOY (CHUCK TAINE) - Now a reservist since he lost his power to inflate and bounce like a ball. KID PSYCHO - Can create impenetrable mental force-shields, but shortens his life by one year each time he does so. The Legion of Substitute Heroes CHLOROPHYLL KID - Can make plants grow super-fast. COLOR KID - Emits rays which can change the color of anything. DREAM GIRL - Has limited ability to see a few weeks into the future. FIRE LAD - Can breathe flames. NIGHT GIRL - Has super-strength, but only at night or in deep shadow. POLAR BOY - Can create super-cold. STAR BOY - Can draw mass from the stars and use it to increase the weight of any object. STONE BOY - Can turn his body to solid stone. Dear Editor: When, in heaven's name, are the Legionnaires going to have some genuine weddings? When I saw the issue in which you advertised the marriage of two couples, I was overwhelmed - but unfortunately, it turned out to be a hoax. I think the rule prohibiting Legionnaires from marrying should be changed. I'm sure they could do their work just as well if they were married. How about some real weddings - soon? -Sharleen Sopowitz, Brooklyn, N.Y. (Hold your horses! There's plenty of time! After all, the Super-Heroes aren't out of their teens yet! Tell you what, though - suppose we give you an "Imaginary Story" which shows their lives as adults. Then you'd get a preview peek at the marriages to come. Would you settle for that? -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: I would like to know what happened to Mon-El after he won your popularity poll. Did you project him into the Phantom Zone, along with Dev-Em, Lone Wolf and Bouncing Boy, who also seem to be among the missing? -Ken Harlan, Arvada, Colo. (No! He's already spent 1,000 years in the Zone, and that's more than enough for him! He'll be back very soon, in a top starring role. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: I have a great idea for a comic hero to add to the Legion. His name is Cow Boy. His bull-dogging, roping, and other abilities are developed to an amazing degree. He and Superhorse would make a top-notch team. -Brad Nelson, Pittsburgh, Pa. (And how about Bell Boy, with his ringing voice; Bat Boy, who flies, and sleeps hanging upside-down from the ceiling; Bus Boy, who can carry dozens of passengers; and Paper Boy, who's flat and can slide under doors? -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: Brainiac 5 disgusted me when he said Color Kid was "not great enough for the Legion." What's Brainy's super-power? A computer mind! Bah! As far as I'm concerned, that green-skinned blowhard is good for nothing outside of celebrating St. Patrick's Day. -Mike Polaski, Erie, Pa. (Listen, buster, when you can solve complicated problems that would baffle all the Nobel Prize science winners in seconds, and work out super-strategy to foil the most brilliant of crooks, then you can talk about Brainiac 5's mental powers with authority. Why don't you admit you're as green as he is - with envy of his super-brain! We bet you're so anti-green you boycott all of the Jolly Green Giant products. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: The other day, I picked up four new DC mags at the newsstand, but found I only had enough money for three. Regretfully, I put one back; but when I got some, I found that two of the three I had bought were identical - ADVENTURE, featuring "The Evil Hand of the Luck Lords." Then I got so interested in the story that I forgot to study for a test in school - with disastrous results. It looks like the Luck Lords' evil hand jinxed me, as well as the Legion! Maybe I should've carried a rabbit's foot for good luck! -Warren L. Raymond, Glen Burnie, Md. (Yeah? How much luck did it bring the poor rabbit? -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: As a reader of the Superman Family, I'd like to make some suggestions. ADVENTURE is the best of the group, but it could still be greatly improved. How about reducing the membership to five or six? Also, send Superboy back to the twentieth century. He hogs the action and should be eliminated. Your other heroes have great possibilities, so why not give them a chance to show what they can do? -Wayne DeWald, Hialeah, Fla. (Sorry, but our readers have spoken on the Superboy question - with a resounding vote for the Boy of Steel. As for shrinking the number of Legionnaires, we don't dare. Too many beefs and protests from the fans. Look what happened in the cases of Bouncing Boy and Star Boy. We're still getting threats to boil us in oil unless we bring 'em back. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: I really enjoy your letter column, but the Legion Outpost picture is out of date. Colossal Boy is shown wearing a red suit instead of a green one and Light Lass has the insignia she used when she was Lightning Lass. -David Ouellette, Essex, Ont., Can. (Right you are! We'll get on this immediately and update the pic by the next issue. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: In the March issue, Pete Ross says, "Superboy divided the bog like Moses divided the Red Sea." Moses did not divide the Red Sea's waters. God did it. The Bible states (Exodus 14:21): "And Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the Lord caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided." So you see, Moses should not be given the credit. -Lynn Utley, Cottondale, Ala. (Thank you for your correction. We're glad that you read the Good Book as well as our comic book. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: What I'd like to know is, why don't any of the Legionnaires use their real names, since only two of them -Superboy and Supergirl - have secret identities? Even Brainiac 5 and Mon-El don't use their true monikers - Querl Dox and Lar Gand. Is there some kind of Legion rule that says you have to take a phony label? -Hank Jeffreys, Jackson, Miss. (Isn't it a lot easier to remember the Legionnaires when we tag them Phantom Girl and Matter-Eater Lad, rather than Tinya Wazzo and Tenzil Kem? The two exceptions you mentioned got their names in special ways. Brainiac 5 got his from an ancestor who was adopted by the evil Brainiac of our time and learned his scientific secrets. And Mon-El was dubbed so by Superboy when he had amnesia and couldn't recall his real name. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: In the March issue, in the Hall of Fame Classic, you show Superboy with his cape stretched on top of a tree to shield the members of the Drama Club from falling metal. Yet he has his cape on at the same time. What gives? -Billy Clance, Macon, Ga. (It sure looks like our artist stretched things a bit - and we don't mean just the cape. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: What's with all these hero groups in comics nowadays? There's the Legion of Super-Heroes, the Justice League, the Doom Patrol, the Metal Men, the Teen Titans, the Blackhawks, the Sea Devils, the Challengers, Tomahawk's Rangers, and now the Inferior Five. Someday, I have the feeling, they'll all get into one big story in BRAVE AND BOLD, and no one will ever be able to sort them out again. -Ken Greeley, Montpelier, Vt. (Listen, if we can sort your card from the thousands we receive every week, sorting out a few heroes should be a lead-pipe cinch.And didn't you forget a few other groups - the Legion of Substitute Heroes, the Legion of Super-Pets and the Space Canine Patrol Agents? -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: You probably don't get many letters from parents of your readers. However, I was a Superman fan as a boy, and I recently dipped into my son's collection of Superman mags to see if the Man of Steel had changed much. He sure had! I'm sending this letter to ADVENTURE because it's the one Superman Family mag which doesn't have a single thing that I remember from the original Superman stories. In the early '40's there were no tales of his career as Superboy, and the Legion of Super-Heroes was undreamed of. In fact, so much of what now makes up the Superman legend has come along since I was a fan that I hardly know where to begin. Supergirl, Kryptonite, Lana Lang, the Super-Pets. . . I'd never heard of any of them. But the stories are as good as ever - better in most cases! -Ben Harlow, Battle Creek, Mich. (Are there any more parents out there who'd like to voice their thoughts concerning the "Superman Family?" Readers, get your mom or dad to write us about their memories of our old stories - what qualities, heroes, villains, artists, etc., they liked best, and we'll print them on a special page. We'll also reward each parent with a "surprise gift" if we publish his comments. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: I notice that most of the girl Legionnaires have boy friends they particularly like. For instance, Phantom Girl goes for Ultra Boy and Shrinking Violet likes Duplicate Boy, of the planet Lallor. But what about Duo Damsel? Does she flip over one particular boy, or is she just a two-timer? -Eddie Jones, Jefferson City, Mo. (You'll discover who Duo Damsel is sweet on in our very next issue. and even though she can split into two bodies, you can be sure she isn't two-faced! -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: One thing about the Legionnaires has particularly aroused my interest. That's their costumes. Unlike many hero groups, which consist of members dressed exactly alike, the Legion has a different, distinctive costume for each member. But my big question is, where do they get them? The outfits are all so appropriate! They must have one whale of a fashion-designer! -Terri Balfour, Yuma, Ariz. (They sure have! and you've sparked us with a terrific idea for a future story which centers about the way the Legionnaires acquire their costumes. Thanks for your excellent suggestion. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: One point about the Legion stories just doesn't seem reasonable to me. I never see a super-hero who isn't in his teens. Sure, I know the Legion only takes teen-age members. But now and then they must run into adult super-heroes. Yet I can't remember ever seeing one in the Legion tales, despite the vast numbers of teen heroes - in and out of the LSH - who always seem to abound. -Adam Becker, Providence, R.I. (Chalk up another great idea for a Legionnaire story - a story featuring the adult heroes of the future. More brainstorms like yours and Terri Balfour's and our writers - and editors - will be unemployed. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: I was reading recently that some investigators believe everybody has a certain amount of telepathic ability. If this is so, then Saturn Girl isn't so unique, after all. In fact, her telepathy isn't really a super-power, and she shouldn't be in the Legion. -Art Connor, Wheeling, W. Va. (Is that so, wise guy? Everyone has a certain amount of physical strength, too. But let's see you lift a skyscraper, like Superboy, or smash a solid steel beam with one blow, like Karate Kid. Just as they have super-strength, Saturn Girl has super-telepathy. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: Some time back, you mentioned that the Legion has an Espionage Squad. Yet you've never shown this group in action. Can you at least tell me who's in the Squad besides its leader, Chameleon Boy? -John Draper, Seattle, Wash. (The others are Invisible Kid, Shrinking Violet, Saturn Girl and Phantom Girl. We'll try to whip up a story about the group soon. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: I know there are legends of heroes with all sorts of super-powers, but I'm sure many of the Super-Heroes' abilities are completely original. But I bet my teacher that there was a legendary character who had X-ray vision. Do I win? -Brian Thorpe, Armarillo, Tex. (You can collect! Although the ancient Greeks knew nothing of X-rays, they did tell of a hero named Lynceus, who could locate buried treasure because he could see through solid earth. Tell your teacher to brush up on her mythology. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: I know the Legionnaires come from many different worlds. My question is, how many of them hail from Earth? And don't mention Superboy and Supergirl, because they're both Kryptonians. -Lew Helper, Sacramento, Calif. (There are five Earthlings in the Legion: Colossal Boy, Invisible Kid, Ferro Lad, Karate Kid and Sun Boy. Former Legionnaire Bouncing Boy was born on Earth, too. -Ed.) Dear Editor: Although Superboy is terrific, the teen-ager of the hour seems to be Robin, the Boy Wonder. I notice that on TV - and in the latest issues of the Batman mags - he's been using a new kind of expression that seems to be catching on all over. For instance, when the Riddler's "gun" turns out to be a cigarette lighter, he says: "Holy ashtray!" or if he is thrown into a tank of sharks, he says: "Holy fishbait!" Why can't the Boy of Steel come up with his own form of exclamation. "Great Krypton!" is colorful, but it's getting wornout with over-use. Get some different references to his home world. For instance: "Flaming Fire-Falls!" "Dazzling Double Moons!" "Thundering Thought-Beasts!" and "Sparkling Jewel Mountains!" -Ed Casey, Birmingham, Ala. (By all that's holy, you've got a good idea. But to be quite honest, the egion of Super-Heroes have been using such expletives for a long time. Munching Metal-Eaters, but that's a fact! -Ed.) Dear Editor: When I read "The Super-Stalag of Space," I could hardly wait to get a look at the next issue. It was terrific! I was surprised to see you killing off four characters in one story. You did away with Plant Lad, a boy from Chameleon Boy's home planet, Weight Wizard and Blockade Boy, who was my personal favorite. I admired his courage in sacrificing himself to save Matter-Eater Lad. Except for Blockade Boy's death, this story is the best I've ever seen in ADVENTURE. I hope you can whip up another one this great. -Michael Greene, Campbell, Calif. (We'll give it the old college try - Metropolis U., Class of 2967, that is! -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: I enjoy ADVENTURE COMICS very much. I especially like the many good and often tragic changes you have in the Legion. Some readers have complained because Star Boy was expelled. To them you should answer, "Life is no bed of roses," and leave Star Boy where he is. I also wish you'd show more of the Legion of Substitute Heroes, to which Star Boy now belongs. -Susan Wallace, New York, N.Y. (Will do! After the knocks we've been getting for giving Star Boy the heave-ho, your letter made us feel ten feet tall. Thanks. And Star Boy rooters - don't despair. A surprise is in the offing! -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: Holy fanmail! ADVENTURE No. 344 was stupendous! I'm shaking in my boots for Matter-Eater Lad and Blockade Boy. The art was superior to all other art. Would you believe - to most art? -Martin Walsh, Holden, Mass. (Sure, we'll believe it - as long as you exclude Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo and Rembrandt. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: In the June issue, on page 11, Cosmic Boy says, "Wow! The insects around here are murder! I wish I had a flyswatter!" Isn't it against the Legion Code to destroy life ruthlessly or in a wanton manner? -John Deckert, Westland, Mich. (Yes. Will you settle for fly-paper next time? -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: As I was reading issue 344, I noticed that in the story, "The Millionaire Pupil," you had a pterodactyl, a brontosaurus and a parasaurolophus standing with a uintathere, a diceratherium, a megatherium and a saber-toothed tiger. This is impossible! The dinosaurs should have died out millions of years earlier. -Brian Alleman, Waukegan, Ill. (Right - they were scheduled to die much earlier! But those stupid dinosaurs were too dumb to know it! -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: I love DC comics - but to get to the point, I'm wild about Superboy! And I don't like these characters who knock him. Every hero in the Legion is considered equal. In ADVENTURE, Superboy acts just like another teen-age hero. He doesn't hog the stories, either. If the finks don't like him, they don't have to read his comics. Those cats just have to get with it. Why shouldn't he be on the cover? Most people, when they buy ADVENTURE for the first time, do so because they recognize the Boy of Steel. How are they supposed to know who those other costumed youths are? -Herb Grant, Columbus, Ohio. (Hear, hear! Next time Superboy runs for leadership of the Legion, we'll recommend he take you on as his campaign manager. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: The worst point about ADVENTURE is the way you treat Element Lad. Used effectively, he could be the most powerful member of the Legion - even more powerful than Superboy, Mon-El and Ultra Boy. For example, in "The Legion's Suicide Squad," he could have changed the rays used against the Legion to harmless elements. In "Lex Luthor Meets the Legion," he could have changed Luthor's Phantom Zone gun into something else. In "The Revolt of the Girl Legionnaires," when Light Lass stranded him atop a mountain, he could have got down by changing the ground beneath him into something slippery. And I could keep on going. -Les Rosen, Whittier, Calif. (We wish you'd have kept on going. Your vivid imagination embarrasses us. Send in more escape gimmicks for El Lad, and we'll pass 'em along to our writers. They could use some of your grey matter. Me, too! -Ed.) _____ Send all comments, preferably on a postal card, to THE LEGION OUTPOST, National Periodical Publications, 575 Lexington Avenue, New York, N.Y. 10022. Dear Editor: "Superbaby's Search for a Pet" was terrific! We always enjoy the cute antics of the Tot of Steel. How about a story wherein he meets the Legion of Super-Heroes when they were tots? We're sure such a yarn would make a hit with your readers. -G. Kent and S. Sommermeyer, Goleta, Calif. (The trouble is, the Legion didn't exist when the members were babes - and many of the future members had no powers then. But maybe we'll have Superbaby run into one or more who did have their powers as infants - such as Chameleon Boy, Shrinking Violet and Matter-Eater Lad. -Ed.) Dear Editor: I want to congratulate Sheldon Moldoff on a job well done - the July ADVENTURE. Even though he is a new artist, he has a lot of merit in his work. Most readers would probably prefer Curtis Swan as the regular Legion artist - and I agree. But give Shelly some experience on a few more issues. I think he is better now than John Forte ever was - and Forte wasn't a bad artist either. -Dave Truesdale, Morton Ill. (Shelly is no newcomer. He's been one of DC's top inkers for quite some time. Moreover, back in the '40's, he depicted such DC heroes as Hawkman and Sargon the Sorcerer.-Ed.) Dear Editor: I wish you didn't make all the (sigh!) boy Legionnaires so gosh-dark [sic] cute. Every month I fall in love with another one! First it was that dreamboat, Lightning Lad; then gorgeous, dark Cosmic Boy; then that blond doll, Element Lad! Now it's Ultra Boy. Could you please send me a do-it-yourself time-travel kit, so I can meet all the Legion's absolutely dreamy male members? -Unsigned, Hempstead, N.Y. (How can we send you anything when you didn't give us your name and address? Or are you known as Anonymous Admirer?-Ed.) Dear Editor: Why must Supergirl constantly return to her own time after each visit to the Legion? Since she can travel to any time she pleases, she could spend years in the future and return to a time only a moment after she left. If some device could be made which would temporarily arrest her bodily growth, she could remain with the Legion indefinitely, then come back to 1966, and no one would notice her absence, since she wouldn't have aged. -Tom Tattershall, Kansas City, Mo. (There's one big flaw in your plan, Tom - the Maid of Steel would get awfully homesick. Actually, there's another problem, too - but we're saving that for a future issue.-Ed.) Dear Editor: You know, I actually enjoyed "One of Us Is a Traitor." It was, to be brutally frank, the first Legion story that didn't send me into gales of laughter or tears of disgust at the patent absurdity of the plot, the characterizations, or the artwork, in a long, LONG time. I didn't like Sheldon Moldoff's artwork for the first two pages, but then it grew on me. I really went for the story, because for once the Legionnaires acted like human beings instead of stuffed shirts. Who wrote the story, anyway? -Irene Vartanoff, Bethseda, Md. ("One of Us Is a Traitor" was the first of four Legion stories written by our latest discovery, 14-year-old James Shooter, who, like the young hero he introduces in this issue, is a science fair winner in his Pennsylvania hometown.-Ed.) Dear Editor: Congratulations to Jeff Greenberg for creating Color Kid! Anyone who is clever enough to dream up a Substitute Hero rates as a top fan. Color me green with envy, for I've tried to hit you with my new character. -Dan Solla, Freeport, Pa. (And color us pink with pride for your good sportsmanship. Keep watching future issues for other super-characters suggested by our readers.-Ed.) Dear Editor: Whether you're a teen-ager in the Stone Age or the Space Age, there's one element you must be familiar with: a four-letter word spelled L-O-V-E! Why can't we have more of this in the Legion? Sure, it's been established that Saturn Girl and Lightning Lad will marry - they deserve each other, because they're both conceited jerks - but how about the others? Doesn't Cosmic Boy realize that Night Girl has fallen for him? I'm almost positive that Phantom Girl and Ultra Boy will marry, and I'm glad - they are my favorite Legionnaires. Will Shrinking Violet and Duplicate Boy ever meet again? How about Mon-El getting a crush on a girl? I want more ROMANCE! -Elizabeth Kane, East Meadow, N.Y. (We promise more amour in the very next issue, even some smooching. And we don't care if DC's romance editors do accuse us of stealing their thunder!-Ed.) Dear Editor: I notice that everybody in the Legion wears boots except Light Lass. Why is she the only one who wears high heels? Isn't it hard for her to work in them? -Janice Lyou, Buena Park, Calif. (You forget she does most of her travelling by flight-ring, rather than on foot.-Ed.) Dear Editor: In ADVENTURE No. 344 and 345, the Legionnaires were held captive in the Stalag of Space. But some of them could have easily escaped. For instance, Saturn Girl could have mentally commanded Nardo to release them; Chameleon Boy could have turned into a fly and flown away; Element Lad could have changed the android guards into gas; or Matter-Eater Lad could have eaten them. -Paige Gaines, San Fransisco, Calif. (Good thinking, Paige! If you ever get to the 30th century, you should apply for a job training the Super-Heroes in the correct use of their powers. You can show them this letter for references.-Ed.) Dear Editor: If you kill off any more Legion members, make sure they stay dead. Man seems a little too omniscient when he can revive the fallen. Concentrate instead on realistic characterization and reactions to situations. In "The Legionnaire Who Killed," you could have shed some light on the characters of Star Boy's compatriots without using the sledge-hammer method you utilized. Brainiac 5 might think: "He has offended against the letter of the constitution and must pay the penalty. Still, I'm the only one who can prove he might have saved himself without killing. If only I were not the prosecutor!" Finally, remember your Euripides. In "Iphigeneia in Taurus," Athene says: "Orestes, when you stood for trial in Athens, and the votes were even, I cast my vote for mercy, and you live. Let this be law for ever: when the votes are even, you shall spare and not condemn." Since Jimmy Olsen, who voted for condemnation, was not a full-fledged Legionnaire, the vote should have been even, and Star Boy should still be a Legionnaire. Perhaps he could become a link between the real Legion and the Legion of Substitute Heroes. -A.C. Bethune, Ottawa, Ont., Canada (It's true that a link between the two Legion's hasn't been established. But do you think Star Boy would like to become the "missing link"?-Ed.) Send all comments, preferably on a postal card, to THE LEGION OUTPOST. National Periodical Publications. 575 Lexington Avenue. New York. N.Y. 10022 BITS OF LEGIONNAIRE BUSINESS Well, the suggestions for new Legionnaires continue to pour in from you fans. So here we are, back with a new batch of these "Bits of Legionnaire Business." This page represents only a fraction of the thousands of ideas that have deluged us. Of these, we've selected the ones we liked best - some intriguing "straight" heroes, others wild and kookie. We'll just pass along the top choices to our writers for possible use in future stories. One word of caution - try to get really original ideas. Many otherwise good heroes were rejected because they were similar to some we'd used before. Send your brainstorms to: BITS OF LEGIONNAIRE BUSINESS, National Periodical Publications, 575 Lexington Ave., New York, N.Y. 10022, preferably on a postal card. And now for this issue's collection: Niles Brown, Jefferson, Tex. - "Sound Boy uses sound waves to create a prison around enemies." . . . Andy Barnett, Phoenix, Ariz. - "Astro Lad has disintegration vision. He can disintegrate anything and then restore it to its original form." . . . Richard Kahn, Fair Lawn, N.J. - "Ripper Robert can rip himself in half to avoid bullets, then reunite." . . . Rand Lee, Roxbury, Conn. - "Vicious circle can materialize hoops of sizzling energy that weaken a person by sapping his strength." Robert L. Chambers, Caro, Mich. - "Monster Boy can assume any wierd form he chooses." . . . David Low, Florissant, Mo. - "The Traveler has the power to transport himself and others anywhere he wills, including other time-eras and dimensions." . . . Rudolph Valentino, Cedar Brook, N.J, - "Inertia Kid can increase the resistance that a body has to moving, and thus render it motionless.". . . Kim Boyce, Chicago, Ill. - "Pajama Pat can put anyone to sleep for any length of time." Billy Brennan, Collingdale, Pa. - "Fingertip Fred can make his fingers as long as he wants. Also, they can drill through stone or metal." . . . Mark DeWolfe, San Antonio, Tex. - "Cat Kid has the strength of a tiger, the courage of a lion, the speed of a cheetah, the ability to see in the dark - and when he falls, he always lands on his feet." . . . Paul Miller, Oakdale, Conn. - "Dynamite Dan can make anything explode." . . . Dan Solla, Freeport, Pa. - "Liquid Lad has the power to turn any solid, unliving thing into any form of liquid." Michael Willert, Woodlyn, Pa. - "Ape Boy can turn into any kind of primate, from the smallest monkey to a King Kong-sized gorrilla." . . . E. Clements, San Diego, Calif. - "Remarkable Russ has the power of turning anything invisible to everyone's eyes but his." . . . William Francis Powell, Laurel, Miss. - "Steam Kid can change himself or anyone else into steam." . . . Glen Quasny, West Covina, Calif. - "The Human Sponge can soak up whole oceans into his body, or emit water from the pores of his skin." R. McNeill, Kingston, Jamaica - "Attracto-Lad has the power to attract or repel any form of energy or matter. He has one weakness, though - he can't attract girls." . . . Paul Vranish, Crosby, Minn. - "Water Lad can change into any form of water: rain, snow, fog, sleet, steam or smog." . . . Byron Holt - "Cyclotron Kid can split into atoms, changing matter to energy." . . . Patricia Stevens, Paris, France - "Tree Girl can change into a human tree." (Thanks to Pat for the chic costume sketches she included - but what else would you expect from Paris, the World Fashion Capital? -Ed.) Keith Okita, Aiea, Hawaii - "Mechanical Maid can turn into any mechanical apparatus by altering the atomic structure of her body." . . . Leon Smith, Greensboro, N.C. - "Diamond Duke is invulnerable, able to cut steel with his fingernails, has diamond strength, and can change carbon into diamond." . . . Bruce Carter, Montgomery, Ala. - "Time Lad can stop time for everyone but himself - once every 48 hours." . . . Mike Hill, Orillia, Ont., Canada - "Kayo Kid can render anyone or any creature unconscious for any desired length of time with no harmful after-effects." Alan Mandelbaum and Russell Weis, Oceanside, N.Y. - "Thin Girl can make herself as thin as a piece of thread." . . . Rick Rampone, Elkhart, Ind. - "Lie-Detector Lad has the power of making anybody within 25 feet of him tell the truth." . . . Stephen Phillips, New York, N.Y. - "Dee-zeez can give foes any illness, but is herself immune to all diseases." . . . Brian T. Strom, Northfield, Minn. - "Whirl Wizard's power is to shoot out whirling rays from his eyes. They cause enemies to whirl uncontrollably till they get dizzy." Hugh Simons, Chicago, Ill. - "Miss Break-Mass can break inanimate objects into atoms. She can also beak her body into parts, each one of which has an individual power." . . . Paul Remley, Ann Arbor, Mich. - "Gas Lad can breath in any gas and breath it out in another form. For instance, he could inhale helium and exhale oxygen." . . . "Jay Sabatucci, Arlington, Tex. - "Reflexo Lad; when he's hit, his arms automatically shoot out and sock his opponent by reflex action." . . . John Kimsey, Indianapolis, Ind. - "Suspense Spence can suspend anything in space or time." MEET THE LEGIONNAIRES... The Origin of Chameleon Boy On the distant planet Durla, the dominant race evolved a remarkable means of survival. They developed the power to change themselves into any forms they desired. Although humanoid in general appearance, the Durlans have special characteristics of their own. Their skin is golden, their heads are bald, their ears are large and pointed, and they have antennae on their foreheads. These antennae are used to examine and analyze any object or person the Durlan encounters, in order that he or she may assume that shape if it becomes necessary. This analysis is done through invisible emanations from the antennae, which return as distinctive sound waves and are picked up by the Durlan's large ears. The Durlans seldom mingle with humans of other planets, because ordinary people are often suspicious of these aliens with their shape-changing abilities. One boy, Reep Daggle, determined to enter human society on Earth and gain the respect of the men and women here, not only for himself, but for his while race. Therefore, with his parents' permission, he came to this planet and applied for membership in the Legion of Super-Heroes. When asked what name he would use as a super-lawman, Reep was stumped; he had never thought of such a thing. But Colossal Boy, who was also applying for membership at that time, noted that Reep's disguise ability resembled that of an Earth lizard, the chameleon, which changes in color to blend into various backgrounds. And so it was that Reep Daggle took the name of Chameleon Boy and was inducted into the Legion. His ability to assume instantly any shape has led to Chameleon Boy's being chosen as the leader of the Legion's Espionage Squad. He has frequently spied upon criminals while disguised as a member of their gang - or even as a piece of furniture! Dear Editor: In case you haven't noticed (though I'm sure you have) your next issue will mark four years that the Legion has been featured in ADVENTURE. As one of your fans, I would like to wish you many more. I was happy to see the introduction of Princess Projectra, who has a really good power, and Karate Kid. I wasn't sure whether K Kid would make a good hero at first, but after his work in capturing Garlak of Khund, I'm one of his staunchest fans. I just hope this habit of adding more heroes doesn't dilute the feature. The more Legionnaires in each issue, the less you can give insights into their personalities. Incidentally, when are you going to induct Lone Wolf? - Leonard Rosenberg. (What a guy! First you tell us you don't want us to add any more heroes - then you ask us to add Lone Wolf. Make up your mind! -Ed.) Dear Editor: Since Saturn Girl comes from the planet Saturn, why does she need a flight-ring? The gravity of Saturn is much greater than Earth's, so she should be able to fly under her own power here. - Jerry Harrington, Plainfield, Iowa. (The answer is simple. Actually, Saturn Girl was born on Saturn's largest satellite, Titan, which has a gravity comparable to Earth's. -Ed.) Dear Editor: There is only one thing I dislike about the Legionnaires. When they interview new applicants, they always act as though they're too superior to accept good super-heroes with excellent powers. Okay - so these applicants are rejected. But if Brainiac 5 had any brains, he'd establish a Universal Anti-Crime Legion which rejectees could join if they wanted to. This would take a load off the regular Legionnaires by giving them some needed help when they're swamped with super-jobs. - Stephen Michalowich, Wilmington, Del. (Where've you been, Steve? Do you mean to tell us you never heard of the Legion of Substitute Heroes, which was established way back in ADVENTURE No. 306? It's a standby reserve group, made up of Legion rejects. To show you what we mean, we'll feature some of the Subs in the next issue. -Ed.) Dear Editor: How about getting Karate Kid to send me some tips on judo and karate? I can sure use them on a couple of pals of mine. - Harrison Owens, Jr., Jersey City, N.J. (If this is what you want to do to your pals, what do you have in mind for your enemies? Sorry - sending you this info could set the cause of friendship back a million years! -Ed.) Dear Editor: Since the original Brainiac is a computer, he obviously does not age. And his body parts shouldn't wear out, because his intelligence warns him to replace them whenever necessary. Therefore, shouldn't he still exist in the 30th century, to present a menace to the Legion? - Tom Tattershall, Kansas City, Mo. (Your reasoning's fine, as far as it goes, Tom. But the story in which his "descendant", Brainiac 5, joined the Legion also revealed his Brainiac is destined to persish in our own time - reduced to nothingness by his own shrink-ray. We'll probably reprint this story as a future Hall of Fame classic. -Ed.) Dear Editor: ADVENTURE No. 347 made a big hit with me, mainly for three reasons: (1) The Legion story was a full-lengther. (2) You had a solid two-page lettercol. (3) The tale built up in suspense and suspicion as it went along and then ended with a surprise conclusion as the identity of the traitor was revealed. Please continue this policy, and you'll have a very satisfied reader. The Legion is a great fighting team just as it is, so please don't make any drastic changes in it. - Alan Trahern, Covington, La. (How can we face you, Alan, after Superboy and Supergirl have been kicked out of the Legion? We don't even have the nerve to hint at the changes coming up in the NEXT issue! -Ed.) Dear Editor: I think Phantom Girl is a doll. She's my favorite Legionnaire. But couldn't she please have a new hairdo? My friends and I feel the style she is currently wearing does not flatter her very much. - M. Luisi, Philadelphia, Pa. (P.G.'s hairdresser is furious. He insists the coiffure he designed for her is the height of fashion in 2966. -Ed.) Dear Editor: Why does Mon-El use that name? The other Legionnaires use names that have to do with their powers, like Invisible Kid and Matter-Eater Lad. But Mon-El's powers have no relation to the syllables "mon" or "el". I know Superboy gave Mon-El his name, but I think he should use one that pertains to his powers, like Power Lad or Marvel Monarch. - Loren H. Hill, Jamestown, N.C. (But Mon's name has a meaning, too. He was suffering from amnesia when Superboy first met him, so the Boy Blockbuster, who mistook him for a relative from his own world, called him "Mon-El," after Monday, the day he reached Earth, and Superboy's family name on the planet Krypton, where he was called Kal-El. Ever since, the two lads have been like brothers - so why shouldn't Mon use this monicker? -Ed.) Dear Editor: After glancing over a few issues of Brand I mags, I've come to the conclusion that, like us fans, they go "ape" over DC. At least, they sure "ape" your heroes. Just take a look at the Legionnaires whose powers they've copied - including Saturn Girl, Lightning Lad, Cosmic Boy, Invisible Kid, Colossal Boy, and even Jimmy (Elastic Lad) Olsen. - B. V. Davenport, Toledo, Ohio. (We don't monkey around when it comes to dreaming up new heroes - so naturally other publishers ape us! -Ed.) Dear Editor: After reading your comics for so many years, I am able to identify any artist on your staff. That is why I instantly recognized George Papp's marvelous work when I turned to the first page of ADVENTURE No. 348. Though my favorite artist is still Curt Swan, George rates in the top five. Besides, he has already had practice illustrating stories in which the Legionnaires appeared. I wonder how many readers know he was the first to draw Sun Boy? And how about that Dr. Regulus? He's one of the best villains I've seen in a long while. He has a wild costume, lots of originality, and a score to settle with Sun boy. His next battle with the Legion should be a druzel. If you read your own mags, you should know that a druzel is future slang for a blockbuster. -Gary Skinner, Columbus, Ohio. (We have a druzel to hand you! George Papp was the second to draw Sun Boy! He was first introduced in a Supergirl story drawn by Jim Mooney. -Ed.) Dear Editor: Let the truth be known! Saturn Girl is a BLEACHED BLONDE! Check in issue No. 267. Her hair is brown! -Elizabeth Kane, Hempstead, N. Y. (Wrong! Saturn Girl's a natural blonde - but in No. 267, she had her hair dyed brown. And she was once a redhead when she impersonated Lana Lang. -Ed.) Dear Editor: We would like to inform you that we have started a junior Legion of Super-Heroes. We don't have super-powers, but we do things within our own ability. Impersonating the Legionnaires makes doing good deeds more colorful, and besides, it's fun trying to make costumes out of whatever old clothes we can find. -Mike Greenhorn (Lightning Lad), Steve Greenhorn (Superboy), Scott Curtiss (Mon-El), Bruce Johnson (Cosmic Boy), and Reed Johnson (Chameleon Boy). (Glad to hear about your club, boys. You're proving it doesn't take super-powers to do super-good. -Ed.) Dear Editor: Supergirl is supposed to be a Legionnaire, but you only feature here in one out of a million stories. She should be in nearly all of them, just like the rest of the Legion. I get pretty sick of her always being away on another mission or something. -Betty Borbely, Spencer, W. Va (Simmer down, Betty! The Girl of Steel is around this issue, and we promise not to neglect her in the future. -Ed.) Dear Editor: Why don't you guys let the Legionnaires eat? In all the mags I've read, for nearly a year, I haven't seen any of them touch food. Are they on a hunger strike? -Marvin Kent (Aren't you forgetting Matter-Eater Lad? In past issues, we've shown him feasting on rocks, guns, robots' fingers, and other such delicacies. The other Legionnaires eat when they're off duty. -Ed.) Dear Editor: In ADVENTURE No. 348, it seems you've used someone else's idea. Did you get permission from Agatha Christie to borrow the title of her novel, And Then There Were None, and then do a parody of the rhyme that does with it? -A Faithful A. Christie Reader, Champaign, Ill. (We didn't have to. The "Ten Little Indians" rhyme is very old and in the public domain. Miss Christie had "appropriated" it from someone else. -Ed.) Dear Editor: The September ADVENTURE was fabulous! Artist George Papp has finally proved that he can handle a real hit-'em-in-the-mouth story. Dr. Regulus was good and worthy of more than one issue. Let's have more villains like him. -Mark Evanier, Los Angeles, Calif. (If it's villains you want, get our next ish. It features FIVE (count 'em) new villains, plus a threat to our whole blamed galaxy! -Ed.) Dear Editor: Movies have their Oscars, TV has its Emmys. I think our band of heroes deserves its own awards. Here are my choices of the best in ADVENTURE since the Legion debuted as a regular feature: Best suspense story - No. 325 - "Lex Luthor Meets the Legion"; best cover - No. 342 - "The Legionnaire Who Killed"; most disappointing cover - No. 327 - "The Menace of Superboy's Father"; best continued story - Nos. 325 & 326 - "Starfinger"; best milestone in Legion history - Nos. 346 & 347 - three new Legionnaires, and No. 342 - Star Boy's expulsion; most disappointing story - No. 313 - "The Condemned Legionnaires"; best villain - Nos. 340 & 341 - Computo; worst villain - No. 313 - Satan Girl; best predicament - No. 301 - "Lex Luthor and Clark Kent, Cellmates", and Nos. 344 & 345 - "Super-Stalag of Space", best Hall of Fame Classic - No. 343 - "Pete Ross' Super-Secret"; most helpful Legionnaire - Mon-El; least helpful - Brainiac 5. -Joseph Pastori, Hicksville, N.Y. (Thanks, pal! We'll call your awards "Joeys" . . . and your "booby prizes" we'll call "Brand 1's! -Ed.) Dear Editor: While reading a DC comic, I thought our heroes would make a great baseball team. Here's the line-up: First Base - Flash who can easily run and catch any wild throw; Second Base - Plastic Man, who can reach for those high ones; Third Base - Martian Manhunter, who's powerful enough to stop any ball; Shortstop - Green Lantern, who can use his ring for catches; Right Field - Bouncing Boy, who can spring up to stop a potential home-run ball; Left Field - Hawkman, who can really catch flies - because he flies; Center Field - Metamorpho, who has all the elements of a great player; Pitcher - Doctor Fate, who can guide the ball with his magical powers; Catcher - Superman, who's had so much practice catching crooks; Cheerleaders - Wonder Woman, Supergirl and Lois Lane; and the Batboy - Jimmy Olsen! -Paul Oliver, Fresno, Calif. (We published your letter in this mag because we're bringing your Right Fielder back into action. But don't you think Robin would make a better BATboy? -Ed.) Send all comments, preferably on a postal card, to THE LEGION OUTPOST. National Periodical Publications, 575 Lexington Ave, New York, N.Y. 10022. Dear Editor: If the Kryptonite bomb is destoryed, it will not appear in the future to menace Superman and therefore, there will be no reason for Robin to travel into the past. But if he doesn't journey into the past, the bomb will destroy Superman. Furthermore, you have often stated that history cannot be changed. So Robin's time trip will not help, and Superman will die. But as soon as Robin went back into the future, wouldn't Superboy lose all memory of him, due to the post-hypnotic suggestion Supergirl implanted in his mind in the 30th century? This is used in connection with the Legion of Super-Heroes, to erase any knowledge of his future life after he finishes a case with the Legionnaires and returns to his own time. Wouldn't it work the same with his memories of Robin? -Marlin Hansel, Girard, Ill. Dear Editor: Popping planets! Every now and then, you folks at DC put out a real winner. I'm speaking, of course, of "The Rogue Legionnaire." I rate most stories on the interest I take in rereading them, and I can't put this one down! Congratulations are in order for James Shooter for giving us such a great science-fiction epic. Curt Swan's art was, as usual, magnifico. His portrayals of other eras showed he can draw the past with as much ease as the future. Universo was suitably dastardly, his plan to rid himself of the Legionnaires well conceived. His costume and that of his son were refreshing changes from the usual tights and breeches affairs so popular with the Legionnaires. (You could say I wish you'd burn those britches behind you.) The absence of Superboy proved that he needn't play nursemaid to the other Legionnaires. Time travel is an oft-used device, but I never tire of it. I'd like to see other Legionnaires in different time periods - perhaps Lightning Lad in Norseland, where he could be mistaken for Thor, or Sun Boy as Apollo in ancient Greece. The ending of the tale was rather tragic, and I hope to see a sequel soon. Finally, when are you going to tell us the origin of the Legion - how Rokk Krinn (Cosmic Boy), Garth Ranzz (Lightning Lad) and Imra Ardeen (Saturn Girl) met; how they decided to form the Legion; how other members joined them; the origins of their costumes and titles - everything? It would be the biggest hit of the year! -Leonard Rosenberg, Bronx, N.Y. (We'll be getting around to it, Len. Meanwhile, you'll find a brief resume of the Legion's start in "The Origin of Cosmic Boy," which appears at the end of this column. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: What's happened to poor Princess Projectra? She doesn't have a boy friend. You'd better play Cupid for her before she starts having hallucinations. As for other romances I'd like to see developed, here are the other Legion gals and their beaux: Saturn Girl-Lightning Lad; Phantom Girl-Ultra Boy; Duo Damsel-Superboy; Shrinking Violet-Duplicate Boy; Supergirl-Brainiac 5; Light Lass-Lone Wolf; Dream Girl-Star Boy; Night Girl-Cosmic Boy. -Thomas Walsh, Arverne, N.Y. (When a girl's as attractive as Princess P, you can bet plenty of guys and super-guys take notice - as we'll show in future issues! -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: On one of our recent trips to the 20th century, we noticed that a magazine was being published about the exploits of the Legion of Super-Heroes. This came as quite a shock to us, since we didn't even dream the people of 1966 knew of our existence in the 30th century. Investigating further, we discovered that every story you've ever printed about us is an accurate account of an adventure the Legion has had! After discussing the matter with all our comrades, we have decided to make the entire DC staff privileged Honorary Members, provided you keep up the good work. However, there is one thing we must know before we consider you "in" - how in the world do you obtain such detailed information about us? - The Legion of Super-Heroes (Connie Wagner, Harrison, N.J.) (Why, from Superman, Supergirl and Jimmy Olsen, of course. Where else? -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: On page 14 of your July issue, you introduce a "strange, evil face," which is obviously that of an Oriental person. It would appear that you are trying to instill prejudices in impressionable young people. One can hardly help noticing that most of your "Heroes" are White Anglo-Saxon-looking, and those that are not are difficult to associate with any human race on Earth. -Ronald Hietala, Morris, Minn. (We never intended to make this villain look Oriental; in fact, we changed his appearance in the next issue. You might say that the Oriental look was purely "Occidental." As we'll reveal in a future issue, one of our newest Legionnaires, Karate Kid, learned his stuff from an Oriental. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: "Universo - The Rogue Legionnaire" was a good, solid, soundly written story. What's more, it was, I hope, indicative of better things to come. (A fervent "Thank goodness!" for that!) The individual scenes with each Legionnaire battling a separate menace in five different times were the making of the story. The Legion has always seemed to big, too impersonal, for good characterization; but these scenes proved that with proper handling, even Saturn Girl can seem human! Even a rotating membership could not provide the human interest inherent in three pages of Brainiac 5 on his own. So, obviously, this kind of story must be used again. Perhaps a story that doesn't start off with everybody together could help to give solo action a boost. Or - something more drastic - how about a small solo story in the back of the book? I'm sure many Legion fans would just love seeing their favorites fighting menaces as "star of the show." -Irene Vartanoff, Bethesda, Md. (We'll give it some thought - though, frankly, we personally feel there's more potential in integrating the solo action in the stories, as we did in "The Rogue Legionnaire" - and as we're doing in this issue. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: Why was Superboy in ADVENTURE No. 349? He played no part save making me guess incorrectly about who saved the other members. I know you want to sell a lot of comics, but why have Superboy dominate the Legion stories and covers (especially the latter)? Why not just let him have his own feature in the mag, so you can star him proportionately with the other members? Also, why wasn't Invisible Kid in the story? After all, he's the leader of the Legion. -David Lewin, Lomita, Calif. (Well try to keep our Valiant Vanisher in the limelight in most stories - though he's absent this go-round. As for Superboy, the mail we've received says the vast majority of readers want him on every cover, and they also want full-length Legion tales. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: In the last eight months, you've made wise choices as to the changes in the format of ADVENTURE COMICS. First, you've given the job of drawing the Legion to Curt Swan. Although his backgrounds are, at times, empty-looking, he is superior to any other artist who has done the series. Your writing has improved greatly in recent months. Formerly, the stories had almost no emotional or personal reactions. The Legionnaires were like efficient machines - no personalities or traits to make them human; only their powers and appearance to make them different from each other. But this has changed. The Legionnaires were sad when they dismissed Star Boy, but they stuck to their duty and did it. Sun Boy watched Duo Damsel walk off with Superboy and didn't throw any childish fits of jealousy, though it was clear he liked her. These touches make them seem like people, rather than over-efficient hero types. Best of all, you've abolished the Hall of Fame Classics to allow for a fuller Legion story. As I finish this letter, I'd like you to know that I have never seen any comic improve so much, so quickly, as ADVENTURE. -James Haggenmiller, Jersey City, N.J. (Thanks for spotting the results of our efforts - and appreciating them. But as Al Jolson used to say, "You ain't seen nothin' yet!" -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: All the Legion members are basically the same. They all have two legs, two arms, and everything else that a person from Earth would have. I think you should get a few Legionnaires who are different from the others. -Eric Sarya, Hayward, Cal. (You're in for some surprises, Eric. We know something you don't know. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: I have been reading ADVENTURE for some time and never felt the urge to write. No. 347 supplied that motivation. "The Traitor's Triumph" was a masterpiece. I have the first half of the story, and was naturally very excited when No. 347 hit the stands. Before I was halfway through, I knew I was going to write. So this is the result. The cover really attracted my attention. In the last issue, Karate Kid was the one to whom suspicion was directed, and this clinched it (although it was falsified a bit). Your originality in the "Kid" business was unmatchable. Superboy's foiling of the spy-traitor was a real brainstorm. The singling out of the Legionnaires in their fight against the invasion was unique, even for DC. The artwork was superb. The various Legionnaires' expressions were shown expertly. Now, on to the letter column. I found several people writing in to point out mistakes. It seems to me they buy comics purely to look for mistakes and decide how best to heckle to editor with them. I approve of your candid retorts to these writers. But I can't understand why you give these flaw-finders so much of your valuable space. -Alan Eilers, Terre Haute, Ind. (Maybe it's because we're gluttons for punishment. Besides, with loyal readers like yourself coming to our defense, perhaps it's true what they say - that "every knock is a boost!" -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: The Legionnaires are great guys except for one thing. Whenever a new hero tries out and is rejected, the Super-Heroes say such things as, "Get out!" or "We don't want you here!" Instead, why couldn't they say nice things like, "We're sorry, but your power isn't exactly what we need right now?" They're never nice to any member who's not accepted. -Benjamin Weiser, Wynnewood, Pa. (Your criticism is well taken. We'll have the Legionnaires brush up on their Emily Post and exhibit more courtesy and better manners in the future. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: What ever happened to the Lone Wolf Legionnaire? Once, in The Legion Outpost, you said you would bring him back, but you never did. -Bobby Pet, Baltimore, Md. (We're working on an idea to return him, Bobby, but it's not quite finished yet. When it is, you'll see a blockbuster of a comeback that will make comics history! -Ed.) KNOW YOUR LEGIONNAIRES THE ORIGIN OF COSMIC BOY On the planet Braal, there are whole species of animals of living metal. Some of these are monstrous creatures which are very dangerous. The humans of that world would long ago have falled victim to these brutes if they had not evolved a method of combatting them - magnetic powers which enable them to attract or repel certain metals, such as iron and nickel. It was on this planet that Rokk Krinn, son of Hu and Ewa Krinn, was born. When he was in his teens, a financial depression struck the entire world of Braal. Times were hard and jobs were difficult to come by. Since the people of Braal consider a person grown at the age of 14, Rokk decided to do something to help his family. He figured his magnetic powers would be useful in some industry on the planet Earth - so that's where he headed. It was just at this time that two other alien young people with super-powers chose to visit our world - Garth Ranzz and Imra Ardeen. Garth and Rokk met soon after they reached Earth and they roomed together. One day, they happened to be at the same place as Imra - and the three of them used their powers to save the life of the richest man in the universe. So impressed was he that he suggested they form a crime-fighting organization, which he would finance. This was perfect for Rokk, since their benefactor, Mr. Brandes, included ample money to support them and their families. The full story of the Legion's origin will be told in a future issue. Suffice it to add that Rock, Garth and Imra became, respectively, Cosmic Boy, Lightning Lad and Saturn Girl, and they have since used their magnetic, electrical and ESP powers to battle evil throughout the universe. Rokk brought his parents and his kid brother, Pol, to Earth, where the new Legion of Super-Heroes was headquartered. They live in a cottage in one of the suburbs of Metropolis. Oh, yes - Cosmic Boy became the first leader of the Legion. He has since been succeeded by Saturn Girl, Brainiac 5 and Invisible Kid. Dear Editor: I've been doing some research on the history of comics and of Superman in particular. I thought your other readers might be interested in what I dug up. The first "modern" comic mags started with FUNNIES ON PARADE, published in 1933 by M. C. Gaines of Dell. The industry grew slowly until 1938, and most magazines were reprints of newspaper strips. Then, in 1937, DETECTIVE COMICS, an all new mag, was issued by National, which had begun publishing in 1934. The title of this magazine contributed the popular name of the company - DC. Superman, created by Jerome Siegel and Joseph Shuster, had been rejected for five years by various publishers. In 1938, however, it was given a tryout in the first issue of ACTION COMCIS. Boy, was it a sellout! Then, in May of 1939, SUPERMAN QUARTERLY was born. Superman was so popular that there were many copycats; one of the most successful was the original Captain Marvel. Superman has since appeared in movies, on radio and TV, in a Broadway musical, and in a novel. He has changed over the years. Today we have ACTION, with Superman and Supergirl (who was "born" in 1959); WORLD'S FINEST, with Superman, Batman and Robin; SUPERBOY; JIMMY OLSEN; LOIS LANE; SUPERMAN; and ADVENTURE, starring Superboy and the Legion of Super-Heroes. Now, at last, Superman is on TV in a brand-new color series. -Richard Robinson, Springfield, Ohio. (Thanks for your brilliant rundown on the Man of Might's comicareer. Incidentally, M. C. Gaines was with National for some years, and his son, William Gaines, is now the publisher of MAD. -Ed.) Dear Editor: Super-magnificent - that's what "The Outcast Super-Heroes" was. The plot was terrific; the art was wow!; the writing was tremendous. Every panel had me gasping. This was one of Curt Swan's best art achievements. The way the heroes were drawn made me appreciate them more. The villains were amazing and the battles between the monsters and the Legionnaires were stupendous. I loved seeing the convocation of the Legionnaires because it was so perfectly drawn. I can't wait to see the conclusion of the story. Your cover was too much! If you keep this up, you can easily beat Brands A to Z. -Tom Shields, Danville, Ill. (Why not? We have more heroes in the Legion than most companies have in all their comics. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: This is the first time that I've ever written to any mag. But I read yours all the time and I think they are TREMENDOUS! I have one question. In a recent Direct Currents column, it says that Superboy and Supergirl get kicked out of the Legion. How can Supergirl be in the Legion when she didn't come to Earth until Superboy grew up to be Superman? -Jay Burdick, Bradford, R.I. (You might as well ask how either one of the super-cousins can belong to a club which exists a thousand years after their time. The answer to both questions is the same: time travel. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: I think it's a bit strange that all the Legionnaires in your magazines can live on Earth without any discomfort. Surely you don't expect us to believe that the Legionnaires all come from planets with the same atmosphere and temperature as Earth. Surely Saturn Girl wouldn't be able to live on Earth without special equipment, and I'm sure she is not the only one. So please clear up this point. -Norm Nichols, Arispe, Iowa. (There are a good many Earthlike planets in the universe, and 30th-century science is able to help persons adapt to conditions on other worlds. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: An open letter to Elizabeth Kane and other readers like her: Dear Readers: If you want ROMANCE, why don't you stick to the Romance Comics? Personally, I appreciate it when a comic is what it claims to be; and after all, this is ADVENTURE Comics. Please remember that. I stopped buying one brand of comics because their stories, whether science fiction, ghost stories, mysteries, or whatever, were nothing but glorified love stories, and I got sick of it. I wouldn't want to give up ADVENTURE or any other DC comic I enjoy, because up to now they have been the best on the market. But if they start saturating the non-romance mags with mush to please you lovesick puppies, it may call for drastic action . . . and I know a lot of people who feel the same way. -Dave Olsen, Santa Barbara, Calif. (Never fear - when we call a mag ADVENTURE, we mean ADVENTURE! But what's wrong with including a little romance, too? We want to keep your kind and Liz's kind coming back for more! -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: ADVENTURE No. 351 was simply marvelous. Lightning Lad got his arm back, Bouncing Boy got his power back, Star Boy and Dream Girl got back into the Legion, and Color Kid even got Superboy and Supergirl back in. Well, everything is just fine except for one little difficulty. Where is Lone Wolf??? In ADVENTURE No. 331, you stated in the letter column that you would bring back Lone Wolf as soon as you could get another name for him. Well, you've certainly had time to think one up, so bring him back! -David Luhn, Fayetteville, Ark. (Will do - very soon. Meanwhile, for L.W.'s new name, and a look at him as an adult, see the story in the next issue of ADVENTURE. It's a look at the Legion as they'll be when they grow up! -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: ADVENTURE No. 350 was the best issue ever! I can't wait to see if Supergirl and Superboy remain ousted from the Legion. The best part of the whole issue was when Shrinking Violet "operated" on Superboy by traveling through his bloodstream to his brain. That reminded me of one of my favorite movies - FANTASTIC VOYAGE. Did your writer see that picture and get the "operating scene" from it? -Jack Jodell, Minneapolis, Minn. (He couldn't have, because the story was written before the movie was released. Writer E. Nelson Bridwell does confess to having read Isaac Asimov's novelization of the story, however. But the basic idea was used years ago in a Supergirl story. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: While leafing through my collection of ADVENTURE COMICS, I am amazed at how much the Legion has changed. Take issue 267, for example. This was some time before the regular Legion series started with No. 300. On the cover, Saturn Girl is emitting lightning bolts from her eyes; her hair is blonde and long. In the story, the Legionnaires fly with rocket belts, and Saturn Girl's hair is brown and short in a flip. Cosmic Boy's costume is pink and purple; Saturn Girl's is a sort of purplish cranberry. Cosmic Boy's hair lacks the cute wave it has now. The only one of the trio then featured who has not changed greatly is Lightning Lad, although he looks two or three years older now. All in all, the Legion had changed for the better, and if you ever drop this series, as you did the Bizarros, I will come down and picket your office. -Liz Kane, East Meadow, N.Y. (Thanks for your high opinion of the Legion - and for not suggesting that the differences between the Super-Heroes then and now is due to careless editing on our part. -Ed.) (Continued on next page) Dear Editor: I have just finished ADVENTURE No. 349 and I had to sit down and write you. "The Rogue Legionnaire" was the greatest Legion story I ever read. There are simply not words in the English language to describe it! I especially liked the surprise ending, where we found that the Science Fair winner was Universo's son. Usually your Legion stories don't surprise me, because I know to expect anything, but this simply left me stunned, so that I had to read it again to make sure I had read it correctly the first time. There was one thing that puzzled me. How did Universo know that Shrinking Violet would be sent to Egypt and not Saturn Girl, Brainiac 5, or one of the others? He told the falconer of her shrinking power. Nevertheless, the story was great, and as a future writer myself, my hat is off to any 14-year-old who could write a tale like that! -Violet Smith, Santa Ana, Calif. (Jim Shooter just celebrated his 15th birthday, but he thanks you just the same. As for Universo, he gave descriptions of all five Legionnaires to all five of his henchman in the past. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: Miss Terious and Sir Prize were a Mysterious Surprise! Yessir, we sure had a hard time coming to the conclusion that those mystery Legionnaires were actually Supergirl and Superboy in disguise! (And, being the cautious soul I am, I'm wondering if you're pulling a double-switch and fooling us all. Maybe Miss Terious is Night Girl and Sir Prize is Star Boy.) Though I'm not a proponent of the "one issue, one complete story" theory, I must say that the twelve pages of saying goodbye to Superboy and Supergirl seemed somewhat forced, just so the story would not end in this issue. Yes, I know these pages gave some "human interest" to the whole story, but I can't see the need for the super-cousins to forget the Legion! -Irene Vartanoff, Lake Forest College, Lake Forest, Ill. (By now you've seen the cover of the follow-up issue and know why we wanted the forgetfulness bit. When we put complications in our stories, we don't mess around! What could be worse than a Legion trying to get help from a Superboy who doesn't remember them? And, incidentally, congrats on correctly unmasking Sir Prize as Star Boy. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: With today's magazines putting stress on sensationalism and misleading titles, I have been wondering what sort of scandals a magazine of the far future would dream up about the Legion. Here are some of the stories that one might find in a mag called THE LEGION LOWDOWN: Lightning Lad and Matter-Eater Lad: "The Shock They Couldn't Stomach!" . . . Superboy: "Lana Lang Is Only Half a Woman Compared to Duo Damsel!" . . . Invisible Kid: "The Leader Nobody Notices!" . . . Light Lass: "Don't Ask Me About - MY BROTHER'S SWEETHEART!" . . . "Don't Be Afraid of the Dark" by Sun Boy. -Elizabeth Kane, East Meadow, N.Y. (And how about these: "The Problems of Being Short" by Shrinking Violet . . . "Big Man on Campus" by Colossal Boy! . . . and "The Day My Illusions Were Shattered" by Princess Projectra. By the way, Liz, you have two letters in this issue! After Dave Olsen's letter, this should make you feel better. -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: In the November issue you made a remark about one of my favorite heroes, put out by a competitor of yours. I know which web-headed character Chameleon Boy was talking about, and it's this kind of remark that makes the Comic Kingdom a rotten profession. Please - no more remarks about Spidey. By the way, how come Lightning Lad and Saturn Girl are calling each other by their first names? -Gene Comeau, Norwich, Conn. (Gosh, Gene, we didn't mean to get your dander up! It was just a little joke! If we went around weeping and gnashing our teeth every time someone told a gag about Superman, we'd be neck-deep in tears! As for L.L. and S.G., don't you think they've known each other long enough to use the names Garth and Imra - especially since they're engaged? -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: Begging your humble pardon, O ye almighty Editor, but I think you have flipped! From what I have gathered, ADVENTURE No. 351 should include most of the Legionnaires, the identity of the surprising Sir Prize and the mysterious Miss Terious, the reason Lightning Lad was kidnapped, some of the Substitute Heroes, Mr. Mxyzptlk versus Mon-El and Superboy, and the Devil's Dozen. Also, I don't know why, but I think Lightning Lad will get a human arm. Anyone who can put all that in one issue is really nuts! -M. Shelby Silver, Baltimore, Md. (By now you know that Nelson did it all and more - including an appearance of the Super-Pets and the return of Bouncing Boy. And, since Nels admits to being a contributor to MAD and the author of THE INFERIOR FIVE, we figure he must be nuts! -Ed.) * * * Dear Editor: It is very rarely that I am really satisfied with a comic, and still stranger for me to praise it, but in this case I seem to have no alternative. What a magnificent display your October cover presented! Universo dominates, his "evil eye" pendant gleaming at the reader. Please don't bring him back and make him sink to robbing banks; just reprint this story very five years. Now, may I present some criticisms? As you have doubtless been informed by other budding Egyptologists, the Egyptians wore white generally. But using Horus for the name of the falcon was a stroke of genius. When you sent Colossal Boy to old England, I hoped you would introduce Beowulf, Guthrum, or Alfred the Great instead of simply transporting a few score later Medieval soldiers to the seventh century. You certainly edited my loud complaint about characterization in the letter column and, what's far better, you refuted it with the wonderful touch of presenting Universo's immense capacity for good in the person of his son. If you publish more such stories, thanks to James Shooter and Curt Swan, I predict that ye Editor will have to fight his way into the office through congratulatory mail! -A. C. Bethune, Ottawa, Ont., Canada. (Just blame the Egyptian costumes on our hue-happy colorist. And we'd remind you that one can't be expected to run into a celebrity | ||||
