SUPERBOY 195 (1973)
by Cary Bates & Dave Cockrum
This is a big one. The auditions return with the introduction of Wildfire, who for now wants to be called ERG-1.
He was an “astro-engineer” called Drake Burroughs who had an accident with “anti-matter energy”.
Which must be really different from regular anti-matter, because instead of being disintegrated he was turned into a bunch of Kirby Dots.
That’s why he’s permanently stuck inside his suit. But at least he gets a bunch of superpowers.
The name ERG-1 comes from Energy Release Generator. I can see why he switched to Wildfire.
It’s been a long time since the last time we saw an audition, so a reminder: the Legionnaires tend to be dicks about it.
Yes, turn away a guy who has the powers of the rest of your team combined, that’s always smart.
This is where the rule of “every member must possess a unique power” gets established.
ERG-1 does actually have a unique superpower, but he’s not willing to show what it is.
As you can see this is the debut of Phantom Girl’s new costume, which will last a loooong time.
Also see the easter egg of the address of the Legion HQ: “Clinton Street 344” is where Clark Kent lives in the 20th century.
The Legion is then summoned to deal with THIS THING:
Typical confusion on Chemical King’s powers: he can shoot cobalt now!?
Colossal Boy is also trying some new fashion choices, but this version of his costume won’t last.
The machine proves too much for the Legionnaires, so ERG-1 shows up to demonstrate his unique superpower.
Which turns out to be using his entire energy reserve in one gigantic blast… which kills him, because there’s nothing left in his containment suit.
Don’t worry, he’ll be back. This tends to happen every Tuesday to Wildfire.
Historical significance: 8/10
In addition to Wildfire’s debut, the rule about unique superpowers gets established. It will last a surprisingly long time, starting to be ignored only in the 80s.
The logic behind why it doesn’t apply to some members can be pretty funny. Ultra Boy’s “unique power” is that his version of X-ray vision can see through lead unlike Superboy, and Mon-El’s one is that… unlike Superboy he’s immune to Kryptonite.
The funniest case is Supergirl: they couldn’t come up with an explanation so she’s explicitly granted an exception to the rule.
Silver Age-ness: 3/10
Rejecting ERG-1 because he can ONLY replicate nearly every power? Seriously!?
Does it stand the test of time? 8/10
Full disclosure: Wildfire is my second favorite Legionnaire after Brainiac 5. Unfortunately he doesn’t get to demonstrate his unique personality this time around.
It’s pretty clear that he wasn’t intended to return: he’s way too overpowered, which is why he won’t keep any of the powers he shows here with the exception of flight and energy blasts.
Still, there’s a reason why this is a fondly remembered classic for Legion fans. It’s brief but uses its space wisely, there’s some good action, and of course the artwork is GORGEOUS.
We are legion
25 Legionnaires
3 reserve members: Kid Psycho, Insect Queen, Superboy
3 honorary members: Elastic Lad, Pete Ross, Rond Vidar
1 resigned member: Command Kid
1 expelled member: Nemesis Kid
2 deceased members: Dynamo Boy, Ferro Lad
How much Legion is too much?
The total number of characters who have been members is 35.
Rejected members: 28
The Legionnaires who are first rejected by later join are NOT part of this list, so I’m not including ERG-1 since he’ll be back as Wildfire.