Brek Bannin (Pre-Zero Hour)

Brek Bannin was a native of the planet Tharr who possessed the ability to project waves of cold. Along with several other youths, Brek came to Earth and applied for membership in the Legion of Super-Heroes. Although Brek's powers were impressive, the Legion decided that they were too uncontrollable and his application was rejected. Undeterred, Brek took upon himself the code name of Polar Boy and (along with several other rejected applicants) formed the Legion of Substitute Heroes. It was Polar Boy's intention that the Subs would serve as a pinch-hitter secret weapon, aiding the Legion whenever possible. They headquartered themselves in a secret mountain base on Earth. At first, Polar Boy's confidence in the Subs usefulness began to wane, particularly when the Legion appeared to be handling threats with great success. Soon though, Polar Boy led the Subs on their first actual mission. While the Legion went off-world to investigate a fleet of potential invading ships, the Substitute Heroes discovered that the ships were merely a diversion from the real threat - an alien race of Plant Men. Polar Boy and his new friends defeated the Plant Men, but were never able to receive recognition for their heroism. Polar Boy continued to lead the Subs on several missions, but before long, the Legion learned of their existence. Although they were no longer able to function in secret, they continued to share in various adventures and have helped the Legion out on numerous occasions. In time though, Brek grew weary of always playing second-string to the more popular Legion. He again applied for membership, and due to a special bylaw in the Legion charter, was able to become a member. Though he was one of their youngest members, Polar Boy served with the Legion eagerly for years, and has even served as team leader.

Powers and Abilities

Powers

Cryokinesis: Polar Boy can reduce the heat around himself or other objects, creating a drop in temperature ranging from mild to intense. Because of this, Brek can withstand hotter than normal temperatures. Usually, when he makes an item very cold, ice or frost will condense on its surface. He often wears warm clothes due to the cooler temperatures on Earth. Polar Boy also possesses the ability to project waves of intense cold from his hands. These cold blasts can freeze opponents in their tracks or act on the elements, such as transforming water vapor into ice crystals. This is an ability native to a select group of people of Tharr, who require it to compensate for the super-heated atmosphere of their home world.

Abilities

Hand-to-Hand Combat (Basic): As a cadet, all potential members of the Legion undergo personal combat training.

Leadership: Polar Boy has served as the leader of the Legion of Substitute Heroes for the entirety of their tenure. His optimism and eagerness have cultivated a strong feeling of friendship and respect amongst his fellow Subs. His compassion is matched only by his dedication and he is quick-witted and a strategic thinker.

Strength level

Average: Polar Boy possesses the strength level of a man his age size and weight who engages in moderate regular exercise.

Weaknesses

Intense heat will negate the effects of Polar Boy's powers.

Paraphernalia

Equipment:

Anti-Gravity Belt: Polar Boy and the other Subs were provided with Anti-Gravity belts as consolation prizes for applying for Legion membership. Once he became a full time Legionnaire, Brek began using a Legion Flight Ring instead.

Legion Flight Ring: All Legionnaires receive flight rings upon joining the Legion.
Transportation:
LX-811 Star Cruiser: As a Legionnaire, Polar Boy had access to a Legion Star Cruiser for missions which required interplanetary travel.

Notes

This version of Brek Bannin (Pre-Zero Hour) is no longer considered part of canon continuity. All history and corresponding appearances of Brek Bannin (Pre-Zero Hour) were erased from continuity following the events of the 1994 limited series Zero Hour: Crisis in Time.
On the cover of his first appearance in Adventure Comics #306, Polar Boy was identified as "Polar Lad", though he has never actually been addressed as such in any other story.

Trivia

Brek Bannin is the youngest person to ever try out for Legion membership.

The creation of Polar Boy was based on reader Buddy Le Vigne's suggestion in the "Smallville Mailbag" letters column from Adventure Comics #304.

Polar Boy has made several non-speaking appearances in the Legion of Super Heroes animated series. He appeared in the episodes "Lightning Storm," "The Substitutes," "Dark Victory," and "Karate Kid."

Links and References

Footnotes

Legion of Super-Heroes member
This character is or was a member of the Legion of Super-Heroes from the 30th/31st Century, in any one of their various continuities. Including but not limited to, the Original Continuity, the Post-Zero Hour Legion, and the "Threeboot" Continuity.
This template will categorize articles that include it into the "Legion of Super-Heroes members" category.

Brek Bannin (Pre-Zero Hour)

From DC Database

Contents

History