Difference between revisions of "Superboy v1 199"

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{{issue
 
{{issue
−
|era_color=#ff8080
+
|era=precrisis
−
|issue=''Superboy'' v1 #199
+
|series=Superboy|vol_no=1|issue_no=199
−
|image=[[Image:Superboy-v1-199.jpg|250px]]
+
|story_no=1
 +
|image=[[File:Superboy-v1-199.jpg|250px]]
 
|caption=Cover art, by Dave Cockrum, et al.
 
|caption=Cover art, by Dave Cockrum, et al.
−
|era=Pre-Crisis
 
 
|story_title=The Gun That Mastered Men
 
|story_title=The Gun That Mastered Men
 
|previous=[[Superboy v1 198|''Superboy'' v1 #198]]: The Fatal Five Who Twisted Time
 
|previous=[[Superboy v1 198|''Superboy'' v1 #198]]: The Fatal Five Who Twisted Time
Line 10: Line 10:
 
|publication_date=[[August 21]], [[Legion Publication History/1971-1978#1973|1973]]
 
|publication_date=[[August 21]], [[Legion Publication History/1971-1978#1973|1973]]
 
|cover_date=November 1973
 
|cover_date=November 1973
−
|series_color=#ff946b
+
|writer=[[Cary Bates]]
−
|writers=[[Cary Bates]]
+
|penciller=[[Dave Cockrum]]
−
|pencillers=[[Dave Cockrum]]
+
|inker=Dave Cockrum
−
|inkers=[[Dave Cockrum]]
+
|letterer=[[Ben Oda]]
−
|letterers=[[Ben Oda]]
+
|colorist=Unknown
−
|colorists=Unknown
+
|editor=[[Murray Boltinoff]]
−
|editors=[[Murray Boltinoff]]
 
 
|cover_artists=[[Dave Cockrum]] and [[Nick Cardy]] (Superboy only)
 
|cover_artists=[[Dave Cockrum]] and [[Nick Cardy]] (Superboy only)
 
}}
 
}}
 
==The Gun That Mastered Men==
 
==The Gun That Mastered Men==
 
===Synopsis===
 
===Synopsis===
−
Following the defeat of [[Tyr]], [[Superboy/Kal-El/Pre-Crisis|Superboy]] bids the Legion goodbye and returns to the 20th century.   But just as he vanishes into the time stream, [[Legion Headquarters]] is surrounded by an energy beam projected from space. Only five Legionnaires remain on duty: [[Brainiac 5/Pre-Crisis|Brainiac 5]], [[Princess Projectra/Pre-Crisis|Princess Projectra]], [[Chameleon Boy/Pre-Crisis|Chameleon Boy]], [[Dream Girl/Pre-Crisis|Dream Girl]], and [[Star Boy/Pre-Crisis|Star Boy]]. Brainy, Cham, and Star Boy break out weapons from the Legion Arsenal use against the force field, but to no avail: The Legionnaires are trapped inside their headquarters.
+
Following the defeat of [[Tyr]], [[Superboy/Kal-El/Preboot#Pre-Crisis|Superboy]] bids the Legion goodbye and returns to the 20th century. But just as he vanishes into the time stream, [[Legion Headquarters]] is surrounded by an energy beam projected from space. Only five Legionnaires remain on duty: [[Brainiac 5/Preboot#Pre-Crisis|Brainiac 5]], [[Princess Projectra/Preboot#Pre-Crisis|Princess Projectra]], [[Chameleon Boy/Preboot#Pre-Crisis|Chameleon Boy]], [[Dream Girl/Preboot#Pre-Crisis|Dream Girl]], and [[Star Boy/Preboot#Pre-Crisis|Star Boy]]. Brainy, Cham, and Star Boy break out weapons from the Legion Arsenal use against the force field, but to no avail: The Legionnaires are trapped inside their headquarters.
  
−
However, Superboy had seen the force field appear just before he entered the time stream; he returns to the 30th century and follows the beam into space, where he discovers that it’s being projected by Tyr’s automated gun-hand, which separated from him before his capture. Superboy sneaks up on the gun-hand in an attempt to destroy it.
+
However, Superboy had seen the force field appear just before he entered the time stream; he returns to the 30th century and follows the beam into space, where he discovers that it’s being projected by Tyr’s automated gun-hand, which separated from him before his capture. Superboy sneaks up on the gun-hand in an attempt to destroy it.
  
−
Meanwhile, the Legionnaires discover that Tyr has escaped from his cell in the Legion brig. The villain gloats that his gun-hand will keep trying to rescue him until it succeeds. This causes Princess Projectra to doubt that the Legionnaires can win – they are the five “weakest members,” she says. Brainy reminds her that by using their minds and working as a team, they can overcome this crisis.
+
Meanwhile, the Legionnaires discover that Tyr has escaped from his cell in the Legion brig. The villain gloats that his gun-hand will keep trying to rescue him until it succeeds. This causes Princess Projectra to doubt that the Legionnaires can win – they are the five “weakest members,” she says. Brainy reminds her that by using their minds and working as a team, they can overcome this crisis.
  
−
The force field suddenly disappears, and the Legionnaires rejoice as they see Superboy approaching. They believe he has destroyed the gun-hand. But when Superboy arrives, they are shocked to see that the gun-hand has overcome him and attached itself to him. Now thinking independently, the gun-hand intends to abandon Tyr in favor of Superboy as its power source. Though Superboy strains to stop the weapon, it emits a blast that destroys the five Legionnaires.
+
The force field suddenly disappears, and the Legionnaires rejoice as they see Superboy approaching. They believe he has destroyed the gun-hand. But when Superboy arrives, they are shocked to see that the gun-hand has overcome him and attached itself to him. Now thinking independently, the gun-hand intends to abandon Tyr in favor of Superboy as its power source. Though Superboy strains to stop the weapon, it emits a blast that destroys the five Legionnaires.
  
−
As Superboy sinks to the floor in defeat, Tyr appears, wearing a glove coated with artificial kryptonite. He overpowers Superboy, forcing the gun-hand to surrender, its energies spent. But “Tyr” reveals himself to be Chameleon Boy in disguise – the real Tyr having been locked in another cell. The remaining Legionnaires appear and reveal that the gun-hand had destroyed an illusion of them created by Projectra.
+
As Superboy sinks to the floor in defeat, Tyr appears, wearing a glove coated with artificial kryptonite. He overpowers Superboy, forcing the gun-hand to surrender, its energies spent. But “Tyr” reveals himself to be Chameleon Boy in disguise – the real Tyr having been locked in another cell. The remaining Legionnaires appear and reveal that the gun-hand had destroyed an illusion of them created by Projectra.
  
 
As Superboy returns to the 20th century for real, Projectra realizes that Brainy was right: By working as a team, the Legion can overcome menaces too formidable for any single hero.
 
As Superboy returns to the 20th century for real, Projectra realizes that Brainy was right: By working as a team, the Legion can overcome menaces too formidable for any single hero.
Line 36: Line 35:
  
 
===Critique===
 
===Critique===
−
It’s mildly disappointing that [[Timber Wolf/Pre-Crisis|Timber Wolf]] plays no part in this story (except for a brief flashback). After Tyr robbed him of six months of his life and then used him to try to destroy the Legion, it would have been nice to see Timber Wolf participate in the villain’s ultimate defeat.
+
It’s mildly disappointing that [[Timber Wolf/Preboot#Pre-Crisis|Timber Wolf]] plays no part in this story (except for a brief flashback). After Tyr robbed him of six months of his life and then used him to try to destroy the Legion, it would have been nice to see Timber Wolf participate in the villain’s ultimate defeat.
  
−
But, otherwise, this is a very well done story that makes a significant point that powers and abilities can be useful, even if they don’t appear to be impressive (a theme that plays out in this issue’s backup story, as well). These specific Legionnaires were clearly chosen to illustrate that point. Oddly, however, Dream Girl and Star Boy have very little to do. Dream Girl makes one prediction that tips the Legionnaires off to Tyr’s attempted escape, but Star Boy never once uses his powers. (Dream Girl perhaps makes a second, off-panel prediction. See Errors and Oddities, below.)
+
But, otherwise, this is a very well done story that makes a significant point that powers and abilities can be useful, even if they don’t appear to be impressive (a theme that plays out in this issue’s backup story, as well). These specific Legionnaires were clearly chosen to illustrate that point. Oddly, however, Dream Girl and Star Boy have very little to do. Dream Girl makes one prediction that tips the Legionnaires off to Tyr’s attempted escape, but Star Boy never once uses his powers. (Dream Girl perhaps makes a second, off-panel prediction. See Errors and Oddities, below.)
  
−
It is curious that this story is a sequel to issue #197, but does not immediately follow it. Some of Brainiac 5's dialogue suggests that it does, ignoring the fact that Brainy, Cham, and Projectra had helped save Superboy from the [[Fatal Five]] in the previous issue. Perhaps this story was written first, but rescheduled so that that #198 could take advantage of the Legion’s new co-star status by presenting a full-length story.
+
It is curious that this story is a sequel to issue #197, but does not immediately follow it. Some of Brainiac 5's dialogue suggests that it does, ignoring the fact that Brainy, Cham, and Projectra had helped save Superboy from the [[Fatal Five]] in the previous issue. Perhaps this story was written first, but rescheduled so that that #198 could take advantage of the Legion’s new co-star status by presenting a full-length story.
  
−
Another interesting tidbit: Star Boy and Dream Girl are referred to as “Thom” and “Nura” without the omnipresent footnotes reminding us that these are their real names. Perhaps the editor simply forgot to include footnotes this time, but it’s nice that the reader’s intelligence is respected enough that we are allowed to figure that out for ourselves.
+
Another interesting tidbit: Star Boy and Dream Girl are referred to as “Thom” and “Nura” without the omnipresent footnotes reminding us that these are their real names. Perhaps the editor simply forgot to include footnotes this time, but it’s nice that the reader’s intelligence is respected enough that we are allowed to figure that out for ourselves.
  
−
===Roll Call===
+
====Roll Call====
  
−
====Legionnaires====
+
=====Legionnaires=====
−
''Feature roles:''
+
*[[Brainiac 5/Preboot#Pre-Crisis|Brainiac 5]]
−
*[[Brainiac 5/Pre-Crisis|Brainiac 5]]
+
*[[Chameleon Boy/Preboot#Pre-Crisis|Chameleon Boy]]
−
*[[Chameleon Boy/Pre-Crisis|Chameleon Boy]]
+
*[[Dream Girl/Preboot#Pre-Crisis|Dream Girl]]
−
*[[Dream Girl/Pre-Crisis|Dream Girl]]
+
*[[Princess Projectra/Preboot#Pre-Crisis|Princess Projectra]]
−
*[[Princess Projectra/Pre-Crisis|Princess Projectra]]
+
*[[Star Boy/Preboot#Pre-Crisis|Star Boy]]
−
*[[Star Boy/Pre-Crisis|Star Boy]]
+
*[[Superboy/Kal-El/Preboot#Pre-Crisis|Superboy]] (Honorary)
−
*[[Superboy/Kal-El/Pre-Crisis|Superboy]] (Honorary)
 
  
−
''Cameos:''
+
=====Cameos=====
−
*[[Saturn Girl/Pre-Crisis|Saturn Girl]]
+
*[[Saturn Girl/Preboot#Pre-Crisis|Saturn Girl]]
−
*[[Timber Wolf/Pre-Crisis|Timber Wolf]] (both in flashback to issue # 197)
+
*[[Timber Wolf/Preboot#Pre-Crisis|Timber Wolf]] (both in flashback to issue # 197)
  
−
====Villains====
+
=====Villains=====
 
*[[Tyr]] and his automated gun-hand
 
*[[Tyr]] and his automated gun-hand
  
−
====Planets and Settings====
+
=====Planets and Settings=====
 
None
 
None
  
−
====Technology, Gadgets and Other Neat Stuff====
+
=====Technology, Gadgets and Other Neat Stuff=====
 
*A solar stunner from the moon [[Titan]] (the weapon resembles a Klingon disrupter)
 
*A solar stunner from the moon [[Titan]] (the weapon resembles a Klingon disrupter)
 
*A retro-rifle
 
*A retro-rifle
Line 72: Line 70:
 
===Notes===
 
===Notes===
 
====Errors and Oddities====
 
====Errors and Oddities====
−
*Brainiac 5 thanks Superboy for being there when Tyr attacked the first time (in issue #197) – but Superboy wasn’t! He had returned to the 20th century before Tyr made his appearance.
+
*Brainiac 5 thanks Superboy for being there when Tyr attacked the first time (in issue #197) – but Superboy wasn’t! He had returned to the 20th century before Tyr made his appearance.
 
*Why is Superboy “long overdue” to return to the 20th century, when he can return to the exact moment he left?
 
*Why is Superboy “long overdue” to return to the 20th century, when he can return to the exact moment he left?
 
*Sexism rears its ugly head even in the 30th century: Note that neither of the girls uses a weapon against the force field.
 
*Sexism rears its ugly head even in the 30th century: Note that neither of the girls uses a weapon against the force field.
−
*It is unclear why Projectra took the precaution of creating an illusion of herself and the other Legionnaires before Superboy arrived. The most obvious answer is that Dream Girl had foreseen the gun-hand’s victory over Superboy, but this is not explained in the story.
+
*It is unclear why Projectra took the precaution of creating an illusion of herself and the other Legionnaires before Superboy arrived. The most obvious answer is that Dream Girl had foreseen the gun-hand’s victory over Superboy, but this is not explained in the story.
 
*Chameleon Boy is shown looking through a periscope at Legion Headquarters.
 
*Chameleon Boy is shown looking through a periscope at Legion Headquarters.
  
Line 90: Line 88:
  
 
====Other====
 
====Other====
−
*As a further indication of the Legion’s growing popularity, this issue takes place solely in the 30th century and features no appearances of [[Smallville]] or Superboy’s regular supporting cast (e.g., [[Martha Kent|Ma]] and [[Jonathan Kent|Pa Kent]], [[Lana Lang]], etc.). Most subsequent issues would follow suit.
+
*As a further indication of the Legion’s growing popularity, this issue takes place solely in the 30th century and features no appearances of [[Smallville]] or Superboy’s regular supporting cast (e.g., [[Martha Kent|Ma]] and [[Jonathan Kent|Pa Kent]], [[Lana Lang]], etc.). Most subsequent issues would follow suit.
  
 
{{backup
 
{{backup
−
|era_color=#ff8080
+
|era=precrisis
−
|issue=''Superboy'' v1 #199<br />(backup story)
+
|series=Superboy|vol_no=1|issue_no=199
 +
|story_no=2
 
|image=
 
|image=
 
|caption=
 
|caption=
−
|era=Pre-Crisis
 
 
|story_title=The Impossible Target
 
|story_title=The Impossible Target
 
|previous=[[#The Gun That Mastered Men|Lead story]]: The Gun That Mastered Men
 
|previous=[[#The Gun That Mastered Men|Lead story]]: The Gun That Mastered Men
 
|next=[[Superboy v1 200|''Superboy'' v1 #200]]: The Legionnaire Bride of Starfinger
 
|next=[[Superboy v1 200|''Superboy'' v1 #200]]: The Legionnaire Bride of Starfinger
−
|series_color=#ff946b
+
|writer=[[Cary Bates]]
−
|writers=[[Cary Bates]]
+
|penciller=[[Dave Cockrum]]
−
|pencillers=[[Dave Cockrum]]
+
|inker=Dave Cockrum
−
|inkers=[[Dave Cockrum]]
+
|letterer=[[Ben Oda]]
−
|letterers=[[Ben Oda]]
+
|colorist=Unknown
−
|colorists=Unknown
+
|editor=[[Murray Boltinoff]]
−
|editors=[[Murray Boltinoff]]
 
 
}}
 
}}
 
==The Impossible Target==
 
==The Impossible Target==
 
===Synopsis===
 
===Synopsis===
−
While returning from a mission in space, [[Bouncing Boy/Pre-Crisis|Bouncing Boy]] is forced to land on a jungle planet, where he is greeted by the son of [[Otto Orion]], the famous hunter who once tried to hunt down the Legionnaires. Blaming the Legion for his father’s death, [[Adam Orion|Orion]] has decided to hunt down and kill one Legionnaire at a time, starting with Bouncing Boy, whom he deems the “weakest, sorriest, most slow-witted” member. He shows Bouncing Boy an anti-gravity chamber, where he intends to vaporize the Legionnaire with his rifle. But, like his father before him, Orion gives his prey a sporting chance: He allows Bouncing Boy to evade him on the jungle world for one day before coming after him.
+
While returning from a mission in space, [[Bouncing Boy/Preboot#Pre-Crisis|Bouncing Boy]] is forced to land on a jungle planet, where he is greeted by the son of [[Otto Orion]], the famous hunter who once tried to hunt down the Legionnaires. Blaming the Legion for his father’s death, [[Adam Orion|Orion]] has decided to hunt down and kill one Legionnaire at a time, starting with Bouncing Boy, whom he deems the “weakest, sorriest, most slow-witted” member. He shows Bouncing Boy an anti-gravity chamber, where he intends to vaporize the Legionnaire with his rifle. But, like his father before him, Orion gives his prey a sporting chance: He allows Bouncing Boy to evade him on the jungle world for one day before coming after him.
  
−
When Orion catches up with Bouncing Boy, the Legionnaire formulates a desperate plan and dives into icy spring water. Orion captures him with a grappling hook and takes him back to the anti-gravity chamber. There, as Bouncing Boy floats helplessly in the air, Orion takes aim. But, as Bouncing Boy had planned, diving into the icy water has left him with a cold. He sneezes, causing him to ricochet backwards into the cavern wall. Bouncing Boy then uses his knowledge of angles to control his trajectory until he bounces into the villain, knocking him down and disarming him.
+
When Orion catches up with Bouncing Boy, the Legionnaire formulates a desperate plan and dives into icy spring water. Orion captures him with a grappling hook and takes him back to the anti-gravity chamber. There, as Bouncing Boy floats helplessly in the air, Orion takes aim. But, as Bouncing Boy had planned, diving into the icy water has left him with a cold. He sneezes, causing him to ricochet backwards into the cavern wall. Bouncing Boy then uses his knowledge of angles to control his trajectory until he bounces into the villain, knocking him down and disarming him.
  
 
===Key Quotes and Catchphrases===
 
===Key Quotes and Catchphrases===
  
 
===Critique===
 
===Critique===
−
As with the lead story above, “The Impossible Target” explores the idea that every super-power has its uses, even though it may at first seem weak or even silly. This has been a recurring theme of Bouncing Boy’s entire career, and his usefulness has never been better demonstrated than in this story, where he singlehandedly and cleverly defeats a villain.
+
As with the lead story above, “The Impossible Target” explores the idea that every super-power has its uses, even though it may at first seem weak or even silly. This has been a recurring theme of Bouncing Boy’s entire career, and his usefulness has never been better demonstrated than in this story, where he singlehandedly and cleverly defeats a villain.
  
−
What makes this story even more meaningful is the fact that Bouncing Boy uses his wits as well as his powers. He formulates a plan and then uses his knowledge of angles to control his trajectory inside the anti-gravity chamber. (It is not clear how he manages to stay on the ground in the final panel, since he is not wearing gravity boots, as is Orion, but that’s a minor gaffe.) The story sends a powerful message about the benefits of developing a talent (metaphorically represented as a super-power) and knowledge without preaching to the reader. It’s the kind of story that best represents what the Legion is all about – even though it features only one Legionnaire.
+
What makes this story even more meaningful is the fact that Bouncing Boy uses his wits as well as his powers. He formulates a plan and then uses his knowledge of angles to control his trajectory inside the anti-gravity chamber. (It is not clear how he manages to stay on the ground in the final panel, since he is not wearing gravity boots, as is Orion, but that’s a minor gaffe.) The story sends a powerful message about the benefits of developing a talent (metaphorically represented as a super-power) and knowledge without preaching to the reader. It’s the kind of story that best represents what the Legion is all about – even though it features only one Legionnaire.
  
−
Ironically (and somewhat hypocritically on the writer or editor’s part), this would be Bouncing Boy’s swan song as a Legionnaire for many years. In the very next issue, he is written out of the Pre-Crisis Legion for good, as part of a house-cleaning effort to discard Legionnaires with less impressive powers ([[Duo Damsel/Pre-Crisis|Duo Damsel]], [[Invisible Kid/Lyle Norg/Pre-Crisis|Invisible Kid]], and [[Matter-Eater Lad/Pre-Crisis|Matter-Eater Lad]] ). How ironic that this fate should befall Chuck after he has just vividly proven his worth as a Legionnaire.
+
Ironically (and somewhat hypocritically on the writer or editor’s part), this would be Bouncing Boy’s swan song as a Legionnaire for many years. In the very next issue, he is written out of the Pre-Crisis Legion for good, as part of a house-cleaning effort to discard Legionnaires with less impressive powers ([[Duo Damsel/Preboot#Pre-Crisis|Duo Damsel]], [[Invisible Kid/Lyle Norg/Preboot#Pre-Crisis|Invisible Kid]], and [[Matter-Eater Lad/Preboot#Pre-Crisis|Matter-Eater Lad]] ). How ironic that this fate should befall Chuck after he has just vividly proven his worth as a Legionnaire.
  
−
===Roll Call===
+
====Roll Call====
−
====Legionnaires====
+
=====Legionnaires=====
 
''Feature role:''
 
''Feature role:''
−
*[[Bouncing Boy/Pre-Crisis|Bouncing Boy]]  
+
*[[Bouncing Boy/Preboot#Pre-Crisis|Bouncing Boy]]  
  
−
====Villains====
+
=====Villains=====
 
*[[Adam Orion]] (first appearance; first name not revealed in this story)
 
*[[Adam Orion]] (first appearance; first name not revealed in this story)
 
*[[Otto Orion]] (flashback to [[Adventure Comics 358|''Adventure Comics'' #358]])
 
*[[Otto Orion]] (flashback to [[Adventure Comics 358|''Adventure Comics'' #358]])
  
−
====Planets and Settings====
+
=====Planets and Settings=====
 
*An unnamed jungle planet
 
*An unnamed jungle planet
  
−
====Technology, Gadgets and Other Neat Stuff====
+
=====Technology, Gadgets and Other Neat Stuff=====
 
*The Legion minicruiser
 
*The Legion minicruiser
 
*Radar-repellor waves (cause objects to bounce off of them)
 
*Radar-repellor waves (cause objects to bounce off of them)
Line 166: Line 163:
 
*[[Legion Publication History/1971-1978|Legion Publication History - Other issues published 1971-1978]]
 
*[[Legion Publication History/1971-1978|Legion Publication History - Other issues published 1971-1978]]
 
*[[Legion Publication History/Series/Superboy|Legion Publication History - Other issues of ''Superboy'']]
 
*[[Legion Publication History/Series/Superboy|Legion Publication History - Other issues of ''Superboy'']]
−
*[[Chronology/Pre-Crisis|Pre-Crisis Chronology]]
+
*[[Chronology/Preboot/Pre-Crisis|Pre-Crisis Chronology]]
 
*[[Legion Publication History/Index/Series#Superboy v1|Quick index of links to other ''Superboy'' v1 issues]]
 
*[[Legion Publication History/Index/Series#Superboy v1|Quick index of links to other ''Superboy'' v1 issues]]
  
 
{{Prevnext
 
{{Prevnext
−
|era_color=#ff8080
+
|era=precrisis
−
|issue=''Superboy'' v1 #199
+
|series=Superboy|vol_no=1|issue_no=199
 
|prev_continuity=[[Superboy v1 198|''Superboy'' v1 #198]]
 
|prev_continuity=[[Superboy v1 198|''Superboy'' v1 #198]]
 
|next_continuity=[[Superboy v1 200|''Superboy'' v1 #200]]
 
|next_continuity=[[Superboy v1 200|''Superboy'' v1 #200]]

Revision as of 09:29, 13 October 2012

Superboy v1 #199
Story 1
Preboot » Pre-Crisis
Superboy-v1-199.jpg
Cover art, by Dave Cockrum, et al.
Story title The Gun That Mastered Men
Previous story Superboy v1 #198: The Fatal Five Who Twisted Time
Next story Backup story: The Impossible Target
Publication date August 21, 1973
Cover date November 1973
Creators
Writer Cary Bates
Penciller Dave Cockrum
Inker Dave Cockrum
Letterer Ben Oda
Colourist Unknown
Editor Murray Boltinoff
Cover artist(s) Dave Cockrum and Nick Cardy (Superboy only)

The Gun That Mastered Men

Synopsis

Following the defeat of Tyr, Superboy bids the Legion goodbye and returns to the 20th century. But just as he vanishes into the time stream, Legion Headquarters is surrounded by an energy beam projected from space. Only five Legionnaires remain on duty: Brainiac 5, Princess Projectra, Chameleon Boy, Dream Girl, and Star Boy. Brainy, Cham, and Star Boy break out weapons from the Legion Arsenal use against the force field, but to no avail: The Legionnaires are trapped inside their headquarters.

However, Superboy had seen the force field appear just before he entered the time stream; he returns to the 30th century and follows the beam into space, where he discovers that it’s being projected by Tyr’s automated gun-hand, which separated from him before his capture. Superboy sneaks up on the gun-hand in an attempt to destroy it.

Meanwhile, the Legionnaires discover that Tyr has escaped from his cell in the Legion brig. The villain gloats that his gun-hand will keep trying to rescue him until it succeeds. This causes Princess Projectra to doubt that the Legionnaires can win – they are the five “weakest members,” she says. Brainy reminds her that by using their minds and working as a team, they can overcome this crisis.

The force field suddenly disappears, and the Legionnaires rejoice as they see Superboy approaching. They believe he has destroyed the gun-hand. But when Superboy arrives, they are shocked to see that the gun-hand has overcome him and attached itself to him. Now thinking independently, the gun-hand intends to abandon Tyr in favor of Superboy as its power source. Though Superboy strains to stop the weapon, it emits a blast that destroys the five Legionnaires.

As Superboy sinks to the floor in defeat, Tyr appears, wearing a glove coated with artificial kryptonite. He overpowers Superboy, forcing the gun-hand to surrender, its energies spent. But “Tyr” reveals himself to be Chameleon Boy in disguise – the real Tyr having been locked in another cell. The remaining Legionnaires appear and reveal that the gun-hand had destroyed an illusion of them created by Projectra.

As Superboy returns to the 20th century for real, Projectra realizes that Brainy was right: By working as a team, the Legion can overcome menaces too formidable for any single hero.

Key Quotes and Catchphrases

Critique

It’s mildly disappointing that Timber Wolf plays no part in this story (except for a brief flashback). After Tyr robbed him of six months of his life and then used him to try to destroy the Legion, it would have been nice to see Timber Wolf participate in the villain’s ultimate defeat.

But, otherwise, this is a very well done story that makes a significant point that powers and abilities can be useful, even if they don’t appear to be impressive (a theme that plays out in this issue’s backup story, as well). These specific Legionnaires were clearly chosen to illustrate that point. Oddly, however, Dream Girl and Star Boy have very little to do. Dream Girl makes one prediction that tips the Legionnaires off to Tyr’s attempted escape, but Star Boy never once uses his powers. (Dream Girl perhaps makes a second, off-panel prediction. See Errors and Oddities, below.)

It is curious that this story is a sequel to issue #197, but does not immediately follow it. Some of Brainiac 5's dialogue suggests that it does, ignoring the fact that Brainy, Cham, and Projectra had helped save Superboy from the Fatal Five in the previous issue. Perhaps this story was written first, but rescheduled so that that #198 could take advantage of the Legion’s new co-star status by presenting a full-length story.

Another interesting tidbit: Star Boy and Dream Girl are referred to as “Thom” and “Nura” without the omnipresent footnotes reminding us that these are their real names. Perhaps the editor simply forgot to include footnotes this time, but it’s nice that the reader’s intelligence is respected enough that we are allowed to figure that out for ourselves.

Roll Call

Legionnaires
Cameos
Villains
  • Tyr and his automated gun-hand
Planets and Settings

None

Technology, Gadgets and Other Neat Stuff
  • A solar stunner from the moon Titan (the weapon resembles a Klingon disrupter)
  • A retro-rifle
  • Three unidentified weapons from the Legion Arsenal

Notes

Errors and Oddities

  • Brainiac 5 thanks Superboy for being there when Tyr attacked the first time (in issue #197) – but Superboy wasn’t! He had returned to the 20th century before Tyr made his appearance.
  • Why is Superboy “long overdue” to return to the 20th century, when he can return to the exact moment he left?
  • Sexism rears its ugly head even in the 30th century: Note that neither of the girls uses a weapon against the force field.
  • It is unclear why Projectra took the precaution of creating an illusion of herself and the other Legionnaires before Superboy arrived. The most obvious answer is that Dream Girl had foreseen the gun-hand’s victory over Superboy, but this is not explained in the story.
  • Chameleon Boy is shown looking through a periscope at Legion Headquarters.

First appearances

This story marks the first appearance of the following characters and recurring key Legion story elements:

  • Star Boy’s starfield costume
  • Dream Girl’s metallic costume

Powers and abilities

Reboot Reference Kit

Retcon Alert

Other

  • As a further indication of the Legion’s growing popularity, this issue takes place solely in the 30th century and features no appearances of Smallville or Superboy’s regular supporting cast (e.g., Ma and Pa Kent, Lana Lang, etc.). Most subsequent issues would follow suit.
Superboy v1 #199
Story 2
Preboot » Pre-Crisis
Story title The Impossible Target
Previous story Lead story: The Gun That Mastered Men
Next story Superboy v1 #200: The Legionnaire Bride of Starfinger
Creators
Writer Cary Bates
Penciller Dave Cockrum
Inker Dave Cockrum
Letterer Ben Oda
Colourist Unknown
Editor Murray Boltinoff

The Impossible Target

Synopsis

While returning from a mission in space, Bouncing Boy is forced to land on a jungle planet, where he is greeted by the son of Otto Orion, the famous hunter who once tried to hunt down the Legionnaires. Blaming the Legion for his father’s death, Orion has decided to hunt down and kill one Legionnaire at a time, starting with Bouncing Boy, whom he deems the “weakest, sorriest, most slow-witted” member. He shows Bouncing Boy an anti-gravity chamber, where he intends to vaporize the Legionnaire with his rifle. But, like his father before him, Orion gives his prey a sporting chance: He allows Bouncing Boy to evade him on the jungle world for one day before coming after him.

When Orion catches up with Bouncing Boy, the Legionnaire formulates a desperate plan and dives into icy spring water. Orion captures him with a grappling hook and takes him back to the anti-gravity chamber. There, as Bouncing Boy floats helplessly in the air, Orion takes aim. But, as Bouncing Boy had planned, diving into the icy water has left him with a cold. He sneezes, causing him to ricochet backwards into the cavern wall. Bouncing Boy then uses his knowledge of angles to control his trajectory until he bounces into the villain, knocking him down and disarming him.

Key Quotes and Catchphrases

Critique

As with the lead story above, “The Impossible Target” explores the idea that every super-power has its uses, even though it may at first seem weak or even silly. This has been a recurring theme of Bouncing Boy’s entire career, and his usefulness has never been better demonstrated than in this story, where he singlehandedly and cleverly defeats a villain.

What makes this story even more meaningful is the fact that Bouncing Boy uses his wits as well as his powers. He formulates a plan and then uses his knowledge of angles to control his trajectory inside the anti-gravity chamber. (It is not clear how he manages to stay on the ground in the final panel, since he is not wearing gravity boots, as is Orion, but that’s a minor gaffe.) The story sends a powerful message about the benefits of developing a talent (metaphorically represented as a super-power) and knowledge without preaching to the reader. It’s the kind of story that best represents what the Legion is all about – even though it features only one Legionnaire.

Ironically (and somewhat hypocritically on the writer or editor’s part), this would be Bouncing Boy’s swan song as a Legionnaire for many years. In the very next issue, he is written out of the Pre-Crisis Legion for good, as part of a house-cleaning effort to discard Legionnaires with less impressive powers (Duo Damsel, Invisible Kid, and Matter-Eater Lad ). How ironic that this fate should befall Chuck after he has just vividly proven his worth as a Legionnaire.

Roll Call

Legionnaires

Feature role:

Villains
Planets and Settings
  • An unnamed jungle planet
Technology, Gadgets and Other Neat Stuff
  • The Legion minicruiser
  • Radar-repellor waves (cause objects to bounce off of them)

Notes

Errors and Oddities

First appearances

This story marks the first appearance of the following characters and recurring key Legion story elements:

Powers and abilities

Reboot Reference Kit

Retcon Alert

Other

Reprints

The Gun That Mastered Men and The Impossible Target have been reprinted in the following:

See also

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Superboy v1 #198 
By continuity
Superboy v1 #200

Superboy v1 #198 
By series
Superboy v1 #200

Superboy v1 #198 
By publication
Superboy v1 #200
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