Adventure Comics 305
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Contents
The Secret of the Mystery Legionnaire
Plot Synopsis
As the Legionnaires hold tryouts to find a replacement for the deceased Lightning Lad, an applicant who calls himself both Legionnaire Lemon and Marvel Lad boasts that he is certain he will be accepted. He demonstrates a variety of powers, including flight and super-strength; when the Legionnaires suspect he is Superboy playing a trick on them, Marvel Lad proves he is immune to both kryptonite and lead, Mon-El’s weakness. The Legionnaires instruct Marvel Lad to perform a series of initiation tests: to retrieve the element fluvium from a distant world, to ward off a creature called a Sun-Eater, to clear the planet Brogg of strange monsters, and to create a new element which doesn’t exist on earth. Marvel Lad easily passes all of his test and tantales the Legionnaires by demonstrating more abilities: super-speed, invulnerability, and heat vision. Finally, he is told that he will be inducted into the Legion the next day.
However, when he arrives at the induction ceremony, Marvel Lad reveals that he is, in fact, Mon-El. Twenty-four hours earlier, Brainiac 5 had released Mon-El from the Phantom Zone to test a modified version of his anti–lead serum, which until now enabled Mon to stay in the material world for only short periods of time. Brainy believed that the new cure would be permanent but insisted on a secret trial run so the other Legionnaires wouldn’t be disappointed if it didn’t work. Mon-El decided to spend the time having fun with the Legion; now that the 24-hour trial has passed, he can stay in the material world for good.
Mon-El returns to the Phantom Zone briefly to gloat over the criminals, who remain behind and who tormented him for his friendship with Superboy. He then rejoins the Legion and pledges to find a way to restore Lightning Lad to life.
Key Quotes and Catchphrases
Critique
Roll Call
In order of appearance:
Legionnaires
Villains
Supporting Characters
Other Characters
Planets and Settings
Technology, Gadgets and Other Neat Stuff
Notes
Errors and Oddities
First appearances
This issue marks the first appearance of the following characters and recurring key Legion story elements:
Powers and abilities
Reboot Reference Kit
| Post-Crisis | xxx |
| Glorithverse | xxx |
| Post-Zero Hour | xxx |
| Post-Infinite Crisis | xxx |
| DCAU | xxx |
| LSH cartoon | xxx |
Retcon Alert
Other
Other stories in this issue
There is an additional story that does not feature the Legion - "Clark Kent, He-Man"
Reprints
This Legion story has been reprinted in the following:
Adventure Comics #403 (March/April 1971)
Adventure Comics #500 ( June 1983)
