Polar Boy

Polar Boy (Brek Bannin) is a fictional character from the 30th century of the DC Universe, initially suggested by reader Buddy Lavigne of Northbrook, Illinois in the letters page of Adventure Comics #304, from January 1963.^[1] He was the first of several characters who were created based on reader suggestions.^[2]

Polar Boy
Polar Boy as depicted in Who's Who in the Legion of Super Heroes #5 (September 1988).
Publication information
Publisher	DC Comics
First appearance	Adventure Comics #306 (March 1963)
Created by	Edmond Hamilton John Forte
In-story information
Alter ego	Brek Bannin
Species	Tharrian
Place of origin	Tharr
Team affiliations	Legion of Substitute Heroes Legion of Super-Heroes The Wanderers
Abilities	Cold generation and projection Heat resistance

Fictional character biography

Brek Bannin originates from the planet Tharr, which is considered one of the hottest inhabited planets in the galaxy. His family lives in the hottest valley of the planet, where the inhabitants developed cryokinetic abilities to combat the persistent heat.

Bannin first tried out for the Legion of Super-Heroes, but was rejected due to being unable to control his powers. He founded the Legion of Substitute Heroes with other rejected applicants, becoming the group's first leader.^[3]

Polar Boy and the Subs aid the Legion numerous times, mostly acting as local law enforcement while the Legion was off-world. After stopping Computo's attempt to conquer Bismoll, Matter-Eater Lad's home planet, Polar Boy disbands the Substitutes.^[4] He applies for membership in the Legion and is inducted along with Sensor Girl, Magnetic Kid, Tellus, and Quislet.

"Threeboot"

Polar Boy appears in the "Threeboot" Legion as a member of the Wanderers. His powers are described as "slowing molecular movement".^[5]

Post-Infinite Crisis

In post-Infinite Crisis continuity, Polar Boy is seen in a torture camp, captured by an anti-alien movement led by Kirt Niedrigh. His arm had been ripped off, but upon his release by Superman and the Legion, he creates a replacement out of ice.^[6]

Polar Boy appears in the 2021 one-shot Tis the Season to Be Freezin', where he dates Comet Queen.^[7]

Powers and abilities

Polar Boy possesses the innate ability to reduce heat and produce cold, which enables him to withstand high temperatures. Furthermore, he is a skilled leader, having led the Legion of Substitute Heroes on multiple occasions.

In other media

• Polar Boy makes non-speaking appearances in Legion of Super Heroes.^{[citation needed]}
• Polar Boy appears as a character summon in Scribblenauts Unmasked: A DC Comics Adventure.^[8]
• Polar Boy appears in Batman '66 Meets the Legion of Super-Heroes.^[9]