Legion Publication History/1958-1964

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Legion Publication History

1958-19641965-19701971-19781979-19821983-19861986-19891989-19941994-1996
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Contents this page: 1958195919601961196219631964
Also see the Precursors page for related stories from this period.

1958

February

Cover art by Curt Swan (pencils), Stan Kaye (inks) and Ira Schnapp (lettering) Adventure Comics #247 (published February 27, 1958, cover date April 1958)

1959

October

Cover art by Curt Swan (pencils), Stan Kaye (inks) and Ira Schnapp (lettering) Adventure Comics #267 (published October 29, 1959, cover date December 1959)
  • Prisoner of the Super-Heroes!
    • W: Jerry Siegel; P&I: George Papp; E: Mort Weisinger
    • Story: Superboy is imprisoned by the Legion, who believe he has turned evil.
    • Name change: Lightning Boy becomes Lightning Lad
    • New uniforms: Cosmic Boy, Lightning Lad and Saturn Girl

1960

January

Cover art by Curt Swan (pencils), Stan Kaye (inks) Adventure Comics #270 (published January 28, 1960, cover date March 1960)
  • Smallville Mailsack (letters column)
    • E: Mort Weisinger
    • A fan points out that many people in Superman's life have the initials L.L., including Lightning Lad. Another letter writer praises "Prisoner of the Super-Heroes", asking if Superman will meet these heroes when they grow up, to which the Editor replies that he'll pass the idea along to the writers.

March

Cover art by Curt Swan (pencils) and Stan Kaye (inks) Adventure Comics #272 (published March 31, 1960, cover date May 1960)
  • Smallville Mailsack (letters column)
    • E: Mort Weisinger
    • Another letter comes in asking if Cosmic Boy, Saturn Girl and Lightning Lad will be depicted as adults. The editor mentions that a story is already being developed, but that it will appear in Action Comics, as it will star Superman rather than Superboy.

June

Cover art by Curt Swan (pencils) and Stan Kaye (inks) Action Comics v1 #267 (published June 30, 1960, cover date August 1960)

November

Cover art by Curt Swan (pencils), Stan Kaye (inks) and Ira Schnapp (lettering) Superboy v1 #86 (published November 17, 1960, cover date January 1961)
  • The Army of Living Kryptonite Men!
    • W: Jerry Seigel; P&I: Al Plastino; L: Joe Letterese; E: Mort Weisinger
    • Story: Lex Luthor uses kryptonite men made of irradiated meteors to battle Superboy.
    • Appearances: Lightning Lad
    • Cameo appearances: Cosmic Boy, Saturn Girl
    • Notes: First reference to a Legion of Super-Villains

1961

January

Cover art by Curt Swan (pencils) and Stan Kaye (inks) Adventure Comics #282 (published January 31, 1961, cover date March 1961)
  • Lana Lang and the Legion of Super-Heroes!
    • W: Otto Binder; P&I: George Papp; L: Joe Letterese; E: Mort Weisinger
    • Story: Lana tries to make Superboy jealous by feigning interest in a new hero.
    • First appearances: Star Boy (also origin, revealed to be a Legion member.)
    • Cameo appearances: Chameleon Boy, Cosmic Boy, Lightning Lad & Saturn Girl.

March

Cover art by Curt Swan (pencils) and Stan Kaye (inks) Action Comics v1 #276 (published March 30, 1961, cover date May 1961)
  • Supergirl's Three Super-Girlfriends!
    • W: Jerry Seigel; P&I: Jim Mooney; L: Joe Letterese; E: Mort Weisinger
    • Story: Supergirl is again invited to try out for Legion membership, earning her way in by unearthing valuable antiquities while Brainiac 5 is inducted for "noble courage" in risking his life to save hers.
    • First appearances: Phantom Girl & Triplicate Girl (both revealed to be Legion members); Bouncing Boy, Brainiac 5, Shrinking Violet and Sun Boy as Legion applicants.
    • Join Legion: Brainiac 5 (also origin), Supergirl

April

Cover art by Curt Swan (pencils), Stan Kaye (inks) and Ira Schnapp (lettering) Superboy v1 #89 (published April 6, 1961, cover date June 1961)
  • Superboy's Big Brother!
    • W: Robert Bernstein; P&I: George Papp; L: Joe Letterese; E: Mort Weisinger
    • Story: Superboy mistakes an amnesiac space traveler for his long-lost older brother, than inadvertently poisons him while trying to uncover his "real identity.".
    • First appearances: Mon-El (also origin)
    • Notes: Second appearance of Phantom Zone

May

Cover art by Curt Swan (pencils) and Stan Kaye (inks) Adventure Comics #286 (published May 31, 1961, cover date July 1961)
  • Smallville Mailsack (letters column)

June

Cover art by Curt Swan (pencils), Stan Kaye (inks) and Ira Schnapp (lettering) Superman v1 #147 (published June 13, 1961, cover date August 1961)
Cover art by Curt Swan (pencils) and Stan Kaye (inks) Adventure Comics #289 (published August 31, 1961, cover date October 1961)
  • Clark Kent's Super Father!
    • W: Robert Bernstein; P&I: George Papp; E: Mort Weisinger
    • Story: A Kryptonian criminal escapes from the Phantom Zone and poses as Pa Kent.
    • Notes: Cameo of Legion statuettes

September

Cover art by Curt Swan (pencils) and George Klein (inks) Superman v1 #149 (published September 14, 1961, cover date November 1961)
  • The Death of Superman! [1]
    • W: Jerry Seigel; P: Curt Swan; I: Sheldon Moldoff; E: Mort Weisinger
    • Story: Luthor pretends to reform before successfully killing Superman
    • Notes: Imaginary story/Elseworlds. Legion cameo at Superman's funeral.
Cover art by Curt Swan (pencils) and Stan Kaye (inks) Action Comics v1 #282 (published September 28, 1961, cover date November 1961)
  • The Supergirl of Tomorrow!
    • W: Jerry Seigel; P&I: Jim Mooney; E: Mort Weisinger
    • Story: In an effort to restore her lost super-powers, Superman sends Supergirl into the far future.
    • Cameo appearances: Brainiac 5 & Legion Time Bubble
Cover art by Curt Swan (pencils), Stan Kaye (inks) and Ira Schnapp (lettering) Adventure Comics #290 (published September 28, 1961, cover date November 1961)
  • The Secret of the Seventh Super-Hero!
    • W: Robert Bernstein; P&I: George Papp; L: Joe Letterese; E: Mort Weisinger
    • Story: A juvenile delinquent lookalike for Clark Kent tries to take over his life.
    • Notes: Sun Boy revealed to be a Legion member

October

Cover art by Curt Swan (pencils) and Stan Kaye (inks) Superboy v1 #93 (published October 5, 1961, cover date December 1961)
  • Lana Lang's Superboy Identity Detection Kit!
    • W: Jerry Seigel; P&I: George Papp; E: Mort Weisinger
    • Story: Lana tries to uncover Superboy's secret identity.
    • Appearances: Chameleon Boy
Cover art by Curt Swan (pencils) and Stan Kaye (inks) Superman's Pal, Jimmy Olsen #57 (published October 5, 1961, cover date December 1961)
Cover art by Curt Swan (pencils) and Stan Kaye (inks) Action Comics v1 #283 (published October 26, 1961, cover date December 1961)
  • The Red Kryptonite Menace!
    • P: Curt Swan; I: Stan Kaye; E: Mort Weisinger
    • Story: Chameleon Men from the 30th century, members of the Legion of Super-Outlaws, try and locate kryptonite in an effort to destroy Superman.
    • Notes: Cosmic King & Lightning Lord mentioned.
  • The Six Red 'K' Perils of Supergirl!
    • W: Jerry Seigel; P&I: Jim Mooney; E: Mort Wesinger
    • Story: Supergirl battles against red kryptonite and Mr. Mxytzplk.
    • Notes: Superman mentions Legion

November

Cover art by Curt Swan (pencils) and George Klein (inks) Superman v1 Annual #4 (published November 9, 1961, cover date 1962)
  • The Origins and Powers of the Legion of Super-Heroes!
    • P: Curt Swan, I: George Klein; E: Mort Weisinger
    • 2-page profile of the Legion, first mention of many civilian identities, homeworlds and origins.

December

Cover art by Curt Swan (pencils) and George Klein (inks) Superman's Girlfriend, Lois Lane #31 (published December 26, 1961, cover date February 1962)
  • House Ads: Ad for Adventure Comics #293 mentions the Super-Pets.
Cover art by Curt Swan (pencils) and George Klein (inks) Action Comics v1 #285 (published December 28, 1961, cover date February 1962)
  • The World's Greatest Heroine!
    • W: Jerry Seigel; P&I: Jim Mooney; E: Mort Weisinger
    • Story: Superman reveals Supergirl's existence to the world and the Legion helps her defeat the Infinite Monster.
    • Appearances: Brainiac 5, Cosmic Boy, Lightning Lad and Saturn Girl on three pages
Cover art by Curt Swan (pencils), George Klein (inks) and Ira Schnapp (lettering) Adventure Comics #293 (published December 28, 1961, cover date February 1962)
  • The Legion of Super-Traitors!
    • W: Jerry Seigel; P: Curt Swan; I: George Klein; L: Milton Snapinn; E: Mort Weisinger
    • Story: With the Legion's help, Superboy battles aliens bent on moving the Earth to another solar system..
    • First appearances: Legion of Super-Pets, Comet the Super-Horse, Brain Globes of Rambat (also origin of BGoR)

1962

January

Cover art by Curt Swan (pencils) and Sheldon Moldoff (inks) Action Comics v1 #286 (published January 30, 1962, cover date March 1962)
  • The Jury of Super-Enemies!
    • W: Robert Bernstein; P: Curt Swan; I: George Klein; E: Mort Weisinger
    • Notes: Second appearance of LSV, with Luthor, Brainiac & Electro as members - cameo in a dream sequence

February

Cover art by Curt Swan (pencils) and George Klein (inks) Superman v1 #152 (published February 6, 1962, cover date April 1962)
  • The Robot Master!
    • W: Jerry Seigel; P: Curt Swan; I: George Klein; E: Mort Weisinger
    • Story: Superman is plagued by robot versions of his closest friends, including Legionnaires
Cover art by Curt Swan (pencils), George Klein (inks) and Ira Schnapp (lettering) Action Comics v1 #287 (published February 27, 1962, cover date April 1962)
  • Supergirl's Greatest Challenge!
    • W: Jerry Seigel; P&I: Jim Mooney; L: Milton Snapinn; E: Mort Weisinger
    • Story: Supergirl battles chameleon men impersonating the Legion.
    • First appearances: Whizzy

March

Cover art by Curt Swan (pencils) and George Klein (inks) Adventure Comics #296 (published March 29, 1962, cover date April 1962)
  • Smallville Mailsack (letters column)
    • E: Mort Weisinger
    • A fan writes in to praise the introduction of the Legion of Super-Pets and ask for more stories featuring them.

April

Cover art by Curt Swan (pencils), George Klein (inks) and Ira Schnapp (lettering) Action Comics v1 #289 (published April 26, 1962, cover date June 1962)
  • Superman's Super-Courtship!
    • W: Jerry Seigel; P&I: Jim Mooney; L: Milton Snapinn; E: Mort Weisinger
    • Story: Supergirl searches many worlds and times to find a suitable wife for Superman.
    • Notes: Second appearance of Adult Legion, first mention of the marriage of Lightning Lad & Saturn Girl.

May

Cover art by Curt Swan (pencils), George Klein (inks) and Ira Schnapp (lettering) Superboy v1 #98 (published May 17, 1962, cover date July 1962)
  • The Boy with Ultra Powers!
    • W: Jerry Seigel; P&I: Al Plastino; L: Milton Snapinn; E: Mort Wesinger
    • Story: Ultra Boy travels to the 20th century in an attempt to uncover Superboy's secret identity as part of his Legion initiation..
    • First appearances: Ultra Boy (also origin), Marla Latham.
    • Joins Legion: Pete Ross
Cover art by Curt Swan (pencils), Kurt Schaffenberger (pencils, Lois Lane finger touch-up) and George Klein (inks) Action Comics v1 #290 (published May 29, 1962, cover date July 1962)
  • Supergirl's Super Boyfriends!
    • W: Jerry Seigel; P&I: Jim Mooney; E: Mort Weisinger
    • Story: Red kryptonite exposure causes Supergirl to bestow super-powers with a kiss.
    • Appearances: Phantom Girl and Legion statuettes
Cover art by Curt Swan (pencils) and George Klein (inks) Adventure Comics #298 (published May 29, 1962, cover date July 1962)
  • Smallville Mailsack (letters column)
    • E: Mort Weisinger
    • Several readers write in to support the proposed "Tales of the Legion of Super-Heroes" feature, and a couple state they would rather keep "Tales of the Bizarro World".

June

Cover art by Curt Swan (pencils) and Sheldon Moldoff (inks) Superman v1 #155 (published June 21, 1962, cover date August 1962)
  • The Downfall of Superman!
    • W: Jerry Seigel; P: Curt Swan; I: George Klein; E: Mort Weisinger
    • Story: Superman switches placed with a famous wrestler in an attempt to capture gangsters.
    • Notes: Adult Legionnaires Cosmic Man & Lightning Man appear.
Cover art by Curt Swan (pencils), George Klein (inks) and Ira Schnapp (lettering) Adventure Comics #299 (published June 28, 1962, cover date August 1962)
  • Smallville Mailsack (letters column)
    • E: Mort Weisinger
    • The announcement is made that "Tales of the Legion of Super-Heroes" will officially replace "Tales of the Bizarro World" as a new regular feature beginning in Adventure Comics #300.

July

Cover art by Curt Swan (pencils) and George Klein (inks) Superman's Pal, Jimmy Olsen #63 (published July 5, 1962, cover date September 1962)
  • The League of Fantastic Supermen!
    • W: Jerry Seigel; P: Curt Swan; I: George Klein; E: Mort Weisinger
    • Notes: Third appearance of LSV.
    • First appearances: Chameleon Chief, Sun Emperor
Cover art by Curt Swan (pencils), George Klein (inks) and Ira Schnapp (lettering) Adventure Comics #300 (published July 26, 1962, cover date September 1962)
  • The Face Behind the Lead Mask!
    • W: Jerry Seigel; P&I: John Forte, Al Plastino; E: Mort Weisinger
    • Story: The Legion fights a robot created by Lex Luthor.
    • Notes: Begins first ongoing Legion series.
    • Joins Legion: Mon-El

August

Cover art by Curt Swan (pencils) and George Klein (inks) Superman v1 #156 (published August 2, 1962, cover date October 1962)
  • The Last Days of Superman!
    • W: Ed Hamilton; P: Curt Swan; I: George Klein; E: Mort Weisinger
    • Story: Superman succumbs to Virus X and enlists the aid of various heroes to help him perform charitable deeds before he dies.
    • Notes: Legion appear
Cover art by Curt Swan (pencils) and John Forte (inks) Superboy v1 #100 (published August 21, 1962, cover date October 1962)
  • The Day Pete Ross Became a Robot!
    • W: Jerry Coleman; P&I: George Papp; E: Mort Weisinger
    • Story: While Superboy is visiting the Legion in the 30th Century, Pete Ross must impersonate a Superboy robot which he has accidentally damaged.
    • Notes: Legion appear
Cover art by Curt Swan (pencils) and George Klein (inks) Superman's Pal, Jimmy Olsen #64 (published August 21, 1962, cover date October 1962)
  • Jimmy Olsen, Hollywood Star!
    • W: Leo Dorfman; P: Curt Swan; I: George Klein; E: Mort Weisinger
    • Notes: Superman mentions Legion
Cover art by Curt Swan (pencils), Sheldon Moldoff (inks) and Ira Schnapp (lettering) Adventure Comics #301 (published August 28, 1962, cover date October 1962)
  • The Secret Origin of Bouncing Boy!
    • W: Jerry Seigel; P&I: John Forte, Al Plastino; L: Milton Snapinn; E: Mort Weisinger
    • Story: To encourage a group of Legion applicants, Bouncing Boy relates how he joined the team.
    • Notes: Origin of Bouncing Boy.

September

Cover art by Curt Swan (pencils) and George Klein (inks) Superman v1 #157 (published September 20, 1962, cover date November 1962)
  • The Super-Revenge of the Phantom Zone Prisoner!
    • W: Edmond Hamilton?; P: Curt Swan; I: George Klein; E: Mort Weisinger
    • Cameo appearances: Mon-El
  • Superman's Day of Doom!
    • W: Jerry Siegel; P: Curt Swan; I: George Klein; E: Mort Weisinger
    • Story: Superman learns he will be saved by someone with the initials L.L.
    • Cameo appearances: Lightning Lad & Cosmic Boy
Cover art by Curt Swan (pencils) and George Klein (inks) Action Comics v1 #294 (published September 27, 1962, cover date November 1962)
  • The Kryptonite Killer!
    • W: Edmond Hamilton; P&I: Al Plastino; E: Mort Weisinger
    • Cameo appearances: Saturn Queen
Cover art by Curt Swan (pencils), George Klein (inks) and Ira Schnapp (lettering) Adventure Comics #302 (published September 27, 1962, cover date November 1962)
  • Sun Boy's Lost Power!
    • W: Jerry Siegel; P&I: John Forte; L: Milton Snapinn; E: Mort Weisinger
    • Story: Sun Boy is drummed out of the Legion when his super-powers fade.
Cover art by Kurt Schaffenberger Superman's Girlfriend, Lois Lane #37 (published September 27, 1962, cover date November 1962)
  • House Ads: Ad for Adventure Comics #302 with title changed to "The End of Sun-Boy!"

October

Cover art by Curt Swan (pencils) and George Klein (inks) Action Comics v1 #295 (published October 30, 1962, cover date December 1962)
  • Superman Goes Wild!
    • P: Curt Swan; I: George Klein; E: Mort Wesinger
    • Cameo appearances: Mon-El
  • House Ads: Ad promotes The Fantastic Spy! in Adventure Comics #303
Cover art by Curt Swan (pencils), George Klein (inks) and Ira Schnapp (lettering) Adventure Comics #303 (published October 30, 1962, cover date December 1962)
  • The Fantastic Spy!
    • W: Jerry Siegel; P&I: John Forte; L: Joe Letterese; E: Mort Weisinger
    • Story: The Legion fails several assignments thanks to a traitor in their midst..
    • First appearances: Matter-Eater Lad
    • Joins Legion: Matter-Eater Lad

November

Cover art by Curt Swan (pencils) and George Klein (inks) Superman v1 Annual #6 (published November 15, 1962, cover date Winter 1962-63)
  • 1st Reprint The Legion of Super-Heroes! from Adventure Comics #247, April 1958, with final page cut, "Lightning Boy" relettered to "Lightning Lad" and some characters recolored.
  • The Superman Family (Back-cover poster)
    • P: Curt Swan; I: George Klein; E: Mort Weisinger
    • Notes: Includes Cosmic Boy, Chameleon Boy, Lightning Lad, Saturn Girl & Sun Boy.
Cover art by Curt Swan (pencils), George Klein (inks) and Ira Schnapp (lettering) Adventure Comics #304 (published November 29, 1962, cover date January 1963)
  • The Stolen Super-Powers!
    • W: Jerry Siegel; P&I: John Forte; L: Joe Letterese; E: Mort Weisinger
    • Story: Knowing a Legionnaire will die, Saturn Girl conspires to expel all members so she can face an invading force on her own.
    • Deaths: Lightning Lad.
  • Smallville Mailsack (letters column)

December

Cover art by Curt Swan (pencils) and George Klein (inks) Action Comics v1 #297 (published December 27, 1962, cover date February 1963)
  • The Forbidden Weapons of Krypton!
    • W: Leo Dorfman; P&I: Jim Mooney; E: Mort Weisinger
    • Story: Kryptonian criminals escape from the Phantom Zone. (Cameo Mon-El)
  • House Ads: Legion mentioned in ad for Adventure Comics #305
Cover art by Curt Swan (pencils), George Klein (inks) and Ira Schnapp (lettering) Adventure Comics #305 (published December 27, 1962, cover date February 1963)
  • The Secret of the Mystery Legionnaire!
    • W: Jerry Siegel; P&I: John Forte; L: Joe Letterese; E: Mort Weisinger
    • Story: A mysterious hero tries out for Legion membership.
    • First appearances: Antennae Boy
    • Notes: Mon-El leaves Phantom Zone and joins Legion full-time.
  • Clark Kent, He-Man!
    • P&I: George Papp; L: Joe Letterese; E: Mort Weisinger
    • Story: The Kent family moves to a new town where Superboy wears a mask and Clark Kent no longer has to pretend to be weak and timid.
    • Appearances: Chameleon Boy

1963

January

Cover art by Curt Swan (pencils) and Sheldon Moldoff (inks) Action Comics v1 #298 (published January 31, 1963, cover date March 1963)
  • The Super-Powers of Lex Luthor!
    • W: Leo Dorfman; P&I: Jim Mooney; E: Mort Weisinger
    • Story: Supergirl battles a group of Phantom Zone criminals.
    • Cameo appearances: Cosmic Boy, Lightning Lad & Saturn Girl
    • Notes: House ad for Adventure Comics #306 mentions all Substitute Heroes by name
Cover art by Curt Swan (pencils), George Klein (inks) and Ira Schnapp (lettering) Adventure Comics #306 (published January 31, 1963, cover date March 1963)

February

Cover art by Curt Swan (pencils) and George Klein (inks) Superman's Pal, Jimmy Olsen #68 (published February 21, 1963, cover date April 1963)
  • The Richest Boy in Metropolis
    • W: Leo Dorfman; P: Curt Swan; I: George Klein; E: Mort Weisinger
    • Appearances: Elastic Lad and, as charms on a bracelet, Chameleon Boy, Saturn Girl & Sun Boy
  • House Ads: Has an ad for Adventure Comics #307 with Element Lad pictured as "Mystery Lad"
Cover art by Curt Swan (pencils) and George Klein (inks) Action Comics v1 #299 (published February 28, 1963, cover date April 1963)
  • The Story of Superman's Experimental Robots!
    • W: Jerry Siegel; P&I: Al Plastino; E: Mort Weisinger
    • Story: Superman thinks of people he knows with the initials L.L. (Cameo Lightning Lad)
  • House Ads: Has an ad for Adventure Comics #307 with Element Lad pictured as "Mystery Lad."
Cover art by Curt Swan (pencils), George Klein (inks) and Ira Schnapp (lettering) Adventure Comics #307 (published February 28, 1963, cover date April 1963)
  • The Secret Power of the Mystery Super-Hero!
    • W: Edmond Hamilton; P&I: John Forte; L: Joe Letterese; E: Mort Weisinger
    • Story: The Legion battles space pirates while trying to guess the super-power of their newest member.
    • First appearances: Element Lad (also origin); Roxxas
    • Joins Legion: Element Lad
  • Smallville Mailsack (letters column)

March

Cover art by Curt Swan (pencils) and George Klein (inks) Superman v1 #161 (published March 21, 1963, cover date May 1963)
  • The Last Days of Ma and Pa Kent!
    • W: Leo Dorfman; P&I: Al Plastino; E: Mort Weisinger
    • Notes: Superboy mentions Mon-El.
Cover art by Curt Swan (pencils), George Klein (inks) and Joe Letterese (lettering) Adventure Comics #308 (published March 28, 1963, cover date May 1963)
  • The Return of Lightning Lad!
    • W: Edmond Hamilton; P&I: John Forte; L: Joe Letterese; E: Mort Weisinger
    • Story: Lightning Lad comes back from the dead, but some members doubt his miraculous return.
    • First appearances: Lightning Lass (also origin)
    • Joins Legion: Lightning Lass

April

Cover art by Curt Swan (pencils), George Klein (inks) and Ira Schnapp (lettering) Adventure Comics #309 (published April 25, 1963, cover date June 1963)
  • The Legion of Super-Monsters!
    • W: Edmond Hamilton; P&I: John Forte; L: Milton Snapinn; E: Mort Weisinger
    • Story: A rejected Legion applicant gathers monsters in a plot to take revenge.
    • First appearances: Jungle King, Rainbow Girl
  • The Fake Superboy from Krypton!
    • P&I: George Papp; L: Joe Letterese; E: Mort Weisinger
    • Story: Superboy schemes to make an ex-convict think he was hallucinating when he saw the Teen of Steel leaving the Kent farm.
    • Appearances: Brainiac 5
  • Bits of Legionnaire Business
    • Notes: 1st mention of Color Kid, Beast Boy & Life Lass

May

Cover art by Kurt Schaffenberger Superman v1 #162 (published May 2, 1963, cover date July 1963)
  • The Amazing Story of Superman-Red and Superman-Blue!
    • W: Leo Dorfman; P: Curt Swan; I: George Klein; E: Mort Weisinger
    • Story: Superman is split into two heroes, each of whom perform great feats before settling down with Lois Lane and Lana Lang.
    • Notes: Legion cameo
Cover art by Curt Swan (pencils) and John Forte (inks) Superman's Pal, Jimmy Olsen #70 (published May 23, 1963, cover date July 1963)
  • The Secret of Silver Kryptonite!
    • P: Curt Swan; I: George Klein; E: Mort Weisinger
    • Story: Superman becomes concerned that Jimmy is part of a scheme involving silver kryptonite.
    • Appearances: Element Lad.
Cover art by Curt Swan (pencils), George Klein (inks) and Gaspar Saladino (lettering) Adventure Comics #310 (published May 29, 1963, cover date July 1963)
  • The Doom of the Super-Heroes!
    • W: Edmond Hamilton; P&I: John Forte; L: Milton Snapinn; E: Mort Weisinger
    • Story: One by one, Legion members are murdered by a mysterious masked villain..
    • First appearances: Mr. Mxyzptlk (in 30th century), Doll World
  • Bits of Legionnaire Business
    • E: Mort Weisinger
    • Notes: 1st mention of Duplicate Boy and Spider-Girl, referred to as Spider Lass

June

Cover art by Curt Swan (pencils), George Klein (inks) and Ira Schnapp (lettering) Adventure Comics #311 (published June 27, 1963, cover date August 1963)
  • The War Between the Substitute Heroes and the Legionnaires!
    • W: Edmond Hamilton; P&I: John Forte; L: Joe Letterese, Milton Snapinn; E: Mort Weisinger
    • Story: The Substitute Legion saves the day by defeating aliens masquerading as the real Legion.
  • Smallville Mailsack (letters column)
    • E: Mort Weisinger
    • Readers point to appearances of Lightning Man as proof that Lightning Lad cannot be dead.
  • Bits of Legionnaire Business
    • E: Mort Weisinger
    • Notes: Second mention of Color Kid & first mention of Evolvo Lad

July

Cover art by Curt Swan (pencils), George Klein (inks) and Ira Schnapp (lettering) Adventure Comics #312 (published July 25, 1963, cover date September 1963)
  • The Super-Sacrifice of the Legionnaires!
    • W: Edmond Hamilton; P&I: John Forte; L: Milton Snapinn; E: Mort Weisinger
    • Story: The Legion searches for a way to return a fallen member to life.
    • Deaths: Proty
    • Rejoins Legion: Lightning Lad
  • Bits of Legionnaire Business
    • E: Mort Weisinger
    • Notes: First mention of Blockade Boy & Weight Wizard

August

Cover art by Curt Swan (pencils) and George Klein (inks) Superman's Pal, Jimmy Olsen #72 (published August 15, 1963, cover date October 1963)
  • The World of Doomed Olsens!
    • W: Jerry Siegel; P: Curt Swan; I: George Klein; E: Mort Weisinger
    • Story: Jimmy is captured by the Collector and taken to a planet where he is confronted by some of his past weird transformations. Or, is he?.
    • First appearances: Proty II
    • Joins Legion: Elastic Lad (Jimmy Olsen)
Cover art by Curt Swan (pencils), George Klein (inks) and Ira Schnapp (lettering) Adventure Comics #313 (published August 29, 1963, cover date October 1963)
  • The Condemned Legionnaires!
    • W: Edmond Hamilton; P: Curt Swan; I: George Klein, Sheldon Moldoff; L: Milton Snapinn; E: Mort Weisinger
    • Story: The Legion girls succumb to a crimson virus, while the boys try and stop a new female menace.
    • First appearances: Satan Girl.
    • Notes: Third appearance of Legion of Substitute Heroes.

September

Cover art by Curt Swan (pencils) and George Klein (inks) Superman v1 #165 (published September 19, 1963, cover date November 1963)
  • Beauty and the Super-Beast!
    • W: Robert Bernstein; P: Curt Swan; I: George Klein; E: Mort Weisinger
    • Story: Superman comes up with an elaborate ruse to convince the Superman Revenge Squad that their counter-energy ray doesn’t work.
    • Appearances: Saturn Woman, Proty II
Cover art by Curt Swan (pencils) and George Klein (inks) Action Comics v1 #306 (published September 26, 1963, cover date November 1963)
  • The Maid of Doom!
    • W: Leo Dorfman; P&I: Jim Mooney; E: Mort Weisinger
    • Story: A being poses as Superman to trick Supergirl.
    • Cameo appearances: Flashback Brainiac 5 & Mon-El
    • House Ads: Ad for Adventure Comics #314 mentions Superboy, Mon-El & Ultra Boy
Cover art by Curt Swan (pencils), George Klein (inks) and Ira Schnapp (lettering) Adventure Comics #314 (published September 26, 1963, cover date November 1963)
  • The Super-Villains of All Ages!
    • W: Edmond Hamilton; P&I: John Forte; L: Milton Snapinn; E: Mort Weisinger
    • Story: A rejected Legion applicant steals a Time Bubble and recruits great villains from the past (Hitler, Nero and John Dillenger), placing their minds in the bodies of the Legion’s mightiest members.
    • First appearances: Ronn Kar & Alaktor
    • Notes: First mention of radiation weakness for Ultra Boy
  • Bits of Legionnaire Business
    • E: Mort Weisinger
    • Notes: 1st mention of Gas Girl

October

Cover art by Curt Swan (pencils) and George Klein (inks) Superman's Pal, Jimmy Olsen #73 (published October 10, 1963, cover date December 1963)
  • Jimmy’s Inter-Dimensional Romance!
    • P: John Forte; I: George Klein; E: Mort Weisinger
    • Cameo appearances: Ultra Boy
  • House Ads: Ad for Adventure Comics #314 mentions Superboy, Mon-El & Ultra Boy
Cover art by Curt Swan (pencils) and George Klein (inks) Action Comics v1 #307 (published October 29, 1963, cover date December 1963)
  • Supergirl's Wedding Day!
    • W: Leo Dorfman; P&I: Jim Mooney; E: Mort Weisinger
    • Story: A Kryptonian criminal escapes from the Phantom Zone and attempts to humiliate the El family by marrying Supergirl.
    • Appearances: Saturn Girl
    • House Ads: Ad for Adventure Comics #315 with all Substitute Heroes pictured
Cover art by Curt Swan (pencils), George Klein (inks) and Ira Schnapp (lettering) Adventure Comics #315 (published October 29, 1963, cover date December 1963)
  • The Legionnaires Super-Contest!
    • W: Edmond Hamilton; P&I: John Forte; L: Joe Letterese (splash page, part 2 only), Unknown (remainder); E: Mort Weisinger
    • Story: the Legion first becomes aware of the Substitute Heroes existence, when they compete for Legion memership.
  • The Titanic Boy of Steel!
    • P&I: George Papp; L: Joe Letterese; E: Mort Weisinger
    • Story: Superboy becomes a giant after exposure to red kryptonite and needs help to protect his secret identity.
    • Appearances: Colossal Boy
    • Notes: Last new Superboy solo story in Adventure Comics until issue #450

November

Cover art by Curt Swan (pencils) and George Klein (inks) Superman v1 #166 (published November 7, 1963, cover date January 1964)
  • The Fantastic Story of Superman's Sons!
    • W: Edmond Hamilton; P: Curt Swan; I: George Klein; E: Mort Weisinger
    • Story: Superman’s son travels to Krypton before its destruction.
    • Notes: A Time bubble appears
Cover art by Kurt Schaffenberger Superman's Girlfriend, Lois Lane #46 (published November 14, 1963, cover date January 1964)
  • House Ads: Has a 1/3 page ad for Adventure Comics #316, Ultra Boy is pictured.
Cover art by Curt Swan (pencils) and George Klein (inks) Superman v1 Annual #8 (published November 21, 1963, cover date Winter 1963-64)
Cover art by Curt Swan (pencils), George Klein (inks) and Gaspar Saladino (lettering) Adventure Comics #316 (published November 27, 1963, cover date January 1964)
  • The Renegade Super-Hero!
    • W: Edmond Hamilton; P&I: John Forte; L: Milton Snapinn; E: Mort Weisinger
    • Story: Ultra Boy is thought to be a traitor to the Legion.
    • Notes: Phantom Girl and Ultra Boy's romance begins.
  • The Origins and Powers of the Legion of Super-Heroes
    • P: Curt Swan; I: George Klein; E: Mort Weisinger
    • Notes: Partial reprint of same feature from Superman v1 Annual #4, 1961 with some changes and two new pages.

December

Cover art by Curt Swan (pencils) and George Klein (inks) Superman v1 #167 (published December 19, 1963, cover date February 1964)
  • The Team of Luthor and Brainiac!
    • W: Edmond Hamilton, Cary Bates; P: Curt Swan; I: George Klein; E: Mort Weisinger
    • Notes: Brainiac revealed to be android, caption refers to revised ancestry of Brainiac 5
Cover art by Curt Swan (pencils) and Sheldon Moldoff (inks) Action Comics v1 #309 (published December 26, 1963, cover date February 1964)
  • The Superman Super-Spectacular!
    • W: Edmond Hamilton; P: Curt Swan; I: George Klein; E: Mort Weisinger
    • Story: President Kennedy helps Superman protect his secret identity.
    • Notes: Legion of Super-Pets appears
Cover art by Curt Swan (pencils), George Klein (inks) and Ira Schnapp (lettering) Adventure Comics #317 (published December 26, 1963, cover date February 1964)
  • The Menace of Dream Girl!
    • W: Edmond Hamilton; P&I: John Forte; L: Milton Snapinn; E: Mort Weisinger
    • Story: A new Legion applicant schemes to have several members removed from active duty in an attempt to prevent their deaths..
    • First appearances: Dream Girl, who joins & resigns from Legion.
    • Name change: Lightning Lass becomes Light Lass (also super-power change)
    • Notes: 1st mention Time Trapper
Cover art by Kurt Schaffenberger Superman's Girlfriend, Lois Lane #47 (published December 26, 1963, cover date February 1964)
  • The Super-Life of Lois Lane!
    • P&I: Kurt Schaffenberger; E: Mort Weisinger
    • Story: An "imaginary tale," in which it is Lois Lane, not Kal-El, who travels from Krypton to Earth to become a super-hero.
    • Cameo appearances: Night Girl, Saturn Girl & Sun Boy
  • Two-year subscription offer pictures Mon-El, Saturn Girl, Superboy & Ultra Boy

1964

January

Cover art by Curt Swan (pencils) and George Klein (inks) Superboy v1 #111 (published January 2, 1964, cover date March 1964)
  • Krypto's Three Amazing Transformations!
    • W: Jerry Siegel; P&I: George Papp; E: Mort Weisinger
    • Notes: As he returns from a trip to the future, Superboy thinks about how good it was to see Lightning Lad and Lightning Lass.
Cover art by Curt Swan (pencils), George Klein (inks) and Ira Schnapp (lettering) Adventure Comics #318 (published January 30, 1964, cover date March 1964)
  • The Mutiny of the Legionnaires!
    • W: Edmond Hamilton; P&I: John Forte; L: Milton Snapinn; E: Mort Weisinger
    • Story: Sun Boy succumbs to space fatigue and turns on the Legion.
    • Appearances: Second appearance of Time Trapper
  • Smallville Mailsack (letters column)
    • E: Mort Weisinger
    • Only mention of a "Super-Bird" member of the Legion of Super-Pets

February

Cover art by Curt Swan (pencils), Sheldon Moldoff (inks) and Ira Schnapp (lettering) Adventure Comics #319 (published February 27, 1964, cover date April 1964)
  • The Legion's Suicide Squad!
    • W: Edmond Hamilton; P&I: John Forte; L: Milton Snapinn (splash page and Part 2 only), Unknown (remainder); E: Mort Weisinger
    • Story: The Substitute Legion succeeds, where two Legion teams failed, on a mission to destroy alien weapons..
    • First appearances: Planetary Chance Machine
Cover art by Curt Swan (pencils) and George Klein (inks) Superman's Pal, Jimmy Olsen #76 (published February 27, 1964, cover date April 1964)
  • Elastic Lad Jimmy and his Legion Romances!
    • W: Jerry Siegel; P&I: John Forte; E: Mort Weisinger
    • Story: The Legion girls feign interest in Jimmy to help him impress his would-be girlfriend, Lucy Lane.
    • Appearances: Light Lass, Saturn Girl & Triplicate Girl

March

Cover art by Curt Swan (pencils), George Klein (inks) and Ira Schnapp (lettering) Adventure Comics #320 (published March 26, 1964, cover date May 1964)
  • The Revenge of the Knave from Krypton!
    • W: Jerry Siegel; P: John Forte; I: Sheldon Moldoff, George Papp, Al Plastino; L: Milton Snapinn; E: Mort Weisinger
    • Story: Superboy takes the place of Dev-Em in an attempt to capture Morlock the Merciless.
    • Notes: Third appearance of Dev-Em.
  • 1st partial reprint of The War of the Superboys! from Adventure Comics #287
  • 1st partial reprint of The Knave From Krypton! from Adventure Comics #288
  • The Legion Outpost (letters column)
    • E: Mort Weisinger
    • Notes: Letters page changes name from Smallville Mailsack to reflect Legion takeover of title

April

Cover art by Curt Swan (pencils) and George Klein (inks) Superman's Pal, Jimmy Olsen #77 (published April 9, 1964, cover date June 1964)
  • The Colossus of Metropolis!
    • P: Curt Swan; I: George Klein; E: Mort Weisinger
    • Story: Jimmy grows to giant size to battle Titano, the Super-Ape.
    • Notes: Jimmy wears uniforms of Colossal Boy, Sun Boy & Star Boy
Cover art by Curt Swan (pencils), George Klein (inks) and Ira Schnapp (lettering) Adventure Comics #321 (published April 30, 1964, cover date June 1964)
  • The Code of the Legion!
    • W: Edmond Hamilton; P: John Forte; I: Sheldon Moldoff, Al Plastino; L: Milton Snapinn; E: Mort Weisinger
    • Story: Lightning Lad pretends to fail a psychological test in order to expose SP Chief Wilson.
    • First appearances: Time Trapper (proper).
    • Depowered: Bouncing Boy
Cover art by Curt Swan (pencils) and George Klein (inks) World's Finest Comics #142 (published April 30, 1964, cover date June 1964)
  • The Composite Superman!
    • W: Edmond Hamilton; P: Curt Swan; I: George Klein (part 1), Sheldon Moldoff (part 2); E: Mort Weisinger
    • Story: A janitor at the Superman Museum goes on a rampage after gaining the powers of all Legion members.
    • Notes: Legion statuettes appear

May

Cover art by Kurt Schaffenberger Superman's Girlfriend, Lois Lane #50 (published May 14, 1964, cover date July 1964)
  • Lois Lane's Luckiest Day!
    • P&I: Kurt Schaffenberger; E: Mort Weisinger
    • Story: Three girls join Lois Lane’s fan club and help to make it her lucky day.
    • Appearances: Phantom Girl, Shrinking Violet & Triplicate Girl
Cover art by Curt Swan (pencils) and George Klein (inks) Superboy v1 #114 (published May 21, 1964, cover date July 1964)
  • Krypto's Catastrophes!
    • W: Otto Binder; P&I: Al Plastino; E: Mort Weisinger
    • Notes: Superboy mentions to Krypto that he is taking a trip to the future to consult with his pals in the Legion of Super-Heroes.
Cover art by Curt Swan (pencils), George Klein (inks) and Joe Letterese (lettering) Adventure Comics #322 (published May 28, 1964, cover date July 1964)
  • The Super Tests of the Super-Pets!
    • W: Edmond Hamilton; P: John Forte; I: Sheldon Moldoff, Al Plastino; L: Milton Snapinn, Joe Letterese, Vivian Berg?; E: Mort Weisinger
    • Story: The Super-Pets put Proty II through his paces in a series of initiation tests.
    • Notes: Proty II joins Super-Pets

June

Cover art by Curt Swan (pencils), George Klein (inks) and Ira Schnapp (lettering) Adventure Comics #323 (published June 25, 1964, cover date August 1964)
  • The Eight Impossible Missions!
    • W: Jerry Siegel; P: John Forte; I: George Klein; L: Joe Letterese; E: Mort Weisinger
    • Story: The Legion members compete to solve Proty’s puzzle and become Legion leader..
    • First appearances: Spider-Girl & Double-Header.
    • Re-elected Legion Leader: Saturn Girl
  • Origin of the Legion of Substitute Heroes
    • E: Mort Weisinger
    • Notes: Text feature gives origin & homeworlds of the Subs.

July

Cover art by Curt Swan (pencils) and George Klein (inks) Superman's Pal, Jimmy Olsen #79 (published July 9, 1964, cover date September 1964)
  • The Red-Headed Beatle of 1,000 B.C.!
    • W: Leo Dorfman; P&I: George Papp; E: Mort Weisinger
    • Story: A 30th century criminal escapes into the past, taking Jimmy with him.
    • Notes: Legion Time Bubble appears
Cover art by Curt Swan (pencils), Sheldon Moldoff (inks) and Ira Schnapp (lettering) Adventure Comics #324 (published July 30, 1964, cover date September 1964)
  • The Legion of Super-Outlaws!
    • W: Edmond Hamilton; P&I: John Forte; L: Vivian Berg?; E: Mort Weisinger
    • Story: The brother of a former Legion adversary tricks the super-heroes into fighting their counterparts from another world..
    • First appearances: Heroes of Lallor. Origin and first appearances of all members - Beast Boy, Duplicate Boy, Evolvo Lad, Gas Girl and Life Lass

August

Cover art by Curt Swan (pencils) and George Klein (inks) Superman v1 #172 (published August 6, 1964, cover date October 1964)
  • The New Superman!
    • W: Edmond Hamilton; P: Curt Swan; I: George Klein; E: Mort Weisinger
    • Cameo appearances: Cosmic Boy, Invisible Kid & Saturn Girl
Cover art by Curt Swan (pencils), Sheldon Moldoff (inks) and Ira Schnapp (lettering) Adventure Comics #325 (published August 27, 1964, cover date October 1964)
  • Lex Luthor Meets the Legion of Super-Heroes!
    • W: Edmond Hamilton; P&I: John Forte; L: Vivian Berg?; E: Mort Weisinger
    • Story: Lex Luthor travels into the future, adopts a disguise, and pretends to be good for a time before turning on the Legion.
  • The Legion Constitution
    • E: Mort Weisinger
    • Notes: Text feature prints "selected passages" from teams rules and regulations.

September

Cover art by Curt Swan (pencils) and George Klein (inks) Superman v1 #173 (published September 17, 1964, cover date November 1964)
  • The Triumph of Luthor and Brainiac!
    • W: Jerry Siegel; P&I: George Papp; E: Mort Weisinger
    • Story: Superman and Batman impersonate Luthor and Brainiac.
    • Notes: Cameo Legion statues of Bouncing Boy, Chameleon Boy, Cosmic Boy, Saturn Girl & Sun Boy
Cover art by Curt Swan (pencils), George Klein (inks) and Ira Schnapp (lettering) Adventure Comics #326 (published September 24, 1964, cover date November 1964)
  • The Revolt of the Girl Legionnaires!
    • W: Jerry Siegel; P&I: John Forte; L: Milton Snapinn; E: Mort Weisinger
    • Story: Under the mental control of an alien Queen, the girl Legionnaires attempt to destroy their male teammates..
    • First appearances: Queen Azura of Femnaz
  • The Legion Constitution
    • E: Mort Weisinger
    • Notes: Text feature prints "selected passages" from teams rules and regulations.

October

Cover art by Curt Swan (pencils) and Sheldon Moldoff (inks) Superboy v1 #117 (published October 1, 1964, cover date December 1964)
  • Superboy and the 5 Legion Traitors!
    • W: Jerry Siegel; P: Curt Swan; I: George Klein; E: Mort Weisinger
    • Story: Superboy is visited by evil Legion members from an alternate future world.
    • Appearances: Brainiac 5, Chameleon Boy, Element Lad, Invisible Kid & Ultra Boy
Cover art by Curt Swan (pencils) and George Klein (inks) Action Comics v1 #319 (published October 29, 1964, cover date December 1964)
  • The Super-Cheat!
    • P&I: Jim Mooney; E: Mort Weisinger
    • Story: Supergirl tries to expose a cheater.
    • Appearances: Shrinking Violet
Cover art by Curt Swan (pencils), John Forte (pencils), George Klein (inks) and Ira Schnapp (lettering) Adventure Comics #327 (published October 29, 1964, cover date December 1964)
  • The Lone Wolf Legionnaire!
    • W: Edmond Hamilton; P&I: John Forte; L: Milton Snapinn; E: Mort Weisinger
    • Story: The son of a scientist mistakenly believes himself to be an inhuman android, while the true android has taken his place..
    • First appearances: Lone Wolf (and origin - later renamed Timber Wolf)

November

Cover art by Curt Swan (pencils) and George Klein (inks) Action Comics v1 #320 (published November 25, 1964, cover date January 1965)
  • The Three Super-Enemies!
    • W: Otto Binder; P: Al Plastino, Curt Swan; I: Al Plastino, George Klein; E: Mort Weisinger
    • Notes: Superman refers to events of Superboy v1 #117
Cover art by Curt Swan (pencils), George Klein (inks) and Ira Schnapp (lettering) Adventure Comics #328 (published November 25, 1964, cover date January 1965)
  • The Lad Who Wrecked the Legion!
    • W: Jerry Siegel; P&I: Jim Mooney; L: David Huffine; E: Mort Weisinger
    • Story: A new member convinces the Legionnaires to let him place them in suspended animation so he can augment their powers..
    • First appearances: Command Kid

December

Cover art by Curt Swan (pencils), George Klein (inks) and Ira Schnapp (lettering) Adventure Comics #329 (published December 31, 1964, cover date February 1965)
  • The Bizarro Legion!
    • W: Jerry Siegel; P&I: Jim Mooney; L: David Huffine; E: Mort Weisinger
    • Story: When Bizarro is turned down for Legion membership, he uses his imperfect duplicator ray to create a Legion of his own..
    • First appearances: Flight Rings
  • Know Your Legionnaires
    • E: Mort Weisinger
    • Notes: Text feature gives origins, powers, homeworlds and real names of all members.

See Also

Legion Publication History

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