Ultra Boy
	Name: Jo Nah Home Planet: Rimbor Super-Power: Ultra-energy for ultra-strength, ultra-speed, invulnerability, or ultra-vision Member Since: 2963

Origin | Super-Power | Personal Data | Membership Record

Monitor Board

Once, when Jo Nah was travelling through space in his one-man space-speedster, he was swallowed by an energy-beast. Fortunately for him, a Galactic Patrol cruiser saw his peril and rescued him by slicing the creature open with a ray. Jo escaped, but his body was charged by the radiation of that mighty monster. He tried using his energy and discovered that he could see through anything, even lead, with his penetra-vision. He used his new-found ability in behalf of the law. Before long, everyone called him Ultra Boy. Later, he found he could use his power of ultra-energy in other ways - ultra-strength, or ultra-speed, or invulnerability, or ultra-vision - but only for one super-power at a time. Still, Ultra Boy hoped his power would win him membership in the Legion of Super-Heroes (Superboy No. 98, Adventure Comics No. 316).

Comments: Ultra Boy's flashback to his origin in Adventure Comics No. 316 is incorrect in regards to his costuming on page 4, panels 2 & 3, where he is shown wearing his Ultra Boy insignia. According to the same issue, his insignia is symbolic of his power, origin, and heroism, so it is highly unlikely that he was wearing it before he gained his super-power. First Appearance: Superboy No. 98 (written by Jerry Siegel, drawn by Curt Swan)

Back to Top

Ultra Boy can utilize his power of ultra-energy in a variety of ways, but only for one at a time. He can switch it to any of the following:

Ultra-strength: When Ultra Boy uses this power, his strength is only surpassed by Superboy, Supergirl, Mon-El, and Night Girl. He is strong enough to toss a small meteror light years away (Adventure Comics No. 328), however, it takes nearly all his strength to hurl a small spaceship to escape velocity to break free of a planet's gravity. He once spun the same ship at hyper-light velocity so that it crashed the dimensional barrier to enter a warp continuum (380). His strength is enough to break open the thin inertron casing that the Legionnaires keep the Miracle Machine in (379). With the pressure of his super-breath, he once filled oxygen tanks with compressed air and created a vacuum in a home-made light bulb (380).

Ultra-speed: When using this power, he can move his body faster than the eye can follow. His ability to fly falls under this ultra-power (Adventure Comics No. 316).

Invulnerability: When using this power he is impervious to harm by nuclear forces (Adventure Comics No. 345). If propelled at sufficient force, by either his flight ring or a super-toss, Ultra Boy can use his ultra-hard body like a human missile (361). His ultra-energy aura protects his clothing from being torn when invulnerable (316).

Ultra-vision: Ultra Boy's penetra-vision is twice as powerful as Superboy's x-ray vision; it can see through lead and the heat of his flash-vision can melt lead and even hurt the invulnerable Superboy and himself as well (Superboy No. 98, Adventure Comics No. 358). He has used his penetra-vision to see if a person's heart is beating more rapidly, signifying a nervous or excited state (Superboy No. 98). Ultra Boy's penetra-vision and flash-vision glows blue, hotter than Superboy's yellow or red vision. As part of this same ultra-vision power, Ultra Boy can use telescopic vision, in combination with penetra-vision if desired (Adventure Comics No. 316). He also has microscopic-vision and is able to analyze fingerprints (327).

Limitations and Weaknesses: As mentioned above, one serious limitation to his ultra-energy is that he can only use it for one super-power at a time. This means that if he wants to fly through space at super-speed he must wear a spacesuit to survive in the cold vacuum (Adventure Comics No. 316). When using his power for super-strength he is not invulnerable and can therefore get tired, feel muscular pain, or even pull a muscle (368, 371 "The Legion Outpost").

While it only takes a second for him to switch his ultra-energy from one power to another, Ultra Boy can be caught off-guard and unawares (Adventure Comics No. 358, 374).

Ultra Boy cannot use his ultra-energy to gain a super-calculating mind, as seen when he sketched out the tumblers of a lock he saw through a lead-lined bank vault but had to give the drawing to Superboy so the Boy of Steel could figure out the exact combination (Superboy No. 98).

Ultra Boy cannot break the time-barrier under his own power, and must either switch to invulnerability and travel with Superboy or Mon-El (Adventure Comics No. 321), or pilot a time-bubble (Superboy No. 100, Jimmy Olsen No. 76).

While Ultra Boy's penetra-vision can see through lead, it cannot see through inertron (Adventure Comics No. 336), neither can he see invisible objects or persons. He cleverly overcame the latter limitation, when he had to locate invisible crooks, and used his flash vision to make the ground so hot the crooks yelped with pain, giving away their location (323).

Ultra Boy is weakened by radioactive force, which interferes with his ability to utilize his ultra-energy, thus neutralizing his power (Adventure Comics No. 314, 358, 359/360).

When using invulnerability, he is subject to being pushed back by a force-thrust since he does not have the strength or flying power to resist it (Adventure Comics No. 335).

Ultra Boy is vulnerable to objects from Krypton-like worlds, which become super under a yellow sun (Adventure Comics No. 364).

Speculative Explanation of Power: The ultra-energy that Jo Nah absorbed fills and surrounds his body, and he can mentally will it to do ultra-powered things. His power is not to be confused with Superboy's or Mon-El's, whose abilities he seems to mimic, albeit one at a time. It is not his body that is being altered into a super-dense form when he is invulnerable, for if it was, he would also be super-strong as well. What he is actually doing is telekinetically focusing the ultra-energy to accomplish a super-human function for him.

When he wants to become invulnerable, the ultra-energy in and around him (for it protects his clothing as well), acts as a force-shield, protecting his body's atoms and deflecting any force he encounters. When he wishes to be ultra-strong, he focuses the ultra-energy through his body to be able to lift the weight for him. When in need of ultra-speed, the ultra-energy harnesses the power of kinetic motion to propel him through space, the aura of which also protects his clothing from burning up from friction. When penetra-vision is called for, the ultra-energy taps into electro-magnetic frequencies far higher than x-rays, possibly gamma rays, which enables him to see through even lead. Similar potent rays give his flash-vision the ability to melt matter.

Theoretically, Ultra Boy may be able to employ his ultra-energy in ways that we have not yet seen. After all, at first, the only power he thought he had was penetra-vision, but through practice he learned to utilize it for different abilities.

Back to Top

Physical Description: Jo has brown hair, parted on the left and with a ducktail in back. The tip of his nose is squarish with a cleft.

Personality: Jo has a curious nature that won't be denied, and he is not averse to reading other people's diaries (Superboy No. 98) or peeking behind masks (Adventure Comics No. 350/351). A bit of a rebel, Jo is not one to take or listen to orders, preferring to make his own decisions on matters (332, 350, 351) and make his own rules (340). Although he had been taught by his parents never to hit a lady, Ultra Boy has no compunctions about knocking out a female villain with his fists (Action Comics No. 386/2). Jo is also restless and often itches for action, making him sometimes a bit too hasty (Adventure Comics No. 332, 372). He has been known to play hooky from Legion meetings, preferring to go to birthday parties instead (302).

As a leader, though, Jo has learned that it's a big responsibility, and that worrying is part of the job, as is making the right decision (Adventure Comics No. 379). He can be strict but fair and will praise and reward members for good work (372), as well as listen and take advice from his teammates (376).

Jo is a clever and quick thinking person, able to trick and second-guess his comrades (316), and has foresight (371). His experience at being swallowed alive has not given him any fears or phobias of giant space creatures, as proven by his calm thinking when swallowed by the Super-Moby Dick of Space (Adventure Comics No. 332). If anything, he is thankful for the experience, as it gave him a super-power.

Jo is a very thoughtful person, and always remembers Phantom Girl's birthday (Action Comics No. 382/2).

Skills: Jo has a limited knowledge of biophysical science, and what little he does know he learned on Earth while in the Legion (Adventure Comics No. 316). He does have a good working knowledge of mechanics and electronics (Superboy No. 100, Adventure Comics No. 322). He is also highly skilled at drawing and sketching diagrams (Superboy No. 98).

Interests: Jo is a believer in physical fitness and as leader once insisted that Colossal Boy report for retraining at the Academy (Adventure Comics No. 371). Jo enjoys active pastimes such as Earth baseball (Superboy No. 98, Adventure Comics No. 359).

Previous Occupations: Ultra Boy used his power of penetra-vision to help the law on Rimbor (Superboy No. 98).

Nicknames: "U Boy" (Adventure Comics No. 358, 368, 379)

Relationships: Jo's closest Legion friends are Superboy (302), Mon-El (350/351), and Pete Ross (Superboy No. 100, Adventure Comics No. 302). Jo's guardian on Earth has been Marla, the Legion's Senior Advisor (Superboy No. 98).

Jo has been involved in an intimate relationship with Phantom Girl since 2963, when she believed in his innocence though the other members were ready to assume the worst in him (Adventure Comics No. 316). Jo can't wait until the day she becomes Mrs. Jo Nah; it's a constant battle for him to balance his Legion duties with that of protecting Phantom Girl (379).

Known Relatives: Jo lives with his parents in their house in Metropolis (Action Comics No. 381/2).

Back to Top

Application: The Legion's Senior Advisor, Marla, acted as an official observer when applicant Ultra Boy took his final initiation test, which was to travel back in time to 20th century Smallville and deduce the secret identity of Superboy. Disguised as father and son, "Ben Crane" enrolled his son "Gary" in Smallville High.

Induction: Although he first suspected Pete Ross as being the Boy of Steel, using both his deduction and his penetra-vision, Ultra Boy found out that Superboy was Clark Kent, which won him membership into the Legion of Super-Heroes (Superboy No. 98).

Comments: That Ultra Boy did not know the secret identity of Superboy indicates that either Earth history is not taught in schools on the colony world of Rimbor, or that Jo's mind was elsewhere (i.e. on space-speedster adventures) during his classes. In either case, the Legion made sure he learned about Superboy in order to make it into the Super-Hero Club.

Expulsion: While searching through the Science Police's super-rogues' gallery files for clues to the identity of some mystery raiders, the Legionnaires came across a record for "Rann Varal of Rambor," who looked just like Ultra Boy and who had escaped from prison by using super-strength. Thinking it must be a coincidence, the Legion compared Ultra Boy's fingerprints and pore-patterns with that of the criminal and were astonished to discover that they were a perfect match. Ultra Boy did not deny having a criminal past and asked the team to forget about it, since he was now a loyal Legion member. However, everyone in the team except Phantom Girl voted to expel him in disgrace, so they could turn the escaped criminal over to the police to serve out the rest of his prison term. The team held a ceremony to burn away his insignia, and Ultra Boy swore to use his mighty super-powers to get even with all of them. He fled, and the team was forced to chase him across the universe.

Reinstatement: The renegade Ultra Boy was approached by the alien raiders, who asked him to show them the secrets of the Legion's weapons in return for a share of the loot they would then get from Earth. Ultra Boy agreed, and took them to the Clubhouse, where he turned off all the hidden alarm-devices to bring them inside. There, he surprised them by turning the weapons he had been showing them how to work on the aliens themselves. He revealed that he had just faked his criminal entry and pretended to turn traitor in order to trap the raiders he had previously spotted with his penetra-vision, but who were monitoring the other Legionnaires so he could not inform them of his plan. The Legion held another ceremony where Phantom Girl replaced his insignia and the other Legionnaires saluted their comrade (Adventure Comics No. 316).

Positions Held: Leader for the 6th term (2967-68)

Aliases Used: Gary Crane (Superboy No. 98), Rann Varal (Adventure Comics No. 316)

Career Highlights:

Superboy No. 100 (Oct. 1962) "The Day Pete Ross Became a Robot"

When Superboy went to a Legion meeting, bringing all but one of his robots with him for study, Ultra Boy had to go back in time to help Pete Ross fix the damaged robot so it could save the Kents without arousing suspicion that Pete had been masquerading as the Boy of Steel.

Adventure Comics No. 316 (Jan. 1964) "The Renegade Super-Hero"

When alien raiders began stealing powerful scientific instruments from Earth for some secret purpose, Ultra Boy took it upon himself to fake a criminal past in order to capture the raiders. After ex-con "Rann Varal of Rambor" was expelled from the Legion of Super-Heroes, his insignia stripped from him, Ultra Boy escaped from the Legionnaires and was pursued across the universe by his former comrades. Phantom Girl remained his only supporter, abstaining from the vote to expel him and trying to warn him of the Legion's approach. When the Legionnaires were tracking him across space, Ultra Boy used his knowledge of his former teammates powers and tricks to keep one step ahead. After the alien raiders enlisted Ultra Boy as an ally, he took them to the Legion clubhouse and froze them with a selective freezing-force ray. Ultra Boy revealed to his teammates that his criminal past had been a ruse in order to win the raiders' trust so he could capture them. To Phantom Girl, who never doubted him, went the honor of replacing his insignia as a Legion member.

Adventure Comics No. 332 (May 1965) "The Super-Moby Dick of Space"

When the Super-Moby Dick of Space menaced many planets and interstellar shipping, the Legionnaires planned an expedition to stop it. While they were preparing, Ultra Boy went off on his own to try and stop the gigantic menace, feeling it was his duty since Mon-El was away and it had swallowed kryptonite so Superboy couldn't approach it. He was swallowed by the creature but switched to invulnerability just in time; keeping his wits about him, he used a handy flashlight to strike a nerve in a cavity in one of the creature's teeth, getting it to open his jaws so he could escape. After he had rejoined his teammates, acting leader Lightning Lad ordered Ultra Boy to pilot the ship, but when Dr. Lanphier was hurt by the Super-Moby Dick, Ultra Boy flew him back to an Earth hospital at super-speed.

Adventure Comics No. 337 (Oct. 1965) "The Weddings That Wrecked the Legion"

Ultra Boy and Phantom Girl took part in a fake double wedding, along with Lightning Lad and Saturn Girl, as part of a plot to locate the home world of the Murran spies.

Adventure Comics No. 371/372 (Aug./Sept. 1968) "The Colossal Failure" /"School for Super-Villains"

When crooks from the water-world of Mohado flooded Metropolis square, new Legion Leader Ultra Boy led a team to stop them. He came prepared with diving equipment for the members, but when Colossal Boy fouled up in trying to capture the criminals, Ultra Boy ordered him to report for retraining at the new Legion Academy. When it was discovered that Colossal Boy had been stealing stop secret data from the school, Ultra Boy was forced to arrest him and, when he offered up no explanation for his actions, he had no choice but to expel Colossal Boy for committing treason. Afterwards, he led the investigation behind Colossal Boy's escape and uncharacteristic behavior and approved Brainiac 5's plan to have members go undercover at the school for super-villains. Ultra Boy was part of the team that responded to the undercover operatives' request for reinforcements, helping to bust up the school, and, at the end of the successful mission, gave Colossal Boy a vacation and awarded diplomas to Timber Wolf and Chemical King, the first graduates from the Legion Academy.

Adventure Comics No. 374 (Nov. 1968) "Mission: Diabolical"

After most of the members of the Legion were kidnapped by Scorpius, Ultra Boy gave in to their blackmail to help them defeat the Taurus Gang, since it wasn't an illegal activity in and of itself. He planned to disguise himself as rival gang member Black Mace as part of "Operation Black Mace" in order to infiltrate them. Unfortunately, he was knocked out before he was able to take the villain's place and Dream Girl had to step in with her own impromptu plan.

Adventure Comics No. 379 (Apr. 1969) "Burial in Space"

When Ultra Boy returned to Legion H.Q. to discover five of his friends dying, and a Seeron offered to cure them if they would first come to his own universe to help his people against invaders, Ultra Boy knew they had no choice but to go. Ultra Boy planned a probing attack so the Legionnaires could see first-hand what they were up against. The brutes proved too tough for even their super-powers to stop for long, and when Phantom Girl was hurt in the struggle, Ultra Boy changed his plan to one of defense, having the Legionnaires build a defensive fortress in the path of the army. When they were attacked, at first he was reluctant to leave his guard post on the tower to help his friends below, but when he realized he was really just guarding Phantom Girl and, in the meantime, he friends might be killed, he leaped to their rescue. Ultra Boy then convinced all of the Seerons, who had too long relied on their mental powers, to physically overwhelm the invaders with their superior numbers and save themselves. The grateful Seerons promised to cure everyone in their H.Q., but upon returning, Ultra Boy and the others discovered that their dying friends had been removed and buried in space. He used the Miracle Machine to return them to the H.Q. in time for the Seeron's powers to cure them of the poison.

Adventure Comics No. 380 (May 1969) "The Legion's Space Odyssey"

When Ultra Boy and some of the other Legionnaires were whisked to a distant planet by unknown means, he took charge immediately. He ordered Cosmic Boy to supervise setting up camp while he had Invisible Kid come up with plans to build a makeshift spaceship to get them home. He gathered the minerals found by Bouncing Boy to use in making the ship, and filled tanks with compressed air and made a home-made light bulb by creating a vacuum with the pressure of his ultra-breath. Since the ship's engine wasn't powerful enough for take-offs, Ultra Boy had to use ultra-strength to launch the ship and then switch to ultra-speed to catch it before it left the atmosphere. When the ship was menaced by a meteor, he had to do the quick-change bit again, using ultra-speed to get out of the ship before air could escape, then invulnerability to protect him in space, then ultra-strength to shatter the asteroid, then invulnerability again to inspect the damage to the hull of the ship. He guided the ship to a safe landing place for repairs, and then, with Invisible Kid's help, figured out a way for them to get home more quickly. By attatching a super-cable to the ship and then spinning it so fast it would approach hyper-light velocity, Ultra Boy was able to cause it to crash through the dimensional barrier and travel home through a continuum where the distance to Earth was much shorter.

Action Comics No. 386 (Mar. 1970) "Zap Goes the Legion"

When Uli Algor attacked the Legionnaires with a belt-device which was able to counteract all of their super-powers, she used it to shock Phantom Girl. Enraged, Ultra Boy went after Uli and challenged her. Although the villainess and her belt were ready to counteract all of his powers, he didn't use any of them but instead threw an uppercut, knocking her out, and he was able to disarm her and take her into custody.

For information concerning Ultra Boy after 2969, click here.

Back to Top

Monitor Board