Chlorophyll Kid
| Chlorophyll Kid | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Publication information | |
| Publisher | DC Comics |
| First appearance | Adventure Comics #306 (March 1963) |
| Created by |
Edmond Hamilton John Forte |
| In-story information | |
| Alter ego | Ral Benem |
| Place of origin | Mardru |
| Team affiliations |
Legion of Super-Heroes Legion of Substitute Heroes |
| Abilities | Ability to stimulate plant growth |
Chlorophyll Kid is a fictional character, a superhero in the DC Universe. He first appeared in Adventure Comics #306 and was created by Edmond Hamilton and John Forte.
Fictional character biography
Chlorophyll Kid was born Ral Benem on the planet Mardru. As a young man, he accidentally fell into a tank of hydroponic serum which gave him the power to stimulate plant growth. He can grow seeds into full grown plants in a second. Ral can also direct the growth of vines so that they wrap around a person, trapping them. He has also claimed that he can talk to plants. Ral possesses an extensive knowledge regarding all types of plants and seeds. He carries a variety of seeds in his costume for various uses. He tries out for the Legion of Super-Heroes, but is rejected when the Legion decides that his power would not be useful on missions. Along with several other failed applicants, he helps form the Legion of Substitute Heroes.
Chlorophyll Kid appears in the one-shot Legion of Substitute Heroes comic book, where he is portrayed in a more comical fashion. In this story, Chlorophyll Kid is shown to have put on much weight.
In the Action Comics storyline Superman and the Legion of Super-Heroes, Chlorophyll Kid and his fellow substitutes are sent to distract the renegade Justice League. Chlorophyll Kid is shown to have much greater control over his powers, and he battles Storm Boy successfully. His hands now take on a plant-like appearance when he uses his powers.
Powers and abilities
Chlorophyll Kid can stimulate plant growth. After the accident he is to be able to mold and weave plants to his liking. He can sprout roots from the ground to ensnare criminals or wrap oak tree bark around himself in defense. He can grow plant monsters and control them to whatever extent he wishes. Over time his powers have increased and now he has greater control over his powers. His hands now take on a plant-like appearance when he uses his powers.
In other media
Chlorophyll Kid appears in the Legion of Super Heroes episodes "Lightning Storm" and "The Substitute," voiced by Alexander Polinsky.