Founding Member Of DC's Strongest Team Confirms Incredible Use For Their Powers

When it comes to getting around by land, air, or sea, DC Comics has had its share of phases, ranging from gimmicky designs functioning just as well as toy fodder as they are effective vehicles. Some characters even benefit from a suite of their own powers as a way of getting around, such as Superman's flight bestowed by Kryptonian physiology, or others via the Green Lantern Power Ring. Even in the far future, the issue of transportation can be a question of function just as much as it is style and practicality, and in Legion of Super-Heroes #2, Garth Ranzz unveils a new use for his powers that powers a brand-new ride of his own.

Unlike sillier iterations such as of the Green Arrow's Arrowcar, DC stories have had to provide more character-driven justifications to introduce personalized vehicles. Cases like Absolute Batman's unveiling of his tricked-out dump truck-turned-Batmobile contribute an element of shock and awe, and an extreme manifestation of Batman's gifts. Lightning Lad got a taste of this in an admittedly more subtle way, while also introducing a sustainable, practical vehicle that's even impressed his older brother. The Lightning Cycle, introduced in Joshua Williamson, Hayden Sherman, and Tamra Bonvillain's Legion of Super-Heroes, makes for the latest innovation for the 31st Century's strongest team.

The Legion Of Super-Heroes' Co-Founder Unveils Brand-new Ride

Originally seen riding the Lightning Cycle in the first issue, Legion of Super-Heroes' new issue from today reveals that Garth, one of the canonical co-founders of the Legion in previous iterations, built this particular vehicle. Furthermore, upon Mekt asking if he did it, Garth confirms he discovered he, Mekt, and Ayla could use their powers to actively charge the bike, putting a unique blend of engineering and superpowered talents to his disposal. Despite having supposedly met Superman and seen the universe for himself, Mekt can't help being impressed by Garth's innate talents. It's surprisingly wholesome, even if Mekt's story understandably feels off for anyone who knows the character.

Functionally, the Lightning Cycle suddenly becomes far more interesting as a unique vehicle for the Ranzz siblings and Garth in particular. After all, Garth's introduction as Lightning Lad includes the bike leaving behind an electrified trail and stylized lightning onomatopoeias, invoking the Rule of Cool that extra mile much like the Static Saucer. It's shown as incredibly fast, able to outspeed car thieves in their hovercraft, and outmaneuver them while pulling off Wall of Death-style feats, riding up walls and ceilings when chasing them through a tunnel. It's every bit as brash and exuberant a vehicle as Garth is as a person. It may be technically usable by all three siblings, but Garth really has made it his own.

Lightning Lad's Talents May Land Him In Trouble

Unlike the skeptical Ayla, Garth is uncritically enamored with Mekt's stories and personal quest from Superman to save the universe. Garth readily believes that Superman is indeed still alive, and despite Ayla's warning that this could draw the ire of the violent Persuaders, Mekt offers to train them both to become superheroes. Claiming Superman is building the Legion of Super-Heroes himself, Mekt shows the Legion brand he received, even giving Garth one of his own.

For Garth, Mekt is the escape from his dull life he craved, falling in with the black sheep solo who indulged his desire to be a superhero. It's a wonderful distillation of Garth's youthful vulnerability and perhaps foolish aspirations for grandeur. But Ayla pays attention to the rest of the story.

After Mekt quickly rushes away just as Luc and Perla, the Ranzz siblings' parents, arrive home, Ayla reminds Garth to be wary of Mekt. She reminds him that, even before they got their powers, he was a source of trouble for the family. Whether any of that stems from the stigma surrounding Mekt as a "solo" outcast from Winath's predominantly twin-inhabited population remains to be shown in the comic. But As Ayla reiterates, Mekt is a dangerous individual, and falling in with him, and more importantly away from everyone else, could prove to be dangerous for Garth as well, as he gets ready to join what he believes is the Legion of Super-Heroes.