Legion Of Super Heroes

Author: Otto Binder

Another DC Silver Age creation, originally written by science fiction Otto Binder (one-half of the pseudonym Eando Binder, along with his brother), the Legion of Super-Heroes is a title that exemplifies the use of Science Fiction as a tool of DC's creatives. The Legion of Super-heroes was formed by three time-traveling super-powered teenagers, Saturn Girl, Lightning Boy, and Cosmic Boy, who eventually found a young Superman (then known as Superboy) and recruited him to join. This concept, taking established, mainline heroes like Superman, giving them teen versions and launching a new title was the first of what would become many pushes to hold a teen audience. The team grew to include dozens of members, some super-silly, several of whom ended up as the Legion of Substitute Heroes, and others representing the most creative characters of the 1960s and 70s. The stories often featured time-travel, space-faring, and usually both, with Superboy as a focus for the team. The title ran for decades, and has been significantly re-booted three times. Still, when you think of science fiction superhero teams, you'll come to the Legion of Super-Heroes pretty quick. Why it's on the list: If you're making a list of Science Fiction comic titles, and the Legion ain't on it, you're wrong.