| Character Name: | Polar Boy |
| Publisher: | DC Comics |
| Debut: | Adventure Comics #306 (March 1963) |
| Alter Ego: | Brek Bannin |
| Species: | Tharrian |
| Homeworld: | Tharr |
| Alliances: | Legion of Substitute Heroes Legion of Super-Heroes The Wanderers |
| Powers: | Cold generation and projection Heat resistance |
Polar Boy (Brek Bannin) is a fictional character from the 30th century of the DC Universe, initially suggested by reader Buddy Lavigne of Northbrook, Illinois in the letters page of Adventure Comics #304, from January 1963.[1] He was the first of several characters who were created based on reader suggestions.[2]
Brek Bannin originates from the planet Tharr, one of the hottest inhabited planets in its galaxy. His family lives in the planet's hottest valley, where the inhabitants develop cryokinetic abilities to combat the persistent heat.[3]
After being rejected from the Legion of Super-Heroes, Polar Boy becomes a founding member of the Legion of Substitute Heroes, serving as its first leader.[4] The group primarily serves as local law enforcement while the Legion is busy, and eventually disbands after thwarting Computo's invasion of Bismoll.[5] Following this, Polar Boy joins the full Legion.
In the "Threeboot" continuity, Polar Boy appears as a member of the Wanderers.[6]
In Action Comics #860, Polar Boy is captured and tortured by an anti-alien society. In the process, he loses an arm and replaces it with an ice prosthetic.
In , Polar Boy is among the Legionnaires assembled to battle Superboy-Prime and the Legion of Super-Villains.
Polar Boy appears in the 2021 one-shot Tis the Season to Be Freezin, where he dates Comet Queen.[7]
Polar Boy possesses the innate ability to reduce heat and produce cold, which enables him to withstand high temperatures. Furthermore, he is a skilled leader, having led the Legion of Substitute Heroes on multiple occasions.