Wednesday, July 22, 2015

Who's Who: Nightwind

Nightwind
by Siskoid

Real Name: Berta Skye Haris
Super-Power(s): Wind generation and manipulation
Planet of Origin: Earth
Legion Seniority: Nightwind was a member of Legion Academy through the Bronze Age, but only became a full-fledged Legionnaire in the Five-Year Gap, the first of many new recruits in the largely-unchronicled era.

Legion Log 
Nightwind was created by a Legion fan. Originally called "Nightwing," she appeared in Amazing World of DC Comics #12. Though she was originally called Lara Londo, she was renamed Berta Harris after her creator, Robert Harris of Allentown, PA.

Berta Skye Haris is the beneficiary of a recessive gene in her family that gives its females the power to create and control winds. She tried out for the Legion as Nightwind, but was rejected. Upon the suggestion of Wildfire, whom she greatly admired, she enrolled in the Legion Academy along with fellow rejects, Lamprey and Crystal Kid.

During the so-called Five-Year Gap, Nightwind finally became a member of the Legion, the last official graduate of the Academy to do so (other former students would join, but after the Academy was shut down). Her membership was short-lived, as the team was disbanded in 2992, but solid, if undistinguished.

Nightwind was then offered a teaching position at the United Planets Militia Academy on Xolnar by her former Academy instructors, Luornu Durgo and Chuck Taine and soon became the toughest, and consequently, the most successful trainer there. When the Khunds started overrunning United Planets worlds in early 2995, she was chosen to lead a squad on a reconnaissance mission, a squad that was tragically massacred by the Khunds. Berta was buried with full military honors on Xolnar.

After the Reboot, Nightwind was a member of the Legion Academy whom Chameleon called into action, along with other cadets, to help defeat Luddite terrorists called Devil, Lantern and Arrow.

After the Threeboot, no version of Nightwind appears to exist.

After Infinite Crisis, Nightwind's original history has more or less been re-established. She graduates from the Academy after years of study, but is not offered Legion membership.

Important Nightwind Stories:

Amazing World of DC Comics #12 (1976)
Original "Nightwing" sketch by John Workman,
based on a concept by Legion fan Richard Harris

Legion of Super-Heroes (v2) #272
First actual appearance of Nightwind, trying out for the Legion

Legion of Super-Heroes (v2) #283
As a cadet, Nightwind's impatience needs to be curbed by Wildfire

Legion of Super-Heroes (v2) #304
Nightwind and Lamprey's new looks, the former trying to seem more
serious on Wildfire's advice

Legion of Super-Heroes (v4) #15
Nightwind is killed in action against the Khunds

Adventure Comics (v1) #524
After Infinite Crisis, Nightwind is alive and well, and still at Legion Academy

Adventure Comics (v1) #528
Nightwind finally graduated from Legion Academy

1 comment:

  1. Ah Nightwind. Definitely a cheap expendable death during the 5YL.

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