by Russell & Siskoid
Real Name: Hart Druiter
Super-Power(s): Able to temporarily adapt any specific power needed to defeat any one opponent.
Planet of Origin: Myar
Planet of Origin: Myar
Relationship to Legion: Originally a Legionnaire; later an Arch-Enemy
Legion Log
Nemesis Kid appeared at Legion headquarters at one of the "open calls" for new members and was considered at the same time as Princess Projectra, Ferro Lad, and Karate Kid. He explained to the Legion that as an alchemist he had given himself the ability to "counter" any power or opponent he was facing. In order to convince the Legion of his worth, he defeated an Atomic Robot. They voted him in unanimously.
Immediately after the four new members were inducted, the Khunds staged an invasion of Earth. As Earth's defenses fall, it becomes clear that one of the four new members is a traitor. Nemesis Kid initially tried to frame Karate Kid as the traitor, but eventually the truth was found out. When captured by the Legion, Nemesis Kid used his power to teleport himself to safety.
Nemesis Kid next appeared as one of the initial members of the Legion of Super-Villains. At that time he faced Superboy and defeated him one-on-one. Later, Duo Damsel was able to split and then capture Nemesis Kid before he could escape.
After Nemesis Kid escaped, Karate Kid considered it his personal obligation to bring him to justice. Although Nemesis Kid attempted to escape into the past, Karate Kid was able to chase after him and still capture him.
After Nemesis Kid escaped, Karate Kid considered it his personal obligation to bring him to justice. Although Nemesis Kid attempted to escape into the past, Karate Kid was able to chase after him and still capture him.
Later, Nemesis Kid rejoins and becomes the leader of the Legion of Super-Villains. During their plot to take over Orando and move it out of the universe, Nemesis Kid faces down Karate Kid and causes his death. Queen Projectra then stands up to Nemesis Kid and, using no power other than her strong will, executes him.
Fan lore has drawn a link between a non-identified "ex-member" who joined "under false pretenses" to sabotage the team as seen in wearing yellow in Adventure Comics #327. While it's possible these are one and the same, a panel featuring the Adult Legion looking through their files in Adventure Comics #354 mentions a disgraced Legionnaire called Jan Jor (NOT Hart Druiter) who may be a better fit.
After the so-called Five-Year Gap, Nemesis Kid was raised from the dead by Mordru in his attempt to take over the galaxy with an undead army. His animated corpse is incinerated during the battle.
After the Reboot, Nemesis Kid did not exist, but after the Threeboot, was a member of Mekt Ranzz's Wanderers. Other than a talent for computer hacking, possibly metahuman in nature, he displayed no super-human abilities.
After Infinite Crisis, Nemesis Kid's original history has presumably been more or less restored, and he is dead once more.
Nemesis Kid was also a member on the Legion of Super-Heroes animated series. It was hinted that he might be a traitor, but this story never came to pass before the series was canceled. He was voiced by Keith Ferguson.
Nemesis Kid was also a member on the Legion of Super-Heroes animated series. It was hinted that he might be a traitor, but this story never came to pass before the series was canceled. He was voiced by Keith Ferguson.
Defining Villainous Moment:
Legion of Super-Heroes (v3) #4
(reprinted in LSH: An Eye For An Eye TPB)
Important Nemesis Kid Stories:
Adventure Comics (v1) #327 and 354
issue 354 provides a more believable alternative
Adventure Comics (v1) #346
(reprinted in Legion of Super-Heroes Archives Vol. 5,
The Life and Death of Ferro Lad TPB,
and Showcase Presents The Legion Vol. 2)
Nemesis Kid shows his stuff to win Legion membership
Adventure Comics (v1) #346-347
(reprinted in Legion of Super-Heroes Archives Vol. 5,
The Life and Death of Ferro Lad TPB,
and Showcase Presents The Legion Vol. 2)
Nemesis Kid is found to be the traitor, and later teleports to escape
Adventure Comics (v1) #372
(reprinted in Legion of Super-Heroes Archives Vol. 8
and Showcase Presents The Legion Vol. 4)
Nemesis Kid is seen again as a member of the Legion of Super-Villains
(reprinted in Legion of Super-Heroes Archives Vol. 10
and Showcase Presents The Legion Vol. 5)
Nemesis Kid can't hide his contempt for Sun Emperor with his body language,
but later is easily defeated by Princess Projectra
Karate Kid #1
(reprinted in Legion of Super-Heroes Archives Vol. 12
and Showcase Presents The Legion Vol. 5)
Legion of Super-Heroes (v3) #3
(reprinted in LSH: An Eye For An Eye TPB)
Legion of Super-Heroes (v3) #5
(reprinted in LSH: An Eye For An Eye TPB)
Queen Projectra executes Nemesis Kid for having killed Karate Kid
(reprinted in LSH: An Eye For An Eye TPB)
Legion of Super-Heroes (v4) #47
Mordru raises Nemesis Kid's corpse, which is incinerated after a battle with Laurel Gand
Supergirl and the Legion of Super-Heroes #21
After the Threeboot, Nemesis Kid is a member of the Wanderers (he's the red-head)
Legion of Super-Heroes animated series
Nemesis Kid was a member of the animated Legion, voiced by Keith Ferguson, and did not
have time to turn traitor before the series ended
have time to turn traitor before the series ended
What a great concept and like Duplicate Boy tough to write.
ReplyDeleteI remember reading Nemesis Kid first appearance and was disappointed that he was made a villain as I hoped it would have been Princess Projectra or the masked Ferro Lad.
He did however turn out to be a outstanding member of the Legion of Super-Villains.
He was a great villain, and sadly was killed off too soon...though seeing (or hearing, actually) Jeckie snap his neck like a twig was so, so satisfying.
ReplyDeleteI've always hoped that future writer makes a second NK, but one that uses his powers much more intelligently and creatively than the late Mr. Hart Druiter did.
I must have missed something. Where does the name Hart Druiter come from?
ReplyDeleteIt's in Who's Who in the Legion for sure.
ReplyDelete