Who's Who: Magnetic Kid

Magnetic Kid
by Russell & Siskoid

Real Name: Pol Krinn

Super-Power(s): Super-magnetism
Planet of Origin: Braal

Legion Seniority: Magnetic Kid joined as one of the five "rookies" after the founders retired from active duty. Polar Boy was listed first as the "senior" rookie, then Sensor Girl was originally listed next. When her status changed, Magnetic Kid moved up from #36 to became Legionnaire #35. 

Legion Log 
Magnetic Kid was introduced as Pol Krinn, Cosmic Boy's little brother, many years before he ever considered becoming a Legionnaire. In fact, he enjoyed living his life outside of the spotlight, growing up in the normal way with school, athletics, and romance until the day when the area in Metropolis where he and their parents lived was devastated by a fireballing attack. He and his father were gravely wounded, and his mother was killed. While recovering, Pol began to re-examine his views. He realized that it was up to those who can do something about the universe's ills to take a stand to improve things. Pol then applied to the Legion Academy, using the name Magnetic Kid, and was immediately accepted.

Due to the Legion rule against duplicated powers, Magnetic Kid had no intention of joining the Legion. He became good friends with his roommate Grev Mallor, cousin of Shadow Lass, who was in a similar situation. Magnetic Kid originally intended to master his powers of magnetism and then apply to the Science Police or some other similar organization. However, while Magnetic Kid was at the Legion Academy his brother quit the Legion, resigning to become Senior Advisor.  Magnetic Kid then applied for Legion membership. He was able to convince a majority of the membership that he had what it took, and was inducted into the Legion. 

Obviously, Pol Krinn is in no way related to the criminal who also went by the name Magnetic Kid. 

Magnetic Kid took his newly chosen field seriously, working extra-hard to develop his magnetic powers to try to match his older brother's accomplishments. As a typical younger brother, he idolized his older brother even after making the team, keenly aware of just how important Cosmic Boy was to the Legion. During his off hours, Magnetic Kid would often be found in the gymnasium, working to improve either his magnetic skills or his physical prowess. 

Although all the other Legionnaires knew and admired Magnetic Kid, he was most comfortable spending time with Tellus, who he knew from the Academy, or Polar Boy. When not at Legion HQ, he spent time with his father.

Magnetic Kid was a Legionnaire for nearly two years. During that time he worked hard to improve his abilities, hoping to make his father and brother proud. He became more sure of himself as he racked up more experience, such as defeating a larger group of Braalian thieves. Later, he and his fellow "rookies" stood against The Conspiracy, and he led a successful mission to his home planet. Magnetic Kid finally began feeling comfortable with himself as a Legionnaire. When the Legion was faced with the danger of The Arch-Mage, he knew what he had to do. Calmly and with determination, Magnetic Kid made the ultimate sacrifice so that the universe would live. He was mourned as one of the greatest Legionnaires.

During the so-called Five Year Gap, Magnetic Kid was memorialized through the naming of Rokk's and his wife Lydda's newborn son.

After the Reboot and the Threeboot, Pol Krinn was still Cosmic Boy's younger brother, but never had time to grow up enough to become a hero himself. Reboot Pol did become a magno-ball champion like his brother, though.

After Infinite Crisis, Magnetic Kid's original history has more or less been re-established, which means he is dead once more.

Important Magnetic Kid Stories: 

Adventure Comics #335

 (reprinted in Legion of Super-Heroes Archives Vol. 4)

Cosmic Boy's little brother makes his debut appearance

Adventure Comics #356

 (reprinted in Legion of Super-Heroes Archives Vol. 6)

The Krinn family appears in a Family Day parade

Adventure Comics #357

 (reprinted in Legion of Super-Heroes Archives Vol. 6)

Pol is named for the first time

Superboy/Legion of Super-Heroes #236

Pol re-appears after several years, having grown up a bit

 Legion of Super-Heroes (v2) #297-298

The Krinn family is a victim of fireballing

Legion of Super-Heroes (v2) #304

Magnetic Kid joins the Legion Academy  

Tales of the Legion of Super-Heroes #316

Magnetic Kid helps the Substitute Heroes stop smugglers 

Legion of Super-Heroes (v3) #4

Magnetic Kid is ready to help defend the Earth 

Legion of Super-Heroes (v3) #8

Laurel Kent is shot in Magnetic Kid's presence

Legion of Super-Heroes (v3) #12

Magnetic Kid seriously considers joining the Legion when his brother quits

Legion of Super-Heroes (v3) #14

Magnetic Kid joins the Legion

Legion of Super-Heroes (v3) #16

Magnetic Kid goes out on a Legion mission for the first time

Legion of Super-Heroes Annual (1985) #1

Magnetic Kid helps the Legion track down who shot Laurel Kent

Legion of Super-Heroes (v3) #28

 
Magnetic Kid hopes to be the best Legionnaire he can be

Legion of Super-Heroes (v3) #29

 
 
Magnetic Kid defeats Braalian thieves even though they out-number him

Legion of Super-Heroes (v3) #48

Magnetic Kid stands against The Conspiracy

Legion of Super-Heroes (v3) #52-53

Magnetic Kid leads a mission to his home planet of Braal

Legion of Super-Heroes (v3) #62

Magnetic Kid sacrifices himself to help the Legion win the Magic War

Legion of Super-Heroes (v4) Annual #3

The birth of Rokk Krinn's son; he will be named Pol after his dead uncle

Legionnaires #53

Reboot Pol Krinn is Cosmic Boy's young brother and a magno-ball champion