by Russell & Siskoid
Real Name: Delya Castil
Super-Power(s): Telepathic suggestion
Planet of Origin: Titan
Planet of Origin: Titan
Relationship to Legion: Legion Applicant, then member of the Fatal Five, then Martyred Hero
Legion Log
Mentalla made her debut during the Open Call for new Legionnaires in the later part of the 30th Century. As her idol, Saturn Girl, had recently retired from full membership, Mentalla hoped to take her place. During her interview, Mentalla dramatically demonstrated her ability to control another's senses by taking control of Ultra Boy. However, she was ultimately rejected in favor of Tellus, another applicant with mental powers.
Mentalla had made a good impression on several Legionnaires, and they encouraged her to join the Legion Academy. Although she did register, she attended the institution for only a short time before she disappeared.
The Legion then came across her as a member of the newly re-formed Fatal Five. She had reached out to the Emerald Empress as their fifth member, and as such, Mentalla was present when they attacked the Legion.
As the Fatal Five appeared to finally have the upper hand against their foes, Mentalla used her mental powers to control fellow Five member Flare to destroy the machines blocking the Legion's distress calls. She also forced the Emerald Empress herself to switch on one of the Legionnaires' distress signals. Although this action enabled the Legionnaires to ultimately defeat the Fatal Five, the Legion was unable to stop the Emerald Empress from murdering Mentalla in cold blood for her duplicity.
Later, the Legionnaires placed a statue of Mentalla in their Hall of Heroes in order to honor her heroism.
Mentalla appeared in neither the Reboot nor the Threeboot.
After Infinite Crisis, Mentalla's original history - and death - has presumably been more or less restored.
Legion of Super-Heroes (v3) #14
Mentalla makes her debut as a Legion Applicant
Mentalla makes her debut as a Legion Applicant
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Legion of Super-Heroes (v3) #24
Legion of Super-Heroes (v3) #24
Legion of Super-Heroes (v3) #25
Legion of Super-Heroes (v3) #26
Mentalla is murdered by the Emerald Empress for her attempt at heroics
Mentalla is murdered by the Emerald Empress for her attempt at heroics
Legion of Super-Heroes (v3) #59
A statue of Mentalla stands in the Legion's Hall of Heroes
A statue of Mentalla stands in the Legion's Hall of Heroes
I never understood the women of Titan all had different mental abilities as Saturn Girl was a telepath, Saturn Queen a hypnotist and Mentalla telepathic suggestion .
ReplyDeleteWhat was the reason for the diversity and why couldn't someone have all three ?
Interesting question. I think it was more a matter of which power sets or style you preferred? Esper Lass had a little bit of each of those powers, didn't she?
DeleteI liked Mentalla and wish that in addition to the statue that they had conferred membership status to her posthumously.
ReplyDeletePosthumous Honourary membership would have been appropriate.
DeleteHer colors were based on Saturn Girl's costume from Superboy #247, and her appearance based on Steve Lightle's wife.
ReplyDeleteYou meant Adventure Comics #247, but yes, otherwise you are correct. Steve Lightle's homage to Saturn Girl and to his wife.
Delete