Ultra Boy (Jo Nah) is a superhero appearing in DC Comics, primarily as a member of the Legion of Super-Heroes in the 30th and 31st centuries. He gained his powers after being eaten by a whale-like beast in space and being exposed to large amounts of radiation while inside. His real name is derived from the Biblical figure Jonah, who also survived being swallowed by a "large fish" (often interpreted as a whale). Ultra Boy has made limited appearances in media outside comics, with James Arnold Taylor voicing him in Legion of Super Heroes (2006).

Publication history

Ultra Boy first appeared in Superboy #98, and was created by Jerry Siegel and Curt Swan.

Fictional character biography

In Ultra Boy's first appearance in Superboy #98 (1962), he travels to the 21st century to uncover Superboy's secret identity and prove himself worthy of joining the Legion. After joining the Legion, he serves two terms as their leader. After the Legion disbands in the "Five Years Later" arc, Ultar Boy returns to Rimbor and becomes a criminal before rejoining the group. Furthermore, a temporal clone of Ultra Boy from "Batch SW6" is introduced. Following Zero Hour: Crisis in Time!, which reboots the Legion's continuity, Ultra Boy is reimagined as the former leader of the Emerald Dragons gang and a member of Workforce. He later leaves Workforce, joins the Legion, and marries Apparition, with whom he has a son named Cub. In the "Threeboot", he has a brief affair with Saturn Girl. In Doomsday Clock, Doctor Manhattan erases Ultra Boy and the Legion from existence before Superman convinces him to restore them.

Powers and abilities

Ultra Boy possesses abilities similar to Superman, including flight, x-ray vision, heat vision, and superhuman strength, durability, and speed. However, he can only use one power at a time. As a member of the Legion of Super-Heroes, Ultra Boy is provided a Legion Flight Ring, which allows him to fly and protects him from the vacuum of space and other dangerous environments. Although he has the equivalent innate abilities, the ring allows him to forgo them and leave another of his powers available for use.

In other media

Television

Video games

Ultra Boy appears as a character summon in Scribblenauts Unmasked: A DC Comics Adventure.

Miscellaneous