From DC Database

Contents 1 History 1.1 The Ultimate Sacrifice 2 Powers and Abilities 2.1 Powers 2.2 Abilities 2.3 Strength level 3 Notes 4 See Also 5 Recommended Reading 6 Links and References 6.1 Footnotes

History

The Ultimate Sacrifice

After joining the Legion, Nolan was sent to collect Mano of the Fatal Five to join in battle against a Sun-Eater that was threatening the Galaxy.^[2]

Along with other Legionnaires, he submitted to a procedure devised by Tharok to increase their abilities by an intensifier that drew its anti-energies from the Antimatter Universe -- power enough to last for three days. The power increase was barely enough to affect the sun-eater, let alone destroy it. The other Legionnaires and members of the Fatal Five failed. Ferro Lad did something no one else dared - he plunged into the very heart of the creature, where he discovered a mass of energy at the superheated core - the life force that directed the mass of energy. Feeling that its destruction would also destroy the sun-eater, Ferro Lad tried to reach it, but was blasted back. He was convinced that he had failed.

Tharok had designed and built an Absorbatron Bomb, indicating that if it could be delivered to the Sun-Eater's core, the bomb could absorb all its power. With no time to make a timing device or propulsion system, someone had to carry it into the Sun-Eater, and "die to save the galaxy!". Superboy offered to go, reasoning that his invulnerability gave him the best chance for survival. But suddenly, Ferro Lad intervened, punching the weakened Superboy out and taking the bomb out the airlock and towards the Sun-Eater.

Deep in the heart of the nimbus, Ferro Lad detonated the bomb -- as the blackness of space was "torn asunder", the Absorbatron bomb sent its force crackling through the cloudy mass. The scattered energies were absorbed by the devastating blast. Ferro Lad had made the ultimate sacrifice and the Galaxy was safe.^[3]

The Legion made a special missile "which will stand through eternity, on the cemetery satellite, Shanghalla, the resting place of heroes from all over the Universe!". The dedication on the missile read:

In Memorium - Andrew Nolan (Ferro Lad) - A mutant whose non-human face was kept hidden behind a mask. He gave his life to save the Galaxy.

Powers and Abilities

Powers

Able to transform his body into an iron like metal substance of great resilience. See also Transformation.

Abilities

Invulnerability. He was easily able to withstand a blast by Lightning Lad while in this form. In addition, during his tryout, blasts from the Legion's ray-missile guns (one of their deadliest weapons) couldn't pierce his armored skin.

Strength level

Super-strength, which Nolan described as "almost inconceivable", demonstrating it by bending a solid steel bar, at least 1.5 inches in diameter.

Notes

• Ferro Lad's story is reprinted in DC Comics Classics Library #2.

See Also

• Discuss Andrew Nolan (Pre-Zero Hour) on the forums
• Appearances of Andrew Nolan (Pre-Zero Hour)
• Character Gallery: Andrew Nolan (Pre-Zero Hour)
• Quotations by Andrew Nolan (Pre-Zero Hour)
• Images featuring Andrew Nolan (Pre-Zero Hour)

Recommended Reading

• Adventure Comics #346
• Adventure Comics #347
• Adventure Comics #352
• Adventure Comics #353
• Adventure Comics #403
• Legion of Super-Heroes (Volume 3) #61
• Legion of Super-Heroes (Volume 4) #5
• Legion of Super-Heroes (Volume 4) #45
• Valor #23
• Who's Who in the Legion of Super-Heroes #2
• Who's Who in the DC Universe #8

Links and References

• Ferro Lad at Wikipedia
• Biographical Data from an LSH Website
• The Death of Ferro Lad in the Corner Drugstore
• Hero History: Ferro Lad --by Matthew Peterson, Or - “A Heart Of Iron, With A Face Even His Mother Didn’t Love.”
  

Footnotes

Legion of Super-Heroes member This character is or was a member of the Legion of Super-Heroes from the 30th/31st Century, in any one of their various continuities. Including but not limited to, the Original Continuity, the Post-Zero Hour Legion, and the "Threeboot" Continuity. This template will categorize articles that include it into the "Legion of Super-Heroes members" category.