Adventure Comics (1938) 303

February closes with a silly character emceeing a serious subject.

Adventure Comics (1938) 303

Matter-Eater Lad, first seen in Adventure Comics 303, is a member of the Legion of Super-Heroes. The last Monday in February is National Eating Disorders Awareness Week.

The week was spawned to spotlight the dangers associated with eating disorders. These disorders include, but are not limited to, Anorexia, Bulimia and Binge-eating.

Eating disorders are a mental disorder that may cause illness and possibly death. They are suffered by an estimated 30-million Americans at some point during their lifetime.

To seek help for yourself or someone you know, contact the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA).

Matter-Eater Lad, Tenzil Kem, of course doesn’t suffer from any eating affliction. He’s a fictional character designed to entertain. Jerry Siegel and John Forte are his parents.

The Legionnaire is the 15^th member of the Legion, following Bouncing Boy. His origins stem from the planet Bismoll. The in habitants developed the ability to consume any manner of matter as a survival tool.

While he rarely appears in Legion adventures, Kem has survived the various incarnations of both the Legion and DCU. Outside of the comic book medium, Matter-Eater Lad found a stage in television on the Legion of Super Heroes animated series. Alexander Polinsky voiced him. He was also licensed in plastic as part of Mattel’s DC Universe Classics Legion of Super-Heroes 12 pack of action figures.