In the vast universe of DC Comics, some heroes are buried by oblivion. Such is the case of Magnetic Kid, alias Pol Krinn, a legionnaire with magnetic powers who debuted in the 1980s. Created by Paul Levitz and drawn by Steve Lightle, his story promised much but ended up being a brief flash. Today we analyze his trajectory and his disappearance from the editorial map.
The technical development of a limited magnetic power 🧲
Unlike other magnetic mutants, Pol Krinn did not control metals on a massive scale. His ability focused on generating mid-range magnetic fields, allowing him to deflect projectiles or manipulate ferrous objects. However, his dependence on a technological belt to amplify his power made him vulnerable. In combat, his effectiveness was situational, and his lack of versatility relegated him to support roles. The Legion of Super-Heroes soon had more versatile members, and Krinn remained a technical memory of an experimental era.
The magnet for problems? His legacy of oblivion 😅
Magnetic Kid had the curious ability to attract more misfortunes than metals. His death on the battlefield was so quick that readers barely noticed his absence. If his power was to attract things, the only thing he attracted was editorial oblivion. Come on, not even Magneto would have given him a spot on his team. In the end, Pol Krinn is that coworker no one remembers until someone asks: and that guy with the magnet, what happened to him? Exactly.