Proty

Superherobox


caption =
character_name = Proty
publisher = DC Comics
debut = (I) "Adventure Comics" #308 (May 1963)
(II) "Superman's Pal, Jimmy Olsen" #72 (October 1963)
creators = Edmond Hamilton (script)
John Forte
alter_ego =
full_name =
species =
homeworld = A planet in the Antares system
alliances = Legion of Super-Heroes Legion of Super-Pets
aliases =
supports=
powers = Shapeshifting

Proty is the name of two fictional extraterrestrials in the DC Comics universe. Proty I first appeared in "Adventure Comics" #308 (May 1963) while Proty II debuted in "Superman's Pal, Jimmy Olsen" #72 (October 1963).

Fictional character biography

The origin of the Proty's race is given in "Adventure Comics" #334. Many centures earlier a race called the Llorn colonized a planet in the Antares system that was inhabited by race of peaceful creatures. The two races managed to live in harmony until a passing star upset the ecological balance of the planet. The Llorn were forced to evacuate the planet. Before leaving, they used their advanced technology to alter the planet's natives into protoplasmic blobs that could change their shape to suit the environment.

Proty I is rescued from an alien menagerie by the Legion of Super-Heroes, and adopted as a pet by Chameleon Boy. The affectionate alien proves useful to the Legion, and becomes quite close to Saturn Girl, as her telepathic abilities allow her to read its thoughts.

The Legion have finally found a way to revive their dead comrade Lightning Lad. The scientists on Mon-El's homeworld have developed a machine that uses lightning to transfer the life force from one person to another; unfortunately, the "donor" is killed in the process. When Proty reads Saturn Girl's mind and learns she is going to use a super-conducting rod to rig the device and sacrifice her life, Proty tricks her into following it into a cave, causing her to lose her way. Proty then disguises himself as Saturn Girl and sacrifices its life instead. ["Adventure Comics" #312 (September 1963)]

Proty is replaced by Proty II, another member of their race. ["Superman's Pal, Jimmy Olsen" #72] Proty II later becomes a member of the Legion of Super-Pets. ["Adventure Comics" #322] After a misunderstanding between the two Legions led to the Super-Pets leaving the Solar System, Proty II infiltrated the Legion disguised as Blockade Boy. ["Adventure Comics" #364] The misunderstanding is soon cleared up, and Proty II returns to Earth.

In the stories of the Adult Legion, Proty II has become a full member of the Legion, and is now Saturn Woman's pet, having had a falling out with Chameleon Man ["Adventure Comics" #364]

In a Post-"Crisis on Infinite Earths" retcon, it was revealed that the original Proty did not die saving Lightning Lad's life. In reality, Proty's life force was transferred into the body of Garth Ranzz, and Proty lived his life as Garth from that point forward. The true Garth was never revived. ["Legion of Super-Heroes" (vol. 4) Annual #3 (1992).]

Post-Zero Hour

In post Zero Hour Legion continuity, Proty is a member of the Protean race, sent to attack Earth while the Legion was facing the Fatal Five. The civilian members of the Legion manage to destroy all but one of the Proteans, which is adopted as a pet by Lori Morning and named "Proty" ["Legionaires" #35 (March 1996)]

Powers and abilities

Proty I and II are shapeless masses of protoplasm capable of taking on any shape and form. While they can make their bodies look like any object, they cannot take on all its properties. For example, while they can take on the form of Superboy, they will not have his superpowers. The Protys have low level telepathic abilities, which allow them to read the thoughts of someone and take on the form of what they see in that person's mind. Proty II eventually learns how to develop a working tongue and voice box, which allows him to talk; ["Adventure Comics" #322] Proty I never developed this ability. Neither one of the Protys requires air to breathe, and can exist in a vacuum.

References

* [http://members.shaw.ca/legion_roll_call/reserve/pets/proty_ii/ Proty at the Legion of Super-Heroes Clubhouse]
* [http://www.dcuguide.com/chronology.php?name=proteans Proteans at the Unofficial Guide to the DC Universe]