Elastic Lad

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See DC Comics * Superman Supporting Cast

Early Years

Elastic Lad - As Elastic Lad, Jimmy (by serum or by alien virus) could sometimes stretch himself, akin to Elongated Man or Plastic Man.

Jimmy Olsen after drinking a special "elastic serum" temporarily gained the extraordinary ability to stretch his body as though it were an endlessly stretchable elastic band. The effects of Professor Potter's serum are only temporary sometimes only lasting 3 minutes at a time. Once in elastic form Jimmy can be ran over with a steam roller and have no problems.

First Appearance as Elastic Lad - Superman's Pal, Jimmy Olsen No. 31 (September 1958) "The E-L-A-S-T-I-C Lad"

Professor Potter recreated the elastic serum and Jimmy Olsen had a number of solo adventures as Elastic Lad:

Superman's Pal, Jimmy Olsen No. 37 (June 1959) "The Elastic Lad of Metropolis"

Superman's Pal, Jimmy Olsen No. 46 (July 1960) "Elastic Lad's Greatest Feats"

Superman's Pal, Jimmy Olsen No. 54 (July 1961) "Elastic Lad's Wrestling Match"

Jimmy discovered a small hole leading into the Phantom Zone, and, using his elongating body, squeezed through into the invisible dimension. Rainmaking chemicals and a severe electrical storm had torn open a tiny hole leading to the eerie dimension where time and place are meaningless. When the criminals of the zone tried to tempt Jimmy into spying on Superman as he changes back to his true identity, Mon-El came forward from the mists to offer support and advice.

- Jimmy Olsen No. 62 (July 1962) "Superman's Phantom Pal"

Jimmy Olsen participated in the adventures of the Legion of Super-Heroes, of which he is an honorary member (Superman No. 172, Oct 1964: pts. I-III—"The New Superman!"; "Clark Kent—Former Superman!"; "The Struggle of the Two Supermen!"; and others).

Modern Age

Jimmy Olsen becomes Elastic Lad on contact with the Eradicator. In May 1986, Elastic Lad joins the Elastic Four (DCCP No. 93: "That's the Way the Heroes Bounce!").

Countdown

Jimmy Olsen as Mr. Action. Cover art for Countdown #38, by Shane Davis.

See Countdown (comic book)

Jimmy's story in Countdown begins with an investigation into the death of Duela Dent. Superman leads Jimmy to meet with Red Hood, and then the Joker at Arkham Asylum. After a seemingly fruitless interview with the Joker, Jimmy is attacked by Killer Croc. Countdown #50 (2007) Instead of shredding him, Jimmy shows his first signs of being a metahuman with super-stretch abilities (i.e. Plastic Man or Elongated Man) which saves his life. After Killer Croc is knocked out, Jimmy claims he had no idea that Killer Croc wouldn't be able to kill him.Countdown #49 (2007) Upon returning to Metropolis, he witnesses what appears to be an attack on the city and displays super-speed to rescue a couple from falling debris, again shocked at his new-found ability.Countdown #48 (2007) Jimmy's elastic and speed abilities are nods to his brief time as Elastic Lad and Speed-Demon during the Silver Age. Upon noting that he only received powers when he was in danger, Jimmy tested himself by picking a fight with a gang in Suicide Slum, only to be punched in the face. When a member of the gang attempted to grab him, Jimmy grew porcupine-like quills that shot at the attacker.Countdown #44 (2007) In issue #41, Jimmy, after deciding to become a superhero, creates a costume and dubs himself "Mr. Action." In Action Comics #852-854, he later displays super strength, solar powers, giant size, lycanthropy, a protective turtle shell, and fire breathing. Jimmy later discovers he starts to know information such as the secret identities of Wonder Woman and three Robins, Action Comics #853 and later Superman himself.Countdown #37Action Comics #854 He and Superman share their double identities, and Superman asks Jimmy to adopt Krypto for him. Jimmy's powers continue to develop and perplex as he is tested by the Justice League, John Henry Irons and the Cadmus Project. He is then recruited by Forager to help solve the mystery of the Death of the New Gods. They journey to Apokolips, but are swiftly defeated and captured. Jimmy's new powers allow him to create a Boom Tube, and the two escape. Upon landing on Earth, Jimmy is kissed by Forager. Forager reveals that Jimmy is a soul-catcher, and that it is the energy of the fallen New Gods that has given him his powers.