| abstract | - Ral Benem a.k.a. Chlorophyll Kid hails from the planet Mardru, and is a member of the Legion of Substitute Heroes. When he was young he accidentally fell into a tank of hydroponic serum which gave him the power to stimulate plant growth. He can grow seeds into full grown plants in a second. Chlorophyll Kid can also direct the growth of vines so that, for example, they wrap around someone to capture them. Chlorophyll Kid possesses an extensive knowledge of botany. He carries a variety of seeds in his costume for various uses. Like many young metahumans of the era he tried out for the Legion of Super-Heroes, but was rejected when the Legion decided that his power would not be useful on missions. Along with four other refused applicants, Polar Boy, Night Girl, Stone Boy and Fire Lad, he helped form the Legion of Substitute Heroes, a.k.a 'the Subs'. This team repeatedly proved their effectiveness as heroes - frequently saving the day where the Legion of Super-Heroes had failed. In 'gratitude', the Legion condescendingly permitted them to continue to function, and accepted them as 'Legion Reservists'. During the five-year gap Chlorophyll Kid, along with most of the other Subs, was accepted as a full member of the Legion of Super-Heroes, although he did not remain a member for long. Instead, he - together with former Subs colleagues Stone Boy, Fire Lad, Color Kid, Infectious Lass and Porcupine Pete among others - formed an underground resistance group to fight against the Dominators' occupation of Earth. The so-called Strategic Underground Battle Squad (S.U.B.S) was again, highly effective. After Earth was freed, the S.U.B.S. were offered full Legion membership, but declined. Instead, they joined the United Planets Military Academy, under the leadership of Chuck (Bouncing Boy) Taine-Durgo and Luornu (Duo Damsel) Durgo-Taine.
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