Name: Matter-Eater Lad
Universe: Earth-1
Alter Ego: Tenzil Kem
Occupation: Politician
Marital Status: Single
Group Affiliation: Legion of Super-Heroes
Base of Operations: Bismoll, 30th century
Known Relatives: Rall Kem (father), Nitz Kem (mother), Renkil Kem (brother)
Height: 5 ft. 10 in.
Weight: 150 lbs.
Hair Color: Black
Eye Color: Blue
First Appearance: Adventure Comics #303
History:
Tenzil Kem was born on the planet Bismoll in the latter half of the 30th Century, with the native Bismollian power to eat virtually any form of matter. Upon hearing of the formation of the Legion of Super-Heroes, he emigrated from Bismoll to Earth and applied for membership. Taking the name Matter-Eater Lad, he served a long and fairly uneventful career as a Legionnaire before being drafted into politics on Bismoll. Returning home as a member of the planetary senate, he resigned his Legion membership.
Tenzil returned to Earth to save the Legion from deadly peril by devouring the so-called Miracle Machine, a gift of the Controllers, which was being used to destroy Earth and the Legion. Unfortunately, the alien elements in the machine were harmful to even his digestive tract, and Tenzil was driven mad in the process.
His madness was recently cured by Brainiac Five, and Tenzil returned to Bismoll and his senate seat. Despite his bout with madness, he is considered a leading candidate to be drafted for the presidency of his planet.
Powers:
Tenzil has the ability to eat virtually an form of matter, a native Bismollian talent that evolved when microbes poisoned all organic matter on the planet. As a Legionnaire, he has completed personal combat training with distinction and wears the LSH flight ring, which allows him to fly at will.