Every week we spotlight the various characters, phrases, objects or events that eventually became notable parts of comic book lore. Not major stuff like "the first appearance of Superman," but rather, "the first time someone said, 'Avengers Assemble!'" or "the first appearance of Batman's giant penny" or "the first appearance of Alfred Pennyworth" or "the first time Spider-Man's face was shown half-Spidey/half-Peter." Stuff like that. Here is an archive of all the When We First Met features so far! Check 'em out!

Today, we take a look at when the Legion of Super-Heroes adopted their "No Duplicate Powers" Rule, when Arkham Asylum first showed up in Gotham City and when Flash Thompson joined the Army.

Michael C. asked when the Legion's No Duplicate Powers rule debut.

I actually featured this as a Comic Book Legends Revealed awhile back, because a lot of people think it is a Silver Age thing, but nope, it was 1973's Superboy #195 that the rule was first mentioned...





(eventually the Legion learns that ERG-1 - later known as Wildfire - IS unique and he becomes a member of the team)

A little while later, they clarify what they mean by this rule...



Here's the Comic Book Legends Revealed installment where I debunk that it is a Silver Age invention (complete with examples from each of the Legionnaires that people typically think of as examples for the rule, like Light Lass, Star Boy and Ultra Boy).

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Awhile back, I showed the first appearance of Arkham Asylum..

Eric Henry wanted to know when was the first time Arkham Asylum was shown to be in Gotham City.

It came in Batman #326 (written by Len Wein), where Batman and Commissioner Gordon are suspicious of crimes being committed by people supposedly in Arkham Asylum...





I just love the fact that the guy doesn't wait until he hangs up the phone before he starts laughing maniacally (the villain, by the way, is Professor Milo, who has taken over the Asylum).

Later, when Batman goes undercover to infiltrate the Asylum, we learn where it is located...



_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Finally, Alex A. wanted to know when Flash Thompson first joined the Army.

It came way back in Amazing Spider-Man #43...



_________________________________________________________________________________

If YOU have a suggestion for a comic debut you’re curious about, feel free to drop me a line at bcronin@comicbookresources.com