From early childhood, Taryn Loy was pushed into becoming a chronic overachiever. She was always trying to outdo others, academically and physically. When her father, a brilliant Bismollian scientist, discovered a way to alter Bismollian physiology so that caloric energy would be processed into super strength, his daughter became his first test subject. The experiment succeeded - in addition to the usual Bismollian matter-eating powers, she now possessed super strength. Confident in her new abilities, she tried out for an honour she had yet to achieve - membership in the Legion of Super-Heroes. Because of her power's similarity to that of existing member Matter-Eater Lad, however, she was rejected.