Metamorpho:The Element Man, one of the most unique superheroes in comics, returns this December, andDChas released a sneak preview of his first issue. Launching as part of DC’s newAll-Inpublishing initiative,Metamorpho: The Element Mansees the titular hero up against not only a giant eyeball, but also an assassin who can duplicate his powers.Metamorpho’s new book is the character’s chance to shine at last.
DC shared a first look atMetamorpho: The Element Man,written by Al Ewing and drawn by Steve Leiber, withAIPT.DC also providedAIPTwith the issue’s solicitation, reading as follows:
To know him is to love him — that fab freak who can change himself into any element in the human body! He’s the one and only Rex Mason, alias Metamorpho…but can even he win out against Cy.C.L.O.P.S., the hairy eyeball of crime that gazes from the top of the pop charts to the lowest depths of evil — and even into the far-off, far-out Ra-Realm? To find out, the Element Man must survive a hand-picked assassin who can match him change for change… and that’s just the first issue! Join us for this covalent bond of friends and foes in the brand new ongoing series from superstar team Al Ewing and Steve Lieber!
In the unlettered preview pages shared below,fans are reintroduced to Metamorpho and his supporting cast, including Simon Stagg and his daughter Sapphire, as well as Element Girl. The preview pages also show Metamorpho sparring with a black-clad assassin, who is matching his powers.
Metamorpho’s DC Universe Origins, Explained
Metamorpho Was a Different Kind of DC Hero
Mainstream audiences will soon meet Metamorpho when he debuts in next year’sSupermanfilm, directed by James Gunn. Although he is only now entering the public’s consciousness,Metamorpho has been a fixtureof the DC Universe since 1965’sThe Brave and the Bold#57. According to legend, Metamorpho was created by Bob Haney and Ramona Fradon for DC as a response to the characters being created by their rival, Marvel Comics, and his origin reflects this. Metamorpho was also allegedly inspired by the success ofDoom Patrol, launched a few years earlier.
The extent of Metamorpho’s powers has never been consistently defined: for the majority of his career, he could only transform into elements found in the human body.
As detailed in his first appearance, Metamorpho was once an ordinary man, named Rex Mason. An adventurer in the employ of billionaire industrialist Simon Stagg, Mason was sent by Stagg to retrieve the mysterious Orb of Ra. The Orb gave Rex the ability to transmute his cells into any element. The extent of Metamorpho’s powers has never been consistently defined: for the majority of his career, he could only transform into elements found in the human body. Other creators have chosen to ignore this rule, but regardless,Metamorpho is still one of DC’s most powerful heroes.
Metamorpho Has the Perfect Creators For His New Book
Metamorpho’s arc through the DC Universe has taken him from outcast to Justice League member, and now he is set to become a movie star, thanks to James Gunn. With Metamorpho soon to make his big screen debut, 60 years after his first appearance, now is the perfect time for him to receive a new ongoing title. DC’sAll-Ininitiative has also been shining a spotlight on some of the publisher’s lesser known characters,such as the Questionand the Challengers of the Unknown. Given his long history in the DC Universe, Metamorpho is a natural for a new book.
Metamorpho was a member of the European branch of the Justice League.
DC has enlisted some top talent for Metamorpho’s grand return.Al Ewing, Metamorpho’s new writer, has had some epic runs at Marvel Comics, namelyImmortal Hulk.Ewing has slowly been dipping his toes into the DC Universe, and he will no doubt work his magic onMetamorpho: The Element Man. In titles such asImmortal Hulk, Ewing demonstrated a deep understanding of the character’s lore, and used it to brilliant effect. Steve Leiber, his artistic collaborator, also has a history of defining runs, includingSuperman’s Pal Jimmy Olsen.
Metamorpho Will Face Many Mysteries When He Returns
How Has the Element Girl Returned, After 30+ Years
The preview pages forMetamorpho: The Element Man#1 offer up some intriguing mysteries for fans to ponder while waiting for the book’s December release. The mysterious assassin, who seems to be Metamorpho’s equal, could quickly become his worst enemy. Perhaps themost curious development in the preview pages is the seeming return of the Element Girl, Metamorpho’s female counterpart.The Element Girl famously died in an issue ofThe Sandman, but now she appears to be back and healthy as ever. These mysteries and more awaitMetamorphowhen his new title debuts–and gives him theDCspotlight he deserves.
Source:AIPT
Metamorpho: The Element Man #1 is on sale December 25 from DC Comics!
