In anticipation of a review of Danger Street by Tom King, Jorge Fornes and assorted cover artists I am representing my thirteen reviews of DC's 1970's Showcase-style comic 1st Issue Special. The books by King and company make use of ALL of the sundry heroes and heroines who appeared in these pages. So, let's continue.
Not did 1st Issue Special introduce characters such as Atlas and The Green Team in issues one and two, but in the third issue we get a superhero revival with the reappearance of Metamorpho the Element Man in a solo comic book outing. The story is written by Bob Haney and drawn by Ramona Fradon, the talents who created Metamorpho to begin with. In this tale the status quo which was so wildly transformed in the last few issues of Metamorpho's 1960's comic book are pretty much forgotten and the status quo which existed before Fradon left is largely re-established. Haney does offer up an introduction which does a bang-up job of introducing the character and offering a summary of his earlier adventures.
In this story the Element Man is battling against a ghost who haunts Washington DC and is taking some pains to monkey with monuments and public buildings like the Capitol. Turns out the ghost is a forsaken inventor who tried to help President Madison before Washington was burned down by the British and who has appeared to each wartime President since. (The Korean and Vietnam conflicts are left out of this storyline. I guess in 1975 no one wanted to touch such hot topics.) Of course to save the day Metamorpho must battle not only the ghost but his boss Simon Stagg who has designs on the U.S. gold reserves for himself.
It's a tale told at breakneck speed like the vintage Element Man stories. Alas as far as I can tell it did little to revive the character who in the Bronze Age was mostly limited to guest-star shots in The Brave and the Bold and Justice League of America, and back-up series in World's Finest and Action Comics. Eventually he was tapped to join Batman's Outsiders outfit and that helped to give Metamorpho a regular home for a time.
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This issue along with Walt Simonson's Dr Fate were my favourite editions of Fist Issue Special. I don't think DC have really gotten to grips with how to present Metamorpho , one of DCs best characters (imo). But here we had a fun tale beautifully drawn by the late great Ramona Fradon. I may look out my copy later for a wee trip back to the 70s
ReplyDeleteI wasn't all that thrilled with how Metamorpho was presented in the most recent Superman movie. I was glad he was there, but it was not the brash hero I've always imagined him to be.
DeleteI thought it was pretty cool (and smart) of them putting Ramona Fradon back on the Metamorpho title.
ReplyDeleteShe was a breath of fresh air in the Bronze Age, a lovely blend of adventure with a hint of humor.
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