Tony’s Superhero Saturdays: Metamorpho — The Element Man of DC Comics

Tyrone Tony Reed Jr.
Jun 28
4 min read

From adventurer to accidental alchemical marvel, this week’s Tony’s Superhero Saturdays™ dives deep into the life and legacy of one of DC Comics’ most unique and underrated heroes — Metamorpho: The Element Man. Whether you know him from comics, animation, or his upcoming live-action debut, Metamorpho’s story is a fascinating mix of science fiction, tragedy, and resilience.

Origins: Rex Mason, Reluctant Hero

Created by Bob Haney and Ramona Fradon, Metamorpho first appeared in The Brave and the Bold #57 (January 1965). Before the accident that transformed him, Rex Mason was an Indiana Jones–style adventurer and soldier of fortune working for billionaire Simon Stagg. While on a quest to retrieve the mythical Orb of Ra in Egypt, Rex was betrayed by Stagg’s brutish bodyguard, Java, and left exposed to the Orb’s radiation.

Rather than killing him, the radiation mutated his body, turning him into Metamorpho, a being capable of transforming parts of his body into any element or compound found in the human body. The transformation was permanent, and while he gained incredible powers, he also lost the ability to return to his normal appearance — a constant source of emotional tension in his storylines.

Powers and Abilities

Metamorpho’s powers are as unique as his appearance:

Elemental Transmutation: He can alter his body into any known element or compound (gas, solid, liquid) that exists in the human body — including complex chemical compounds like acids, gases, or metals.
Super Strength & Durability: When in solid forms, he can exhibit strength rivaling Superman-level heroes.
Invulnerability to Most Physical Damage: His malleable form allows him to absorb impacts, regenerate quickly, and survive in hostile environments (like outer space or underwater).
Chemical Weaponry: Rex can create toxic gases, freezing compounds, or explosive forms from his own body.
Shapeshifting: He can reconfigure his limbs into weapons, shields, or various chemical tools.

Though nearly invincible, Metamorpho’s core conflict lies in his tragic inability to live a "normal" human life — both physically and emotionally.

Key Relationships and Supporting Cast

Sapphire Stagg: The daughter of Simon Stagg and Rex’s love interest. Their relationship is strained by Rex’s transformation, but her love remains a beacon of hope and humanity.
Simon Stagg: A manipulative, arrogant corporate tycoon and father to Sapphire. He often uses Rex for his own ends while pretending to support him.
Java: Stagg’s loyal but brutish assistant, who is in love with Sapphire and deeply jealous of Rex. Java played a pivotal role in Rex’s betrayal and transformation.

Group Affiliations

Despite being a reluctant hero, Metamorpho has joined several major DC teams over the years:

The Outsiders: Most notably, he was a founding member of Batman’s black-ops superhero team. His volatile powers and heart-of-gold persona added strength and compassion to the team.
Justice League of America: He’s served on various incarnations of the League, offering both power and versatility.
Doom Patrol (briefly): His freakish appearance and tragic backstory aligned him with this team of misfit heroes.
Terrifics: A more recent team formed by Mister Terrific to explore the multiverse. The team also includes Phantom Girl, Plastic Man, and others. Metamorpho’s unique skill set makes him vital to this science-driven squad.

Best Comic Storylines and Arcs

The Brave and the Bold #57–60 (1965) – His original appearances where readers are introduced to his origin, powers, and core relationships.
Metamorpho (1965–1967 series) – A short-lived but beloved solo title exploring Rex’s search for a cure and his resistance to becoming a traditional superhero.
Batman and the Outsiders (1983–1987) – A key era for Metamorpho’s development, where he became a founding member of the Outsiders and embraced heroism.
Justice League Europe (1989–1993) – Explores his role on a more comedic version of the League, where his awkwardness and humanity shine through.
The Terrifics (2018–2021) – A modern series that brings Metamorpho back to the forefront, pairing him with Mister Terrific and other offbeat characters in a Fantastic Four–style science adventure team.

Appearances in Other Media

Metamorpho has appeared in a variety of animated shows and games:

Justice League (Animated Series) – He’s featured in the two-part episode "Metamorphosis," which reimagines his origin and shows his tragic transformation and loss of control.
Batman: The Brave and the Bold – Appears as a more lighthearted and humorous version, often teaming with Batman.
Young Justice – Appears in later seasons with his Outsiders affiliation intact.
DC Universe Online – Featured as a playable or NPC character.
Lego DC Super-Villains – Unlockable playable character with all his signature powers.

Upcoming Live-Action Debut

Metamorpho will make his big-screen live-action debut in the upcoming 2025 film "Superman", directed by James Gunn. He will be portrayed by actor Anthony Carrigan — best known for his scene-stealing role as NoHo Hank on Barry and Victor Zsasz in Gotham.

Carrigan’s casting has received universal praise, as he brings both humor and emotional depth to his roles — qualities essential to portraying Rex Mason’s internal struggle and reluctant heroism. Fans are eager to see how Metamorpho will be integrated into the new DC Universe.

Why Metamorpho Still Matters

While he’s often sidelined in the larger DC pantheon, Metamorpho is a reminder that true heroism often comes from tragedy. Rex Mason didn’t ask to become a walking chemistry lab, but he still chooses to protect the world, even at the cost of his personal happiness.

He represents themes of identity, transformation, and acceptance. Like many of DC’s most enduring characters, Metamorpho’s greatest strength isn’t just his power — it’s his heart.

In a world that often values perfection, Metamorpho shows us that being different can be your greatest asset. And in times of danger, sometimes the most unusual heroes are the ones who rise to the occasion.

Final Thoughts

With his upcoming movie debut, a catalog of powerful comics, and a legacy as one of DC’s most versatile metahumans, Metamorpho is more than due for the spotlight. He’s a hero forged by betrayal, powered by science, and grounded in humanity.

If you’ve never explored the world of Rex Mason, now’s the time to dive in — and embrace the element of surprise.

And if you’re a fan of stories where transformation leads to truth, be sure to check out my own superhero book series S.O.L.A.D.™: Soldiers of Light Against Darkness™ — where unlikely heroes rise against overwhelming odds.

📚 Grab your signed copies at www.tyronetonyreedjr.com/the-shop

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