The cover says it all – it’s spies and high adventure with Indiana Jones Rex, Mrs Peel Urania and… James Bond Java?
Metamorpho’s caveman competitor for Sapphire Stagg’s heart cuts a surprising dash in a dinner jacket. And so far as Rex is concerned, he can have Sapphire after her shenanigans last issue.
The row is curtailed when Agent of S.H.A.D.E. Element Girl arrives, looking for a mission partner, and Rex assumes she means him.
Off the very odd couple go, but Rex sneaks after them – Java isn’t his favourite person but he doesn’t want him hurt on a mission he’s surely underqualified for.
As it turns out, the bad guy lurking in a pyramid in Santa Prisca is a tad more impressed with Simon Stagg’s manservant. And has been for some time.
It’s Vandal Savage, mankind’s oldest enemy. As ever, he’s up to no good, planning to benefit from the latest scheme of eeeeevil organisation C.Y.C.L.O.P.S. Most intriguing of all, Vandal Savage has uncovered a mystery involving Java, to be explored in future issues.
Having loved the refreshed characterisation in the first couple of issues, I’m delighted writer Al Ewing is giving Java a spotlight. It could be that the slight difference in his traditional personality is connected to the aforementioned mystery; either way, I hope it sticks.
Rex is on good form, wanting to do his best for Java, slightly irked Urania no longer throws herself at him, reading the riot act to both Sapphire and horrible dad Simon.
Ewing’s script is again terrific, funny, self-consciously camp and very smart, building up to something big while giving us individually satisfying chapters.
It helps that he’s partnered with illustrator Steve Lieber, whose clear, characterful storytelling brings the script to lovely life. The stylings aren’t showy, but they’re just a little to the left of the DC house style, perfect for the quirky world of Metamorpho. There’s an especially fun spread showing Rex and Urania’s progress through Vandal Savage’s secret base, it’s the sort of thing we should be more of, because only comics can pull it off.
Colourist Lee Loughridge’s apparent preference for muted tones suits the story, what with much of it being set inside an ancient temple. And when he does give us brighter colours, they’re splendid. I also like Ferran Delgado’s vibrant lettering which, unless my eyes deceive me, involves slightly larger fonts than the norm.
The cliffhanger is outstanding, there’s no way I’m missing next issue. How about you?
Too Dangerous For a Girl 2 
I’m liking each successive issue more than the previous one, having almost totally disliked the first issue. I don’t care for the tarnishing of Sapphire, Vandal Savage played as a comedic character, or Urania in general but those three things don’t detract too much from the story. I do like Stagg being back to a fairly amoral and selfish man without being outright evil like too many writers have made him. I also know the root of my problem with Urania is that classic Sandman story but I wouldn’t care for her role as a romance spoiler doomed to fail even without it. Sapphire failing to win back Rex would be like Lois leaving Clark for keeps.
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Oh, they’ll get back together, Steve… given how many times Supes and Lois did break up before they got married, Rex and Sapphire will be fine.
I didn’t find Vandal that funny! Maybe I should read it again.
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Yes, I did enjoy this a lot although I keep thinking that if ever there was a DC or Marvel book that should be drawn by Mike Allred, this is probably it.
My main exposure to Metamorpho was his JLE/I/A years, although I have that black and white showcase volume of his early stories as well, so it’s nice to see him in his own milieu rather than being in the middle of something else.
I am a big fan of Ewing when he lets his more comedic side out, still waiting for the next book of Zombo for 2000AD.
Stu
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Did you ever catch the Allred-drawn Metamorpho story in Wednesday Comics? It may well scratch that itch… and if you did miss it, DC are reprinting that fantastic huge collection. Pricey, but if you can afford it, a gem worth having.
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I liked issue 1 but was turned off by issue 2. I just didn’t find it all that funny or clever. The critique of A.I. threatening real artists just seemed too on the nose, and I didn’t quite get the retro-robot’s costume. Was it supposed to be Downton Abbey-ish/poking fun at fans of period dramas? I’ve enjoyed a ton of Ewing’s stuff for Marvel – Avengers, Defenders, Ultimates. Creative, thoughtful writer. And I like the “spirit” with which Ewing’s tackling Metamorpho and that this book exists on the 2025 shelves. In many ways this is a book I really should love. But I’m starting to think that maybe I’m a fan of Metamorpho when used in a team setting or as a guest star, and not so much solo. And while I like the retro-feel, it’s going back to late ’60s DC, which produced some great ideas but some really lousy/campy stories/concepts, too. Given me early and earnest Silver Age. I’ll give issue 3 a shot though. Maybe it will change my mind. – Brian
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Hmm, I didn’t ascribe any particular motives to the look of the robot, I am a shallow reader. I love Downton and didn’t feel got at.
I vary as to my fondness for Al Ewing’s work… I can really enjoy it, then I reach Immortal Hulk #25!
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