Sixty-five years... that's how long we've had the super-hero. T'ain't easy to come up with something new in light of all that's come before, but I think that's what Michelinie and Layton have done here. They've gone in a different direction with the armored super-hero, and the concept is not only a lot of fun but boasts a level of potential that's barely tapped in this first issue. But what's almost working against the novel concept is some corny scripting. Still, the core concept of Metallix is definitely the strongest thing to come out of Future Comics thus far.
Redstone Research has developed a living metal -- dubbed Metal X -- that can coat a user and enhance his or her innate abilities and skills. The company has decided to use it to send consultants to troubleshoot industrial problems, but instead of just one person wearing the liquid armor, a quartet of skilled experts -- Team Metallix -- shares the armor, each one taking control when his or her talents are needed. Meanwhile, a competitor develops a similar "product."
I first saw Ron Lim's pencils on Jim Starlin's classic Silver Surfer run more than a decade ago, but I found that after he left the title, his work wasn't always as strong as it once was. Lim needs an inker who brings a sleek, polished look to his pencils, and Layton definitely fits the bill here. One only has to compare the art on main story -- inked by Layton -- to that of the backup origin segment -- inked by Breeding -- to see how important inks are in the success of Lim's work.
The concept -- crudely referred to on the cover as "tag-team super-hero" -- really works, and it's not just the novel nature of the idea, but the strength of the characters. Ego, wonder, anxiety and confidence separate all of the players. It's a shame there's not more of a visual distinction. The three male members of the team all look exactly alike in the armor. It might be interesting if the armor shifted appearance as it adapted to the personality and skills of the wearer.
Max Krome? M.U.T.T.? Cornball names likes these and some dialogue to match get in the way of the main characters and the fun of the Team Metallix idea. These creators have the skill and imagination, but the tone of the storytelling needs a little updating.
