Publication information
Publisher: Dark Horse Comics
First appearance:
- (as normal human / street beatnik) Madman Comics #1 (April, 1994)
- (began to develop powers) Madman Comics #15 (July, 1999)
Created by: Arnold Pander
In-story information
Alter ego: Adam Balm
Phonetic: mɛ́təl mǽn
Translation:
Notable aliases: MetalMan, Metalman
Affiliations:
Team affiliations: The Atomics
Enemies: Cadaver
Abilities:
Base of Operations: Snap City
Status
Identity Secret:
Race: Human mutate
Citizenship:
Marital Status:
Occupation: Superhero and band member
History
Metal Man was one of a group of street beatniks who stumbled across an alien spore left behind by Zenelle, an alien female looking to find a mate. The spore caused all of them to mutate, giving them a warty, pustulent appearance. At first they were extremely unhappy with this disfigurement, and blamed their exposure on the hero known as Madman, but eventually one of them discovered the change hadn't ended with their initial appearance alterations. Each of them was able to develop superpowers, and in the case of most of them this also fixed their lumpy looks. Metal Man was the exception, sadly retaining his pustular appearance. They decided to become a superhero team (and band), calling themselves the Atomics.