| Metron | |
|---|---|
.png) Metron as depicted inNew Gods #5 (November 1971), art byJack Kirby (pencils) and Mike Royer (inks). | |
| Publication information | |
| Publisher | DC Comics |
| First appearance | New Gods #1 (February–March 1971) |
| Created by | Jack Kirby |
| In-story information | |
| Team affiliations | New God |
| Abilities |
|
Metron is a fictionalantihero appearing inAmerican comic books published byDC Comics. A member of theNew Gods, he is an amoral and neutral collector of knowledge. He is commonly seen in the Mobius Chair, which can travel across time and space.
Metron has been adapted into various works featuring the New Gods. He is voiced byDaniel Dae Kim inJustice League Unlimited andPhil LaMarr inYoung Justice.
Metron first appeared inNew Gods #1 (February–March 1971) and was created byJack Kirby for hisFourth World series.[1] He was based onLeonard Nimoy's portrayal of theStar Trek characterSpock and designed as a character who "would frequently change sides (betweenNew Genesis andApokolips)".[2] The Metrons inStar Trek serve a similar capacity in the episode "Arena", seeking to settle a conflict in their star system by pittingKirk against aGorn captain.
Although he possesses the powers of a god, Metron is typically depicted as a passive observer in the DC Universe rather than an active participant. He wanders in search of greater knowledge beyond his own, riding on his Mobius Chair,[3] which can traverse time and space instantaneously. Metron is of neitherNew Genesis norApokolips, and usually avoids the struggle between the two worlds. Metron invented the "Boom Tube" technology used by the New Gods to teleport vast distances.[4]
In 1989'sLegends mini-series, Metron confides inDarkseid about theAnti-Life Equation. Apparently, Metron holds the key to the Anti-Life Equation. However, he is a seeker of knowledge, therefore he will tell no one of his knowledge. In the 1982DC/Marvel crossoverThe Uncanny X-Men and The New Teen Titans, Metron tells Darkseid thatDark Phoenix is a part of the Anti-Life Equation. In the 2007 "Death of the New Gods" miniseries leading intoFinal Crisis, theSource explains the origin of the Anti-Life Equation to Metron.
Metron helps contact most of Earth's superheroes to gather them during theZero Hour crisis. DuringExtant's return, he battles alongside theJustice Society of America after Extant gains control of the omnipotent Worlogog.
InKurt Busiek'sJLA/Avengers miniseries, Metron observes the events in that story, and givesIron Man aMother Box to balance the power given to theJustice League byGrandmaster. He observes and investigatesKrona's actions, refusing to deviate from his non-involvement at the end when Krona demanded his aid. At the end, Metron watches over the newly formedcosmic egg.
InMister Miracle, Metron contactsMister Miracle during a stunt gone wrong, making him aware of the Fourth World. In his first appearance in the book, he looks like he has before, but later he disguises himself as anepileptic man in a wheelchair.
During the events ofDeath of the New Gods, where the mysterious deaths of the entire Fourth World accelerated, Metron learns that the murderer is the Source, who has been trying to reacquire its original powers and reunite with its other half: the Anti-Life Entity. Rather than stop the Source, Metron stands by the Source's side to watch as the Fourth World comes to an end. After the death of Mister Miracle at the hands of the Source, Metron grows disgusted and demands to be killed, with the Source complies with.[5] Superman later uses Metron's Mobius Chair to gain the precious Element X needed to power up the Miracle Machine enough to restore the multiverse and undo all damages brought by Darkseid. It is revealed that Metron and every other denizen of Apokolips and New Genesis, except for Darkseid, is fated to be reborn.[6]
In 2011,The New 52 rebooted the DC universe. Metron consults withHighfather about the various uses of the Lantern rings. About twenty members of the interstellar police force, theGreen Lantern Corps confront Highfather and his military forces. They are trying to recover thepower ring belonging to the sentient planetMogo, who needs it to remain sentient and viable. Highfather leaves the matter to his subordinates, who slaughter most of the Lanterns.[7]
Metron confronts theAnti-Monitor onEarth-Three an attempt to divert a war between the Anti-Monitor andDarkseid. A conversation between Metron and the Anti-Monitor suggests that he once sat on the Mobius Chair himself prior to Metron. Metron is struck from behind by Darkseid's daughter Grail, who leaves him for dead.[8]
Metron returns to confront the Justice League and warn them that they should evacuate Earth, as it is impossible to win against the Anti-Monitor and Darkseid. Diana uses theLasso of Truth to make Metron admit that they can find the answers if they take the chair from him, prompting Diana to pull him off the chair and Batman to sit in it, giving him access to all of Metron's accumulated knowledge.[9]
After the Anti-Monitor and Darkseid are destroyed in battle, Metron appears on the moon and trainsOwlman, who now controls the Mobius Chair. As Owlman demands to know the secrets of the universe, he and Metron are vaporized by amysterious entity.[10]
During the "Dark Nights: Death Metal" storyline, an omniversal being called the Chronicler watches the battle betweenPerpetua and theDarkest Knight. The Chronicler resurrects Metron, who notes that they have similar motives in life, like wanting to observe and save the multiverse. Metron allows the Chronicler to look into his mind.[11]
As a New God, Metron possesses superhuman physical abilities and is nigh-immortal. He is a skilled inventor and wields the Mobius Chair, which enables him to travel through time and space.
InJustice League: Gods and Monsters, the crippled and apparently paralyzedLex Luthor (voiced byJason Isaacs) turns into a version of Metron via Boom Tube technology provided byWonder Woman.
Metron appears as a character summon inScribblenauts Unmasked: A DC Comics Adventure.[17]
Metron received an exclusive action figure throughMattel's onlineDC Universe Signature Series line.
