In issue two of Metal, we see the Dark Knights forge the link that brings them into the current DCU. In this one-shot, we see the origins of Murder Machine.
Each of the Dark Knights has a touchstone to a member of the Justice League and Murder Machine is the Dark Knights’ version of Cyborg.
The story opens with Cyborg in the JLA space station talking to his father on Earth, trying to convince him to leave his home due to the events in Gotham. Tieri manages to build an emotional bridge between the characters despite their distance, a connection that will come into play later in the issue.
We then flash to the Dark Multiverse, Earth 44, where Bane is torturing Alfred for information on Batman. Alfred doesn’t budge and Bane breaks him in half. The scene widens to show that the moment has been a video that Bruce Wayne of Earth 44 has been watching obsessively. Bruce decides he is going to upload an AI program of Alfred’s consciousness so he will never be without him. Bruce’s decision has disastrous results and is the origin story of Murder Machine.
The origin story is tragic but it also shows how easily Bruce’s emotions could be twisted. Murder Machine is terrifying not only for his powers but because of the fear of abandonment that leads Bruce to make a terrible choice.
The story ends back at the Watchtower where the station allows a transport. It’s Murder Machine. His confrontation with Cyborg is deadly and the next step in the Dark Knights plan.
The cover for this issue is high impact with some awesome machinery that reflects what the regular METAL series is giving us. I also loved the art team on this book. I’m really enjoying how these one-shots tie into the greater METAL story. The creators do a great job catching the vibe of the main series.
Written by Kai Charles
Kai Charles is a Medical Professional, Jedi Hopeful, and Independent Book Reviewer at Fiction State of Mind. You can also find her on Twitter @yogikai, tweeting about all things relating to Books & Geek Culture. Blog link: fictionstateofmind.blogspot.com
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