DC Finest: Metamorpho: How to Make a Super-Hero

A shape-shifting hero pushed to new limits—Metamorpho faces bigger challenges, team-ups, and unexpected transformations.

Rex Mason is no ordinary hero—he can transform into any element on Earth.

As Metamorpho, his powers allow him to reshape his body into anything from steel to smoke to fire, making him one of the most unpredictable heroes in the DC Universe. But with those abilities comes a challenge: holding onto his humanity while constantly changing.

Across a wide range of adventures, DC’s most versatile of champions takes on new challenges, teams up with other heroes, and navigates increasingly complex threats while struggling with the personal cost of his powers.

Collecting stories from across multiple series, this volume offers a broad and energetic look at one of DC’s most unusual characters—blending science fiction, superhero action, and character-driven storytelling.

Collects [DC1] [NS2] Batman and the Outsiders #1-2, #16-19, #24-25; Batman and the Outsiders Annual #2; The Outsiders #4, #6, #13, #18-22, #25, #27; DC Comics Presents #40; World’s Finest Comics #217-220, #224, #226, #228-229; Action Comics #413-418; The Brave and the Bold #123, #154; 1st Issue Special #3; Who’s Who: The Definitive Directory of the DC Universe #15, #17; Justice League of America #101; Who’s Who #2; and Who’s Who Update 1987 #5.

Standard and Primary covers are widely available through general retailers. They often have higher print runs and can be cheaper, especially during sales.

In contrast, Direct Market (DM) and variant covers are primarily sold in comic shops. DM editions tend to have more limited availability and may be more valuable to collectors.

The main differences lie in artwork style, availability, price, and collector appeal. Ultimately, the choice between standard and variant covers depends on personal preference, budget, and individual collecting goals.

Comic book enthusiasts have various formats to choose from when collecting their favorite stories.
Here's a brief overview of the main types:

Omnibus

• Large, hardcover collections
• Usually contain complete runs or extensive story arcs
• Typically 800-1000+ pages
• Higher price point, often €100-€150

Oversized Hardcover (OHC)

• Similar dimensions to omnibus, but thinner
• Collect shorter runs or story arcs
• Usually 300-600 pages
• Priced between €30-€50

Hardcover (HC)

• Standard-sized hardcover books
• Collect 6-12 issues typically
• Similar dimensions to single issues, but with a hard cover
• Priced around €25-€35

Trade Paperback (TP)

• Softcover collections
• Standard comic book size
• Usually collect 4-6 issues
• Most affordable option, typically €15-€25

Other Formats

• Absolute Editions: Oversized, deluxe hardcovers (mainly DC Comics)
• Compendiums: Massive paperback collections
• Graphic Novels (OGN/GN): Original stories not previously released as single issues

The choice between these formats often depends on personal preference, budget, and collecting goals. Omnibus and OHC editions offer larger artwork and more content but at a higher price, while TPs provide a more affordable way to collect complete story arcs