John Corben (DCU)

Metallo
DC Universe
Real Name	John Corben
Main Alias	Metallo
Affiliation	LuthorCorp
Base Of Operations	Metropolis
Status
Alignment	Bad
Identity	Public Identity
Citizenship	American
Marital Status	Single
Occupation	Assassin (formerly)
Characteristics
Gender	Male
Eyes	Brown
Origin
Universe	DCU
Creators	Robert Bernstein · Al Plastino
First Appearance	Welcome to Metropolis: The Prequel Junior Novel (June 3, 2025)

Assassin-turned-supervillain John Corben is Metallo, a Kryptonite powered cyborg who is an enemy of Superman.

History

John Corben was one of the best assassins in the world. He was hired by Lex Luthor in a set-up hit on Lex with a special gun, which exploded and was subsequently converted into a cyborg. Losing his initial fight, he was later enhanced with Kryptonite which makes him much stronger, but makes him mentally unstable. He was defeated by the combined efforts of Green Lantern, Hawkgirl, Mr. Terrific and Superman, and his head was later collected by Lex Luthor.

Powers and Abilities

Powers

• Cybernetic Enhancement:
  • Superhuman Strength: Metallo is strong enough to lift heavy metal and break out of restraints.
  • Superhuman Durability: His body is made of a special alloy that makes him impervious to heat vision.
  • Flight
  • Weaponry:
  • Self-Sustenance: Metallo doesn't need to breath anymore and can survive on the ocean floor with no issues.

Weaknesses

• Technological Reliability
• Obsession: Metallo is obsessed with revenge against Superman.

Related

• 1 Appearances of John Corben (DCU)
• Images featuring John Corben (DCU)
• Quotations by or about John Corben (DCU)
• Character Gallery: John Corben (DCU)

Footnotes

Superman Villain(s) This character has been primarily an enemy of Superman in any of his various incarnations, or members of the Superman Family. This template will categorize articles that include it into the "Superman Villains category."