1940 CE
Predecessor: The Metallo in World's Finest Comics #3
A prototype Metallo (not John Corben) appears in 'World's Finest Comics' #3, a robotic villain of the 1940s. #DCComics #Superman
Chronological Storyline (42 Milestones)
May 1, 1959 CE
First Appearance in Action Comics #252
John Corben, a ruthless mercenary, is transformed into a cybernetic being powered by a Green Kryptonite heart after a car crash and S.T.A.R. Labs surgery. He battles Superman for the first time. #DCComics #Superman #Villain
1960 CE
Return in Superman #149
Metallo returns with an upgraded body and a new kryptonite heart, vowing revenge on Superman. He is defeated by Superman's ingenuity. #DCComics #Superman
1961 CE
Teaming Up with Lex Luthor
Metallo allies with Lex Luthor in a plot to destroy Superman, showcasing his role as a recurring adversary. #DCComics #Superman
1963 CE
First Death and Resurrection
Metallo is seemingly destroyed but later resurrected by unknown means, establishing his ability to return. #DCComics #Superman
1965 CE
Metallo vs. Supergirl
Metallo battles Supergirl in 'Action Comics' #329, expanding his rogues gallery. #DCComics #Supergirl
1969 CE
Metallo Fights the Legion of Super-Heroes
In 'Superboy' #159, a time-traveling Metallo battles the Legion of Super-Heroes. #DCComics #Superman #Legion
1971 CE
Appearance in 'Superman' TV Series
Metallo appears in the 1970s 'Superman' TV series, expanding his reach to other media. #DCComics #Superman #TV
1975 CE
Appearance in 'Super-Friends' Comics
Metallo appears in the 'Super Friends' comic series, targeting the Justice League. #DCComics #Superman #SuperFriends
1978 CE
Metallo in the Silver Age
During the Silver Age, Metallo battles Superman repeatedly, often with upgraded weaponry. #DCComics #Superman
1980 CE
Metallo in the 'World of Krypton' Mini-Series
A flashback in 'World of Krypton' #1 reveals Metallo's origin as a prototype android. #DCComics #Superman
1985 CE
Crisis on Infinite Earths: Metallo Cameo
Metallo appears briefly in 'Crisis on Infinite Earths' #9 during the battle of the villains. #DCComics #Superman #Crisis
1986 CE
Post-Crisis Reboot: John Corben's Origin Updated
Following Crisis on Infinite Earths, John Corben's origin is revised in 'The Man of Steel' #1-6 by John Byrne. He is now a former soldier turned criminal. #DCComics #Superman #Reboot
1987 CE
First Post-Crisis Appearance in Superman #1
Metallo appears in the first issue of the post-Crisis 'Superman' vol. 2, as a minor threat. #DCComics #Superman
1988 CE
The Suicide Squad: Metallo Recruited
Metallo is temporarily recruited by Amanda Waller for the Suicide Squad in 'Suicide Squad' #22. #DCComics #SuicideSquad
1990 CE
Metallo in 'Superman: The Man of Steel' Annual #2
Metallo battles Superman in a story exploring his cybernetic origins. #DCComics #Superman
1991 CE
The Death of Superman: Metallo's Role
During 'The Death of Superman' storyline, Metallo is one of the villains who battles Superman, but he is defeated by the Justice League. #DCComics #Superman #DeathOfSuperman
1993 CE
Reign of the Supermen: Metallo as a Cyborg
In 'Reign of the Supermen', a new Metallo appears, but it is actually a different character. John Corben returns later. #DCComics #Superman
1995 CE
Underworld Unleashed: Metallo's Deal
In 'Underworld Unleashed', Metallo makes a deal with Neron for increased power, gaining a new body and abilities. #DCComics #Superman #UnderworldUnleashed
1996 CE
Metallo in 'Kingdom Come'
In the alternate future story 'Kingdom Come', Metallo is a member of the villainous Mankind Liberation Front. #DCComics #Superman #KingdomCome
1997 CE
Appearance in 'Superman: The Animated Series'
Metallo appears in the acclaimed animated series, voiced by Malcolm McDowell, becoming a fan-favorite version. #DCComics #Superman #Animated
1999 CE
The Demolition of Metallo
In 'Superman: The Man of Steel' #100, Superman destroys Metallo's kryptonite heart, temporarily killing him. #DCComics #Superman
2000 CE
Metallo's Heart Replaced with Red Kryptonite
In 'Superman: The Man of Steel' #110, Metallo's heart is swapped with red kryptonite, causing chaotic effects. #DCComics #Superman
2002 CE
Return in 'Action Comics' #790
Metallo is resurrected by Brainiac and given a new kryptonite heart, becoming a pawn in Brainiac's schemes. #DCComics #Superman #Brainiac
2004 CE
Superman/Batman: Metallo's Plot
In 'Superman/Batman' #1-6, Metallo is part of a scheme to blackmail Superman with kryptonite. #DCComics #Superman #Batman
2005 CE
Infinite Crisis: Metallo's Involvement
During 'Infinite Crisis', Metallo is part of the Society of Super-Villains, fighting against the heroes. #DCComics #Superman #InfiniteCrisis
2006 CE
Metallo in '52'
In the weekly series '52', Metallo appears as a member of Lex Luthor's Infinity Inc. #DCComics #Superman #52
2008 CE
Final Crisis: Metallo as a Host
During 'Final Crisis', Metallo is possessed by the Black Racer, a death entity, but later freed. #DCComics #Superman #FinalCrisis
2010 CE
Brightest Day: Metallo's Redemption Attempt
In 'Brightest Day', Metallo briefly tries to redeem himself but fails. #DCComics #Superman #BrightestDay
2011 CE
New 52 Reboot: John Corben's New Origin
With the New 52 reboot, John Corben is reintroduced in 'Action Comics' #1 (vol. 2) as a cyborg with a kryptonite heart. #DCComics #Superman #New52
2012 CE
Metallo vs. Superman in 'Superman' #1-3
In the New 52 'Superman' series, Metallo battles Superman in an early arc, ultimately destroyed. #DCComics #Superman
2013 CE
Appearance in 'Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox'
Metallo appears in the animated film 'Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox' as a minor villain. #DCComics #Superman #AnimatedFilm
2014 CE
Death and Resurrection in 'Superman/Wonder Woman'
In 'Superman/Wonder Woman' #1-7, Metallo is killed by Zod but later revived. #DCComics #Superman #WonderWoman
2015 CE
Convergence: Metallo from Pre-Flashpoint
In 'Convergence', a pre-Flashpoint version of Metallo appears in the Battle World. #DCComics #Superman #Convergence
2016 CE
DC Rebirth: Metallo Returns
With DC Rebirth, Metallo is reintroduced in 'Superman' #4 (Rebirth) as a prominent enemy. #DCComics #Superman #Rebirth
2017 CE
The Cyborg Superman Connection
In 'Superman' vol. 4, Metallo's origin is tied to the Cyborg Superman (Hank Henshaw). #DCComics #Superman
2018 CE
The Man of Steel (2018) Mini-Series
Metallo appears in Brian Michael Bendis's 'The Man of Steel' mini-series as a threat to Metropolis. #DCComics #Superman
2019 CE
Year of the Villain: Metallo's Upgrade
During 'Year of the Villain', Metallo receives an upgrade from Lex Luthor, becoming more powerful. #DCComics #Superman #YearOfTheVillain
2020 CE
Death Metal: Metallo as a Horseman
In 'Dark Nights: Death Metal', Metallo is transformed into a Horseman of the Apocalypse. #DCComics #Superman #DeathMetal
2021 CE
Infinite Frontier: Metallo in Action
In the 'Infinite Frontier' era, Metallo appears in 'Superman' #29-31 as part of a larger conspiracy. #DCComics #Superman #InfiniteFrontier
2022 CE
Metallo in 'Superman: Son of Kal-El'
Metallo battles Jon Kent, the new Superman, in 'Superman: Son of Kal-El' #10-12. #DCComics #Superman #JonKent
2023 CE
The New Golden Age: Metallo's Revenge
In 'The New Golden Age' one-shot, Metallo seeks revenge on the Justice Society. #DCComics #Superman #JusticeSociety