Something Spooky: ‘Metal Men’ #33 Go The B-Movie Route
by Benjamin Hall
Metal Men #33 (1968) has a mixture of a plot. The start comes across as a standard titular heroes see the public turn on them. While the next thing that happens is a giant fly monster becomes part of the narrative. However, this is no ordinary b-movie type creature for the heroes to take on (a la Them! [1954]). Instead of a generic monstrous insect it is almost a planet’s worth of alien flies that are making up one construct. Thus, the Metal Men face two populations in a mystery adventure that evokes classic invasion stories (like Invasion of the Body Snatchers [1956]). Of course by the issue’s end the Metal Men defeat at least one challenge.
This writer sees a connection between this comic and this time of year via the superhero concept. It’s mainly in the idea of bright colorful characters matching the wide range of costumes one sees around Halloween. Also the tricks the Metal Men are doing throughout the issue kind of evokes the idea of trick or treating. It is also a bit of a comedic issue in some ways which brings to mind some playful memories of being a child on the holiday. The imagination one sees on display in the story is the final appealing part for this writer since Halloween is about imagining being different.
The idea of becoming prey for a mob of people is obviously a real world horror. Therefore, this terrifying concept may be a draw for certain individuals when it comes to reading this comic during the scary season. While those who wish to vicariously indulge in a fear of insects could find this issue appealing. Not to mention, the b-movie type sci-fi elements are very much Halloween adjacent, particularly the alien invasion aspect. Finally the Metal Men in a way represent body horror with how they transform their respective forms. In turn those who desire that kind of aesthetic in art will probably like this comic.
