Like the issue, let’s start with the bad and move to the good; the disappointment of Doom Patrol first, then the magnificence of the Metal Men. The set up of this new Doom Patrol series is based on a very cool concept–suicidal heroes partake in suicidal missions under the watchful eye of a mad scientist. Unfortunately, the execution of this idea did not match its potential. The action sequence of the first half was confusing and somewhat nonsensical–it was not clear why such powerful people only used their powers at certain times. The character development of the second half of the book was fine, but wholly unoriginal. The technique of showing each characters reaction to an event from the first half by having them interviewed by a psychologist/priest was used (to better effect) in Peter David’s first few issues of X-Factor—and a dozen other comics. All right now that that sad carping is at an end, let me spread some praise for the Metal Man half of the book. In sharp contrast to Doom Patrol, the concept here is fairly weak, cartoonish Metal Men fight cartoonish villains under the watchful eye of a mad scientist. However, unlike the Doom Patrol section, this story was told clearly, the characters were explored in moments not exposition, and the whole story was pulled off with a sense of whimsy perfectly matched by the art and dialogue (though pop culture references to Bob Dylan and Porky Pig might’ve revealed a bit too much about the age of the creators). So, overall a split decision, but still enough there that I’d recommend people pick this issue up. As a great admirer of his Legion work, I worship that is the temple that is Giffen, and I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt that he can bring off both sides of this series in future issues, and as such I’m optimistic that, like this issue, the series will soon move from the bad to the good.