One of Neil Gaiman’s main talents as a writer has always been his ability to take outdated superhero characters and turn them into realistic, nuanced individuals. Take Urania Blackwell, a little-known DC hero who debuted in 1967’s “Metamorpho” #10 under the name Element Girl. Once a spy for the U.S. government, Blackwell’s colleague, Rex Mason, was exposed to the Orb of Amun-Ra while on assignment in Egypt. This transformed him into the superhero Metamorpho. After duplicating his mystical transformation, Blackwell became his partner.
Sadly, gaining the superhuman ability to turn into any element isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. By the time she appears in “The Sandman” #20, a despondent Blackwell has retreated into complete isolation. Insecure about her bizarre physical appearance, she spends her days locked away in her apartment, chain-smoking in the shadows. After a disastrous outing with an old friend, Blackwell begs Death to end her life. Moved, Death convinces Blackwell to ask Ra for help. The sun god ends her immortality at last, allowing her to pass onto the next plane of existence.
Element Girl’s story is easily one of the most heartbreaking tales in “The Sandman.” It’s impossible not to empathize with Blackwell, whose experiences with superheroism have gone so poorly. She also offers a unique window into the Egyptian pantheon, who are otherwise represented by Bast within the series. Ra doesn’t exactly come off well here, having condemned Blackwell to an extremely lonely life, but he’s certainly interesting.
If you or anyone you know is having suicidal thoughts, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by dialing 988 or by calling 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
One of Neil Gaiman’s main talents as a writer has always been his ability to take outdated superhero characters and turn them into realistic, nuanced individuals. Take Urania Blackwell, a little-known DC hero who debuted in 1967’s “Metamorpho” #10 under the name Element Girl. Once a spy for the U.S. government, Blackwell’s colleague, Rex Mason, was exposed to the Orb of Amun-Ra while on assignment in Egypt. This transformed him into the superhero Metamorpho. After duplicating his mystical transformation, Blackwell became his partner.
Sadly, gaining the superhuman ability to turn into any element isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. By the time she appears in “The Sandman” #20, a despondent Blackwell has retreated into complete isolation. Insecure about her bizarre physical appearance, she spends her days locked away in her apartment, chain-smoking in the shadows. After a disastrous outing with an old friend, Blackwell begs Death to end her life. Moved, Death convinces Blackwell to ask Ra for help. The sun god ends her immortality at last, allowing her to pass onto the next plane of existence.
Element Girl’s story is easily one of the most heartbreaking tales in “The Sandman.” It’s impossible not to empathize with Blackwell, whose experiences with superheroism have gone so poorly. She also offers a unique window into the Egyptian pantheon, who are otherwise represented by Bast within the series. Ra doesn’t exactly come off well here, having condemned Blackwell to an extremely lonely life, but he’s certainly interesting.
If you or anyone you know is having suicidal thoughts, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by dialing 988 or by calling 1-800-273-TALK (8255).