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Hardware
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Creation & Design

Hardware was created by Dwayne McDuffie and Denys Cowan as part of the Milestone Media initiative to create diverse superhero characters.

Early Years

Curtis Metcalf was a brilliant inventor and engineer who worked for the villainous company, Alva Industries. After realizing the unethical practices of his employer, he decided to use his intellect and technology to become a hero.

Character Development

Throughout his journey, Curtis evolves from a corporate employee to a self-made hero, grappling with the ethical implications of his technology and the responsibilities that come with power.

Cultural Reception

Hardware was well-received for its unique take on the superhero genre, particularly in its exploration of race, technology, and social justice.

Character Details

Real Name:
Curtis Metcalf
First Appearance:
Hardware #1
Aliases:
Hardware
Species:
Human
Gender:
Male
Affiliations:
Dakotaverse, Justice League of America
Abilities:
Genius-level intellect, Advanced technology manipulation, Combat skills
Equipment:
Powered armor suit, Various technological gadgets
Weight:
180lbs
Height:
6' 0"
Eye Color:
brown
Hair Color:
black

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Hardware #1
Milestone ⋅ 1993
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Hardware #1
 
Low
$1
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$2
High
$5

Key Facts

1st appearance of Hardware, an inventor who created a battle suit to fight crime

Debut title published by Milestone Media, an imprint of DC founded by black artists and writers

Superman & Batman Magazine #7
Welsh ⋅ 1995
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Superman & Batman Magazine #7
 
Low
$1
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$2
High
$10

Key Facts

Origin of Static

Origin of Hardware

Origin of Icon

Milestone for Kids featured article with comic stories and publisher profile

Hardware #48
Milestone ⋅ 1997
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Hardware #48
 
Low
$2
Mid
$8
High
$20

Key Facts

Copies ordered by retailers: 4,511

Hardware #49
Milestone ⋅ 1997
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Hardware #49
 
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$5
Mid
$18
High
$65

Key Facts

Second-to-final issue

Cover art by Moebius

Hardware #50
Milestone ⋅ 1997
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Hardware #50
 
Low
$5
Mid
$15
High
$50

Key Facts

Final issue

Copies ordered by retailers: 9,552

Comichron reports 4,945 estimated orders in February 1997 but reports 4,607 estimated orders in March for Hardware #51. Hardware #51 does not exist so the assumption is that product that shipped in March was actually #50

Milestone Forever #1
Milestone ⋅ 2010
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Milestone Forever #1
 
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$1
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$3
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$12

Key Facts

Part one of a two-part story that chronicles the end of the Dakotaverse focused on the original launch characters

Milestone Forever #2
Milestone ⋅ 2010
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Milestone Forever #2
 
Low
$1
Mid
$3
High
$12

Key Facts

Conclusion of a two-part story that dissolves the Dakotaverse and ushers in the Milestone characters to the DC Universe

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