Fan Casting Hardware in Return to the DC Universe

Curt Metcalf had always been smart, having graduated from high school at 14, and getting his first college degree at 15. Eventually, he would work for Alva Industries, where he would make millions. When the Big Bang occurred in Dakota City, Curt was set up by Alva to take the fall for the gases that triggered it, though Curt tried to blackmail his former boss for his work in S.Y.S.T.E.M. When he saw the system wouldn't work, Curt developed a highly advanced suit of armor, and took on the name "Hardware", in his fight against S.Y.S.T.E.M. and other criminal elements.