DC Finally Gives Plastic Man His Due in New Series
After 58 years, DC has finally figured out how to give Plastic Man the spotlight he deserves. With his unique blend of humor and hidden darkness, Plastic Man is about to take center stage in Plastic Man No More, a four-issue series under DC’s Black Label. This September, fans will see a fresh take on the character that dives deep into his past, explores his future, and redefines what it means to be one of DC’s most underrated powerhouses.
A New Perspective on a Classic Hero
Plastic Man has long been a cult favorite, but his potential has often been overlooked. Christopher Cantwell, the series’ writer, is set to change that. Cantwell’s approach honors Plastic Man’s history while bringing a fresh perspective to his story. The series begins with Plastic Man facing an existential crisis as his powers start to fail him. His once-reliable stretching abilities go haywire, leading him to believe he’s dying. This realization sends him on a personal journey that will touch on all aspects of his life, including his complex family dynamics and his time with the Justice League.
Cantwell highlights that Plastic Man has been overly reliant on his powers, making them central to his identity. But what happens when those powers begin to fade? That’s the question Plastic Man No More will explore, forcing the hero to confront his past and question whether his career as a superhero was truly worth it.
The Cult Status of Plastic Man
Plastic Man is a character ripe with story potential, and it’s about time DC tapped into it. Originally created by artist Jack Cole in the Golden Age of comics, Plastic Man first appeared in Police Comics #1 in 1941. He quickly became one of the most popular heroes of the era. While he may not have reached the same heights in the DC Universe as he did at Quality Comics, Plastic Man has carved out a niche as a cult icon. His proudest moment came in the late 1990s when he joined the Justice League, solidifying his place among DC’s greatest heroes.
Before he became Plastic Man, he was Eel O’Brien, a ruthless criminal with a dark past. After being exposed to a mysterious substance, Eel gained the ability to stretch his body in unimaginable ways. Deciding to use his powers for good, he took on the identity of Plastic Man, leaving behind his life of crime. But the tension between his past and his present has always lingered, and Plastic Man No More will delve into this internal conflict, exploring whether Eel’s transformation into a hero was as redemptive as he hoped.
The Hidden Darkness of Plastic Man
Plastic Man is often seen as a funny, light-hearted character, especially within the Justice League. But beneath his goofy exterior lies a much darker origin. He came from a world of crime, dealing with street-level criminals even after gaining his powers. His Golden Age adventures reveal a layer of grit and darkness that has often been overshadowed by his comedic persona. Cantwell’s series aims to balance these two sides of Plastic Man, offering a more nuanced look at a character who is much more than just a comic relief.
Cantwell also plans to explore Plastic Man’s fractured family life, adding another layer of depth to the character. This blend of dark themes and humorous elements promises to give Plastic Man the kind of story he’s long deserved. After nearly six decades, Plastic Man No More is set to redefine what it means to be this shape-shifting superhero, offering fans both old and new something truly special.
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(Image credit: DC)
