Summary
Plastic Manis an underrated powerhouse member of theJustice League, and after 58 years as a DC character, the publisher has finally figured out how to fix him. This September,Plastic Man will receive the Black Label treatmentin the four-issuePlastic Man No More.The serieswill explore Plastic Man’s past and future, and its writer, Christopher Cantwell, has an approach that will honor the character’s history.
In an interview with Chris Coplan ofAIPT,Plastic Man No More’swriter Christopher Cantwell discussed his approach to the character.Plastic Man No Morekicks off when his stretching powers begin to go haywire, and he concludes he is dying. This setsPlastic Man off on a personal journeythat will touch on all aspects of his life, including his family and his time with the Justice League. Cantwell admitted that Plastic Man has been “reliant” on his powers, and that they are his identity.
Thequestion becomes what happens to him when his powers begin to fail him?
Plastic Man Is a Cult Favorite, and For Good Reason
Plastic Man is Ripe With Story Potential
Plastic Man was one of the most popular heroes of comics’ Golden Age. Created by artist Jack Cole, who went on to fame drawing cartoons forPlayboy,Plastic Man began as a Quality Comics character, before joining the DC Universe 58 years ago. While Plastic Man has not soared to the heights at DC that he enjoyed at Quality in the Golden Age, he has become a cult icon, headlining several solo titles as well as animated series in the early 1980s. Plastic Man’s proudest DC moment was no doubt joining the Justice League in the late 1990s.
Plastic Man first appeared in 1941’sPolice Comics#1.
Plastic Man’s backstory is simple, but ripe with story potential that Cantwell will tap into withPlastic Man No More.Before becoming Plastic Man, he was the ruthless criminal Eel O’Brien. After exposure to a mysterious substance, he gained the ability to stretch his body. Deciding he had been given a second chance, Eel became Plastic Man. Eel’s past as a murderous hoodlum is at odds with his current career choice, and Cantwell has saidPlastic Man No Morewill explore this dichotomy, as the character wonders if his heroic career was worth it.
Plastic Man is a Deceptively Funny Hero
Plenty of Darkness Lurks Underneath Plastic Man’s Surface
Plastic Man came from the seedy criminal underworld, and even after receiving his powers, dealt with more street-level crime, even if the perpetrators are as weird and grotesque as he.
Fans today view Plastic Man as a funny and light-heartedJustice Leaguehero, but a quick glance at his Golden Age adventures reveal a layer of darkness just under the surface. Plastic Man came from the seedy criminal underworld, and even after receiving his powers, dealt with more street-level crime, even if the perpetrators are as weird and grotesque as he. Cantwell also said the book will explorePlastic Man’sfractured family life, making this a dark, but balanced, look at the character, which is just what he needed after 58 years in the DC Universe.
Source:AIPT
Plastic Man No More! #1 is on sale September 4 from DC Comics!
