Summary
Justice LeaguefavoritePlastic Manis going “hard-boiled” in a new noir series from DC Black Label. Arguably one of DC’s most powerful heroes, Plastic Man will face his mortality in the forthcomingPlastic Man No More. The four-issue miniseries takes readers on a deep dive into Plastic Man’s psyche, showcasing the hardened criminal he was prior to his transformation.
Plastic Man No More!will be written by Christopher Cantwell and drawn by Alex Lins. In the aftermath of a Justice League mission, Plastic Man finds his body slowly decaying. With his powers going haywire, Plastic Man, in the time he has left, must now make amends with the demons of his past. Plastic Man’s son is expected to be a part of the book as well. Writer Cantwell had this to say about Plastic Man:
There are many superhero stories that play with the metaphor of our own inability to control our physical bodies […] Plastic Man provided a way to take that allegory even deeper. How we look in the mirror and see one thing, then see a photo of ourselves and don’t recognize the person at all. How we all break down over time. What’s this strange itch? Why is this sagging? Why does this hurt now? Is my face permanently going to look like this? Or get even worse? With all these questions in the story comes a real and profound fear of aging, and yes, what lies beyond that—dying. And when someone like Plastic Man is suddenly looking at the end of the road, and now reflecting on his legacy, he begins to wonder: was he ever taken seriously by anyone? Did he even take himself seriously?
In the unlettered preview pages, shared above,Plastic Man charges into battlewith the Justice League.
Plastic Man Has a Long History in Comics, Stretching Back to the Golden Age
Plastic Man’s New Book Honors the Various Genres He is Grounded In
Despite being a DC icon, and a member of the Justice League, Plastic Man did not start at the publisher. Instead, he was created by legendary artist Jack Cole for Quality Comics, first appearing in 1941’sPolice Comics#1. Plastic Man was a hit, and became one of Quality’s flagship characters. DC would later acquire the character and incorporate him into their universe. Plastic Man famously joined the Justice League during Grant Morrison and Howard Porter’s tenure with the title. Plastic Man’s inclusion was out of left field, but helped boost the character’s profile.
Plastic Man No More!will give fans not only a deep dive into the character’s soul, but show him in a new, noir-tinged light.
Plastic Man No More!will give fans not only a deep dive into the character’s soul, but show him in a new, noir-tinged light. Many of Jack Cole’s classicPlastic Man stories skirted the edgesof darkness, and evildoers would get their comeuppance in dark and brutal ways, perfect for the noir genre. Cantwell elaborated further on Plastic Man, pointing out the character’s “body horror” aspects. Citing director David Cronenberg’s work in the genre, Cantwell said he found this part of the character “fascinating.”
Plastic Man’s Duality Makes for Great Stories
Can Plastic Man Truly Escape His Past?
And the genres of hard-boiled noir and body horror will collide inPlastic Man No More!Previous creators who have worked on Plastic Man have explored his life both before and after the accident that gave him powers. Plastic Man’s duality, straddling the line between crook and cop, has made for compelling stories for over 80 years. Plastic Man’s life has been one of extremes, having gone from a lowly crook toJustice Leaguemember. Plastic Man contains multitudes, and they will be explored later this year inPlastic ManNo More!
Plastic Man No More!#1is on sale September 4 from DC Comics!
