By Hunter T. Patrick
Always liked Plastic Man, now it is a love. Instantly the story takes you to the origins of Plastic Man. If you do not know who he is, you will now. The origin is organic in the story and not at all forced. It fits the flow. Eel O’Brian is transformed from small-time crook too, well, Plastic Man. He digs into a mystery, one that haunts him at his core. This mystery ties into his origin. The more shocking aspect is the reveal at the end of the issue of who else is in this mystery, someone against Plastic Man. He may be in the Terrifics, but it is time for the world to meet and love Plastic Man thanks to the creative team.
The writing has a specific tone to it. It feels straight out of what Plastic Man originally would have had the world sound like from his conception. The pacing is smooth, and as said, the origin is not shoehorned in, it actually helps the pacing. It is a smooth read and an enjoyable one. If you are not familiar with Plastic Man, you may think of him as being too similar to Deadpool in the humor. Plastic Man was the original, funny man in comics and this comic not only portrays him as such but also portrays him as a character much stronger than several other more comedic characters. The story is great fun, and the lead character is what makes it as such. Without him, the series would be very similar to a mobster tone. For this Plastic Man brings out such a strong contrast.
The artwork looks good. It is not mind-blowing but it fits the atmosphere for the story wonderfully. What truly makes the art is Plastic Man and just how right he looks. He is put in such wacky positions and such complex forms of art that makes this dynamic character fit right in. This issue celebrates Plastic Man’s origin, his original era, his personality, and even his powers. Those powers have a specific look to them that most all comic characters seem elementary in comparison. Plastic Man has always meant to stand out and this art highlights it.
Plastic Man is not like other superheroes. He ethics is different, as his look most, and most definitely his personality. He was revolutionary at the time of his conception and even now is he one of a kind. Several character creators may envy that their character will seem like a Plastic Man clone. Even now Plastic Man could be described as having powers like Mr. Fantastic and having a similar personality to Deadpool. It should be said the other way around. Plastic Man is revolutionary and that should all be said to know that this issue is just that for the character. He needed a comeback and now this is it. This is Plastic Man. Take it or leave it, but you should most defiantly take this book. It may go one to be a classic for an underappreciated character.
Score: 4/5
Plastic Man #1
DC Comics