Plastic Man #1

Writer: Gail Simone
Artist: Adriana Melo
Colorist: Kelly Fitzpatrick
Letterer: Simon Bowland
Publisher: DC Comics

Review by Greg Brothers

Plastic Man is one of those characters that sometimes gets overlooked in the DC universe. Beyond getting over looked he is also a bit misunderstood. The crazy glasses and the cartoon versions of him have made people assume that Eel O’Brian is all comedy all the time. The truth is that the character is much more complicated than that and much darker than some people expect.

Plastic Man #1 introduces us to Eel O’Brian. He is a con artist who has found himself on the wrong side of a powerful mob boss. After being left for dead, Eel is trying to make a new life for himself. But before he can do that, he has revenge on the mind. Unfortunately for Eel, there are even bigger players in the game, and, when you are a former thug and criminal, not many people are going to reach out to help you.

Simone has said that one of her favorite characters is Plastic Man. This statement shines through with Plastic Man #1. Simone creates depth to the character from the moment we see him. She strikes that balance between the funny and irreverent and mean and vindictive that make up Eel. The dialogue and the storytelling throughout help us to understand Eel’s inner conflict. The running inner monologue helps to expose his distrust in others and himself, while also revealing his inner turmoil. Meanwhile the twist at the end leaves you wondering if perhaps he is correct in some of his paranoia.

It would be easy to go over-the-top cartoonish with the art in Plastic Man #1. Thankfully Melo finds a balance that incorporates the cartoonish powers with the seriousness of the story. By just stretching parts here and there it helps you to suspend belief without having to accept over-the-top cartoon type art. The colors are bright and engaging. The panels blend in a way that guide the reader’s eyes seamlessly from one to another.

Verdict: Buy it.

If you are a fan of Plastic Man, then it is essential you check out Gail Simone’s version. For the first time in a long time, Plastic Man #1 help to reestablish Plastic Man as an important and complicated character.

Gregory Brothers
greghbrothers@gmail.com
Ohio born and raised. Avid comicbook fan who is always trying to find time to get through my ever growing read pile. When not working on that I Teach, coach youth sports, and cheer on my hometown Cincinnati teams, and Buckeyes. Can also be heard talking comics and pop-culture on The Comics Agenda Podcast.

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