Plastic Man No More! #1
(Mike Allred cover B)
Written by: Christopher Cantwell
Illustrated by: Jacob Edgar, and Alex Lins
DC Comics
2024
*Minor spoilers. Sort of a sad story.
Eel O’Brian might be a superhero now — but before he was anything else, he was a crook. Until the accident that turned him into the pliable Plastic Man, Eel was bad to the bone… and just because he no longer has bones doesn’t mean that’s not still true. When an incident on a Justice League mission leads to catastrophic cellular damage, Plastic Man discovers he just might be out of time to make amends for the past he’s tried hard to outrun — or to save the soul of his son, who (unfortunately for him) might have inherited more from dear old Dad than just his superpowers…
Plastic Man No More! #1 by Christopher Cantwell, with art from Jacob Edgar and Alex Lins, brings Eel O’Brian back into the spotlight, but this time the story digs into the darker corners of his past. Eel, once a crook before becoming the pliable superhero Plastic Man, faces a ticking clock as his powers begin to unravel after a Justice League mission goes awry. What makes this issue compelling is its focus on Eel’s inner conflict, especially as he tries to reconcile his shady past and save his son, who seems to have inherited more than just his abilities.
Cantwell nails Plastic Man’s unique voice, blending humor and self-reflection in a way that feels true to the character. Eel’s wisecracks serve as both a coping mechanism and a shield, which makes his more vulnerable moments stand out. The art by Lins and Edgar is fluid and dynamic, capturing both the absurdity and horror of Eel’s condition, while Romulo Fajardo Jr.’s vibrant colors add a bright contrast to the underlying grimness of the story.
However, the Justice League cameos feel a bit off, particularly Wonder Woman’s treatment of Plastic Man as the eternal punchline. Batman’s more serious approach doesn’t quite fit either, and having another character like Superman or Blue Beetle would’ve felt more natural for the situation.
Despite some questionable character choices in the supporting cast, this issue succeeds in showcasing Eel’s complicated nature. Cantwell gets the core of Plastic Man right, with dialogue that’s spot-on for fans of the character. And yes, Offspring’s redesign is unexpectedly… attractive.
All in all, Plastic Man No More! #1 sets up an intriguing journey for a hero who’s trying to put the pieces of his life back together—before it all melts away.
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