Writer:Gail Simone Artist: Adriana Melo / DC Comics
Under Cover of Darkness
First of all, let’s just take a moment to appreciate Alex Ross’s absolutely breathtaking cover. It is a truly fitting depiction of inarguably one of the most powerful superheroes in the DC canon and that smile on Eel O’Brien’s face tells you everything you need to know about the character.
Secondly, given how raunchy, salacious, and titillating the imagery of Plastic Man has been, we are constantly reminded that this is a story about acceptance. This comic about a former mobster, current shapeshifter probably has the most heart of any of the DC titles out on the shelves and that’s largely due to Simone’s superb writing.
Plastic Man is constantly confronted with his shady past and as he continues to get more and more involved with the Cabal while protecting his new charge, we the readers get to experience the deep regret Plastic Man feels and his incredible resolve to be a better person with his new life. Every hilarious quip to a baddie is matched with an equally pensive reflection. I burst out laughing in the first handful of pages before quietly smiling as the kind, hopeful moments of the story.
Furthermore, Melo’s artwork is just a perfect match for Plastic Man, all of his transformation and the supporting cast of character. There is fantastic fanservice for all everyone under the sun. There are wonderfully drawn action sequences. The mobster crime scenes feel appropriate decadent and brooding. Strange turns of phrases have predictable, but ultimately beautifully rendered visuals. This is such a great creative tour de force.
Plastic Man is unapologetically hopeful and unrelentingly funny. This is the perfect supplement to your weekly pull and will endear itself to you in shorter order.
9.4 “Acceptances of Self and Others” out of 10
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