Alert: Spoilers for Batman: The Brave and the Bold (2023) #20 and Plastic Man No More! (2024) follow!
The Unexpected Alliance: Wonder Woman and Plastic Man
When contemplating ideal superheroes for a Wonder Woman team-up, many fans might picture DC’s mightiest. However, the recent partnership featuring Plastic Man, often seen as a comedic figure, presents a narrative filled with surprising depth and emotional resonance. Their latest two-part adventure reveals that there exists a significant common ground between the formidable Amazon of Themyscira and the shape-shifting ex-convict.
In a pivotal moment of the story, Plastic Man experiences a sudden loss of his abilities after encountering Wonder Woman’s Lasso of Truth. This encounter paves the way for a deeply introspective conversation where both heroes share their vulnerabilities.
Plastic Man: The Unsung Tragic Figure of the Justice League
Plastic Man’s character, often reduced to humorous antics, has a surprisingly tragic backstory that tends to be overshadowed within the Justice League line-up. Originally known as Eel O’Brian, he was a petty criminal who acquired his stretchy powers from an accident during a heist. The twist in his tale is his commitment to using those very powers for redemption. While previous portrayals leaned heavily on slapstick comedy, modern comics are starting to explore the character’s emotional complexities, revealing the sorrow beneath his jovial façade.
A noteworthy illustration of this narrative shift can be seen in Plastic Man No More!, where the character grapples with the discovery that his powers are detrimental to his health. Despite the Justice League’s banter regarding his condition, Plastic Man’s true motivation is the desire to save his son, who inherited the same powers. This theme of redemption echoes throughout his emotional struggles captured in Batman: The Brave and the Bold #20.
The Balance of Hope and Despair in Their Dynamic
The honesty and relentless pursuit of redemption that characterize Plastic Man resonate with Wonder Woman, navigating the challenges of her values and her role as a mentor. Under the influence of the Lasso of Truth, the rawness of Eel’s experience becomes evident, allowing Wonder Woman to see beyond the lighthearted persona of her ally to recognize a man wrestling with his own inner turmoil. Both characters share a philosophy of resilience, determined to believe in the potential for change in people, regardless of their past actions.
The story culminates in “Man’s Underworld, Part 2,”hinting at a continued partnership between these two unique heroes. This prospect excites fans with the promise of more engaging narratives centered around their unexpectedly profound friendship.
Although they may initially appear as mismatched partners, Wonder Woman and Plastic Man embody the ideals of redemption and perseverance. Their dynamic creates a compelling narrative that showcases an undervalued alliance within the Justice League, reminding readers that heroes come in many forms. The conclusion of their adventure suggests that their collaboration to tackle challenges like Roulette’s treacherous Mirror House auction is just the beginning of a series of emotionally rich encounters.
Batman: The Brave and the Bold (2023) #20 is currently available from DC Comics.