“The most underrated superhero in DC”: One Superhero Nowhere to be Seen in James Gunn’s DCU Bags an Epic Upcoming Comic Book Arc Modeled after All Star Superman

The legacy of heroes and monsters has littered the comic biosphere on paper as well as in film. Just as James Gunn’s DCU begins to take shape, the comics have also begun to rev up their production to keep up with the new DC chief’s ambition. But while major superheroes fight for the spotlight, one underrated superhero quietly steps out of the shadows to experience the miserable end of his days.

Often believed by many to be the most underrated superhero in all of DC, the villain turned good guy has been an integral element of the comic book franchise, often featuring in some of the best Justice League line-ups of all time. But as the character slowly inches toward the end of his saga, one pertinent question keeps nagging at the base of our minds:

Why has James Gunn not yet orchestrated a live-action/animated debut of the character in DCU beyond the scope of the comic book pages?

Underrated DC Superhero – Plastic Man – Meets His End

In the latest issue of the DC Black Label comics, Plastic Man No More! takes up the front and center of mass interest. Designed to bring about the end of Plastic Man, DC’s stretchiest superhero, the limited series aims to address two important topics at once: the arc of the underappreciated DC superhero and the more urgent subject of environmental degradation that has been plaguing the planet.

The four-issue limited series penned by Christopher Cantwell and artists Alex Lins and Jacob Edgar explores the plot of Plastic Man No More! in a similar vein to Grant Morrison‘s iconic issue, All Star Superman. Both comics expose their central hero to a doomed fate due to a mission gone wrong, thus setting them on a path of slow and miserable death by distorting their superpowers into the very thing that ends them.

However, the heart of the story underneath the bleak narrative lies in redeeming Plastic Man’s relationship with his son. Just as All Star Superman focused on the Twelve Labors of Superman and his last days on Earth with Lois Lane, Plastic Man No More! will embark on a race against time to save his son who “might have inherited more from dear old Dad than just his superpowers…”

Plastic Man No More! Writer Speaks Out on Limited Issue

Despite the failings of James Gunn‘s DC in incorporating the superhero into a project as of yet, Plastic Man is truly one of the most colorful, rich, and entertaining characters in the DC roster. Speaking to the depth of this character, writer Christopher Cantwell reveals [via GamesRadar]:

There are many superhero stories that play with the metaphor of our own inability to control our physical bodies. Plastic Man provided a way to take that allegory even deeper. How we look in the mirror and see one thing, then see a photo of ourselves and don’t recognize the person at all. How we all break down over time.

What’s this strange itch? Why is this sagging? Why does this hurt now? Is my face permanently going to look like this? Or get even worse? With all these questions in the story comes a real and profound fear of aging, and yes, what lies beyond that – dying.

However, now that Plastic Man is finally set to meet his end, Cantwell delves into what brought about his morbid 4-issue arc of the character that incidentally also addresses an essential environmental concern:

There is an element of body horror to his story that I have always found fascinating. And I also found myself wondering recently – How would Plastic Man actually die? What would that look like? Is he immortal? And then I thought of the long and particularly nasty way real plastics and petroleum products break down when and if they finally do.

That’s how I learned about depolymerization and the chemical process of ‘unzipping,’ – from a particularly morose afternoon on the ol’ Internet, picturing what might happen to Eel if his entire cellular structure started to give way.

Aside from the limited issue’s obvious reference to the classic Superman story, writer Christopher Cantwell also takes inspiration from film auteur David Cronenberg in fleshing out Plastic Man’s arc in the devastatingly gruesome comic series.

Plastic Man Fans Make a Special Request to James Gunn

As the news of Plastic Man’s death spreads like wildfire, fans gear up to say goodbye to a staple of the DC comic universe on social media while also raising a significant concern regarding the criminal turned superhero’s absence from the DCU. After Warner Bros.’ failed attempt at developing a live-action Plastic Man movie in 2018, fans are asking James Gunn to revive the character in his new and upcoming DCU:

Plastic man is the most underrated superhero in DC. pic.twitter.com/tMqM2TY0ep

— E-Man (@WigginsWick22) June 13, 2024

Sounds like it could be a really good introspection on the character. Im interested.

— Noah Spence (@AlphamegaZulu) June 13, 2024

I was just thinking about Plastic Man. This IP would be great on the big screen. An incredible character that would surely resonate with today’s audience. #WenPlasticMan @JamesGunn @CandyDigital @JimLee @andrewVward pic.twitter.com/9piGGh7rHJ

— Reilly🦇 (@reillypi) June 13, 2024

Oh this could be a generational story👀

— 《 MƏRK 》 (@ITS_A_ME_MERK) June 13, 2024

Its maddening that they havent given this character his own show on adult swim. DC comics doesnt do enough to get the most out of their IPs, to Marvels credit they will take huge gambles and turn one short gotg run into a blockbuster franchise.

— rookie (@bigthrobbing_) June 13, 2024

With James Gunn’s DCU ramping up on its conveyor belt of production, the fan demand for a Plastic Man project truly comes at the most opportune time. With DCU still in its infancy, James Gunn has the power to cast his net over a wider range of DC characters instead of focusing on the primary 6 or 7 from the Justice League.

Gunn’s new universe could defy the trends of the past to construct a more inclusive and diverse DC for the fans, instead of repeating the same stories over and over again.

Plastic Man No More! hits the shelves on September 4, 2024.