For the third year in a row, Plastic Man No More! #3 outdid itself as it proved to be a masterpiece. Christopher Cantwell, Alex Lynds, Jacob Edgar, Marcelo Maiolo, and Becca Carey have teamed up to create a book that gets to the heart of Plastic Man’s character without shying away from his flaws. This series is characterized by fear and betrayal, so it’s no surprise that the third issue leans even further into it.
From the first page of “Plastic Man No More!” #3, the panels stand out as the most unique element. The standard 9-panel layout defies convention by literally shaking and falling off the page. It represents a broken book, which fits Eel’s current shattered mental state.
The change in tone of the story is also a welcome sight. In “Plastic Man No More”! #2, the Justice League section is already starting to look stale and could have been amazing had it appeared at another time. But here Cantwell puts a clever twist on the concept. Readers get to see new sides to old favorites, rather than repeating the same note three times in a row.
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The eel finally breaks and Plastic Man is no more! It proves that the title is more than just a literal statement. Eel is no longer going to follow every situation, instead of adjusting himself to every situation. He was finally ready to snap. More than anything, that sets this issue apart from other Plastic Man appearances in recent memory.
Despite the noticeable change in Eel’s perspective, the comic itself maintains a good balance of humor and tragedy. Uranium is usually the funniest member of the roster, and his always sarcastic reactions serve as a refreshing reminder of how crazy Eel’s plans really are. Luke does it well too. Manga has a habit of immersing readers in fantasy elements, which can make it difficult to recognize the absurd as absurd. Uranium, Detective Chimpanzee, and Luke all serve as grounding characters, despite being ridiculous concepts in and of themselves.
Without taking away from the tragic ending at the end of the book, this also serves as a turning point for Eel. He finally reaches a point where he can no longer cling to his heroism. Plastic Man No More dismantles him in every conceivable way. He is no longer a superhero, a law-abiding citizen, a friend and ally. As this manga started with Eel as a villain, he is finally returning to his roots in the worst possible way.
The story has tragic interludes that hint at a happy ending. A two-page spread feels out of place at first, but no matter how deeply you think about it, it’s in a truly painful context. The happy-go-lucky spread at the end represents a moment of no return for Eel. Plastic Man is no more! #3 offers him a way out, a tool of salvation, but he cannot figure it out. It turns your fingers into goo and slips from your hand, causing a huge explosion.
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Once you’ve finished analyzing the story, it’s also worth considering the art that has made this comic stand out from the beginning. Stylistic changes have served a special purpose so far, but they are starting to reach a point where they disrupt the story. The scenes from Justice League to Detective Chimpanzee and back to Eel’s melting face no longer have the impact they once did. This may be a format effect. Because when I think about this book, it’s somewhat typical of waiting every month. It would be interesting to read about it as a trade, but it might not seem like a big deal.
That being said, the art is still great. The coloring is unique from scene to scene, and Plastic Man No More! #3 gets darker, both literally and figuratively, with each page. The simplistic skin-stretching style that characterizes this character appears in just one scene and is quickly replaced by a grotesque depiction of his rotting flesh. It’s hard not to see this contrast, and it’s what makes this book fundamentally compelling. Plastic Man No More! is rooted in horror, and all the creators involved understood that message.
Plastic Man is no more! #3 is definitely an oversized book. There are enough pages to fill two issues and enough story to fill an entire arc. If you enjoyed the previous issues, be sure to pick up this latest release, if only to prepare yourself for the fresh hell that Eel cooks for himself in the next release. Something big is about to happen for the Eels, and it could be a literal explosion.
“Plastic Man No More!” #3 puts a new twist on a great premise
Plastic Man is no more! #3
Plastic Man is no more! #3 is definitely an oversized book. There are enough pages to fill two issues and enough story to fill an entire arc. If you enjoyed the previous issues, be sure to pick up this latest release, if only to prepare yourself for the fresh hell that Eel cooks for himself in the next release. Something big is about to happen for the Eels, and it could be a literal explosion.
I can’t help but love the fresh direction this series is taking Eel.
The coloring and art are exceptional and further enrich the story.
The final twist in this issue is shocking, but it removes a much-needed element.
