Alright, cast aside all your other work-related emails, spreadsheets, texts, flow charts, etc. — this is something important.
DC Comics is changing Plastic Man's costume.
Yes, the iconic red-and-yellow outfit worn by the stretchable superhero since his 1941 debut is giving way to a silver-and-black number that matches those of other members of the Terrifics, a new super-group that he's going to be a member of.
(Yeah, I know. "The Terrifics" doesn't sound like a name to strike fear in the hearts of evil-doers. But DC hero Mr. Terrific is the leader of the group. It could have been worse. If Plastic Man was owned by Marvel Comics, he could have been on the Strangers with Dr. Strange.)
Plastic Man will keep his iconic goggles and the criss-crossed strings on his shirt, but the vibrant color scheme is being sent to the dustbin of comics history. At least until some comics creator decides to change it back.
DC unveiled the new look at the recent San Diego Comic-Con, a massive geek gathering that's gained importance as superhero-related movies have dominated the box office.
For almost 80 years, Plastic Man has been floating on the edges of the pop culture universe. His fame (so far) peaked in the late 1970s when he had his own Saturday morning cartoon for a couple of seasons. But there's always been something about the character that leads DC to bring him back.
Plastic Man always has been funnier and less serious than many other heroes. Plus, his ability not only to stretch but to shape himself into other objects lends itself to the dreams of creative artists.
Earlier this year, a rumor circulated online — aided and abetted by Plastics News — that nerd icon Kevin Smith was writing a script for a Plastic Man movie. Could this costume change be enough to finally bring Plastic Man to the big screen in Plastic Man : Polywood Nights?
That's my movie title, and I'm sticking with it.