Reviewed by: Mathan Erhardt
Story Title: Rubber Banned
Written, Penciled, Inked, Colored, and Lettered by: Kyle Baker
Editor: Joey Cavalieri
Publisher DC Comics
So last issue Plas’ former identity of Eel O’Brian has been exposed, leaving his new partner, his old partner, and his boss no choice but to take him down. There is nothing funnier than the self-proclaimed “most powerful member of the JLA†backed up to the wall. Of course a debate about who is actually the most powerful member ensues.
Plas takes a beating, a few rubber bullets in the face, and a bucket of acetone as well, but he puts up quite a fight. He’s eventually brought down by a change in temperature. In order to keep him contained they double bag him in body bags and take him to the morgue. The greatest coroner this side of Quincy, questions whether or not Plas needs to breath. So they call in for an expert opinion; the JLA. And it is the funniest JLA appearance since FKAJL. Seriously. Plas has a near death experience but escapes, making him the most wanted fugitive in the DCU.
Kyle Baker is a genius! The writing is hilarious. I mean show me another book that references Elseworlds and duct tape in such manner that you laugh out loud. The scene with the JLA is priceless, particularly for Batman, who steals the show. Plas running out of puns is another guffaw moment. And who hasn’t had fanboy discussions about who the most powerful member of the JLA is? Kudos to DC for giving Kyle so much leeway to create such a great book. And also bravo for referencing Plas’ past exploits. That was a really nice touch, missing from most modern comics.
Kyle’s art is equally fun. The JLA looks terrific. This book is so vibrant, it matches Plastic Man’s personality perfectly. It is just a great book to look at. It’s so full of emotion and action. This is what comic books are supposed to look like.
