WARNING: Contains Potential Spoilers for PLASTIC MAN NO MORE! #3!
Robinhas officially foundBatman’smatch within theJustice League, but while this might sound like a compliment to the mystery hero, it’s far from one. This comparison has nothing to do with their heroics and everything to do with their parenting skills—one of the few areas in the DC Universe where the Dark Knight has repeatedly fallen short.
…both Batman and Plastic Man show significant red flags as fathers…
Christopher Cantwell, Jacob Edgar, Alex Lins, and Marcelo Maiolo’sPlastic Man No More!#3continues Patrick O’Brian’s desperate quest to cheat death after discovering that he is"depolymerizing,“or, in simpler terms,“coming apart.“However, O’Brian’s fight for his own survival becomes even more urgent when he learns that his son, Luke O’Brian, who shares his abilities, may eventually be affected by the same condition.
With his son’s life now at risk, Plastic Man becomes even more determined to find a way to stop the depolymerizing process.But to save Luke, O’Brian first needs to get his son to speak with him—a challenge made even harder by Robin, who stands between them, trying to protect his teammate from the parental failings of Plastic Man.
“You Break Whatever You Want Because You’re Always Sure You Can Fix It Later.”– Robin inPlastic Man No More!#3 (2024)
When Plastic Man arrives at Titans Tower to speak with Luke, he’s met by Robin, who blocks his entry and says,“I don’t know if Luke wants to see you right now. I think he needs some space.”To O’Brian’s credit, he doesn’t take offense to Robin’s overprotectiveness but rather explains that he’s just trying to help his son. Robin, however, isn’t swayed. In fact, he becomes even more defensive, insisting,“No, you’re just like Bruce. You break whatever you want because you’re always sure you can fix it later.”
Robin’s comparison betweenBatman and Plastic Mannot only screams ‘daddy issues,’ but also underscores how similar these two Justice League heroes are when it comes to their relationships with their sons—and their failures as parents. This critique goes beyond simply labeling Bruce and O’Brian as bad parents.It exposes a specific flaw in their parenting: the tendency to prioritize their own desires and wants over their children’s needs, believing that any damage done to their relationships can be easily repaired later.
Who Do You Think Wins the Worse Father Award?
While this scene suggests that Batman has met his match in Plastic Man when it comes to failing as a parent in a particular way, there are still many differences in how Bruce and O’Brian have let their children down.This leads to the question: who is the worst father of the two?Although Plastic Man’s relationship with his son isn’t as prominent in DC narratives as Batman’s relationships with his kids,Plastic Man No More!does an excellent job of providing readers with insight into Patrick O’Brian’s dynamic with his son, making it possible to compare his failings as a parent with the Dark Knight’s own.
One of the biggest marks against Plastic Man as a father revealed in this Black Label series is his decision to abandon his wife and son in pursuit of his own desires. This starkly contrasts with Batman, who has gone to great lengths to acquire and keep his children. That said, it’s important to note that Bruce hasn’t always treated his children well—there are numerous instances where he has physically abused his adult sons, Jason Todd and Dick Grayson. Therefore,both Batman and Plastic Man show significant red flags as fathers, leaving it up to each fan to decide who truly deserves the title of“worst dad.”
Batman’s Greatest Sin Against Red Hood Makes Him DC’s Worst Father
Batman’s greatest sin against Jason wasn’t his failure to rescue him from the Joker or avenge him after his death, it was something else entirely.
Plastic Man’s Relationship with His Son May Escape Heartbreak in the Series Finale
Main Cover by Alex Lins for Plastic Man No More!#5 (2024)
As the finale ofPlastic Man No More!#4approaches, it will be interesting to see how O’Brian’s relationship with his son plays out. The synopsis teases,“There sure are a lot of people who’d like to stop him from detonating the nuclear bomb he fashioned out of a member of the Metal Men—including the very son he’s trying to save with this kamikaze scheme.” It seems Luke will fight against his father in the final issue, but this doesn’t rule out a possible reconciliation. Luke will likely come to understand thatPlastic Manacted out of love, leading to a potential forgiveness of his father’s actions.
Robin
Batman
One of DC’s most iconic heroes, Batman is the vigilante superhero persona of billionaire Bruce Wayne. Forged by tragedy with the death of his parents, Bruce dedicated his life to becoming the world’s leading martial artist, detective, and tactician. Recruiting an entire family of allies and sidekicks, Bruce wages war on evil as the dark knight of his hometown, Gotham City.
