The Appeal of Plastic Man

I believe that Plastic Man is all about the human ability to CHANGE.

His story is about redemption -- Eel O'Brian was a criminal who was submerged in strange chemicals, left for dead by his partners, then saved by a monk. The monk turned police officers away when they came inquiring, because he had faith in Eel's ability to do good and wanted to give him a chance. Eel takes the chance. He becomes a hero. And what is redemption but an extreme example of human change?

Not only does he become a superhero, but he also ends up going from a career criminal in his personal life to joining the FBI, even corresponding with the All-Star Squadron for some time.

Not only that, but he eventually becomes a mainstay of the Justice League of America, helping save the world numerous times -- after being recruited by Batman of all people, someone who crusades against criminals with deep vehemence. Even Batman respects Plastic Man because of how great of a change he has made, and thus it is clear that Eel deserves his place on the lofty team. And he only steps away from this massive responsibility for the sake of another big personal growth: his desire to be a father to his newly-discovered son.

Plastic Man is a simple character. He goes through enormous changes personally, from irresponsible criminal all the way to superhero, to law enforcer, to demigod of a modern pantheon, to parent. So his powers are appropriate, since he is able to make nearly unlimited physical changes as well as personal ones. It is fitting that a character who can stretch nigh-infinite lengths also embodies your own human ability to stretch, grow, adapt, and change for the better to a nigh-infinite degree. To me this resonance elevates him above other heroes with similar abilities. Just like Plastic Man, you can stretch even enormous lengths to reach your better self.

"Vermin of the underworld shudder at the mention of his name! And yet he was once one of them!!"