DC Comics is getting a run around. They are all about the crisis events, and perhaps for a reason; the Blackest Night is sort of kicking ass right now, and Final Crisis was interesting enough to read (albeit with a few doses of acid and B side of “The Wall” playing in continuous loop in the background). Matt had highlighted in an earlier post how DC Excels on the “Super”, but not so much the “Human”, and to an extent, I agree with him: most DC titles are excelling in discussing themes, but not so much character development (the bat family in general is the exception here, but that’s because Daddy kicked the bucket, maybe).

The DC Universe is peppered with interesting characters, ripe for the picking! Why not have an “event” where you throw some decent writers at these characters, give them reign to make lasting changes, and go from there? Here is my list of DC characters who deserve a turn in the Wednesday Pages.

Mine? Mine mine, mine. Mine mine? Mine, Mine, Mine.

1. Larfleeze

Who is he?

When Larfleeze – or, “Agent Orange” – was introduced, he was a verifiable bad-ass; the entirety of the Orange Light power of Avarice contained in a single being, he is arguably one of the most powerful beings in the universe – he was able to slaughter a group of Controllers, who are descendent’s of the Guardians. His ring produces constructs of every member his corps has killed, which is a terrifying proposition.

Why write about him?
Well, as scary and bad-ass as he has come off, he has also come off as pretty hilarious. In the last issue, he took on an almost Deadpool style humor, his greed telling him he wanted “an entire forest of Christmas trees!”, despite not knowing what those were. He is also apparently illiterate, not knowing how to read “STOP” on a stop sign. The DC universe has missed the mark on humor in the past, and – assuming that nothing utterly awful happens to him – they have a chance to do better with Larfleeze.

What does the book look like?
A mad cap series of adventures, starring Larfleeze and his various constructs -particularly Glomulous, the tiny little glutton that was highlighted in at GLC backstory. Let his greed take him across the worlds, running into folks who don’t understand exactly how powerful  he is – he certainly doesn’t. Give him witty banter, let him play with death, let him grace major storyline’s in obliquely requisite ways.

Yes, I am suggesting we turn Larfleeze into Orange Lantern Deadpool. I would read it, wouldn’t you?

2. Brother Power The Geek
Who is he?

Hippies were known for their moisture.

Brother Power the Geek is an odd character; originally a mannequin that was doused with some manner  of magic/science, he became an Avatar of the 60’s hippie subculture. His inspiration was clearly Frankenstein; he has a simple brain, and was very protective of his hippy  brethren (last seen being shot into space by Reagan of all people). He had a brief resurgence in the 90’s, appearing next to Swamp thing as an Elemental – an elemental of dolls.

Why write about him?

His recent appearance in a non-canonical Brave and the Bold issue brought forth an interesting idea: what if Brother Power the Geek was an avatar of subculture in general? What if he soaked up the will of the downtrodden and became a champion for them? In the sixties, this was clearly the Hippy – but who is it now? I think this solves two problems: the chunky name and his new subculture. I think we just call him “The geek” and unleash him in the DC universe.

What does the book look like?
This is the book that gets College kids reading comics. He is a “Wandering Philosopher” – similar to what made the silver surfer so popular in the day – and his attitude adjusts over time to adjust to the times. He is spoken of in hushed tones on college campuses – the ever-present champion of an ever-changing underdog. The Geek is the outcast that comes out on top, the defender of those who would be oppressed. His interest is in the little guy, because he is literally animated out of their dissent.  For added texture, give Garth Ennis a go at it.

3. The Broker

Who is he?
This is a small character that Paul Dini has flirted with recently in his Gotham titles (Sirens, Streets). The Broker fills a very important role in the metahuman universe. He buys “White Elephant” properties – old amusement parks, abandoned factories – and sells them to supervillians for a profit.

That is Fucking Awesome, to be honest.

Why write about him?
…Are you serious? Think about it: This is the man who makes a serious job of super-villainy. This is where money trades hands. This is a businessman, who puts on a suit and sells things to people who kills people. This is like “Thank you for Smoking” meets “American Psycho” (actor wise, that movie was actually called “The Dark Knight”).

What does the book look like?
This book is clean cut and very much cold. This is about the business, the trials and tribulations of dirty money. It need not even be recent: how long has he been in the business? How did he get into the business? What does he do to keep the capes off of his back? I want slang, I want cheese, I want Donald Draper in the DC Universe, and his name will be the The Broker. Paul Dini, give me this comic book; I have dollars to spend on it.

Yes... Yes... the latest Ubuntu partition pleases me.

4. Calculator

Who is he?

Well, I’ll admit. This is not the fan favorite. The Caculator has sort of been tossed around the “Birds of Prey” canon like a sock puppet. Essentially, he is just a super-hacker, like Oracle (hence his familiarity with the aforementioned title). In the final arc of that book, Calculator combined with Kilg%re, a viral, mechanical being… only to have it summarily forgot in the “Battle For the Cowl: The Cure” miniseries.

The man behind the man behind the mask.

5.Alfred Pennyworth

Who is He?