Plastic Man vs. Mister Fantastic

[Kevin Scrivner]

We've done Superman vs. Thor and Batman vs. Captain America to death. But what about the other guys? I've always loved metamorphs, the squishy fellows. So what about Plastic Man vs. Mister Fantastic? Both men can stretch like rubber bands and mold themselves into all sorts of unlikely shapes. Both think fast on their feet and pack a powerful kinetic wallop. But their backgrounds and personalities couldn't be more different.

Plastic Man, a reformed gangster, gained his abilties after being shot full of holes and dumped in a vat of acid. He maintains his underworld contacts, has a good knowledge of organized crime, and is notable for his wacky sense of humor.

Reed Richards, a wealthy physicist and inventor, gained his powers after being bombarded by cosmic rays during the test flight of an experimental spaceship. He's as logical and serious as Plastic Man is goofy. Richards is used to battling world-threatening menaces with his super-powered family.

When villains are about to bend your world out of shape, who ya gonna call?

[Blue]

I vote for Stretch-Dude, partner of Clobber Girl:

Stretch Dude & Clobber Girl

(From Treehouse of Horrors X)

[Hermit]

It was a close call for the poll... I actually LIKE the Elongated Man, but in the end I had to go with "Stretcho" Mr. Fantastic himself.


I am the only one in my group who likes playing stretching characters. One of my players thinks they have "the silliest looking power I've ever seen."

As for Reed against Plastic Man? I go with Reed. I never really liked Plastic Man (didn't hate him) but Mr. Fantastic. Well, if he can't solve your problem, it can't be solved by Science

[Derek Hiemforth]

I think Plastic Man's abilities are much powerful than Mr. Fantastic's, but Reed's brain makes up the difference. Tough call. I guess I'll go with Plastic Man, just 'cause I follow DC more.

[Nucleon]

As with most DC heroes, Plastic Man is the Pro from Dover of his domain, stretching/shifting. He also comes with the comedy relief associated with such powers, of course.

Mr. Fantastic's stretching is often used to fetch one of his numerous gadgets -a variable pool- which can be far more dangerous than the stretching itself.

[ZootSoot]

Originally posted by Kevin Scrivner
We've done Superman vs. Thor and Batman vs. Captain America to death. But what about the other guys? I've always loved metamorphs, the squishy fellows. So what about Plastic Man vs. Mister Fantastic? Both men can stretch like rubber bands and mold themselves into all sorts of unlikely shapes. Both think fast on their feet and pack a powerful kinetic wallop. But their backgrounds and personalities couldn't be more different.

Plastic Man, a reformed gangster, gained his abilties after being shot full of holes and dumped in a vat of acid. He maintains his underworld contacts, has a good knowledge of organized crime, and is notable for his wacky sense of humor.

Reed Richards, a wealthy physicist and inventor, gained his powers after being bombarded by cosmic rays during the test flight of an experimental spaceship. He's as logical and serious as Plastic Man is goofy. Richards is used to battling world-threatening menaces with his super-powered family.

When villains are about to bend your world out of shape, who ya gonna call?

Richards may have the advantage in taking on high-powered cosmic threats (having the others on his team and his gadgets). But no one is better than Plastic Man at the use of his powers, and he has a considerable physical edge in his limits over Reed. Plastic Man was the original and his adventures were some of the most mindblowing ever in comics, until DC obtained ownership of his character . . .

[Lord Liaden]

I wasn't aware that Plastic Man's powers had become that much greater than Mr. Fantastic's. If that's the case, given Plas's experience, I could see him taking the first round from Reed Richards, although Reed is a great tactician himself.

But then, Mr. Fantastic's main power has never been stretching; it's his incredible intellect. Reed has been beaten many times, but then he retires to his lab, whips up some gadget to even the odds, and returns to kick butt. So, I would grant the first battle to Plastic Man, but Mr. Fantastic wins the war.

[gewing]

The awesome Intellect of Reed Richards gives him a good chance against just about ANYONE. However, Plastic man (from what little I've read) is very adaptable, even flexible.

Sorry.

As LL said, Plastic man might win first round, but... I can just see Reed hitting him with something that turns him into a normal person again. or hardens him. What would good old liquid Nitrogen do?

[Hermit]

Originally posted by Lord Liaden

But then, Mr. Fantastic's main power has never been stretching; it's his incredible intellect. Reed has been beaten many times, but then he retires to his lab, whips up some gadget to even the odds, and returns to kick butt. So, I would grant the first battle to Plastic Man, but Mr. Fantastic wins the war.

Good point. Ironically, that makes Reed sort of the Batman of the Marvel Universe. There's a comparison I didn't think I'd see

[Southern Cross]

Good point-but the Black Panther is the real Batman type of the Marvel Universe.They're both "old money",have similar powers & origins,& the Black Panther is being written the way Batman should be.If anything,Reed Richards is the "Tom Strong" of the Marvel Universe,though their powers are quite different.

[Hermit]

Afraid I don't know enough about Tom Strong to really compare, but it does sound interesting-Thanks

[death tribble]

Reed Richards. No contest.

I loathe Plastic Man. Elongated Man qwas good in the Justice League so he would be my second choice.

[Klytus]

I gotta go with Plastic Man. Plas wasn't always a goofball, and the old-timer in me simply has to go with the original as the sentimental favorite.

[Bartman]

Richards. Although Plas could out-stretch and out-deform him, Richards is far more than just his stretchy abilities.

[JmOz]

I had to go with Mr Fantastic, I would RATHER of gone with Plas, but I did not view it as a popularity contest, and Reed's brain power makes up for Plas's extra power, and then some