Doom Patrol 4: Musclebound

Comic Info

Doom Patrol (2) #42

Reprints Doom Patrol (2) #42-50 (March 1991-December 1991).  Why is the Pentagon a pentagon?  The Doom Patrol and their new ally Flex Mentallo (the Hero of the Beach) set out to find the answer to that question and discover a horror that could destroy the world.  Plus, the Doom Patrol finds themselves facing their enemies the New New New Brotherhood of Dada who have their own plans for Earth.

Written by Grant Morrison, Doom Patrol Volume 4:  Musclebound was part of Grant Morrison’s critically acclaimed run on Doom Patrol (before it officially became a Vertigo title).  Follows the events of Doom Patrol Volume 3:  Down Paradise Way, the collection features art by Richard Case, Steve Yeowell, Mike Dringenberg, Vice Giarrano, Jamie Hewlett, Rian Hughes, Michael S. Kane, Duncan Fegredo, Brian Bolland, Paul Grist, and Simon Bisley.  The issues in the collection were also included in Doom Patrol Omnibus and Doom Patrol—Book 2.

This book has the fun Flex Mentallo storyline which drew some controversy due to copywrite debates.  The character was based off the classic Charles Atlas ad with “The Insult that made a Man out of Mac” in which the 98 lb. weakling gets strong with the help of Charles Atlas.  Here, the story continues his adventures after the famous ad as “The Man of Muscle Mystery” with “Hero of the Beach” powers at his disposal.  The unusual concept for the character alone helped make Doom Patrol one of the most interesting comics of the early ’90s.

Doom Patrol (2) #46

The Ant Farm and Pentagon storyline is the best storyline in the book and maybe my favorite in Morrison’s run.  I was real fan of Morrison’s work here and on Animal Man.  Its weirdness is just why Doom Patrol and the out-and-out odd stories worked.  With the great flashback art for Charles Atlas and the mystery of the Pentagon, Doom Patrol 4:  Musclebound is fun looking and a fun read.

The enemies of the Doom Patrol stories do run together a bit, but it is good to see the Brotherhood of Dada back (collected in Doom Patrol 2:  The Painting that Ate Paris) even if only Mr. Nobody was the only returning character from the “team”.  The events Doom Patrol (2) #50 (December 1991) set up the story for the next book.

Doom Patrol 4:  Musclebound really can’t be picked up by someone who hasn’t read Doom Patrol.  It would be a challenge to figure out what is going on, so previous volumes would be advised.  Definitely check this out however…You can be the Hero of the Beach!  Doom Patrol 4:  Muscle Bound is followed by Doom Patrol 5:  Magic Bus.

Related Links:

Doom Patrol 1:  Crawling from the Wreckage

Doom Patrol 2:  The Painting that Ate Paris

Doom Patrol 3:  Down Paradise Way

Doom Patrol 5:  Magic Bus

Doom Patrol 6:  Planet Love

Flex Mentallo:  Man of Muscle Mystery