Doom Patrol #99 (1965)
by Arnold Drake & Bob Brown
So what was the story that kicked Beast Boy to the second place?
We begin with the Doom Patrol giving a show for charity. I have to wonder if Elasti-Girl is particularly popular among the spectators who bought a seat right below her.
It’s been a while since Negative Man was affected this badly by radio waves.
Robotman did not appreciate the stunt.
Turns out that Negative Man has grown jealous OF HIMSELF.
And then SUDDEN ROBOT INSECT!!!
This would be our villain for the issue.
Despite looking kind of ridiculous, this is a surprisingly powerful foe.
How weird is it that the story’s adversary is a green being that changes form between different kinds of animals… and it’s NOT the Beast Boy story?
So the Doom Patrol’s reputation has been damaged. Again.
I can’t help feeling that this animosity between teammates is unearned.
I can’t believe I’m asking this AGAIN, but… why isn’t this guy a Metal Men villain?
The army of insect robots attacks the Doom Patrol headquarters, but they’re less formidable than the first bug.
Too bad that Negative Man is contractually obligated to be an idiot this issue.
There’s nothing preventing him from using his powers right now!!!
But don’t worry, he’s not the only one to be suffering extreme brain damage: Elasti-Girl also gets kidnapped and agrees to be locked in a trap!
WHY WOULD SHE AGREE TO THIS!?
We also have the return of the Action Chair(patent pending).
Nice job, Chief.
So this is now a battle between robots…
…which of course Robotman wins.
Will it be enough to rescue Elasti-Girl?
We’ll never learn, because she didn’t get stupid enough to be defeated by a box.
Time for Negative Man to save the day. This is LITERALLY the first panel where he shows up after he was knocked out!
So wait, is he joking or did Negative Man actually act independently from Larry?
WHAT WAS THIS STORY????
Historical significance: 0/10
The villain never shows up again. That’s disappointing: this is an atrocious story, but he had potential.
Silver Age-ness: 10/10
Does it stand the test of time? 0/10
There’s some interesting panels and the action isn’t that bad, but the characters are so unbelievably dumb it ruins everything. Go home and get some rest, Doom Patrol, you’re supposed to be better than this!
Times Robotman has been damaged: 12
Issues when Robotman is never damaged: 10
Interesting letters: I don’t think you can draw too much of a parallel between the events happening in real life and Negative Man’s bonkers story.
