James Gunn Confirms Matter-Eater Lad's DCU Canon Status

Writer and director James Gunn has confirmed that Matter-Eater Lad, a character from DC Comics' Legion of Super-Heroes, can be considered canon within the new DC Universe (DCU) he is shaping. The confirmation came during an episode of the "Peacemaker: The Official Podcast," where Gunn discussed references made in the HBO Max series "Peacemaker" and their implications for the wider DCU.

Peacemaker's Throwaway Line Becomes DCU Reality

In the fourth episode of "Peacemaker," titled "The Choad Less Traveled," John Cena's Peacemaker mentions being on a mission with Matter-Eater Lad and recounts witnessing the hero "eat an entire Wendy's restaurant." This seemingly throwaway line sparked debate among fans regarding its place within the established DC canon.

During the podcast, Gunn addressed the reference directly, stating, "He doesn't exist in present day. And somehow, he's either traveled back in time to the present day to hang out with Peacemaker and eat a Wendy's or he's a different character who exists in present time. But I'm willing to say, okay, I'll accept a Matter Eater Lad. I think we can live with that."

A Brief History of Matter-Eater Lad

Matter-Eater Lad, whose real name is Tenzil Kem, first appeared in Adventure Comics #303 in December 1962. Created by Jerry Siegel and John Forte, he is a member of the Legion of Super-Heroes, a team of teenage superheroes from the 30th and 31st centuries. Matter-Eater Lad possesses the unique ability to consume any form of matter, a power that has proven surprisingly useful in numerous situations.

Expert Analysis: Embracing the Absurd

Dr. Anastasia Moreau, a professor of Comic Book Studies at State University, commented on Gunn's decision: "Gunn's willingness to incorporate a character like Matter-Eater Lad demonstrates a commitment to embracing the inherent absurdity and wide-ranging creativity of the DC Universe. It signals that the new DCU will not shy away from its more outlandish elements, which could be a refreshing approach for longtime fans."

Doll Man In, Bat-Mite Out (For Now)

The podcast episode also delved into the canonicity of other obscure DC characters referenced in "Peacemaker." Gunn confirmed that Doll Man, a Golden Age hero known for his shrinking abilities, is also canon. However, he expressed reservations about including Bat-Mite, a magical imp from another dimension obsessed with Batman.

Gunn explained that incorporating Doll Man is easier because he can simply be considered "one of many metahumans that have been in the world." In contrast, Bat-Mite's magical nature and interdimensional origins introduce a more complex element that Gunn is hesitant to fully embrace at this stage. Nevertheless, Gunn did hint at potential ways to introduce Bat-Mite into the DCU in the future.

Historical Context: The Evolution of DC's Tone

The debate surrounding the inclusion of characters like Matter-Eater Lad and Bat-Mite reflects a long-standing tension within DC Comics between serious, grounded storytelling and more fantastical,Silver Age-inspired concepts. "For decades, DC has swung between gritty realism and outright silliness," notes comics historian Peter Allen. "Gunn's approach seems to be finding a balance, acknowledging the inherent strangeness of the DC Universe while maintaining a level of narrative coherence."

Implications for the Future DCU

Gunn's confirmation of Matter-Eater Lad's canonicity, along with his discussion of Doll Man and Bat-Mite, provides insight into his vision for the future of the DCU. It suggests a willingness to embrace the breadth and depth of DC's history, even its more unconventional aspects, while carefully managing the overall tone and direction of the shared universe. The new direction has left many fans eager to see what other obscure characters may make an appearance.