When it comes to the superhero genre, few series have managed to capture the public’s imagination quite like Doom Patrol. This ragtag group of misfit superheroes, crafted by DC Comics, has been a staple of comic book culture since the 1960s. Its unique blend of humor, tragedy, and outright weirdness has kept readers coming back for more, even as the series has undergone numerous iterations and changes in creative direction.
That being said, the Doom Patrol has seen a resurgence in popularity recently, thanks to the TV series produced by Jeremy Carver and DC Universe (now available on HBO Max). With a dedicated fanbase and critical acclaim, it seems that the world is finally ready for the Doom Patrol’s unusual brand of heroism.
As a longtime fan of the comic series and an avid viewer of the TV adaptation, I’ve prepared a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the complex and fascinating world of the Doom Patrol. Whether you’re a newcomer or a seasoned veteran, this guide should provide you with a deeper understanding of the series and its characters.
Overview of the TV series and comic
Before diving into the specifics, it’s important to provide an overview of what makes the Doom Patrol stand out from other superhero series. While other franchises often focus on the glamorous side of being a superhero, the Doom Patrol is about the misfits, the outsiders, the ones who don’t fit into society’s norms. These characters have all been transformed by accidents or tragedies, leading to them gaining extraordinary powers – but at a significant cost.
The comic series, especially the run by legendary writer Grant Morrison, is known for its bizarre storylines and surreal humor. The TV series, helmed by Jeremy Carver, maintains this spirit while also delving into the emotional depth of its characters. It’s a show that’s not afraid to be weird, but it also takes the time to flesh out its characters and make you care about them.
The Doom Patrol’s lineup has changed over the decades, but the core group typically consists of Robotman, Elasti-Woman, Negative Man, Crazy Jane, and the Chief. Each character has a unique backstory and set of powers, which we’ll be exploring in more detail later in this guide.
Comic summary of Doom Patrol by Grant Morrison
In the late 1980s, Grant Morrison took over the Doom Patrol comic series and transformed it into something truly unique. His run on the series, which lasted from issues #19 to #63, is often considered the definitive interpretation of the Doom Patrol.
Morrison’s Doom Patrol was a surreal, postmodern exploration of superhero conventions. The team faced off against bizarre foes like the Scissormen, who could cut people out of reality, or the Brotherhood of Dada, a group of absurdist villains who used surrealism as a weapon.
Throughout Morrison’s run, the Doom Patrol also had to grapple with their own personal issues and traumas. For instance, Crazy Jane, a new character introduced by Morrison, has 64 distinct personalities, each with its own superpower, as a result of severe childhood trauma.
TV series summary of Doom Patrol by Jeremy Carver
The TV series, created by Jeremy Carver, debuted in 2019 on the DC Universe streaming platform. Like Morrison’s comics, the show is known for its weirdness and emotional depth. However, it also adds its own unique twists and turns to the Doom Patrol’s story.
The series begins with the formation of the Doom Patrol, as the team’s members are brought together by the enigmatic Chief. Each of the main characters is given a detailed origin story, allowing viewers to understand their personal struggles and motivations.
Throughout the series, the Doom Patrol encounters a wide range of strange and surreal threats, from sentient, carnivorous streets to time-traveling superheroes. However, the show also delves into the characters’ personal lives, exploring their relationships with each other and their attempts to come to terms with their powers and identities.
Parent guide: Is Doom Patrol suitable for kids?
While Doom Patrol is a superhero series, it’s not necessarily suitable for younger viewers. The TV show is rated TV-MA, meaning it’s intended for mature audiences. It contains strong language, violence, sexual content, and explores mature themes such as mental health and trauma.
The comic series, particularly Grant Morrison’s run, also deals with mature and complex themes. It’s a thought-provoking read that often subverts superhero tropes and delves into surreal and sometimes disturbing territory.
That being said, older teens and adults will likely find both the TV series and the comic series to be rewarding and engaging. If you’re a parent considering whether to let your child watch or read Doom Patrol, it’s a good idea to preview the material yourself first.
When and where does Doom Patrol take place?
The Doom Patrol series takes place in a variety of settings, both in time and place. The comic series, for instance, has seen the team operate in a range of locations, from their initial headquarters in Midway City to Danny the Street, a sentient, teleporting street that serves as their base in Grant Morrison’s run.
In the TV series, the Doom Patrol’s base of operations is Doom Manor, a sprawling, Gothic mansion located in Cloverton, Ohio. The series also jumps around in time, with flashbacks revealing the characters’ origins in different decades of the 20th century.
However, both the comic and TV series don’t limit themselves to a single location or time period – the Doom Patrol’s adventures often take them to other dimensions, alien worlds, and even inside the human mind.
Who’s who in Doom Patrol: Main characters and their backstories
The Doom Patrol has a diverse cast of characters, each with their own unique backstory and powers. Here’s a quick rundown of the main characters:
- Robotman (Cliff Steele): A former race car driver who, after a catastrophic accident, has his brain transplanted into a robotic body.
- Elasti-Woman (Rita Farr): An actress who gains the ability to stretch and reshape her body after being exposed to a strange gas.
- Negative Man (Larry Trainor): A test pilot who becomes fused with a radioactive, energy-based entity after a plane crash.
- Crazy Jane (Kay Challis): A woman with multiple personality disorder, with each personality possessing a different superpower.
- The Chief (Niles Caulder): The brilliant but morally ambiguous scientist who brings the Doom Patrol together.
Each character has a rich backstory that is explored in both the comic series and the TV show, giving depth and complexity to their personalities and motivations.
Guest stars in Doom Patrol
The Doom Patrol TV series has featured an impressive array of guest stars, many of whom have added their own unique flavor to the show’s quirky universe. Notable guest stars include Alan Tudyk as the fourth-wall-breaking villain Mr. Nobody, Brendan Fraser providing the voice (and flashbacks presence) for Robotman, and Julian Richings as the time-traveling, cockroach-riding supervillain Dr. Time.
Memorable quotes from Doom Patrol
With its unique blend of humor, pathos, and surrealism, Doom Patrol has given us many memorable quotes. Here are a few of my favorites:
- “I’m not a robot. I’m a cyborg. It’s different.” – Robotman
- “No one’s normal, Rita. Everyone’s just pretending.” – Crazy Jane
- “If nobody hates you, you’re not doing it right.” – The Chief
The Clint Mansell soundtrack in Doom Patrol
Clint Mansell’s atmospheric and eclectic soundtrack is a key part of Doom Patrol’s distinctive tone. From moody electronic tracks to classic rock tunes, the music in Doom Patrol helps to set the mood and enhance the storytelling.
Curiosities and Easter eggs in Doom Patrol
Doom Patrol is filled with curiosities and Easter eggs for eagle-eyed fans. From references to other DC Comics characters to nods to the Doom Patrol’s comic book history, there’s always something new to discover in each episode or issue.
Tips for cosplay and dressing like Doom Patrol characters
If you’re a fan of Doom Patrol and want to cosplay as one of the characters, there are many resources available to help you get the look just right. From Robotman’s distinctive metal body to Crazy Jane’s punk-inspired outfits, there’s a wealth of inspiration to draw from.
Grant Morrison: A bio and overview of his other works
Grant Morrison is a Scottish comic book writer who is known for his innovative and often surreal storytelling. In addition to his seminal run on Doom Patrol, Morrison has also written acclaimed stories for Batman, X-Men, and The Invisibles, among others.
Is there a remake, sequel, or spin-off planned for Doom Patrol?
As of now, there have been no official announcements regarding a remake, sequel, or spin-off for Doom Patrol. However, the TV series has been renewed for a third season, so there’s plenty more Doom Patrol goodness to look forward to.
Jeremy Carver’s other contributions in media
Jeremy Carver is an American television writer and producer who has had a successful career in the industry. In addition to creating the Doom Patrol TV series, Carver is also known for his work on Supernatural and Being Human.
Similar media to Doom Patrol: Recommendations for fans
If you’re a fan of Doom Patrol and are looking for similar media, there are plenty of options out there. Shows like Legion and Umbrella Academy also blend surreal storytelling with complex character development, while comics like X-Men and Watchmen explore themes of outsiderdom and societal prejudice.
Book club questions for discussing the Doom Patrol comic
If you’re planning to discuss the Doom Patrol comic in a book club, here are some questions to get the conversation started:
- What themes does the comic explore, and how do they resonate with you?
- How does the comic subvert traditional superhero tropes?
- How do the characters’ personal traumas and struggles influence their actions as superheroes?
A travel guide to visit Doom Patrol filming locations
While much of Doom Patrol is filmed on set, there are also real-world locations you can visit. For instance, the exterior shots of Doom Manor are filmed at Briarcliff Mansion in Atlanta, Georgia.
Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the world of Doom Patrol, I hope this guide has given you a deeper understanding of this unique series. And remember, in the words of the Chief: “The world is full of oddities, anomalies, and perversions. Don’t you want to meet them?”
