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|character_name=Negative Man
|character_name=Negative Man
|image=Mygreatestadventure80.JPG
|image=Mygreatestadventure80.JPG
|caption=Negative Man.<br/>Art by [[Bruno Premiani]].
|caption=Negative Man's debut appearance in ''[[My Greatest Adventure]]'' #80.<br/>Art by [[Bruno Premiani]].
|real_name=Lawrence Michael "Larry" Trainor
|real_name=Lawrence Michael "Larry" Trainor
|species=[[Metahuman]]
|species=[[Metahuman]]
|aliases=N-Man<br/>Neg-Man<br/>Rebis
|aliases=N-Man<br/>Neg-Man<br/>Rebis
|publisher=[[DC Comics]]
|publisher=[[DC Comics]]
|debut= ''[[My Greatest Adventure]]'' #80 (June 1963)
|debut= ''My Greatest Adventure'' #80 (June 1963)
|creators=[[Bob Haney]]<br/>[[Arnold Drake]]<br/>[[Bruno Premiani]]
|creators=[[Bob Haney]]<br/>[[Arnold Drake]]<br/>[[Bruno Premiani]]
|alliances=[[Doom Patrol]]
|alliances=[[Doom Patrol]]
Line 16: Line 16:
**Energy absorption and projection
**Energy absorption and projection
}}
}}
'''Negative Man''' is a [[superhero]] from [[DC Comics]]. The character was created by [[Bob Haney]], [[Arnold Drake]], and [[Bruno Premiani]] and made his first appearance in ''[[My Greatest Adventure]]'' #80 (June 1963).<ref>{{cite book |last1=Cowsill |first1=Alan |last2=Irvine |first2=Alex |last3=Korte |first3=Steve |last4=Manning |first4=Matt |last5=Wiacek |first5=Win |last6=Wilson |first6=Sven |title=The DC Comics Encyclopedia: The Definitive Guide to the Characters of the DC Universe |date=2016 |publisher=DK Publishing |isbn=978-1-4654-5357-0 |page=212}}</ref>
'''Negative Man''' ('''Larry Trainor''') is a [[superhero]] from [[DC Comics]]. The character was created by [[Bob Haney]], [[Arnold Drake]], and [[Bruno Premiani]] and made his first appearance in ''[[My Greatest Adventure]]'' #80 (June 1963).<ref>{{cite book |last1=Cowsill |first1=Alan |last2=Irvine |first2=Alex |last3=Korte |first3=Steve |last4=Manning |first4=Matt |last5=Wiacek |first5=Win |last6=Wilson |first6=Sven |title=The DC Comics Encyclopedia: The Definitive Guide to the Characters of the DC Universe |date=2016 |publisher=DK Publishing |isbn=978-1-4654-5357-0 |page=212}}</ref>


Negative Man has appeared in numerous cartoon television shows and films, such as guest appearances in ''[[Teen Titans (TV series)|Teen Titans]]'', in which he is voiced by [[Judge Reinhold]], and the [[DC Universe (streaming service)|DC Universe]] series ''[[Titans (2018 TV series)|Titans]]'', performed by [[Dwain Murphy]] and voiced by [[Matt Bomer]]; as well as a starring role in the [[Max (streaming service)|Max]] [[Spin-off (media)|spin-off]] series, ''[[Doom Patrol (TV series)|Doom Patrol]]'', with Matthew Zuk taking over from Murphy and voiced again by Bomer.
Negative Man has appeared in numerous television series and films, such as guest appearances in ''[[Teen Titans (TV series)|Teen Titans]]'', in which he is voiced by [[Judge Reinhold]], and the live-action series ''[[Titans (2018 TV series)|Titans]]'' and ''[[Doom Patrol (TV series)|Doom Patrol]]'', where he is voiced by [[Matt Bomer]].


{{TOC limit|limit=3}}
{{TOC limit|limit=3}}


==Publication history==
==Publication history==
The Larry Trainor version of Negative Man first appeared in ''[[My Greatest Adventure]]'' #80 and was created by [[Bob Haney]], [[Arnold Drake]], and [[Bruno Premiani]].<ref>{{cite book |last=Wells |first=John |title=American Comic Book Chronicles: 1960-64 |date=2015 |publisher=TwoMorrows Publishing |isbn=978-1605490458 |page=129}}</ref> Drake recalled: {{blockquote|I left [editor [[Murray Boltinoff]]'s] office and bumped into Bob Haney in the hall. Bob was a real good friend of mine ... I asked him if he got an assignment from [[Bob Kanigher]]. He had this routine where he'd come up from Woodstock once a week and stay for two nights and get a couple of assignments from Kanigher and then go back home and write them. He said he didn't get an assignment from Kanigher, and I told him I had this assignment that I was about two-thirds through with, but I needed another character and maybe between us we could come up with something. We sat down and came up with this notion of a guy who has gone through a cloud of radioactivity and is bandaged from head to toe with these specially treated bandages that keep the radioactivity within him so he isn't injurious to others. The most novel aspect was Negative Man, the character who lives inside him who can only be outside of him for 60 seconds - and don't ask me why 60 seconds.<ref>{{cite journal|last=Browning|first=Michael |title=The Doom Patrol Interviews: Arnold Drake|journal=[[Back Issue!]]|issue=#65 |pages=38–41 |publisher=[[TwoMorrows Publishing]]|date=July 2013|location=Raleigh, North Carolina}}</ref>}}
The Larry Trainor incarnation of Negative Man first appeared in ''[[My Greatest Adventure]]'' #80 and was created by [[Bob Haney]], [[Arnold Drake]], and [[Bruno Premiani]].<ref>{{cite book |last=Wells |first=John |title=American Comic Book Chronicles: 1960-64 |date=2015 |publisher=TwoMorrows Publishing |isbn=978-1605490458 |page=129}}</ref> Drake recalled: {{blockquote|I left [editor [[Murray Boltinoff]]'s] office and bumped into Bob Haney in the hall. Bob was a real good friend of mine ... I asked him if he got an assignment from [[Bob Kanigher]]. He had this routine where he'd come up from Woodstock once a week and stay for two nights and get a couple of assignments from Kanigher and then go back home and write them. He said he didn't get an assignment from Kanigher, and I told him I had this assignment that I was about two-thirds through with, but I needed another character and maybe between us we could come up with something. We sat down and came up with this notion of a guy who has gone through a cloud of radioactivity and is bandaged from head to toe with these specially treated bandages that keep the radioactivity within him so he isn't injurious to others. The most novel aspect was Negative Man, the character who lives inside him who can only be outside of him for 60 seconds - and don't ask me why 60 seconds.<ref>{{cite journal|last=Browning|first=Michael |title=The Doom Patrol Interviews: Arnold Drake|journal=[[Back Issue!]]|issue=#65 |pages=38–41 |publisher=[[TwoMorrows Publishing]]|date=July 2013|location=Raleigh, North Carolina}}</ref>}}


==Fictional character biography==
==Fictional character biography==
===Lawrence Michael "Larry" Trainor===
===Larry Trainor===
The original Negative Man, '''Lawrence Michael "Larry" Trainor''' is a founding member of the [[Doom Patrol]], along with [[Elasti-Girl]], [[Robotman (Cliff Steele)|Robotman]], and [[Chief (comics)|Chief]].<ref name="dc-doom">{{Citation | last = Beatty | first = Scott | author-link = Scott Beatty | contribution = Doom Patrol | editor-last = Dougall | editor-first = Alastair | title = The DC Comics Encyclopedia | pages = 109 | publisher = [[Dorling Kindersley]] | place = New York | year = 2008 | isbn = 978-0-7566-4119-1 | oclc = 213309017}}</ref> Like the rest of the Doom Patrol, Trainor sees himself as a victim as much as a hero, and his superpower as an affliction rather than a blessing.
The original Negative Man, '''Larry Trainor''', is a founding member of the [[Doom Patrol]], along with [[Elasti-Girl]], [[Robotman (Cliff Steele)|Robotman]], and [[Chief (DC Comics)|Chief]].<ref name="dc-doom">{{Citation | last = Beatty | first = Scott | author-link = Scott Beatty | contribution = Doom Patrol | editor-last = Dougall | editor-first = Alastair | title = The DC Comics Encyclopedia | pages = 109 | publisher = [[Dorling Kindersley]] | place = New York | year = 2008 | isbn = 978-0-7566-4119-1 | oclc = 213309017}}</ref> The team view themselves as victims as much as heroes and their powers as an affliction rather than a blessing.


Trainor's career as a superhero begins when he is accidentally exposed to a radioactive field in the [[atmosphere]] while piloting a test plane. This experience leaves him radioactive, but also gives him a strange superpower: the ability to release a negatively charged energy being from his body; the being, also referred to as Negative Man, or, later, as the Negative Spirit,<ref>''Doom Patrol'' (vol. 2) #19: "Crawling from the Wreckage" Part 1</ref> can fly at high speed, cause solid objects to explode, and pass through solid materials. It resembles a shadowy [[silhouette]] of a human being, surrounded by a bright glow. The being is under Trainor's control and appears at first to have no mind of its own. But Trainor is weak and defenseless while the being is separated from his body; he can only send it forth for 60 seconds at a time without risking death. After his accident, Trainor resembles [[the Invisible Man]]; he is forced to wear specially treated bandages over his entire body to protect bystanders from his radioactivity.
Trainor's career as a superhero begins when he is accidentally exposed to a radioactive field in the [[atmosphere]] while piloting a test plane, giving him the ability to release an intangible, radioactive spirit.<ref>''Doom Patrol'' (vol. 2) #19: "Crawling from the Wreckage" Part 1</ref> However, he is weak and defenseless in this state and can only sustain the separation for a minute at a time without risking death. After his accident, Trainor is forced to wear specially treated bandages over his entire body to protect others from his radioactivity.


Sales of ''Doom Patrol'' had waned, and the creative team chose to kill off the entire team, including Negative Man, in the final issue, ''Doom Patrol'' (vol. 2) #121 (September–October 1968). The Doom Patrol sacrificed their lives to [[Madame Rouge]] and [[General Zahl]] (who pushed the actual kill button) to save the small fishing village of Codsville, [[Maine]].
The Doom Patrol are killed in ''Doom Patrol'' (vol. 2) #121 (September–October 1968), following declining sales. Negative Man survives, but loses his powers.

Later, it was revealed that Larry Trainor somehow (never explained) survived the explosion. He turned up alive, permanently separated from the radio energy being, but still radioactive, bandaged, and weak in its absence.


===Larry Trainor and Valentina Vostok===
===Larry Trainor and Valentina Vostok===
In ''[[Showcase (comics)|Showcase]]'' #94 (September 1977), the Negative Spirit reappears when it possesses a Russian cosmonaut, Colonel '''[[Valentina Vostok]]''', who becomes Negative Woman. Initially, Vostok could transform herself into a radio-energy form, possessing the same capabilities as Trainor's "partner". Later, as with Trainor, it would emerge from her leaving her physically weak but in control of it and requiring her to wear special bandages just as Trainor had. After Trainor's return, he gains strength from being in Vostok's presence and pleads with her to return the negative being to him. He later breaks [[Reactron]] out of Belle Reve Penitentiary and after fitting him with a regulator, uses him to successfully draw the negative being out of Vostok.<ref>''Doom Patrol'' (vol. 2) #11 (August 1988)</ref> During an encounter with Garguax, the negative being is disrupted and returns to Vostok, but saves Trainor and in the process heals Trainor completely removing all radioactivity from his body.<ref>''Doom Patrol'' (vol. 2) #12-13 (September–October 1988)</ref> After this, Trainor works with the Patrol in a support capacity but occasionally enters combat using high tech weaponry.
In ''[[Showcase (comics)|Showcase]]'' #94 (September 1977), the Negative Spirit reappears when it possesses a Russian cosmonaut, Colonel '''[[Valentina Vostok]]''', who becomes Negative Woman. Initially, Vostok could transform herself into a radio-energy form, possessing the same capabilities as Trainor. Later, as with Trainor, it would emerge from her leaving her physically weak but in control of it and requiring her to wear special bandages just as Trainor had. After Trainor's return, he gains strength from being in Vostok's presence and pleads with her to return the negative being to him. He later breaks [[Reactron]] out of Belle Reve Penitentiary and after fitting him with a regulator, uses him to successfully draw the negative being out of Vostok.<ref>''Doom Patrol'' (vol. 2) #11 (August 1988)</ref> During an encounter with [[Garguax]], the negative being is disrupted and returns to Vostok, but saves Trainor and in the process heals him completely, removing all radioactivity from his body.<ref>''Doom Patrol'' (vol. 2) #12-13 (September–October 1988)</ref> After this, Trainor works with the Patrol in a support capacity but occasionally enters combat using high tech weaponry.


Trainor was subsequently reunited with the energy being and became an active member of the Doom Patrol. He exhibited the ability to cover himself in the negative energy that's inside him instead of releasing it, thus gaining the same powers that the negative spirit has shown. Larry's inner monologue says that it's making him feel a "burning sensation" (''Doom Patrol'' (vol. 5) #9).
Trainor later reunites with the energy being and becomes an active member of the Doom Patrol. He exhibits the ability to cover himself in negative energy instead of releasing it.


===Rebis===
===Rebis===
The Negative Spirit later reveals itself to be amoral, intelligent, and capable of speech. Trainor pleads with it to leave him alone, but it forcefully merges itself with both Trainor and his physician Dr. Eleanor Poole. Together the three entities form '''[[Rebis]]''', a divine [[intersex]] person, who, again, must wear special bandages. Rebis has all of the memories of all three beings, and is as such a compound being, frequently using "we" when speaking of itself. Rebis has a larger range of powers than those of either Trainor or Vostok; Rebis can fly, is psychic, is extraordinarily intelligent, and, most significantly, is [[Immortality|immortal]]. Rebis' unique life cycle is based on an event called the Aenigma Regis, in which it throws off its old body and gives birth to a new version of itself; in describing its paradoxical existence, Rebis often likens itself to [[Matryoshka doll|Russian dolls]], and to an [[ouroboros]].<ref name="vert-ency">{{Citation | last = Irvine | first = Alex | author-link = Alexander C. Irvine | contribution = Doom Patrol | editor-last = Dougall | editor-first = Alastair | title = The Vertigo Encyclopedia | pages = 61–63 | publisher = [[Dorling Kindersley]] | place = New York | year = 2008 | isbn = 978-0-7566-4122-1 | oclc = 213309015}}</ref>
The Negative Spirit is later revealed to be sapient and fuses with Trainor and his physician Eleanor Poole. This forms '''[[Rebis]]''', a divine [[intersex]] entity who is referred to with plural pronouns and possesses psychic abilities. Furthermore, Rebis reproduces by giving birth to a new version of itself, a process which is likened to [[Matryoshka doll|Russian dolls]] and an [[ouroboros]].<ref name="vert-ency">{{Citation | last = Irvine | first = Alex | author-link = Alexander C. Irvine | contribution = Doom Patrol | editor-last = Dougall | editor-first = Alastair | title = The Vertigo Encyclopedia | pages = 61–63 | publisher = [[Dorling Kindersley]] | place = New York | year = 2008 | isbn = 978-0-7566-4122-1 | oclc = 213309015}}</ref>


Rebis temporarily leaves the Doom Patrol to mate with itself and complete the Aenigma Regis; part of this process involves working through the significant trauma and inner turmoil caused by the death of Trainor and Poole's separate identities. At some point during this absence, Rebis also has intercourse with [[Coagula]], giving her superpowers. Rebis's old body is killed by the Candlemaker, but Rebis' new, presumably harmonized body soon returns to see the Candlemaker defeated.
Rebis temporarily leaves the Doom Patrol to complete its life cycle, which involves working through the trauma caused by the death of Trainor and Poole's identities. During this time, they have sex with [[Coagula]], giving her superpowers.


===Byrne Incarnation===
===Byrne incarnation===
In 2004, the ''Doom Patrol'' was [[reboot (fiction)|rebooted]] in a new series written by [[John Byrne (comics)|John Byrne]] following [[Superboy-Prime]]'s alterations to reality during ''[[Infinite Crisis]]''. In this series, Negative Man's spirit form has a skeletal appearance.
In 2004, the ''Doom Patrol'' was [[reboot (fiction)|rebooted]] in a ''[[Justice League|JLA]]'' storyline and new ''Doom Patrol'' series, both written and illustrated by [[John Byrne (comics)|John Byrne]]. In this version of the Doom Patrol, which ignored previous continuity, Trainor is once again Negative Man (although his negative-energy form now has the appearance of a black skeleton instead of a shadowy humanoid shape). After this series was canceled, the miniseries ''[[Infinite Crisis]]'' explained that [[Continuity changes during Infinite Crisis|this alteration]] had been caused by [[Superman-Prime|Superboy-Prime]]'s attempts to escape from the extradimensional "heaven" he shared with [[Alexander Luthor, Jr.|Alexander Luthor]] and the [[Superman]] and [[Lois Lane]] of [[Multiverse (DC Comics)#Catalogued Earths|Earth-Two]]. When the Doom Patrol joins other heroes in fighting Superboy-Prime, Negative Man and the other Doom Patrol members (including former member [[Beast Boy]]) begin recalling their previous lives; all previous incarnations of the Doom Patrol are now in continuity, although the exact details of what this means are not yet clear.


===Keith Giffen===
===Keith Giffen===
Larry Trainor is once again a member of Doom Patrol. The negative energy being can now exist apart from Trainor's body for much longer than 60 seconds. During the ''Blackest Night'', he fights against Black Lantern Valentina Vostok, pitting his Negative Spirit against the corrupt Black Lantern version and starts convulsing in pain after absorbing both entities.<ref>''Doom Patrol'' (vol. 5) #4</ref> Managing to take control of them, he sends them into Valentina, overloading her and destroying her ring. However, when he recovers, he cannot repeat the same attack against Black Lantern Cliff Steele before Black Lanterns Celsius and Tempest attack. Robotman comments that the combined form of both entities is partially similar to Rebis.<ref>''Doom Patrol'' (vol. 5) #5</ref>
Larry Trainor is once again a member of Doom Patrol. The negative energy being can now exist apart from Trainor's body for much longer than 60 seconds. During ''[[Blackest Night]]'', he battles Valentina Vostok's Black Lantern form.<ref>''Doom Patrol'' (vol. 5) #4</ref><ref>''Doom Patrol'' (vol. 5) #5</ref>


It is revealed that Larry’s original body was destroyed in the Codsville explosion, with his spirit inhabiting several host bodies afterward.
It is revealed that Larry’s original body was destroyed in the Codsville explosion and that the "Negative" is in fact Larry (mind, consciousness, and soul); when he found himself without a physical body, Larry took solace in Valentina Vostok, but only temporarily, until The Chief cloned him a new body. When one of the bodies expires, Larry takes residence in a genetically altered, brain-dead donor body. In the transaction Larry obtains the memories and experiences of every host and the experience can be maddening to him, so Larry constantly reminds himself that he is Larry Trainor.


===The New 52===
===The New 52===
In ''[[The New 52]]'' continuity reboot, Negative Man is the second host of the Negative Spirit following Negative Woman. He and the Doom Patrol battle [[Jessica Cruz]], who has been possessed by [[Power Ring (character)|Volthoom]], before [[Batman]] helps her regain control.
In the New 52 DC Universe, Negative Man is actually the second host of the Negative Spirit as Negative Woman predates his tenure on the team. Part of Caulder's second incarnation of the Doom Patrol, Negative Man and the team went on a mission to capture the Ring of Volthoom which had attached itself onto a woman named Jessica Cruz. Their mission put them in opposition to the Justice League, where Niles sought to lobotomize Cruz when Volthoom took control over her body. During the battle, Negative Man does not use any of his powers; it is implied that the New 52 version of the Negative Spirit is a violent entity that is so powerful, that Niles forbids Larry from using it in battle unless Niles explicitly orders him to unleash it. The battle ends when Batman is able to help Jessica Cruz regain control over her body and the power ring that has now bonded to her hand.


===Young Animal===
===Young Animal===
Some time later, Larry was mysteriously beamed to what was known as "The Negative Space" and separated from his negative spirit Keeg Bovo. After being sent back to Earth, Larry was reunited with his fellow former Doom and contacted by Keeg Bovo, who invited Larry to return to the Negative Space for trial. Trainor, Bovo, and Robotman went to the Negative Space and, despite Trainor being sentenced to continue being connected to Bovo, Robotman talked the council out of their decision, stating it was only fair for Larry to decide if he wanted to continue the connection or be normal. Larry chose to continue being Negative Man and accepted Bovo, knowing that in this way he could continue helping people. As a parting gift, the council modifies his abilities so that whenever the Negative Spirit is released and Larry is unconscious he experiences an entire normal human lifecycle, as a way to allow him to have the chance to feel normal.<ref>''Doom Patrol'' (vol. 6) #4</ref> Many different negative spirits are seen at the trial.
Some time later, Larry was mysteriously beamed to what was known as "The Negative Space" and separated from his negative spirit Keeg Bovo. After being sent back to Earth, Larry was reunited with his fellow former Doom and contacted by Keeg Bovo, who invited Larry to return to the Negative Space for trial. Trainor, Bovo, and Robotman went to the Negative Space and, despite Trainor being sentenced to continue being connected to Bovo, Robotman talked the council out of their decision, stating it was only fair for Larry to decide if he wanted to continue the connection or be normal. Larry chose to continue being Negative Man and accepted Bovo, knowing that in this way he could continue helping people. As a parting gift, the council modified his abilities so that whenever the Negative Spirit is released and Larry is unconscious, he experiences an entire normal human lifecycle, as a way to allow him to have the chance to feel normal.<ref>''Doom Patrol'' (vol. 6) #4</ref> Many different negative spirits are seen at the trial.


==Powers and abilities==
==Powers and abilities==
When Larry Trainor was accidently sent to a field of [[cosmic radiation]] while testing out an experimental jet into the [[stratosphere]] and crash landed back on Earth, his physiology had been changed permanently and requires the Chief's lead-lined bandages so he could operate in human society. Negative Man has the ability to release a black, radioactive energy form from within his own body. His mind and consciousness resides inside the being, while Trainor's body is left behind as a husk. In this form, he can fly at supersonic speeds, phase through solid objects, and absorb [[thermal energy]] to convert it into an explosive discharge or generate waves of intense heat. Originally, Trainor could also stay seperated from his body only for a total of sixty seconds. By now, he also has trained himself to last much longer before leaving it at will. As Trainor, he is also an expert in aviation and military protocol.<ref>''My Greatest Adventure'' Vol 1 #80 (June 1963)</ref><ref>''Who's Who: Update '88'' Vol 1 #2 (September 1988)</ref>
When Larry Trainor was accidentally sent to a field of [[cosmic radiation]] while testing out an experimental jet into the [[stratosphere]] and crash landed back on Earth, his physiology had been changed permanently and requires the Chief's lead-lined bandages so he could operate in human society. Negative Man has the ability to release a black, radioactive energy form from within his own body. His mind and consciousness functions inside the being, while Larry's body is left behind as a husk. In this form, he can fly at supersonic speeds, phase through solid objects, and absorb [[thermal energy]] to convert it into an explosive discharge or generate waves of intense heat. Originally, Larry could also stay separated from his body for only sixty seconds. By now, he also has trained himself to last much longer before leaving it at will. As Larry, he is also an expert in aviation and military protocol.<ref>''My Greatest Adventure'' Vol 1 #80 (June 1963)</ref><ref>''Who's Who: Update '88'' Vol 1 #2 (September 1988)</ref>

In the ''Teen Titans Go!'' cartoon, Negative Girl has powers similar to her male counterpart, but with a couple of additional abilities. She can shapeshift into inanimate objects, as well as possess them (including the Chief's electronic [[wheelchair]] and arcade machines). If under enough stress or anger, she can also produce a nuclear explosion. Although, Negative Girl is prone to urination after being out of her body for long periods of time.<ref>''Teen Titans Go!'' "Beast Boy's That's What's Up" Parts 1-4.</ref>


==In other media==
==In other media==
===Television===
===Television===
====Animation====
====Animation====
* Negative Man appears in the ''[[Teen Titans (TV series)|Teen Titans]]'' two-part episode "Homecoming", voiced by [[Judge Reinhold]]. This version displays a direct, sarcastic attitude.
* Negative Man appears in the ''[[Teen Titans (TV series)|Teen Titans]]'' two-part episode "Homecoming", voiced by [[Judge Reinhold]].<ref name="btva">{{cite web |title=Negative Man Voices (DC Universe) |url=https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/characters/DC-Universe/Negative-Man/ |access-date=July 23, 2024 |publisher=Behind The Voice Actors}} A green check mark indicates that a role has been confirmed using a screenshot (or collage of screenshots) of a title's list of voice actors and their respective characters found in its credits or other reliable sources of information.</ref>
* Negative Man appears in the ''[[Batman: The Brave and the Bold]]'' episode "The Last Patrol!", voiced by David K. Hill. Following a failed mission and the Doom Patrol disbanding as a result years prior, this version became a failed carnival entertainer. In the present, [[Batman]] brings the Doom Patrol back together after the team's enemies form an alliance to seek revenge on them. While Batman defeats the alliance, the Doom Patrol sacrifice themselves to save a town being threatened by the villains.
* Negative Man appears in the ''[[Batman: The Brave and the Bold]]'' episode "The Last Patrol!", voiced by David K. Hill.<ref name="btva" /> This version became a failed carnival entertainer after the Doom Patrol disbanded years prior. In the present, [[Batman]] brings the Doom Patrol back together after the team's enemies ally to seek revenge on them. While Batman defeats the alliance, the Doom Patrol sacrifice themselves to save a town being threatened by the villains.
* Negative Man appears in the "Doom Patrol" segment of ''[[DC Nation Shorts]]'', voiced by [[Clancy Brown]].
* Negative Man appears in the "Doom Patrol" segment of ''[[DC Nation Shorts]]'', voiced by [[Clancy Brown]].
* A genderbent incarnation of Negative Man called "'''Negative Girl'''" appears in ''[[Teen Titans Go!]]'', voiced by [[Rachel Dratch]]. This version is [[Beast Boy]]'s younger sister who can project an astral form capable of taking control of inanimate objects, though she cannot be away from her body for too long lest she involuntarily urinate. Additionally, she acquired her powers from the [[Chief (DC Comics)|Chief]] to win an arcade game.
* A genderbent incarnation of Negative Man called "'''Negative Girl'''" appears in ''[[Teen Titans Go!]]'', voiced by [[Rachel Dratch]].<ref name="btva" /> This version is [[Beast Boy]]'s adoptive younger sister who can possess inanimate objects and empower herself by consuming negative energy, and acquired her powers from the [[Chief (DC Comics)|Chief]] to win an arcade game.


====Live-action====
====Live-action====
* Negative Man appears in the ''[[Titans (2018 TV series)|Titans]]'' episode "Doom Patrol", portrayed by [[Dwain Murphy]] and voiced by [[Matt Bomer]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.denofgeek.com/us/tv/titans/271323/titans-tv-series-doom-patrol-adds-negative-man-exclusive|title=''Titans'' TV Series ''Doom Patrol'' Adds Negative Man|website=[[Den of Geek]]|last=Cecchini|first=Mike|date=February 28, 2018|access-date=February 28, 2018}}</ref>
* Negative Man appears in the ''[[Titans (2018 TV series)|Titans]]'' episode "Doom Patrol", portrayed by [[Dwain Murphy]] and voiced by [[Matt Bomer]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.denofgeek.com/us/tv/titans/271323/titans-tv-series-doom-patrol-adds-negative-man-exclusive|title=''Titans'' TV Series ''Doom Patrol'' Adds Negative Man|website=[[Den of Geek]]|last=Cecchini|first=Mike|date=February 28, 2018|access-date=February 28, 2018}}</ref>
** Additionally, the ''Doom Patrol'' incarnation of Negative Man (see below) appears in the episode "Game Over", with Matthew Zuk replacing Murphy.
** Additionally, the ''Doom Patrol'' incarnation of Negative Man (see below) appears in the episode "Game Over", with Matthew Zuk replacing Murphy.
* Negative Man appears in ''[[Doom Patrol (TV series)|Doom Patrol]]'', portrayed by Matthew Zuk and voiced again by Matt Bomer, who also portrays the character in flashbacks. This version was a career Air Force pilot, married man, and father of two children who pursued an affair with fellow serviceman John Bowers in the 1960s. While flying an experimental aircraft in Earth's atmosphere, Trainor was exposed to negative energy and crashed. He survived, but his body was badly burned, became radioactive, and inhabited by a negative energy being. Following this, he would go on to join the Doom Patrol.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Andreeva |first1=Nellie |title=''Doom Patrol'': Matt Bomer To Star As Negative Man In DC Universe TV Series |url=https://deadline.com/2018/10/doom-patrol-matt-bomer-star-negative-man-dc-universe-tv-series-1202475606/ |website=[[Deadline Hollywood]]|access-date=October 3, 2018 |date=October 3, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Crittenton |first1=Anya |title=Watch Matt Bomer play a gay superhero in this new DC series |url=https://www.gaystarnews.com/article/matt-bomer-gay-superhero-dc/#gs.WpISzXrD |access-date=February 15, 2019 |work=Gay Star News |date=February 14, 2019 |language=en-gb}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://io9.gizmodo.com/doom-patrols-nuanced-reimagining-of-negative-man-adds-d-1833105526|title=''Doom Patrol''{{'s}} Nuanced Reimagining of Negative Man Adds Depth to the Show|first=Charles|last=Pulliam-Moore|website=[[io9]]|date=March 8, 2019|access-date=March 12, 2018}}</ref> Throughout the series, Negative Man grapples with accepting his homosexuality and newfound powers. Bomer stated that he was attracted to the role because it creates a "gay male superhero" without being a stereotype of gay men.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.newsweek.com/matt-bomer-says-gay-doom-patrol-characters-sexuality-doesnt-define-who-he-1346083|title=Matt Bomer Says Gay ''Doom Patrol'' Character's Sexuality Doesn't 'Define Who He Is'|last=Jackson|first=Dory|date=February 27, 2019|website=[[Newsweek]]|access-date=September 12, 2019}}</ref>
* Negative Man appears in ''[[Doom Patrol (TV series)|Doom Patrol]]'', portrayed by Matthew Zuk and voiced again by Matt Bomer, who also portrays the character in flashbacks. This version was a career Air Force pilot, married man, and father of two children who pursued an affair with fellow serviceman John Bowers in the 1960s.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Andreeva |first1=Nellie |title=''Doom Patrol'': Matt Bomer To Star As Negative Man In DC Universe TV Series |url=https://deadline.com/2018/10/doom-patrol-matt-bomer-star-negative-man-dc-universe-tv-series-1202475606/ |website=[[Deadline Hollywood]]|access-date=October 3, 2018 |date=October 3, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Crittenton |first1=Anya |title=Watch Matt Bomer play a gay superhero in this new DC series |url=https://www.gaystarnews.com/article/matt-bomer-gay-superhero-dc/#gs.WpISzXrD |access-date=February 15, 2019 |work=Gay Star News |date=February 14, 2019 |language=en-gb}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://io9.gizmodo.com/doom-patrols-nuanced-reimagining-of-negative-man-adds-d-1833105526|title=''Doom Patrol''{{'s}} Nuanced Reimagining of Negative Man Adds Depth to the Show|first=Charles|last=Pulliam-Moore|website=[[io9]]|date=March 8, 2019|access-date=March 12, 2018}}</ref> Throughout the series, he grapples with accepting his homosexuality and powers. Bomer stated that he was attracted to the role due to Negative Man not falling into gay stereotypes.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.newsweek.com/matt-bomer-says-gay-doom-patrol-characters-sexuality-doesnt-define-who-he-1346083|title=Matt Bomer Says Gay ''Doom Patrol'' Character's Sexuality Doesn't 'Define Who He Is'|last=Jackson|first=Dory|date=February 27, 2019|website=[[Newsweek]]|access-date=September 12, 2019}}</ref>
** The ''Doom Patrol'' incarnation of Negative Man also appears in the [[Arrowverse]] crossover "[[Crisis on Infinite Earths (Arrowverse)|Crisis on Infinite Earths]]" via archive footage of a deleted scene from the first season.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.looper.com/179414/every-crisis-on-infinite-earths-cameo-ranked/ |title=Every Crisis on Infinite Earths cameo ranked |last=Martin |first=Michileen |date=January 15, 2020 |website=Looper |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200402174627/https://www.looper.com/179414/every-crisis-on-infinite-earths-cameo-ranked/ |archive-date=April 2, 2020 |access-date=April 2, 2020}}</ref>
** Negative Man appears in the [[Arrowverse]] crossover "[[Crisis on Infinite Earths (Arrowverse)|Crisis on Infinite Earths]]" via archive footage of a deleted scene from the first season.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Martin |first=Michileen |date=January 15, 2020 |title=Every ''Crisis on Infinite Earths'' cameo ranked |url=https://www.looper.com/179414/every-crisis-on-infinite-earths-cameo-ranked/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200402174627/https://www.looper.com/179414/every-crisis-on-infinite-earths-cameo-ranked/ |archive-date=April 2, 2020 |access-date=April 2, 2020 |website=Looper}}</ref>


===Film===
===Film===
Larry Trainor makes a cameo appearance in ''[[Justice League: The New Frontier]]''.
Larry Trainor makes a cameo appearance in ''[[Justice League: The New Frontier]]''.

=== Video games ===
Negative Man appears as a character summon in ''[[Scribblenauts Unmasked: A DC Comics Adventure]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Eisen |first=Andrew |date=October 2, 2013 |title=DC Characters and Objects - ''Scribblenauts Unmasked'' Guide |url=https://www.ign.com/wikis/scribblenauts-unmasked/DC_Characters_and_Objects |access-date=July 23, 2024 |website=IGN |language=en}}</ref>


==References==
==References==
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[[Category:DC Comics LGBTQ superheroes]]
[[Category:DC Comics male superheroes]]
[[Category:DC Comics male superheroes]]
[[Category:DC Comics metahumans]]
[[Category:DC Comics metahumans]]
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[[Category:Doom Patrol]]
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[[Category:Fictional characters with nuclear or radiation abilities]]
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[[Category:Fictional intersex characters]]
[[Category:Fictional LGBT characters in television]]
[[Category:Fictional LGBTQ characters in television]]
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[[Category:Merged fictional characters]]

Latest revision as of 19:10, 23 November 2024

Negative Man
Negative Man's debut appearance in My Greatest Adventure #80.
Art by Bruno Premiani.
Publication information
PublisherDC Comics
First appearanceMy Greatest Adventure #80 (June 1963)
Created byBob Haney
Arnold Drake
Bruno Premiani
In-story information
Alter egoLawrence Michael "Larry" Trainor
SpeciesMetahuman
Team affiliationsDoom Patrol
Notable aliasesN-Man
Neg-Man
Rebis
Abilities
  • Radioactive "soul-self" grants:
    • Flight
    • Intangibility
    • Energy absorption and projection

Negative Man (Larry Trainor) is a superhero from DC Comics. The character was created by Bob Haney, Arnold Drake, and Bruno Premiani and made his first appearance in My Greatest Adventure #80 (June 1963).[1]

Negative Man has appeared in numerous television series and films, such as guest appearances in Teen Titans, in which he is voiced by Judge Reinhold, and the live-action series Titans and Doom Patrol, where he is voiced by Matt Bomer.

Publication history

[edit]

The Larry Trainor incarnation of Negative Man first appeared in My Greatest Adventure #80 and was created by Bob Haney, Arnold Drake, and Bruno Premiani.[2] Drake recalled:

I left [editor Murray Boltinoff's] office and bumped into Bob Haney in the hall. Bob was a real good friend of mine ... I asked him if he got an assignment from Bob Kanigher. He had this routine where he'd come up from Woodstock once a week and stay for two nights and get a couple of assignments from Kanigher and then go back home and write them. He said he didn't get an assignment from Kanigher, and I told him I had this assignment that I was about two-thirds through with, but I needed another character and maybe between us we could come up with something. We sat down and came up with this notion of a guy who has gone through a cloud of radioactivity and is bandaged from head to toe with these specially treated bandages that keep the radioactivity within him so he isn't injurious to others. The most novel aspect was Negative Man, the character who lives inside him who can only be outside of him for 60 seconds - and don't ask me why 60 seconds.[3]

Fictional character biography

[edit]

Larry Trainor

[edit]

The original Negative Man, Larry Trainor, is a founding member of the Doom Patrol, along with Elasti-Girl, Robotman, and Chief.[4] The team view themselves as victims as much as heroes and their powers as an affliction rather than a blessing.

Trainor's career as a superhero begins when he is accidentally exposed to a radioactive field in the atmosphere while piloting a test plane, giving him the ability to release an intangible, radioactive spirit.[5] However, he is weak and defenseless in this state and can only sustain the separation for a minute at a time without risking death. After his accident, Trainor is forced to wear specially treated bandages over his entire body to protect others from his radioactivity.

The Doom Patrol are killed in Doom Patrol (vol. 2) #121 (September–October 1968), following declining sales. Negative Man survives, but loses his powers.

Larry Trainor and Valentina Vostok

[edit]

In Showcase #94 (September 1977), the Negative Spirit reappears when it possesses a Russian cosmonaut, Colonel Valentina Vostok, who becomes Negative Woman. Initially, Vostok could transform herself into a radio-energy form, possessing the same capabilities as Trainor. Later, as with Trainor, it would emerge from her leaving her physically weak but in control of it and requiring her to wear special bandages just as Trainor had. After Trainor's return, he gains strength from being in Vostok's presence and pleads with her to return the negative being to him. He later breaks Reactron out of Belle Reve Penitentiary and after fitting him with a regulator, uses him to successfully draw the negative being out of Vostok.[6] During an encounter with Garguax, the negative being is disrupted and returns to Vostok, but saves Trainor and in the process heals him completely, removing all radioactivity from his body.[7] After this, Trainor works with the Patrol in a support capacity but occasionally enters combat using high tech weaponry.

Trainor later reunites with the energy being and becomes an active member of the Doom Patrol. He exhibits the ability to cover himself in negative energy instead of releasing it.

Rebis

[edit]

The Negative Spirit is later revealed to be sapient and fuses with Trainor and his physician Eleanor Poole. This forms Rebis, a divine intersex entity who is referred to with plural pronouns and possesses psychic abilities. Furthermore, Rebis reproduces by giving birth to a new version of itself, a process which is likened to Russian dolls and an ouroboros.[8]

Rebis temporarily leaves the Doom Patrol to complete its life cycle, which involves working through the trauma caused by the death of Trainor and Poole's identities. During this time, they have sex with Coagula, giving her superpowers.

Byrne incarnation

[edit]

In 2004, the Doom Patrol was rebooted in a new series written by John Byrne following Superboy-Prime's alterations to reality during Infinite Crisis. In this series, Negative Man's spirit form has a skeletal appearance.

Keith Giffen

[edit]

Larry Trainor is once again a member of Doom Patrol. The negative energy being can now exist apart from Trainor's body for much longer than 60 seconds. During Blackest Night, he battles Valentina Vostok's Black Lantern form.[9][10]

It is revealed that Larry’s original body was destroyed in the Codsville explosion, with his spirit inhabiting several host bodies afterward.

The New 52

[edit]

In The New 52 continuity reboot, Negative Man is the second host of the Negative Spirit following Negative Woman. He and the Doom Patrol battle Jessica Cruz, who has been possessed by Volthoom, before Batman helps her regain control.

Young Animal

[edit]

Some time later, Larry was mysteriously beamed to what was known as "The Negative Space" and separated from his negative spirit Keeg Bovo. After being sent back to Earth, Larry was reunited with his fellow former Doom and contacted by Keeg Bovo, who invited Larry to return to the Negative Space for trial. Trainor, Bovo, and Robotman went to the Negative Space and, despite Trainor being sentenced to continue being connected to Bovo, Robotman talked the council out of their decision, stating it was only fair for Larry to decide if he wanted to continue the connection or be normal. Larry chose to continue being Negative Man and accepted Bovo, knowing that in this way he could continue helping people. As a parting gift, the council modified his abilities so that whenever the Negative Spirit is released and Larry is unconscious, he experiences an entire normal human lifecycle, as a way to allow him to have the chance to feel normal.[11] Many different negative spirits are seen at the trial.

Powers and abilities

[edit]

When Larry Trainor was accidentally sent to a field of cosmic radiation while testing out an experimental jet into the stratosphere and crash landed back on Earth, his physiology had been changed permanently and requires the Chief's lead-lined bandages so he could operate in human society. Negative Man has the ability to release a black, radioactive energy form from within his own body. His mind and consciousness functions inside the being, while Larry's body is left behind as a husk. In this form, he can fly at supersonic speeds, phase through solid objects, and absorb thermal energy to convert it into an explosive discharge or generate waves of intense heat. Originally, Larry could also stay separated from his body for only sixty seconds. By now, he also has trained himself to last much longer before leaving it at will. As Larry, he is also an expert in aviation and military protocol.[12][13]

In other media

[edit]

Television

[edit]

Animation

[edit]
  • Negative Man appears in the Teen Titans two-part episode "Homecoming", voiced by Judge Reinhold.[14]
  • Negative Man appears in the Batman: The Brave and the Bold episode "The Last Patrol!", voiced by David K. Hill.[14] This version became a failed carnival entertainer after the Doom Patrol disbanded years prior. In the present, Batman brings the Doom Patrol back together after the team's enemies ally to seek revenge on them. While Batman defeats the alliance, the Doom Patrol sacrifice themselves to save a town being threatened by the villains.
  • Negative Man appears in the "Doom Patrol" segment of DC Nation Shorts, voiced by Clancy Brown.
  • A genderbent incarnation of Negative Man called "Negative Girl" appears in Teen Titans Go!, voiced by Rachel Dratch.[14] This version is Beast Boy's adoptive younger sister who can possess inanimate objects and empower herself by consuming negative energy, and acquired her powers from the Chief to win an arcade game.

Live-action

[edit]
  • Negative Man appears in the Titans episode "Doom Patrol", portrayed by Dwain Murphy and voiced by Matt Bomer.[15]
    • Additionally, the Doom Patrol incarnation of Negative Man (see below) appears in the episode "Game Over", with Matthew Zuk replacing Murphy.
  • Negative Man appears in Doom Patrol, portrayed by Matthew Zuk and voiced again by Matt Bomer, who also portrays the character in flashbacks. This version was a career Air Force pilot, married man, and father of two children who pursued an affair with fellow serviceman John Bowers in the 1960s.[16][17][18] Throughout the series, he grapples with accepting his homosexuality and powers. Bomer stated that he was attracted to the role due to Negative Man not falling into gay stereotypes.[19]

Film

[edit]

Larry Trainor makes a cameo appearance in Justice League: The New Frontier.

Video games

[edit]

Negative Man appears as a character summon in Scribblenauts Unmasked: A DC Comics Adventure.[21]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Cowsill, Alan; Irvine, Alex; Korte, Steve; Manning, Matt; Wiacek, Win; Wilson, Sven (2016). The DC Comics Encyclopedia: The Definitive Guide to the Characters of the DC Universe. DK Publishing. p. 212. ISBN 978-1-4654-5357-0.
  2. ^ Wells, John (2015). American Comic Book Chronicles: 1960-64. TwoMorrows Publishing. p. 129. ISBN 978-1605490458.
  3. ^ Browning, Michael (July 2013). "The Doom Patrol Interviews: Arnold Drake". Back Issue! (#65). Raleigh, North Carolina: TwoMorrows Publishing: 38–41.
  4. ^ Beatty, Scott (2008), "Doom Patrol", in Dougall, Alastair (ed.), The DC Comics Encyclopedia, New York: Dorling Kindersley, p. 109, ISBN 978-0-7566-4119-1, OCLC 213309017
  5. ^ Doom Patrol (vol. 2) #19: "Crawling from the Wreckage" Part 1
  6. ^ Doom Patrol (vol. 2) #11 (August 1988)
  7. ^ Doom Patrol (vol. 2) #12-13 (September–October 1988)
  8. ^ Irvine, Alex (2008), "Doom Patrol", in Dougall, Alastair (ed.), The Vertigo Encyclopedia, New York: Dorling Kindersley, pp. 61–63, ISBN 978-0-7566-4122-1, OCLC 213309015
  9. ^ Doom Patrol (vol. 5) #4
  10. ^ Doom Patrol (vol. 5) #5
  11. ^ Doom Patrol (vol. 6) #4
  12. ^ My Greatest Adventure Vol 1 #80 (June 1963)
  13. ^ Who's Who: Update '88 Vol 1 #2 (September 1988)
  14. ^ a b c "Negative Man Voices (DC Universe)". Behind The Voice Actors. Retrieved July 23, 2024. A green check mark indicates that a role has been confirmed using a screenshot (or collage of screenshots) of a title's list of voice actors and their respective characters found in its credits or other reliable sources of information.
  15. ^ Cecchini, Mike (February 28, 2018). "Titans TV Series Doom Patrol Adds Negative Man". Den of Geek. Retrieved February 28, 2018.
  16. ^ Andreeva, Nellie (October 3, 2018). "Doom Patrol: Matt Bomer To Star As Negative Man In DC Universe TV Series". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved October 3, 2018.
  17. ^ Crittenton, Anya (February 14, 2019). "Watch Matt Bomer play a gay superhero in this new DC series". Gay Star News. Retrieved February 15, 2019.
  18. ^ Pulliam-Moore, Charles (March 8, 2019). "Doom Patrol's Nuanced Reimagining of Negative Man Adds Depth to the Show". io9. Retrieved March 12, 2018.
  19. ^ Jackson, Dory (February 27, 2019). "Matt Bomer Says Gay Doom Patrol Character's Sexuality Doesn't 'Define Who He Is'". Newsweek. Retrieved September 12, 2019.
  20. ^ Martin, Michileen (January 15, 2020). "Every Crisis on Infinite Earths cameo ranked". Looper. Archived from the original on April 2, 2020. Retrieved April 2, 2020.
  21. ^ Eisen, Andrew (October 2, 2013). "DC Characters and Objects - Scribblenauts Unmasked Guide". IGN. Retrieved July 23, 2024.
[edit]
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