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{{For|the Pixar character Elastigirl|Helen Parr (The Incredibles)}}
{{For|the Pixar character|Elastigirl}}
{{Infobox comics character <!--Wikipedia:WikiProject Comics-->
{{Infobox comics character <!--Wikipedia:WikiProject Comics-->
|image=Doompatrol15.jpg
|caption=''Doom Patrol'' #15, art by [[John Byrne (comics)|John Byrne]]
|character_name=Elasti-Girl
|character_name=Elasti-Girl
|image=Elasti-Girl.png
|caption=Elasti-Girl, as she appeared on the cover of ''Doom Patrol'' #90 (September 1964), art by
Bob Brown.
|real_name=Rita Farr Dayton
|real_name=Rita Farr Dayton
|species=[[Metahuman]]
|publisher=[[DC Comics]]
|publisher=[[DC Comics]]
|debut=''[[My Greatest Adventure]]'' #80 (June 1963)
|debut=''[[My Greatest Adventure]]'' #80 (June 1963)
|creators=[[Arnold Drake]]<br />[[Bruno Premiani]]
|creators=[[Arnold Drake]]<br />[[Bruno Premiani]]
|alliances=[[Doom Patrol]]
|alliances=[[Doom Patrol]]
|aliases=
|aliases=Elasti-Woman
|powers=*Size control and alteration
|powers=*Size-shifting
*[[Regeneration (biology)|Regeneration]]
*Ability to shrink, grow, stretch, or lengthen her body at will
⚫
*[[Elasticity (physics)|Elasticity]]
*Regeneration
}}
⚫
*[[Elasticity (physics)|Elasticity]]}}
'''Elasti-Girl''' (also known as '''Elasti-Woman''') is a [[fictional character|fictional]] comic book [[superheroine]] appearing in books published by [[DC Comics]], primarily as a member of the [[Doom Patrol]].<ref name="dc-ency">{{Cite book | last = Jimenez | first = Phil | author-link = Phil Jimenez | contribution = Elasti-Girl | editor-last = Dougall | editor-first = Alastair | title = The DC Comics Encyclopedia | pages = 113 | publisher = [[Dorling Kindersley]] | place = New York | year = 2008 | isbn = 978-0-7566-4119-1 | oclc = 213309017}}</ref> Created by writer [[Arnold Drake]] and artist [[Bruno Premiani]], the character first appeared in ''[[My Greatest Adventure]]'' #80 (June 1963).
'''Elasti-Girl''' (also known as '''Elasti-Woman''') is a [[superheroine]] appearing in [[American comic books]] published by [[DC Comics]], primarily as a member of the [[Doom Patrol]].<ref name="dc-ency">{{Cite book | last = Jimenez | first = Phil | author-link = Phil Jimenez | contribution = Elasti-Girl | editor-last = Dougall | editor-first = Alastair | title = The DC Comics Encyclopedia | pages = 113 | publisher = [[Dorling Kindersley]] | place = New York | year = 2008 | isbn = 978-0-7566-4119-1 | oclc = 213309017}}</ref> Created by writer [[Arnold Drake]] and artist [[Bruno Premiani]], the character first appeared in ''[[My Greatest Adventure]]'' #80 (June 1963).


Elasti-Girl has appeared in numerous cartoon television shows and films. She made her first live-action appearance on the [[DC Universe (streaming service)|DC Universe]] and [[HBO Max]] series ''[[Titans (2018 TV series)|Titans]]'', played by [[April Bowlby]], who reprised the role for the series ''[[Doom Patrol (TV series)|Doom Patrol]]''.
Elasti-Girl has appeared in numerous cartoon television shows and films. She made her first live-action appearance on the [[DC Universe (streaming service)|DC Universe]] and [[Max (streaming service)|Max]] series ''[[Titans (2018 TV series)|Titans]]'', played by [[April Bowlby]], who reprised the role for the series ''[[Doom Patrol (TV series)|Doom Patrol]]''.

{{TOC limit|limit=3}}


==Publication history==
==Publication history==
Elasti-Girl was created by [[Arnold Drake]] and [[Bruno Premiani]]. She first appeared in ''[[My Greatest Adventure]]'' #80 (June 1963).<ref name=Guide>{{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=100}}</ref> According to Drake, the issue's co-writer [[Bob Haney]] was not brought on to the project until after Elasti-Girl was created.<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>
Elasti-Girl was created by [[Arnold Drake]] and [[Bruno Premiani]]. She first appeared in ''[[My Greatest Adventure]]'' #80 (June 1963).<ref name=Guide>{{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=100}}</ref> According to Drake, the issue's co-writer [[Bob Haney]] was not brought on to the project until after Elasti-Girl was created.<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==
'''Rita Farr''' is an [[Olympic Games|Olympic]] swimming gold medalist turned Hollywood actress<ref>{{Cite comic | Writer = [[Arnold Drake|Drake, Arnold]] | Artist = [[Bruno Premiani|Premiani, Bruno]] | Story = The Doom Patrol | Title = [[My Greatest Adventure]] | Volume = 1 | Issue = 80 | Date = June, 1963 | Publisher = [[DC Comics]] | Page = 3 | Panel = 1 | ID = }}</ref> who is exposed to unusual volcanic gases while shooting a [[film]] in [[Africa]]. When Farr recovers, she discovers that she can expand or shrink her body at will—from hundreds of feet tall to mere inches in height.<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> When she gains greater control of her powers, she discovers that she can enlarge one limb at a time.<ref name="dc-ency"/>
'''Rita Farr''' is an [[Olympic Games|Olympic]] swimming gold medalist turned Hollywood actress<ref>{{Cite comic | Writer = [[Arnold Drake|Drake, Arnold]] | Artist = [[Bruno Premiani|Premiani, Bruno]] | Story = The Doom Patrol | Title = [[My Greatest Adventure]] | Volume = | Issue = #80 | Date = June 1963 | Publisher = [[DC Comics]] | Page = 3 | Panel = 1 | ID =}}</ref> who is exposed to unusual volcanic gases while shooting a film in Africa. When Farr recovers, she discovers that she can expand or shrink her body at will—from hundreds of feet tall to mere inches in height.<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> When she gains greater control of her powers, she discovers that she can enlarge one limb at a time.<ref name="dc-ency"/>


Although not physically disfigured, Rita initially has no control over her size changes, is considered a freak and a menace, and becomes a recluse, leaving her Hollywood career in ruins.<ref>{{Cite comic | Writer = Drake, Arnold | Artist = Premiani, Bruno | Story = The Doom Patrol | Title = My Greatest Adventure | Volume = 1 | Issue = 80 | Date = June, 1963 | Publisher = DC Comics | Page = 5 | Panel = 3 | ID = }}</ref> However, Rita is approached by Dr. Niles Caulder (also known as The [[Chief (comics)|Chief]]) who offers her a place among fellow "freaks" attempting to use their powers for good. As Elasti-Girl, she joins Caulder's team, the [[Doom Patrol]].<ref name="dc-doom">{{Cite book | 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> Rita falls in love with, and marries, Steve Dayton, the hero [[Mento (comics)|Mento]].<ref>{{cite book |last1=Cowsill |first1=Alan |last2=Irvine |first2=Alex |last3=Manning |first3=Matthew K. |last4=McAvennie |first4=Michael |last5=Wallace |first5=Daniel |title=DC Comics Year By Year: A Visual Chronicle |date=2019 |publisher=DK Publishing |isbn=978-1-4654-8578-6 |page=113}}</ref> Later on, the couple adopts young Gar Logan, who would become the Teen Titans' [[Beast Boy]].<ref name="dc-ency"/>
Although not physically disfigured, Rita initially has no control over her powers, is considered a freak and a menace, and becomes a recluse, leaving her Hollywood career in ruins.<ref>{{Cite comic | Writer = Drake, Arnold | Artist = Premiani, Bruno | Story = The Doom Patrol | Title = My Greatest Adventure | Volume = | Issue = #80 | Date = June 1963 | Publisher = DC Comics | Page = 5 | Panel = 3 | ID =}}</ref> However, Rita is approached by Niles Caulder (also known as the [[Chief (DC Comics)|Chief]]) who offers her a place among fellow "freaks" attempting to use their powers for good. As Elasti-Girl, she joins Caulder's team, the [[Doom Patrol]].<ref name="dc-doom">{{Cite book | 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> Rita falls in love with, and marries, Steve Dayton, the hero [[Mento (comics)|Mento]].<ref>{{cite book |last1=Cowsill |first1=Alan |last2=Irvine |first2=Alex |last3=Manning |first3=Matthew K. |last4=McAvennie |first4=Michael |last5=Wallace |first5=Daniel |title=DC Comics Year By Year: A Visual Chronicle |date=2019 |publisher=DK Publishing |isbn=978-1-4654-8578-6 |page=113}}</ref> Later on, the two adopt Garfield Logan, who becomes [[Beast Boy]].<ref name="dc-ency"/>


In the ''JLA: Year One'' storyline, the [[Martian Manhunter]] tells Rita that he was something of a fan of her "chiller pictures" and that he was disappointed that she did not continue making films. Flattered, she kisses him on the cheek and later tells him that she has met ''[[Alien (franchise)|Alien]]'' actress [[Sigourney Weaver]] and that she is sure he would approve of her.
In the ''JLA: Year One'' storyline, [[Martian Manhunter]] tells Rita that he was something of a fan of her "chiller pictures" and that he was disappointed that she did not continue making films. Flattered, she kisses him on the cheek and later tells him that she has met [[Sigourney Weaver]] and that she is sure he would approve of her.


Tragedy strikes when the Doom Patrol's enemies, the [[Brotherhood of Evil]], threaten a small New England fishing village. The Patrol members elect to sacrifice themselves to save the innocents, and are killed in an explosion. It is later revealed that several members of the team actually cheated death (to appear in [[Doom Patrol]] revivals), although Elasti-Girl would remain "dead" until ''[[Infinite Crisis]]''.<ref name="dc-ency"/>
The Doom Patrol later sacrifice themselves to stop the [[Brotherhood of Evil]] from destroying a small New England fishing village. It is later revealed that several members of the team cheated death, though Elasti-Girl remained "dead" until ''[[Infinite Crisis]]''.<ref name="dc-ency"/>


==="Infinite Crisis"===
==="Infinite Crisis"===
⚫
In [[John Byrne (comics)|John Byrne]]'s ''Doom Patrol'' run, Elasti-Girl and the Doom Patrol are resurrected due to [[Superboy-Prime]] disrupting the barrier of reality. The Patrol members retain no memories of their previous lives until Prime breaks the [[Phantom Zone]] barrier during his battle with the [[Teen Titans]]. At that moment, their minds discern visions of the previous [[Doom Patrol]]s, and Rita remembers everything—her family and death.
<blockquote>I remember the explosion on the island. And then nothing but darkness. Am I supposed to be dead?
:—Elasti-Girl, ''[[Teen Titans#Teen Titans (vol. 3, 2003 - present)|Teen Titans]]'' #32, March 2006.</blockquote>


⚫
Rita appears in ''[[Infinite Crisis]]'' as one of the many heroes defending the city of [[Metropolis (comics)|Metropolis]] from the army calling themselves the [[Secret Society of Super Villains]]. She personally battles the giant villain [[Giganta]].
When writer-artist [[John Byrne (comics)|John Byrne]] revived the Doom Patrol in 2004, Elasti-Girl was among the team members reintroduced, as if none of the events in prior [[Doom Patrol]] continuity had ever happened.


⚫
Rita makes a cameo in issue #50 of the 2006-07 series ''[[52 (comics)|52]]'', fighting [[Black Adam]] next to the [[Leaning Tower of Pisa]].
This situation was explained as an after-effect of [[Superboy-Prime]]'s pounding on the barrier to reality, which created ripples that changed reality for several characters, including the original [[Doom Patrol]].

⚫
The Patrol members retain no memories of their previous lives—until [[Superboy-Prime]] breaks the Phantom Zone barrier during his battle with the [[Teen Titans]] and their allies. At that moment their minds discern visions of the previous [[Doom Patrol]]s, and Rita remembers everything—her husband, her son, and her own death.

⚫
Rita is seen in issue #7 of the 2005 storyline ''[[Infinite Crisis]]'' as one of the many heroes defending the city of [[Metropolis (comics)|Metropolis]] from the army calling themselves the [[Secret Society of Super Villains]]. She personally battles the giant villain [[Giganta]].

⚫
Rita makes a cameo in issue #50 of the 2006-07 series ''[[52 (comics)|52]]''. She is seen on a monitoring screen fighting [[Black Adam]] next to the [[Leaning Tower of Pisa]].


''Infinite Crisis'' ultimately retconned Byrne's reboot out of continuity.
''Infinite Crisis'' ultimately retconned Byrne's reboot out of continuity.


===One Year Later===
===One Year Later===
Following the "[[One Year Later]]" storyline, the Doom Patrol changes considerably, losing several members and gaining [[Beast Boy]], [[Bumblebee (comics)|Bumblebee]] and [[Mal Duncan|Vox]].<ref>''[[Teen Titans#Teen Titans (vol. 3, 2003 - present)|Teen Titans]]'' (Vol. 3) #36 (July 2006)</ref>
Following the "[[One Year Later]]" storyline, the Doom Patrol changes considerably, losing several members and gaining [[Beast Boy]], [[Bumblebee (DC Comics)|Bumblebee]] and [[Mal Duncan|Vox]].<ref>''[[Teen Titans#Teen Titans (vol. 3) (2003–2011) and Outsiders (vol. 3) (2003–2007)|Teen Titans]]'' (vol. 3) #36 (July 2006)</ref>


The explanation for Rita's resurrection is that [[Chief (comics)|Chief]] salvaged a piece of Elasti-Girl's skull and used his technology to regrow her entire body due to its malleable form. Consequently, Elasti-Girl is very docile, and is reluctant to question the Chief. The Chief hints that her malleable form hampers her thinking abilities, leading to her lack of personal initiative which makes her dependent upon Caulder (a.k.a. The Chief). As he observes her interaction with the Chief, [[Robin (Tim Drake)|Robin]] suspects that the Chief has brainwashed Rita and the other Patrol members. Rita's husband, [[Mento (comics)|Mento]], is under the control of his Mento-helmet, and believes that his wife would never love him without it.
Rita is resurrected once more by the Chief salvaging a piece of her skull and using his technology to regrow her body. Consequently, Elasti-Girl is docile and is reluctant to question the Chief. The Chief hints that her malleable form hampers her thinking abilities, leading to her lack of personal initiative which makes her dependent on Caulder. As he observes her interaction with the Chief, [[Tim Drake|Robin]] suspects that the Chief has brainwashed Rita and the other Patrol members. Rita's husband, [[Mento (character)|Mento]], is under the control of his Mento-helmet and believes that his wife would never love him without it.


Following their battle against the Brotherhood, the Titans and the Doom Patrol witness the Chief working to convince [[Kid Devil]] that he is a freak and that the Titans actually dislike him. This pushes the teams to confront the Chief: Mento finally removes his helmet and pointedly tells the Chief that he is no longer leader of the Patrol and if he ever again insults his wife and son, he will use his powers to destroy the Chief's intellect. Rita firmly stands behind her husband, breaking out of the Chief's control.
Following their battle against the Brotherhood, the Titans and the Doom Patrol witness the Chief working to convince [[Kid Devil]] that he is a freak and that the Titans actually dislike him. This pushes the teams to confront the Chief: Mento finally removes his helmet and pointedly tells the Chief that he is no longer the leader of the Patrol and if he ever again insults his wife and son, he will use his powers to destroy the Chief's intellect. Rita firmly stands behind her husband, breaking out of the Chief's control.


In the most recent Doom Patrol series, Rita changed her codename to "Elasti-Woman".<ref>''Doom Patrol'' (Vol. 5) #1 (October 2009)</ref> It was revealed that when the Chief regrew her he did so using protoplasm to eliminate "weaknesses" such as bones and internal organs and therefore Rita is no longer human. When she sleeps Rita loses her human shape and reverts to a puddle of goo, having to reshape herself when she wakes up every morning.
In the most recent ''Doom Patrol'' series, Rita changed her codename to "Elasti-Woman".<ref>''Doom Patrol'' (vol. 5) #1 (October 2009)</ref> It was revealed that when the Chief regrew her he did so using protoplasm to eliminate "weaknesses" such as bones and internal organs and therefore Rita is no longer human. When she sleeps, Rita loses her human shape and reverts to a puddle of goo, having to reshape herself daily.


==Powers and abilities==
==Powers and abilities==
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In ''Doom Patrol'' #95 (May 1965), Elasti-Girl swaps powers with [[Negative Man]] to become Negative Girl.
In ''Doom Patrol'' #95 (May 1965), Elasti-Girl swaps powers with [[Negative Man]] to become Negative Girl.

==Other versions==
In ''[[Teen Titans: Earth One]]'', '''Rita Markov''' of [[STAR Labs]] is the mother of [[Tara Markov]].<ref>''Teen Titans: Earth One'' #2</ref>


==Reception==
==Reception==
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==In other media==
==In other media==
* Elasti-Girl appears in the ''[[Teen Titans (TV series)|Teen Titans]]'' two-part episode "Homecoming", voiced by [[Tara Strong]].<ref name="btva">{{cite web |title=Elasti-Girl Voices (DC Universe) |url=https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/characters/DC-Universe/Elasti-Girl/ |access-date=March 31, 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>

* Elasti-Girl appears in the ''[[Batman: The Brave and the Bold]]'' episode "The Last Patrol!", voiced by [[Olivia d'Abo]].<ref name="btva" /> Following a failed mission and the [[Doom Patrol]] disbanding, this version wallowed in self-pity until the Doom Patrol's enemies form an alliance to seek revenge. She joins forces with [[Batman]] and her former teammates to stop them before the Doom Patrol sacrifice themselves to save a town being threatened by the villains.
===Television===
⚫
* Elasti-Girl appears in the "Doom Patrol" segment of ''[[DC Nation Shorts]]'', voiced by [[Kari Wahlgren]].

* Elasti-Girl appears in ''[[Teen Titans Go!]]'', voiced by [[Cree Summer]].<ref name="btva" /> This version is an African-American who the [[Chief (DC Comics)|Chief]] fused with clay so she could gain acting roles outside of the B-list films she previously worked in.
====Live-action====
⚫
* Rita Farr appears in the ''[[Titans (2018 TV series)|Titans]]'' episode "Doom Patrol", portrayed by [[April Bowlby]].
* Rita Farr is referenced in ''[[The Flash (2014 TV series)|The Flash]]'' episode "Things You Can't Outrun", as she was the subject of a [[documentary]] [[film]] called ''The Rita Farr Story'', which was showing at a [[Central City (DC Comics)|Central City]] movie theater that [[Iris West]] and [[Flash (Barry Allen)|Barry Allen]] were at.
* Elasti-Woman appears in the ''[[Young Justice (TV series)|Young Justice]]'' episode "Nightmare Monkeys", voiced by [[Hynden Walch]].<ref name="btva" /> This version starred in the fictional sitcom ''Hello, Megan!'' and was [[Beast Boy]]'s godmother before she and most of the Doom Patrol were killed while on a mission years prior to the series.
* Elasti-Girl appeared in ''[[Titans (2018 TV series)|Titans]]'', portrayed by [[April Bowlby]]. She was shown in bed pulling herself together from her blob-like form. When [[Raven (DC Comics)|Rachel Roth]] touched Rita's hand, she saw how she gained her abilities. By the end of the episode, Elasti-Girl, Robotman, and Negative Man encourage Beast Boy to live his own life as he joins up with Dick Grayson, Kory Anders, and Rachel.
* Elasti-Girl appears in ''[[Doom Patrol (TV series)|Doom Patrol]]'', portrayed again by April Bowlby.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2018/07/doom-patrol-april-bowlby-elasti-woman-dc-universe-live-action-series-greg-berlanti-1202426076/|title='Doom Patrol': April Bowlby To Play Elasti-Woman In DC Universe Live-Action Series|website=[[Deadline Hollywood]]|last=Andreeva|first=Nellie|date=July 13, 2018|access-date=July 13, 2018}}</ref>
* Rita Farr / Elasti-Woman appears in ''[[Doom Patrol (TV series)|Doom Patrol]]'', portrayed again by April Bowlby as an adult and by Lana Jean Turner as a child.<ref>{{cite web |last=Andreeva |first=Nellie |date=July 13, 2018 |title=''Doom Patrol'': April Bowlby To Play Elasti-Woman In DC Universe Live-Action Series |url=https://deadline.com/2018/07/doom-patrol-april-bowlby-elasti-woman-dc-universe-live-action-series-greg-berlanti-1202426076/ |access-date=July 13, 2018 |website=[[Deadline Hollywood]]}}</ref>
** The ''Doom Patrol'' version of Rita Farr appears in the [[Arrowverse]] crossover ''[[Crisis on Infinite Earths (Arrowverse)|Crisis on Infinite Earths]]''. She appears through archive footage of a deleted scene from a season one episode.<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>
** Farr appears in the [[Arrowverse]] crossover "[[Crisis on Infinite Earths (Arrowverse)|Crisis on Infinite Earths]]" via archival footage of a deleted scene from a first-season episode.<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>

====Animation====
* Elasti-Girl has appeared as a member of the Doom Patrol in the two-part "Homecoming" episode of ''[[Teen Titans (TV series)|Teen Titans]]'', voiced by [[Tara Strong]]. Her shrinking ability is not demonstrated in the series, except when she returns from her enlarged state to her normal size.
* Elasti-Girl (alongside Doom Patrol members [[Chief (comics)|Chief]], [[Negative Man]], and [[Robotman (Cliff Steele)|Robotman]]) appears in the ''[[Batman: The Brave and the Bold]]'' episode "The Last Patrol", voiced by [[Olivia d'Abo]]. In this version, she has become very fat and is wallowing in self-pity due to the accident in Paris that broke up the Doom Patrol. She was even shown doing that at a party she held at her sea-side mansion when the Mutant Master and his minions attacked. When Batman and Chief arrived, they manage to convince Elasti-Girl to rejoin and fend off Mutant Master. She rapidly loses weight before doing so. In a recreation of the original ''Doom Patrol'' series' finale, she and her teammates later sacrifice their lives to stop General Zahl from detonating explosives planted on the island of a small fishing village.
* Rita Farr appears very briefly in the ''[[Young Justice (TV series)|Young Justice]]'' episode "Image". Her name was seen in the credits for a fictional television sitcom called "Hello Megan" that starred a teenage Marie Logan (mother of [[Beast Boy|Garfield Logan]]). She later appears as Elasti-Woman in the [[Young Justice: Outsiders|third season]] of ''[[Young Justice (TV series)|Young Justice]]'', voiced by [[Hynden Walch]].
⚫
* Elasti-Girl appeared in the "Doom Patrol" segments of ''[[DC Nation Shorts]]'', voiced by [[Kari Wahlgren]].
⚫
* Elasti-Girl appears in ''[[Teen Titans Go! (TV series)|Teen Titans Go!]]'', voiced by [[Cree Summer]].


==References==
==References==
{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}


==External links==
* [http://dc.wikia.com/wiki/Rita_Farr_(New_Earth) Elast-Girl] at DC Comics Wiki
* [https://comicvine.gamespot.com/elasti-girl/4005-4088/ Elasti-Girl] at Comic Vine


{{Doom Patrol}}
{{Doom Patrol}}
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[[Category:Comics characters introduced in 1963]]
[[Category:Comics characters introduced in 1963]]
[[Category:DC Comics American superheroes]]
[[Category:DC Comics American superheroes]]
[[Category:DC Comics characters with accelerated healing]]
[[Category:DC Comics characters with superhuman strength]]
[[Category:DC Comics characters with superhuman strength]]
[[Category:DC Comics female superheroes]]
[[Category:DC Comics female superheroes]]
[[Category:DC Comics metahumans]]
[[Category:DC Comics metahumans]]
[[Category:DC Comics shapeshifters]]
[[Category:Doom Patrol]]
[[Category:Doom Patrol]]
[[Category:Fictional actors]]
[[Category:Fictional actors]]
[[Category:Fictional characters who can change size]]
[[Category:Fictional characters who can change size]]
[[Category:Fictional characters who can stretch themselves]]
[[Category:Fictional characters who can stretch themselves]]
[[Category:Fictional competitive swimmers]]
[[Category:Fictional giants]]
[[Category:Fictional giants]]

Latest revision as of 04:38, 11 December 2024

For the Pixar character, see Elastigirl.
Elasti-Girl
Elasti-Girl, as she appeared on the cover of Doom Patrol #90 (September 1964), art by Bob Brown.
Publication information
PublisherDC Comics
First appearanceMy Greatest Adventure #80 (June 1963)
Created byArnold Drake
Bruno Premiani
In-story information
Alter egoRita Farr Dayton
SpeciesMetahuman
Team affiliationsDoom Patrol
Notable aliasesElasti-Woman
Abilities

Elasti-Girl (also known as Elasti-Woman) is a superheroine appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics, primarily as a member of the Doom Patrol.[1] Created by writer Arnold Drake and artist Bruno Premiani, the character first appeared in My Greatest Adventure #80 (June 1963).

Elasti-Girl has appeared in numerous cartoon television shows and films. She made her first live-action appearance on the DC Universe and Max series Titans, played by April Bowlby, who reprised the role for the series Doom Patrol.

Publication history

[edit]

Elasti-Girl was created by Arnold Drake and Bruno Premiani. She first appeared in My Greatest Adventure #80 (June 1963).[2] According to Drake, the issue's co-writer Bob Haney was not brought on to the project until after Elasti-Girl was created.[3]

Fictional character biography

[edit]

Rita Farr is an Olympic swimming gold medalist turned Hollywood actress[4] who is exposed to unusual volcanic gases while shooting a film in Africa. When Farr recovers, she discovers that she can expand or shrink her body at will—from hundreds of feet tall to mere inches in height.[5] When she gains greater control of her powers, she discovers that she can enlarge one limb at a time.[1]

Although not physically disfigured, Rita initially has no control over her powers, is considered a freak and a menace, and becomes a recluse, leaving her Hollywood career in ruins.[6] However, Rita is approached by Niles Caulder (also known as the Chief) who offers her a place among fellow "freaks" attempting to use their powers for good. As Elasti-Girl, she joins Caulder's team, the Doom Patrol.[7] Rita falls in love with, and marries, Steve Dayton, the hero Mento.[8] Later on, the two adopt Garfield Logan, who becomes Beast Boy.[1]

In the JLA: Year One storyline, Martian Manhunter tells Rita that he was something of a fan of her "chiller pictures" and that he was disappointed that she did not continue making films. Flattered, she kisses him on the cheek and later tells him that she has met Sigourney Weaver and that she is sure he would approve of her.

The Doom Patrol later sacrifice themselves to stop the Brotherhood of Evil from destroying a small New England fishing village. It is later revealed that several members of the team cheated death, though Elasti-Girl remained "dead" until Infinite Crisis.[1]

"Infinite Crisis"

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In John Byrne's Doom Patrol run, Elasti-Girl and the Doom Patrol are resurrected due to Superboy-Prime disrupting the barrier of reality. The Patrol members retain no memories of their previous lives until Prime breaks the Phantom Zone barrier during his battle with the Teen Titans. At that moment, their minds discern visions of the previous Doom Patrols, and Rita remembers everything—her family and death.

Rita appears in Infinite Crisis as one of the many heroes defending the city of Metropolis from the army calling themselves the Secret Society of Super Villains. She personally battles the giant villain Giganta.

Rita makes a cameo in issue #50 of the 2006-07 series 52, fighting Black Adam next to the Leaning Tower of Pisa.

Infinite Crisis ultimately retconned Byrne's reboot out of continuity.

One Year Later

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Following the "One Year Later" storyline, the Doom Patrol changes considerably, losing several members and gaining Beast Boy, Bumblebee and Vox.[9]

Rita is resurrected once more by the Chief salvaging a piece of her skull and using his technology to regrow her body. Consequently, Elasti-Girl is docile and is reluctant to question the Chief. The Chief hints that her malleable form hampers her thinking abilities, leading to her lack of personal initiative which makes her dependent on Caulder. As he observes her interaction with the Chief, Robin suspects that the Chief has brainwashed Rita and the other Patrol members. Rita's husband, Mento, is under the control of his Mento-helmet and believes that his wife would never love him without it.

Following their battle against the Brotherhood, the Titans and the Doom Patrol witness the Chief working to convince Kid Devil that he is a freak and that the Titans actually dislike him. This pushes the teams to confront the Chief: Mento finally removes his helmet and pointedly tells the Chief that he is no longer the leader of the Patrol and if he ever again insults his wife and son, he will use his powers to destroy the Chief's intellect. Rita firmly stands behind her husband, breaking out of the Chief's control.

In the most recent Doom Patrol series, Rita changed her codename to "Elasti-Woman".[10] It was revealed that when the Chief regrew her he did so using protoplasm to eliminate "weaknesses" such as bones and internal organs and therefore Rita is no longer human. When she sleeps, Rita loses her human shape and reverts to a puddle of goo, having to reshape herself daily.

Powers and abilities

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Rita has the ability to expand and shrink her body. Her powers of expansion allow her to become as large as a skyscraper. She has the ability to shrink to mere inches (during one adventure, she was exposed to a gas that caused her to reduce to a microscopic scale and enter a sub-atomic universe; that experience has not been repeated). Rita can selectively shrink or expand parts of her body. As depicted in John Byrne's Doom Patrol (retconned out of existence), Elasti-Girl could change the size of objects and people by touching them; when she'd release them, they'd revert to their normal size. Because of her protoplasmic physiology, Rita can regenerate any part of her body. She can reconstruct a half-blown-off face or a torn leg and regrow severed limbs.

In Doom Patrol #95 (May 1965), Elasti-Girl swaps powers with Negative Man to become Negative Girl.

Other versions

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In Teen Titans: Earth One, Rita Markov of STAR Labs is the mother of Tara Markov.[11]

Reception

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Elasti-Girl was ranked 88th in Comics Buyer's Guide's "100 Sexiest Women in Comics" list.[12]

In other media

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  • Elasti-Girl appears in the Teen Titans two-part episode "Homecoming", voiced by Tara Strong.[13]
  • Elasti-Girl appears in the Batman: The Brave and the Bold episode "The Last Patrol!", voiced by Olivia d'Abo.[13] Following a failed mission and the Doom Patrol disbanding, this version wallowed in self-pity until the Doom Patrol's enemies form an alliance to seek revenge. She joins forces with Batman and her former teammates to stop them before the Doom Patrol sacrifice themselves to save a town being threatened by the villains.
  • Elasti-Girl appears in the "Doom Patrol" segment of DC Nation Shorts, voiced by Kari Wahlgren.
  • Elasti-Girl appears in Teen Titans Go!, voiced by Cree Summer.[13] This version is an African-American who the Chief fused with clay so she could gain acting roles outside of the B-list films she previously worked in.
  • Rita Farr appears in the Titans episode "Doom Patrol", portrayed by April Bowlby.
  • Elasti-Woman appears in the Young Justice episode "Nightmare Monkeys", voiced by Hynden Walch.[13] This version starred in the fictional sitcom Hello, Megan! and was Beast Boy's godmother before she and most of the Doom Patrol were killed while on a mission years prior to the series.
  • Rita Farr / Elasti-Woman appears in Doom Patrol, portrayed again by April Bowlby as an adult and by Lana Jean Turner as a child.[14]

References

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  1. ^ a b c d Jimenez, Phil (2008). "Elasti-Girl". In Dougall, Alastair (ed.). The DC Comics Encyclopedia. New York: Dorling Kindersley. p. 113. ISBN 978-0-7566-4119-1. OCLC 213309017.
  2. ^ 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. 100. ISBN 978-1-4654-5357-0.
  3. ^ Browning, Michael (July 2013). "The Doom Patrol Interviews: Arnold Drake". Back Issue! (#65). Raleigh, North Carolina: TwoMorrows Publishing: 38–41.
  4. ^ Drake, Arnold (w), Premiani, Bruno (a). "The Doom Patrol" My Greatest Adventure, no. 80, p. 3/1 (June 1963). DC Comics.
  5. ^ Wells, John (2015). American Comic Book Chronicles: 1960-64. TwoMorrows Publishing. p. 129. ISBN 978-1605490458.
  6. ^ Drake, Arnold (w), Premiani, Bruno (a). "The Doom Patrol" My Greatest Adventure, no. 80, p. 5/3 (June 1963). DC Comics.
  7. ^ 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.
  8. ^ Cowsill, Alan; Irvine, Alex; Manning, Matthew K.; McAvennie, Michael; Wallace, Daniel (2019). DC Comics Year By Year: A Visual Chronicle. DK Publishing. p. 113. ISBN 978-1-4654-8578-6.
  9. ^ Teen Titans (vol. 3) #36 (July 2006)
  10. ^ Doom Patrol (vol. 5) #1 (October 2009)
  11. ^ Teen Titans: Earth One #2
  12. ^ Frankenhoff, Brent (2011). Comics Buyer's Guide Presents: 100 Sexiest Women in Comics. Krause Publications. p. 55. ISBN 978-1-4402-2988-6.
  13. ^ a b c d "Elasti-Girl Voices (DC Universe)". Behind The Voice Actors. Retrieved March 31, 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.
  14. ^ Andreeva, Nellie (July 13, 2018). "Doom Patrol: April Bowlby To Play Elasti-Woman In DC Universe Live-Action Series". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved July 13, 2018.
  15. ^ 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.


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