Among comic book characters, Batman boasts an impressive collection of notorious villains, such as the Joker, Penguin, Catwoman, and Bane – all human adversaries. However, one of Batman’s unusual super-powered enemies is Clayface, who typically exhibits the unique ability to transform into various shapes. This shape-shifting capacity distinguishes him from Batman’s usually earthbound universe, which might explain why he has never had a steadfast alter ego defined.
Over the span of eight thrilling decades, no fewer than eight different adversaries have assumed the moniker ‘Clayface’ in their encounters with Gotham City’s iconic vigilante, Batman. Yet, what makes these seemingly disparate characters intriguing is their uncanny shared abilities – a lore that sets Clayface apart among the rogues gallery of this superhero, who’s no stranger to fiends like Two-Face and the Riddler.
Originally known for his more gruesome origins, Clayface typically falls into Batman’s category of monstrous villains. Despite being a long-standing member of the Dark Knight’s rogues gallery, other characters often garner more attention. Nevertheless, Clayface has immense potential to be a captivating character in any horror-themed Batman narrative. It appears that DC Studios co-head James Gunn shares this sentiment, as a live-action solo Clayface movie is currently being developed for the DCU. This article has been revised to offer an overview of the progression of the Clayface horror film’s production.
Basil Karlo Is the Original Clayface
As the First Clayface in Batman’s Mythos, Karlo Has Bearing on the Others
Initially introduced in Detective Comics issue #40 by Bob Kane and Bill Finger, the original Clayface is Basil Karlo, a washed-up actor seeking revenge after Hollywood decides to remake one of his old movies. Since his debut, Clayface has been known for being defeated by Batman and Robin during his appearances in the Golden and Silver Ages. However, following the events of Crisis, Basil Karlo joined forces with several other Clayfaces in a group called the Mud Pack.
Initially, he only had the ability to wear a mask. Later, after coming into contact with the DNA of his fellow characters, he developed the power to transform into different shapes, similar to the various Clayfaces in DC Comics. Throughout this period, he became known as the primary wielder of this identity. During the start of the DC Rebirth era, this particular Clayface started collaborating with other characters.
Matt Hagen Is the First Clayface With Shapeshifting Abilities
A Radioactive Pool Kept Hagen’s Powers Alive
As Matt Hagen, I was just your average gamer, until a fateful day in a radioactive pool of protoplasm turned me into the second Clayface. In the pages of Detective Comics #298, written by Bill Finger and Sheldon Moldoff, my life took a drastic turn. Now, I possess the extraordinary ability to shapeshift, transforming into anything or anyone I desire. However, to keep these powers active, I must return to that very pool and submerge myself once more.
As a devoted fan, I seize any opportunity that arises from an enemy’s vulnerability, just like Batman exploiting Clayface’s weakness to vanquish villains. In the Silver Age, Clayface often teamed up with the likes of Brainiac and caused chaos for Jimmy Olsen and Lois Lane, but Hagen made his frequent appearances. Tragically, Hagen met his demise during the epic event known as Crisis on Infinite Earths, at the hands of Shadow Demons. However, in Post-Crisis history, there’s a hint that Hagen lived on, though his membership in the Mud Pack is posthumous, with Karlo only managing to gather a fraction of his remains.
Hagen Appeared In Batman: The Animated Series
The Animated Version Has a Mixed Origin in the Wider DC Canon
Incidentally, Hagen is featured in several episodes of “ “, signifying one of the character’s notable appearances in animated form. Equipped with shapeshifting abilities, Clayface proves to be an engaging adversary for The Dark Knight, who employs science and deception to counter powers that appear magical at first glance. Notably, the Clayface portrayed here differs from the Matt Hagen character as developed in the comics.
In a nutshell, instead of Hagen being a real-life adventurer discovering radioactive pools, he is portrayed as an actor using anti-aging cream to hide wrinkles. This backstory resembles that of Karlo. However, in “The Animated Series,” aged Hagen becomes a shapeshifter after encountering trouble with the cream’s manufacturer, Roland Daggett. While this version of Hagen is distinct enough to be considered the third Clayface, it’s worth noting the differences since it is one of the most well-written iterations.
Preston Payne Is the Bronze Age Clayface
His Acidic Skin Must Be Held Together With An Exoskeleton
Preston Payne debuted as the initial Bronze Age version of Clayface (the third overall), making an appearance in Detective Comics issue #477, penned by Len Wein and Marshall Rogers. As a researcher at S.T.A.R. Labs seeking a cure for his hyperpituitarism, his encounter with Hagen’s metamorphic DNA bestowed him with similar abilities. The unique aspect of Preston is that he has an inherent acidity, causing his skin to perpetually dissolve.
Unfortunately, Preston’s clay figure must be supported by an external structure, an exoskeleton. His existence is rather complex as he prolongs it by transferring his spirit to others, causing them to disintegrate. Eventually, he is apprehended and confined in Arkham Asylum, but manages to flee with his successor, Sondra, at a later time. After some period, the two produce a child together.
Sondra Fuller Is the Fourth Clay Face
AKA Lady Clay, This Take on Clayface Formed the Mud Pack
In comic book series Outsiders #21, character Sondra Fuller is introduced as the potential successor to Clayface or Lady Clay. Originating from the minds of Mike W. Barr and Jim Aparo, Fuller is a Kobra agent who underwent unique surgeries that bestowed her with powers similar to Hagen’s, sans the dependency on radioactive pools for sustenance. In addition to her standard shape-shifting abilities, she possesses an extraordinary talent – she can mimic the skills and talents of those she transforms into.
In the DC Rebirth comic book series, Lady Clay, a character who emerged from an unauthorized government experiment designed to create metahumans, teams up with other Clayface characters and ultimately develops feelings for Preston Payne, her predecessor. This revised origin story is currently under question as to whether it remains canonical, but in the comic book series “Gotham City Monsters,” Lady Clay is one of the main characters.
Cassius Payne Is the Child of Two Previous Clayfaces
Sondra Fuller and Preston Payne Gave Gotham City Cassius
Cassius “Clay” Payne, offspring of Preston Payne and Sondra Fuller, was first introduced in Batman #550 by Doug Moench and Kelley Jones. His unique trait is that he possesses an amplified version of his parents’ abilities. If a fragment of him separates for an extended period, it can transform into a self-governing entity. Moreover, this detached piece can merge with others, granting them similar powers and turning them into Clay creations, or Claythings.
Nevertheless, a Claything possesses limitations in its capabilities. It’s capable of independent thought, albeit not particularly effectively, often in distorted or unstable forms reflecting Clayface’s desires. Unfortunately for Cassius Payne, employing his powers brings him intense discomfort. Noteworthy is the fact that Cassius Payne is the sole “genuine” Clayface, as he is the only one who was born with his metahuman abilities.
Peter Malley Is the Clayface Gorgon
The Sixth Clayface Doesn’t Last Long
In the comic book Batman issue 550, Cassius Payne’s most famous creation merges with Doctor Peter Malley. It is revealed that his powers bear a striking resemblance to those of Preston Payne. Much like a grotesque gorgon, he possesses the ability to liquefy objects merely by gazing at them.
As a devoted fan, I must say, though this Clayface can soften and bend to take bullets, it doesn’t last nearly as long compared to its counterparts. D.E.O. agent Cameron Chase manages to manipulate his powers against him, leaving behind just fragments of the once-mutated scientist. These remnants are then preserved in cold storage.
Todd Russell Is the Darkest Version of Clayface
The Seventh Version of Clayface Is Part of Catwoman Lore
First introduced in Ed Brubaker and Darwyn Cooke’s Catwoman #1, Todd Russell emerges as one of the bleakest portrayals of Clayface. Not much is known about his past, but it is speculated that he served in the military before sustaining injuries which led to his subsequent experimentation by the government, potentially at the hands of the Department of Extranormal Operations (D.E.O.). Over a period of up to two years, with his memory erased, Todd was subjected to these experiments.
Following his getaway from the lab that bestowed his powers upon him, Russell embarks on a lethal rampage across Gotham City’s East End. He manipulates his chameleonic skills to entice his victims (often prostitutes) towards their doom. For a spell, Clayface collaborated with Catwoman in an attempt to vanquish Hugo Strange’s criminal network. Once triumphant, Catwoman stored his head in the refrigerator.
Johnny Williams is DC’s Most Tragic Clayface
Originally a Pawn of Hush, He Eventually Helps Batman
In issue #60 of the 2005 comic series “Batman: Gotham Knights,” written by A.J. Lieberman and Javier Pina, a character named Johnny Williams is introduced. He’s a firefighter who unfortunately turns into a new Clayface after being exposed to chemicals in an explosion. Overwhelmed by his situation, Williams is exploited by a vengeful individual who seeks to torment Batman. This villain makes Williams impersonate both the manipulator’s own alter ego and Jason Todd, with the aim of unsettling Batman.
Alongside his usual shapeshifting powers, Williams can contaminate Alfred with a virus that forces him to commit murder. However, as the ex-firefighter comes to understand that Hush won’t aid him in regaining his humanity, he decides to act. He treats Alfred and clears his name of the murder charge. In the end, he succumbs to death while working with Batman to bring down Hush.
Clayface Is Primed for a DCU Horror Movie
Acclaimed Horror Filmmaker Mike Flanagan Is Tied to the Batman Spin-off
Fans are still anxiously looking forward to the next installment, but it appears that Clayface is already set for a live-action debut within DC’s expanded cinematic universe, tentatively titled Clayface. This live-action movie in the DC Universe is currently scheduled for release in 2026. DC Studios officially gave the project the go-ahead in December 2024, hinting at a long-term development process. Renowned horror director Mike Flanagan (known for works like The Haunting of Hill House, Doctor Sleep, and Midnight Mass) has shown interest in crafting a melancholic horror film featuring Clayface as early as 2021.
The project was stalled for a while, but then DC Studios took it up towards the end of last year from his initial screenplay proposal for the film. As of now, Flanagan is only contracted to write the first script due to his commitments with an upcoming Exorcist reboot and Carrie TV series on Amazon Prime Video. Later, James Watkins, director of Speak No Evil, was appointed to direct Clayface by DC Studios. More recently, Drive writer Hossein Amini joined the team in May to work on script revisions for upcoming drafts. It remains undecided how much of Flanagan’s original screenplay will be incorporated into Amini’s future drafts and Watkins’ directorial vision.
In a recent interview, Flanagan shared that the “Feat of Clay” episodes from Batman: The Animated Series served as his writing inspiration. He specifically pointed out these double-feature episodes for their portrayal of Matt Hagen’s origins within the DCAU (DC Animated Universe). This two-part story is considered one of the series’ top narrative arcs, featuring themes such as body horror, tragedy, and corporate malevolence that shaped Hagen’s Clayface character. In this rendition, elements from Basil Karlo’s backstory as a former actor are incorporated, but with an added layer of tragic depth to Clayface.
In a different phrasing: Due to an accident leaving him disfigured, he finds employment hard to come by. This predicament eventually leads him down a dangerous path, becoming addicted to a hazardous chemical that allows him to reshape his facial features at will. Business tycoon and antagonist Roland Daggett exploits this addiction for his own gain, aiming to seize control of Wayne Enterprises. This narrative could serve as valuable inspiration for the standalone Clayface movie within the DC Universe. It provides a versatile base that can either portray the character as an antihero or a villain in live-action. Regardless of the final outcome, this film offers an opportunity to enrich the DCU by showcasing lesser-known aspects of the comic book world through various cinematic genres.
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2025-06-11 02:05