Ragman - Who's Who in the DCU!

In the last month of 1984, DC began publishing a series known as "Who's Who". This series cataloged each and every character, team and home base in the DC Universe. Now I don't pretend to be an expert on the series, especially seeing as how I just bought the whole original series at the most recent Austin Comic Con.

So really the only way you're going to learn anything at all about the series is by reading the Wikipedia entry online about the series. Typically I think Wikipedia entry's of almost any kind are something to avoid as they can sometimes contain false information. But something this basic is pretty much just an information dump. Plus it lists all of the other "Who's Who" updates and other related material.

Although I can also understand if you don't want a straight on information dump so perhaps it's better instead if you just listen to an awesome podcast for the information you want. Don't worry, you don't have to go searching for one on your own, I've got one FOR you! Shag of FirestormFan.com and Rob of AquamanShrine.com have joined forces to bring you "Who's Who: The Definitive Podcast of the DC Universe." Now the show is part and parcel with the "Fire and Water Podcast" that the guys do regularly so if you're just in it for the Who's Who knowledge, then find the main show on iTunes and just download the specific Who's Who episodes you want. Although I'll make a point to say that you should absolutely take the time to listen to the main show as well.

There, now that that's covered, OFF TO THE RACES!

Even though I've already done two entry's for this blog, I've always wanted to make THIS post my first one. The way things worked out though, it just didn't shake out that way. First things first, I am in NO way, shape or form an expert on Ragman. I don't currently own every appearance (but I will) and I have not yet read all of the issues I DO own. But what I DO have is a passion for the character and, considering the current level of his popularity, I think he deserves far better than what he has. Hence the blog. So I don't claim to be an expert, but I WILL try to make this one of the most definitive stops on the Internet for Ragman information. I hope I can do that for you.

First stop though if there is going to be any MUST be a "Who's Who" entry. Ragman was created in 1976 by Robert Kanigher and Joe Kubert. In the original five issue series, Ragman did NOT possess any sort of "soul purgatory" powers within his suit. It was merely a suit Rory Regan used to cover himself up as he fought crime. All of that changed in 1991. But that's neither here nor there. After his initial 5 issue series, Ragman popped up here and there a couple of times but didn't really play much of a part in the DCU. Then 'Crisis on Infinite Earths' hit. Who's Who ran alongside Crisis as it came out. It was AFTER Crisis that everything changed for Ragmans background.

Now, there's a lot more background information I could have just given you right there but I'd have to hop ahead and cover those issues in order to do it. I'm not going to do that. Each Ragman appearance will be reviewed on this blog so we'll get there in due time folks. But I mentioned all of that briefly just to explain to our dedicated Ragman fans why this issues entry on Ragman might be confusing to you, particularly the section that says Ragman HAS no powers. Because he didn't, at THAT time...

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Note the GORGEOUS work by Joe Kubert. The man wasn't splendid at Superheroes but I think Joe loved the idea of Ragman just enough to really put his effort into drawing him.

So that's Ragmans entry in "Who's Who". If you're interested in picking up the series, I'd definitely check out your LCS (local comic shop). If you don't have one around, check eBay. This series isn't all that sought after. Not because its not good, but because it just doesn't have any sort of collectability to it right now. You can absolutely find it for cheap.

But, before we wrap up, I've got to make sure this post is as definitive as I can get it. So, for your viewing pleasure, here is the BEAUTIFUL cover for "Who's Who XIX" by the incomparable Ernie Colon...

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Thanks for reading! Be sure to comment, share and follow!

Hmmm, I really should come up with a name for fans of Ragman and this blog. What do you guys think of "Rag's & Tatters" or just "Tatters"? Anyone got something better? Post it below!