The Enduring Joke: The Mysterious Pieman in DC Comics
In the rich and complex landscape of DC Comics, there are numerous running jokes and Easter eggs that have become a beloved part of the comic book tradition. One of the most intriguing and enduring of these is the mysterious pieman from the Suicide Squad. This recurring gag has spanned over a decade of storytelling and continues to delight fans with its clever twists and continued relevance.
The Humorous Beginnings
Back in the 1950s, when comic books were subject to the Comics Code Authority, the writers started to sneak in unconventional jokes that could pass scrutiny. One such example is the introduction of Dick Grayson as a ward of Bruce Wayne. A particularly memorable snippet is a panel from DC Comics where we see two single beds pushed together with pajamas on. While harmless, these small jokes were a clever way for writers to add humor and depth to the story without drawing attention to their unconventional nature.
The Pieman: A Growing Tradition
The Mysterious Pieman from the Suicide Squad is a legendary joke that starts in Issue 21 and extends through Issue 37. This ongoing joke has spanned over three trade paperbacks, making it a significant part of the Suicide Squad lore.
The tradition begins with Amanda Waller, the squad's leader, getting pied in the face. It seems like a straightforward case, but Digger Harkness, another member of the squad, gets pied on the same day. Every subsequent issue features a new victim, from Nemesis, Tom Tresser, Vixen and Bronze Tiger, to Lois Lane herself. The gag even reaches its peak when Major Victory is pied, leading to the squad leader, Murph, investigate the culprit.
The Revelation and Continuing Tradition
The identity of the pieman remains a mystery until Issue 37. It turns out to be Captain Boomerang, who uses a pie-boomerang to avoid suspicion. His clever tactic was successful at the time, but it didn't stop the tradition. In fact, it only reignited when Murph, in a rather meta move, pied Amanda Waller. This act of continuing the gag cemented its status as a beloved and enduring part of the Suicide Squad storyline.
Conclusion
The Mysterious Pieman is not just a simple joke; it's a testament to the creativity and wit of DC Comics writers. While the story of the suicide squad revolves around the high-stakes missions and complex characters, the persistent tradition of getting pied on a regular basis provides a light and humorous counterbalance, ensuring that fans are always looking forward to the next issue. The Mysterious Pieman remains a unique and enjoyable aspect of the Suicide Squad's history, making it one of the most enduring jokes in the DC Comics universe.