Loose Cannon from DC Comics is a character not many comics fans are aware of. But for some reason, this Incredible Hulk copy gets a few creatives’ attention. Despite the campaign he was a part of being a failure, he got a few reboots and a reintroduction. Again though, why? That’s what we’re here to find out.
If you like this content please consider subscribing to my Linktree.
Loose Cannon of Bloodlines
Eddie Walker was one of the many new characters in DC’s attempts to renew interest in the 90s speculator market. This Bloodlines campaign revolves around people getting super powers after parasitic aliens try to drink their victims spinal fluids. These New Bloods were supposed to bring in a new audience; particularly the road rage, grunge, and dressing down audience. There was also a hint of raunchy comedy but the only one that did that well was Garth Ennis‘ Hitman. 
As for Loose Cannon, he was one of the more serious characters created by Jeph Loeb. Eddie used to be a homicide detective known for his recklessness. Eventually that style of policing got him into a terrible accident, putting him in crutches. Stuck at a desk job, he started to become depressed and was ready to commit suicide. Thankfully Superman supporting cop, Maggie Sawyer convinces him to take one more case before calling it quits. This leads Eddie to one of the aliens who does the dirty deed on him, accidentally awakening his Meta-Gene. Eddie’s superpower allows his to walk again in addition to a color changing, super strong physique the madder he gets. This allows him to help fight off the shapeshifting parasites with the other New Bloods.
The Fate of the New Bloods
Ultimately most of these New Bloods couldn’t find an audience with only 3 of them getting their own solo titles. Loose Cannon’s four issue miniseries by Loeb doesn’t stir up much interest. It certainly wasn’t a bad one thanks to the presentation by Adam Pollina. Some Gutternaut readers might recognize that name from Bad Idea’s Pyrate Queen and more. But the series was tied up in a lot of the trends of the era: bad attitudes, excessive actions, tonal whiplash, and just plain stupid conflicts. Unlike Gunfire and Hitman which either stayed consistent or didn’t take itself too seriously. Others like Argus and Sparx found more success as guest characters in other series.
Which is more than enough as most of the New Bloods were either reduced to jokes or killed off. Among the survivors are Gunfire, Argus, Sparx, and Loose Cannon. …And Pax but nobody really cares about this alien shaman. As for Hitman, he didn’t die like everybody else, keeping his dignity in the process.
Revival of The New Bloods
Despite the failure of the New Bloods, there were still attempts at bringing them back. While Freight Train and a new parasite came and went, DC’s New 52 initiative introduced two Loose Cannons. The first was a villain infiltrating the Teen Titans looking for new members. The next was a teenager in a mini-series about revamped New Bloods trying to regain control of their bodies and minds. Both of which never caught on due to the teen angst fueled pessimism.
Later the proper Eddie Walker turns up in back-up issues of Superman. He along with other obscure Metropolis heroes are recruited by Jimmy Olsen to tackle problems that didn’t require the Man of Steel. It seems that between the bars and superhero databasing, Eddie took a level in maturity. As when the newest Gangbuster was about to really hurt someone, Loose Cannon stepped in. But then he got controlled by the supervillain Projectress. Thankfully he got rescued after another character learned self-control.
Why A Loose Cannon?
I think that’s why people keep Loose Cannon around. Unlike the rest of the New Bloods, Eddie actually has a character arc. Hitman certainly has his appeal, basically Garth Ennis and John McCrea reveling in the absurd raunchiness that most superheroes won’t touch. Including mocking Gunfire who despite having the second most successful series, has a power concept that was never used to its full dramatic effect. Compared to Eddie who in a few stories goes through a lot of reflection to get a handle on himself.
Sure, most of the development happens off-screen, but becoming a foil is proof that he’s not a one-trick pony. Loose Cannon has a lot of potential to use in stories. Because the battle for self-control is universal.
Thanks for coming to the end and as always remember to look between the panels.