Ralph Dibny (New Earth)

DC

Real Name: Ralph Dibny
Nicknames: No known nicknames
Former Aliases: No known former aliases
Other Current Aliases: No other known current aliases

Status

Occupation: detective, adventurer
Legal Status: Legal status unknown
Identity: Public
Marital Status: Widower
Group Affiliation: formerly Justice League of America, Justice League Europe
Base of Operations: Central City

Origin

Origin of character unknown.

Place of Birth: Place of birth unknown
Known Relatives: Sue Dibny (wife, deceased) Ken (brother), Jake (uncle), Jim (uncle-in-law)
First Appearance: Flash (1st series) #112 (April-May, 1960)

History

Ralph Dibny grew up in Waymore, Nebraska, dreaming of fame and forture of the big city. He would do anything to get attention, always a showoff and a prankster.

He was fascinated by the "india-rubber men" that he saw at carnival side shows. Curious about their powers of contortion, Ralph discovered that they all drank Gingold, a soft drink containing gingo, a rare fruit from the Yucatán to which most people are severely allergic. He distilled the raw essence of the gingo fruit, and lo and behold, he had the powers to stretch his body.

Moving to Central City and creating a costume for himself, he became Elongated Man. He had to continue drinking the gingo extract every few days to maintain his power. In Central City, Ralph became good friends with Barry Allen, the second Flash. Although not formally trained, Ralph became an amazing detective.

Ralph soon became rich and famous from publicity appearances nationwide. During one of these stunts, he met and fell in love with Sue Dearborn. They were later married.

Ralph and Sue began to tour the world, solving mysteries wherever they went, and finally settling down when Ralph joined the Justice League.

Ralph helped Mason Trollbridge find Wally when he was taken hostage by the Turtle. The two of them didn't get along too well, but after Connie Noleski helped them capture Mr. Steddy and Mr. Sloe, two of the Turtle's henchmen, Ralph contorted his appearances to look like Steddy, and dragging Mason along with him, took them to the Turtle's lair.

Characteristics

Height: 6'1"
Weight: 178 lbs (xxx kg)
Eyes: blue
Hair: red
Unusual Features: No unusual features

Powers

Known Powers: Elongated Man is able to stretch and shape his body, although not to the degree of Plastic Man.
Known Abilities: Ralph Dibny is an excellent detective specializing in deductive reasoning. He also has some understanding of chemistry.
Strength Level: Strength level unknown

Miscellaneous

Equipment: 'Stretch-nylon' costume.
Transportation: No known transportation.
Weapons: No known weapons.

Notes

No special notes.

Trivia

External Links

References

Flash (2nd series) #35 (February, 1990)
Flash #69 (October, 1992)
Flash #87 (February, 1994)
The Life Story of the Flash
Who's Who in the DC Universe #7 (February, 1991)