Clayface is one of the most tragic and truly accidental Batman villains. Also, in the comic books, there is not just one Clayface. There are like eight Clayface characters in DC Comics; most casual readers and adapted media fans know about the first two, Basil Karlo and Matt Hagen. The upcoming Clayface film is based on the Matt Hagen character, although Basil Karlo’s personality is also utilized. Any Batman story featuring Clayface is usually poignant, tragic, and garners sympathy for Clayface.
The modern Clayface, the one most people know about, is an actor who changes into a clay monster after exposure to chemicals. Clayface is usually seen as narcissistic, egotistical, and wanting adoration from the public as an actor. He fails miserably and faces crushing humiliation. Turning into a clay monster helps Clayface selfishly and egotitically lash out against the world and deflect from his own failings as a human being.
