Written by Neal Adams
Art by Neal Adams & Clem Robins
Cover by Neal Adams
SUMMARY:
Released by DC Comics, Deadman’s 2017-18 mini-series is reprinted in this 168-page collection. Boston “Deadman” Brand might finally gain justice vs. the shadowy group that orchestrated his murder years before. Evidently, the series sub-title is: “Still Dead … After All These Years!”
In Japan, Deadman & Batman thwart an assassination attempt on Commissioner Gordon, who is a temporary U.S. ambassador inspecting Japanese nuclear sites. Deadman encounters the assassin Hook and a ghostly Sensei, both of whom contributed to Brand’s assassination.
The Spectre, Phantom Stranger, and Etrigan the Demon become involved, as the trail leads Deadman to a family reunion at the circus he once starred in. Borrowing his twin brother Cleveland’s body, Deadman learns some shockers from their parents, including that his brother Aaron and sister Zeea disappeared long ago.
With the Spectre’s aid, Deadman uncovers his own family’s involvement with Ra’s Al Ghul and his League of Assassins. Etrigan is violently rebuffed trying to rescue Aaron Brand from Al Ghul’s minions. Seeking answers, Deadman’s gambit returns him to mystical Nanda Parbat. In an extended Himalayan battle, Deadman relies on Zatanna Zatara; Doctor Fate; the Spectre; Taj Ze the samurai; and Etrigan at his side vs. mutants, monsters, zombies, and robots. Deadman explores some weird possibilities, including whether or not he’s really a ghost.
REVIEW:
As a writer-artist, Neal Adams is known for decades of phenomenal work in the comics industry, i.e. for Batman. In this instance, however, Adams’ visual talents far exceed his inexplicably muddled storyline. First up is Deadman’s trademark body-hopping, which contributes to a chaotic read.
Other oddities include: since when is James Gordon a designated expert in inspecting foreign nuclear facilities? Or why is the Spectre seemingly so out-of-character? Or why is Etrigan’s assault by the League of Assassins strangely dropped, so Etrigan is at Deadman’s side for the Himalayan battle? Or why is Batman deceptively advertised for the last segment when he isn’t involved? The list goes go on and on.
As fair warning, this last chapter is the book’s worst segment since Adams doesn’t resolve any pertinent loose ends. Exceedingly patient readers will be disappointed by an unsatisfactory finish. Despite Deadman’s sub-par scripting, Adams appears at top of his game in terms of its artwork.
If Adams had added an insightful introduction or afterword, it might have offset his bewildering one-man show. Short of an infuriated Deadman unambiguously telling off Batman, the Spectre, and a few others at regular intervals that they “suck,” Adams exerts too little effort to fix his storyline’s incoherent twists. It’s a shame that long-time Deadman fans will likely find this storyline a squandered read.
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
All seven full-page covers (including a Deadman # 1 variant) by Adams are included. Also, eight full pages of his pencil sketches (specifically: pages 1, 5-6, 8, 12, 14 20, and 22) from the first issue are part of this package. Character images help decorate the separation of chapters.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 4 Stars
