Written by Steve Vance
Art by Jim Aparo; Rick Burchett; Kurt Hathaway; Tom McCraw; & Digital Chameleon
Cover Art by Jose Luis Garcia López; Kevin Nowlan; & Dave Stewart
SUMMARY:
Entitled “Dead Loss,” the second issue of this five-part mini-series was released by DC Comics for October 2001. Decrepit sorcerer Darius Caldera’s pact with a demonic entity in Hell continues. Having failed to save Barry Allen’s Flash from Caldera’s scheme, Boston “Deadman” Brand tries to save a doomed Jason Todd’s Robin and Todd’s mother from a fatal explosion during the Death in the Family storyline. Briefly inhabiting a critically-injured Todd’s body, Deadman spurns the Boy Wonder into desperate action.
Deadman fails to alter history, as he blames Batman for not arriving ten minutes sooner. Todd’s Robin maturely accepts responsibility for his own fateful decisions, as his spirit eavesdrops a final exchange between Batman and his dying mother. Upon losing Todd’s spirit to Caldera, Deadman is left behind to witness a pivotal DC moment… again.
REVIEW:
Supported by solid visuals, this ‘secret’ sequel to Batman’s A Death in the Family (December 1988 – January 1989) is an excellent homage to Jason Todd’s underrated Robin. Like the first issue, this comic’s most valuable asset is how writer Steve Vance and the art team faithfully recreate iconic scenes (in this instance, from the Batman series) while enhancing them with poignant ‘unseen footage.’ Though this story has likely been erased due to DC’s ever-shifting continuity, Deadman: Dead Again # 2 merits re-discovery.
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
In addition to a cover reveal for Deadman: Dead Again # 3, the last page pays homage to Jason Todd.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8 Stars
