Comics / Comic Reviews / DC Comics

Review: Deadman #5

By Philip Schweier
March 21, 2018 - 04:21

Deadman has arrived in Nanda Parbat, manipulated into going there by the more ethereal forces of the DC Universe – the Spectre, the Demon, and now Dr. Fate and Zatanna. But his presence remains a mystery, though it may be to defend the mystical outpost from those who would destroy it.

An assortment of robots, zombies, yetis and other creatures are about to besiege the city, and out heroes join forces to defend it. However, as robots and zombies have no souls, Deadman’s ability to possess their forms and turn them against one another is nullified. Adding to their problems is that once Deadman crosses into Nanda Parbat, he lives. His ghostly form disappears in favor of genuine flesh and blood.

I know there isn’t much meat on this bone, and I attribute that to our storyteller, Neal Adams. Perhaps when read as a whole, the story will make more sense. I don’t believe it was ever intended to be published as a six-issue series. I say this because each chapter doesn’t seem to end, so much as it merely stops.

It’s great to see Neal Adams revisit the characters he helped develop, but I feel his strength lies as an artist MUCH more than as a writer. In this particular instance, some of his drawing lacks the finished look I expect from someone of his reputation. Despite his standing in the comic book industry, I genuinely wish DC Comics would insist on having a writer craft the story with him.

Rating: 7/10

Last Updated: August 31, 2023 - 08:12