It’s a good thing Neal Adams can draw, because if he had to get by on the strength of his writing, I’m not sure he’d would have become the comics legend he is. Perhaps his plotting and general story-telling would be okay, but this issue of Deadman features some of the clunkiest dialogue I have read in a long time.

First, Deadman battles his old foe, Sensei, as the villain spouts purple prose while all but twirling his mustache. Then, Deadman challenges another assassin, again exchanging dialogue rather than fisticuffs. This leads to an encounter with some Netherworldly friends from the DC Universe, who all seem to speak in an odd internal-but-not monologue.

But Adams’ art is dead on, thrilling and dynamic as ever. Modern printing technology has provided Adams the means to create mood and atmosphere much more easily, tools he uses to a great degree. I wouldn’t say he over-uses them, but he’s clearly having fun. It is my hope he does not fall into the same trap George Lucas did when he discovered digital graphics.

The cover is lackluster at best – an image of Deadman enveloped in a swirling cloud of gray. I can only hope this is a preview version, and when this issue hits retailers, it will feature much more. Most likely, one of those aforementioned friends from the Netherworld.