Review- DEADMAN

DEADMAN (DC, First Printing, 2018; Softcover)

Collects Deadman #1-6 (cover dates January- May, 2018)

Writer, Artist, and Colorist: Neal Adams

After reading Batman: Odyssey maxi-series I had all but given up on Neal Adams. I picked up the first issue of this series and read it with my son. It was almost as confusing as Batman: Odyssey but had enough of a hook for us to pick up issue 2. I forgot to pick up the rest of the series until I saw this trade.

The optical illusion with the lion on the cover of the second issue is intact in this trade. Unfortunately the glow in the dark cover of #1 can't be replicated in the collected edition.

Adams tries to set the record straight for Deadman's origins. The original 1960s issues were admittedly confusing at times, with revisions and reveals one after another. Adams didn't write those original issues, so he was not to blame. The problem is things were already smoothed over and this is yet another set of revisions. Oh well, I can't keep DC's continuity straight anyhow so who cares.

The Hook, Nanda Parbat, Rama Kushna, and The League Of Assassins are all brought back front and center. Adams drags in The Phantom Stranger, The Spectre, Batman, The Demon, and Zatanna. Neal Adams draws an incredible version of Zatanna and I would be interested to see what he could do with a series for her.

While the writing in issue 1 was somewhat confusing it improved and was more readable until #5 and 6. That's when Adams' newfound tics of throwing everything against the wall to see what sticks started kicking into high gear. His dialogue wasn't as groan inducing as Batman: Odyssey...thank god. That book gave me a headache.

Adams' artwork has deteriorated. His panel composition and layouts remain great, but he insists on inking his own work and his clean lines have devolved into a chicken scratch mess. It's too bad that Adams retains such creative control. A strong editor could tighten up the dialogue a bit and pair him with a strong inker who would complement his style. Adams' coloring seems outdated, and I mean that in a bad way. He plays with Photoshop bells and whistles in a way that is reminiscent of colorists a dozen years ago. The tricks aren't new and they aren't convincing. Your mileage may vary.

The book ends on a nonsensical cliffhanger, promising a book two. So far not a single issue has been solicited. This was decent and entertaining enough for me to pick up the second trade if or when it is released.

Junk Food For Thought rating: 3.25 out of 5.

The OCD zone- This is the part where I go into tactile sensations and materials used in physical media. Those with heart conditions, high blood pressure, or women who are pregnant should exit my blog at their earliest convenience, as their safety cannot be guaranteed beyond this point.

Paper stock: Glossy coated stock.

Binding: Perfect bound trade paperback.

Cardstock cover notes: Laminated cardstock cover.