With so many characters, it’s natural that some DC heroes get overlooked. Ultimately, DC publishes comics based on what’s popular and profitable, which is understandable – it’s what keeps the company running and allows us to enjoy the comics we love. However, DC isn’t forgetting about lesser-known characters entirely. Their new ‘Next Level’ initiative aims to give those B, C, and even D-list heroes a chance to shine, and that’s exactly what’s happening with Deadman, one of DC’s most intriguing ghostly figures.
Boston Brand, the ghostly hero known as Deadman, is back with a new comic series! The Deadman #1 sees him continuing his mission to help people even though he’s no longer among the living. The talented team behind popular comics like Ice Cream Man and Superman: The Kryptonite Spectrum is bringing a fresh take to this acrobatic spirit. This series promises a unique and moving exploration of life, death, and everything in between, and the first issue suggests it will deliver just that.
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
| PROS | CONS |
| Masterclass in tone and exposition | Clearly a setup issue |
| Virbant colors that makes the comic feel alive | |
| Very interesting lore and status quo |
Lore That Makes the Dead Feel Alive
This comic issue follows Deadman, a ghost tasked with guiding newly deceased souls to their final destination by the goddess Rama Kushna. We see him helping lost spirits, giving someone a chance to be reborn after a selfish life, and offering a young girl a second opportunity. The story gets more challenging with the arrival of soul-eating demons, but Deadman is equipped with a new costume to handle the threat. What really stands out is how easily the issue draws you into its world. Each page beautifully builds the rules and history of spirits, ghosts, and the afterlife with a vibrant energy that feels both welcoming and engaging.
The story expertly balances dark humor with genuine sadness. It seamlessly shifts from celebrating life’s small pleasures, like a cherished recipe, to reminding us of Deadman’s lonely and tragic fate. Even within a single page, you might find a funny nod to All-Star Superman followed immediately by a stark reminder of someone’s impending death. This constant shift in tone isn’t jarring; instead, it enhances the story’s atmosphere and makes its emotional impact even stronger. Every tonal change feels deliberate and serves to deepen the overall experience.
The story does a fantastic job of building up the main villain, making him both frightening and strangely unsettling, which fits the story’s dark humor well. While this issue mainly serves to set the stage and catch readers up, that’s actually a strength. It’s very accessible – even if you’ve never read about Deadman before, you’ll quickly understand what’s going on and be eager to find out more. This is a phenomenal beginning to what promises to be one of DC’s most innovative series this year.
The Perfect Style for Horror and Expression
The artistic team of penciller Martín Morazzo and colorist Chris O’Halloran are a perfect fit for this series, especially given Deadman’s history with horror. They expertly bring that creepy energy to life in every panel. Deadman’s visual design is fantastic – his gaunt face and thin build really capture his ghostly nature. The art walks a fine line between realism and horror, whether it’s a motorcyclist’s strangely extended tongue or Deadman’s body transforming to fight impressively designed demons. Rama Kushna is a particularly striking creation, and the artists’ freedom with their shape and size promises to be a lot of fun.
O’Halloran’s use of color is stunning. The comic is incredibly vibrant, making the artwork feel dynamic and alive. The bright colors effectively contrast with the story’s darker themes, creating a visually striking experience. The artist uses specific colors to represent different characters – bright yellows for spirits, a subdued blue for Deadman, and intense pinks for demons – and they all stand out beautifully. It’s impressive how each spirit has a signature color that still blends seamlessly with the overall design.
The first issue of Deadman is a genuinely enjoyable and gritty read. It skillfully blends dark and hopeful moments, leaving me eager to see what happens next. It’s unusual for a DC comic to strike such a good balance in tone, and this issue does it seamlessly. This miniseries is off to a fantastic start, and if the rest of it maintains this quality, it’s going to be something truly special. If you enjoy ghost stories, the Deadman character, or the work of this creative team, you’ll likely love this!
Deadman #1 is on sale now!
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2026-06-04 07:10