Summary
- Deadman returns from the dead, but with a tragic twist – he is confined to Nanda Parbat by Rama Kushna.
- Nightwing seeks Deadman’s help, but Boston’s imprisonment poses a challenge for the two heroes.
- Deadman’s resurrection comes at a price, raising questions about his current dilemma and future role in the DC Universe.
Warning: contains spoilers for Nightwing #116!
A classic Justice League hero just “returned” from the dead, but with a surprising twist. When fans last saw Boston Brand, AKA Deadman, he was seemingly killed in the Knight Terrors event. It was an enormous loss for the DC Universe, but it appears to be short-lived. In Nightwing #116, Dick Grayson travels to Deadman’s home, learning that Boston Brand has returned–but with a tragic and surprising twist.
Nightwing #116 was written by Tom Taylor and drawn by Bruno Redondo. Nightwing, accompanied by his dog Bitewing, goes on an extended trip to Nanda Parbat. There he comes face to face with Deadman. Surprised, he asks if Rama Kushna brought him back to life. Deadman replies she did, but confined his spirit to Nanda Parbat. Deadman and Nightwing have an amusing conversation about tropes surrounding the type of journey Dick has just made.
Finally, Nightwing asks Deadman for his help once again.
Deadman Is One of DC’s Best Supernatural Characters
His “Resurrection” Has Come At a Terrible Price
Created by Arnold Drake and Carmine Infantino, two legendary creators of the Silver Age, Deadman is a unique character in that he did not become a hero until after he died. A circus acrobat, Boston Brand, fell to his death but was revived by Rama Kushna. Kushna charged Boston with finding his murderer and bringing them to justice. Deadman has become a staple of the supernatural/magical corner of the DC Universe, and was a charter member of Justice League Dark. Deadman met his end during last year’s Knight Terror event.
Although Deadman was created by Drake and Infantino, he is best associated with artist Neal Adams, who ended up drawing a bulk of the character’s adventures.
Yet now, Deadman has returned from the “dead,” but it came with a huge price. The issue did not explain why Rama Kushna revived Deadman, nor why she marooned him in Nanda Parbat. When Rama resurrected Boston Brand, turning him into Deadman, she did it so he could seek revenge upon his killer. Boston’s transformation into Deadman had two results: he eventually found his killer, but along the way, learned valuable lessons about humility and responsibility. This creates the possibility that Rama might be trying to teach Deadman another lesson, or he is being punished for some unknown sin.
How Will Deadman Get Out of His Current Dilemma?
Deadman Is Too Valuable–And Powerful, To Leave on the Sidelines For Long
Deadman’s powers make him a valuable asset to the DC Universe, and the Justice League recognizes this, giving him membership.
Nightwing comes to Nanda Parbat seeking Deadman’s help, but with Boston trapped there, this will prove tricky. Nightwing has sought Deadman’s help before. Both heroes have circus backgrounds, giving them common ground. The tables might be about ready to turn, and Nightwing will have to help Deadman find a way to end his imprisonment. Deadman’s powers make him a valuable asset to the DC Universe, and the Justice League recognizes this, giving him membership. Yet now Deadman has been taken off the table, and while it will most likely be temporary, it is a huge loss.
Nightwing #116 is on sale now from DC Comics!
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Nightwing #116 (2024) |
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