This title is different, in that each story arc will focus on a new lead character to give that individual more attention in the DCU. This time around, it’s Deadman’s turn.
General Information
Title: DC Universe Presents #1: Deadman
Author: Paul Jenkins
Illustrator(s): Bernard Chang (art) and Blond (colours)
Cover Date: November 2011
Cover Price: $2.99
Buy the digital edition.
Premise
Boston Brand was a jerk. When he was killed, he was offered a chance to make up for past deeds by living the lives of others, in something of a supernatural Quantum Leap, but without all the time travel and created 20 years sooner. Lately, he’s begun to have doubts about his mission.
High Point
The conversation at the carnival.
Low Point
For a guy who’s not a jerk anymore, that’s quite the final page. I’m also having a hard time reconciling the contents of this issue with what we saw in Hawk and Dove.
The Scores
Deadman is an original hero, as his superhuman abilities seem to do nothing but get him involved in situations. Once involved, he’s limited to his own knowledge and whatever physical abilities are held by the person he becomes. I give it 5 out of 6.
The artwork is solid. There’s a definite shift in colour palette and styles to fit the tones and situations presented within. I give it 5 out of 42.
The story related here covers a lot of back story, and seems to just barely set up the new path for the title. I give it 4 out of 6.
The characterization is clearly going to be a huge focus of the arc. Right now, Deadman is in a bit of an internal crisis, so his character isn’t very well defined, but that lack of definition is a deliberate part of the story. It feels very much like the kind of thing that will be unambiguously corrected by the end of the story arc. I give it 4 out of 6.
The emotional response is decent. I enjoyed the issue, but didn’t find it particularly gripping. I give it 3 out of 6.
The flow is very smooth once more. Comic artistry has improved a lot over the decades, so there’s rarely a problem here from the major companies. I give it 5 out of 6.
Overall, it’s not a bad issue, but it’s so expository that I just don’t find it as exciting or compelling as some of DC’s other titles. I give it 4 out of 6.
In total, DC Universe Presents #1: Deadman receives 30 out of 42.
The New 52
Here are handy links for the reviews of all 52 new #1 issues:
- Action Comics
- All-Star Western
- Animal Man
- Aquaman
- Batgirl
- Batman
- Batman and Robin
- Batman: The Dark Knight
- Batwing
- Batwoman
- Birds of Prey
- Blackhawks
- Blue Beetle
- Captain Atom
- Catwoman
- DC Universe Presents
- Deathstroke
- Demon Knights
- Detective Comics
- The Flash
- Frankenstein, Agent of S.H.A.D.E.
- The Fury of Firestorm
- Green Arrow
- Green Lantern
- Green Lantern Corps
- Green Lantern: New Guardians
- Grifter
- Hawk and Dove
- I, Vampire
- Justice League
- Justice League Dark
- Justice League International
- Legion Lost
- Legion of Super-Heroes
- Men of War
- Mister Terrific
- Nightwing
- O.M.A.C.
- Red Hood and the Outlaws
- Red Lanterns
- Resurrection Man
- The Savage Hawkman
- Static Shock
- Stormwatch
- Suicide Squad
- Superboy
- Supergirl
- Superman
- Swamp Thing
- Teen Titans
- Voodoo
- Wonder Woman