Deadman
has arrived in Nanda Parbat, manipulated into going there by the more ethereal
forces of the DC Universe – the Spectre, the Demon, and now Dr. Fate and
Zatanna. But his presence remains a mystery, though it may be to defend the
mystical outpost from those who would destroy it.
An
assortment of robots, zombies, yetis and other creatures are about to besiege
the city, and out heroes join forces to defend it. However, as robots and zombies
have no souls, Deadman’s ability to possess their forms and turn them against
one another is nullified. Adding to their problems is that once Deadman crosses
into Nanda Parbat, he lives. His ghostly form disappears in favor of genuine
flesh and blood.
I know there
isn’t much meat on this bone, and I attribute that to our storyteller, Neal
Adams. Perhaps when read as a whole, the story will make more sense. I don’t
believe it was ever intended to be published as a six-issue series. I say this
because each chapter doesn’t seem to end, so much as it merely stops.
It’s great
to see Neal Adams revisit the characters he helped develop, but I feel his
strength lies as an artist MUCH more than as a writer. In this particular
instance, some of his drawing lacks the finished look I expect from someone of his
reputation. Despite his standing in the comic book industry, I genuinely wish
DC Comics would insist on having a writer craft the story with him.
Rating:
7/10