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Deadman
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Creation & Design

Deadman was created by writer Arnold Drake and artist Carmine Infantino, first appearing in the 1967 comic 'Strange Adventures #205'. The character was designed to explore themes of life, death, and redemption.

Early Years

Initially, Deadman was a circus performer who was murdered and granted the ability to possess the living in order to find his killer. His early stories focused on his quest for vengeance and understanding his new existence as a ghost.

Character Development

Over the years, Deadman has evolved from a vengeful spirit to a more complex character who grapples with existential questions and seeks to help others, often serving as a bridge between the living and the dead.

Cultural Reception

Deadman has been well-received by critics and fans alike, praised for his unique premise and philosophical depth.

Character Details

Real Name:
Boston Brand
First Appearance:
Strange Adventures #205
Aliases:
Deadman, The Ghost Who Walks
Species:
Human
Gender:
Male
Affiliations:
Justice League Dark, The Forgotten Heroes
Abilities:
Astral Projection, Superhuman Agility, Possession
Weight:
160lbs
Height:
6' 10"
Eye Color:
green
Hair Color:
black

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Strange Adventures #205
DC ⋅ 1967
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Strange Adventures #205
 
Low
$120
Mid
$400
High
$1.2k

Key Facts

1st appearance and origin of Deadman, a ghost with the ability to possess the living

[August 2024 - a Deadman animated series is rumored to be in development]

Strange Adventures #206
DC ⋅ 1967
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Strange Adventures #206
 
Low
$25
Mid
$80
High
$250

Key Facts

2nd appearance Deadman

Strange Adventures #207
DC ⋅ 1967
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Strange Adventures #207
 
Low
$20
Mid
$85
High
$230

Key Facts

3rd appearance Deadman

Iconic cover by Neal Adams that won an Alley Award for best cover art in 1967

Strange Adventures #215
DC ⋅ 1968
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Strange Adventures #215
 
Low
$8
Mid
$25
High
$100

Key Facts

1st appearance of Sensei, a high-ranking member of the 'Society of Assassins' which later becomes the League of Assassins

1st full appearance of Hook, the killer of Boston Brand who became Deadman

Aquaman #50
DC ⋅ 1970
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Aquaman #50
 
Low
$7
Mid
$20
High
$85

Key Facts

"Deadman" back-up story written by Neal Adams

Challengers of the Unknown #74
Non-Key
DC ⋅ 1970
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Challengers of the Unknown #74
 
Values Coming Soon

Key Facts

Classic cover art by Neal Adams

Aquaman #51
DC ⋅ 1970
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Aquaman #51
 
Low
$7
Mid
$20
High
$85

Key Facts

"Deadman" back-up story written by Neal Adams

Aquaman #52
DC ⋅ 1970
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Aquaman #52
 
Low
$7
Mid
$20
High
$85

Key Facts

"Deadman" back-up story written by Neal Adams

World's Finest Comics #223
DC ⋅ 1974
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World's Finest Comics #223
 
Low
$5
Mid
$15
High
$50

Key Facts

Origin of Deadman

Swamp Thing Annual #2
DC ⋅ 1985
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Swamp Thing Annual #2
 
Low
$2
Mid
$8
High
$20

Key Facts

Unofficial cameo team appearance of Justice League Dark

Deadman #1
DC ⋅ 1986
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Deadman #1
 
Low
$1
Mid
$2
High
$3

Key Facts

First solo titled series featuring Deadman in an original story

Saga of the Swamp Thing #49
DC ⋅ 1986
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Saga of the Swamp Thing #49
 
Low
$2
Mid
$8
High
$25

Key Facts

Unofficial cameo team appearance of the Justice League Dark: Swamp Thing, Hellblazer, Deadman, Phantom Stranger, Dr. Occult, Etrigan The Demon, Zatanna, The Spectre, Sargon and Dr. Fate

1st cameo appearance of the Great Evil Beast aka the Great Darkness

Saga of the Swamp Thing #50
DC ⋅ 1986
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Saga of the Swamp Thing #50
 
Low
$4
Mid
$12
High
$40

Key Facts

1st unofficial team appearance of the Justice League Dark

Death of Giovanni Zatara and Sargon the Sorcerer

1st full appearance of the Great Evil Beast, in the form of darkness

Justice League Dark #1
DC ⋅ 2011
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Justice League Dark #1
 
Low
$1
Mid
$2
High
$10

Key Facts

1st team appearance of Justice League Dark: Hellblazer, Shade the Changing Man, Madame Xanadu, Deadman, Zatanna

Justice League Dark #28
1:25 ⋅ DC ⋅ 2014
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Justice League Dark #28
 
Low
$3
Mid
$9
High
$35

Key Facts

Variant cover art by Tommy Lee Edwards

Justice League Dark #40
Non-Key
Variant ⋅ DC ⋅ 2015
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Justice League Dark #40
 
Low
$1
Mid
$2
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$3

Key Facts

Variant cover art by Guillem March

Cover art inspired by the film 'Beetlejuice'

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