Deadman (character)

Deadman
Deadman as depicted on the cover of Deadman 1# (1985).
Art by Neal Adams.
Publication information
PublisherDC Comics
First appearanceStrange Adventures #205 (October 1967)
Created byArnold Drake (writer)
Carmine Infantino (artist)
In-story information
Alter egoBoston Brand
SpeciesGhost
Team affiliationsJustice League Dark
Seven Soldiers of Victory
Sentinels of Magic
Justice League
Abilities

Deadman is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. Created by scripter Arnold Drake and artist Carmine Infantino, the character made his debut in Strange Adventures #205 (1967). He has been a frequent supporting character in several comic titles since the 1970s, as well as an occasional protagonist in numerous limited series. In his supporting roles, he is often depicted as a member of a superhero team, such as the Justice League Dark.

Deadman is the superhero persona of Boston Brand, an aerialist who performed at a circus until he was murdered in the middle of his act by an assassin with a hook prosthetic hand. His spirit was then reincarnated by the deity Rama Kushna so that he could take revenge on his killer. As a spirit, he is invisible to the mortal eye and has the abilities of flight, intangibility, and the possession of human bodies. Additionally, he has training in unarmed combat, acrobatics, and also practices in occultism.

Deadman has been adapted into a variety of other media, including television, film, and video games.