Deadman Reading Order

This reading order is designed to give an outline of major storylines featuring Deadman (Boston Brand) throughout DC Comics. It does not encompass every one of his appearances, but is a timeline of the major ones and the stories that affect them.

The continuity details relating to each specific storyline are explained in the “Review” of each storyline. Every “Review” link will provide a detailed continuity breakdown of that story and will explain any reference the story makes to other aspects of the DC Universe. All of this can be found under the “Continuity” section of each link.

Jump to: New 52 – Rebirth – Universe

New 52

With the beginning of the New 52, the DC Universe was reset. The majority of Deadman’s history was wiped out and his origin was altered. However, his role at the conclusion of the previous era, specifically his involvement in the Brightest Day event, is preserved. The beginning of this era directly picks up on this role.

Deadman appeared in a short story from DC Universe Presents and became a regular member of the Justice League Dark (Reading Order). For the most part, Deadman’s appearances stay within this series; though he does participate in some crossovers and makes some small cameos. This timeline follows Deadman in his journey through all of these appearances.

ToS=Trinity of Sin

Hawk and Dove issues are from the Hawk and Dove Vol. 5 series.
Trinity of Sin: Phantom Stranger issues are from the Phantom Stranger Vol. 4 series.
Secret Origins issues are from the Secret Origins Vol. 3 series.

Notes

1. Though this series gives Deadman's initial origin, this origin appears to change in later Deadman appearances.
2. Deadman's appearance in this series mostly revolves around his status as Dove's boyfriend. His appearances here are minor and somewhat contradicted by the events of Justice League Dark #1. This is why we put Justice League Dark #1 and Hawk and Dove #5 at the same point on our timeline.
3. Deadman plays a significant role in the later portions of the Forever Evil: Blight (Review) (Reading Order) event. Though he does not appear in these particular issues, they help set the context for his appearance in later issues. For this storyline to make sense, these issues are strongly suggested.
4. This Secret Origins issue details Deadman's updated origin. The events here help to give the events over in Justice League Dark (Reading Order) some additional context. However, it is not completely necessary since this origin is summarized by the end of the Justice League Dark arc. Only the Deadman story of this issue is relevant.

Rebirth

The transition from the New 52 to the Rebirth era introduces a few continuity changes for Deadman, presumably due to the merging of the pre and post-Flashpoint (Reading Order) universes during the Superman: Reborn (Reading Order) event. This brings back and makes relevant many elements of Deadman's pre-Flashpoint history, including his origins, connection to Rama Kushna, and connection to his family, all of which is explored through the Deadman series.

In this era, Deadman has a far less pronounced role than he had in the previous era. His main appearances are starring roles in two separate miniseries. Both of these comics stand independent from each other, in that the stories have little to do with one another. However, the Deadman series is a direct precursor to one of Deadman's starring roles in the next era.

Notes

Trinity issues are from the Vol. 2 series
Deadman issues are from the Vol. 5 series

1. This story arc is mostly about the Trinity (Reading Order) or Superman (Reading Order), Batman, and Wonder Woman (Reading Order). However, it features small appearances from Deadman and a few others.

Universe

The Universe era mostly continues the progression of the previous era with little to no interruptions.

In this era, Deadman's largest role is as a supporting character in the Justice League Dark series. There, he meets the new version of the Justice League Dark (Reading Order) in an adventure that involves his connection to Nanda Parbat. Outside of this, Deadman also makes several small appearances in other comics.

Note: This era is currently ongoing so this reading order will be updated again once it progresses further.

Wonder Woman issues are from the Vol. 5 series
Justice League Dark issues are from the Vol. 2 series
Damage issues are from the Vol. 2 series

Notes

1. Deadman has a small role in this issue. However, the events that take place here have little to no impact on his progression going forward.
2. Only the "Be My Valentine" story from this issue is relevant to this reading order.
3. Deadman's appearances here are little more than cameos. However, this issue helps conclude an arc in which he plays a moderate role.
4. Deadman plays a small but important role in helping the Justice League (Reading Order) here. It is not essential to his story but helps reaffirm his importance to the general superhero community.

All DC Comics Reading Orders