To give unselfishly to others is a reward unto itself, but when it directly benefits others in a positive way, it is truly worthwhile. Deadman is a character that makes the best of a bad situation. Boston Brand/Deadman died in a horrific way while performing in a circus and was bestowed the gift of eternal life as a spirit, though he is fated to improve the lives of others to remain conscious and whole in his ethereal form. As Deadman, Boston Brand is doing more good in death than he ever could in life. Though he is motivated to remain alive, his ability to turn lives around for the better is a true indicator of altruistism.
Though Deadman seeks to remain among the 'living,' his leaps from one person to another turns their lives to a more positive path. He can influence the decision-making of any individual, and improves their quality of life in the process. Boston/Deadman explains this quite clearly:
"I've lived lifetimes. More than I can count. I've done my best as to help many people as I can. I've changed since I first took on this gig. Used to be, I liked the thrill of the ride, helping interesting people solve their interesting problems. I've been a stuntman and a a spy and a police detective. But lately it's been more people like this guy--Johnny Foster--who made it home minus his legs when all of his buddies were killed by an I.E.D. Lucky Him" (Jenkins, DC Universe Presents: Deadman, 9-12).
Boston Brand influences and changes lives for the better more frequently than he realizes. He has lived the fantasy lives he'd wished for in his human existence, but now is seeking to help those that are truly down on their luck and needing a change in their lives. In this case, Deadman is seeking to help a guilt-ridden soldier manage to find peace after tragedy and horrific disfigurement. Johnny, Boston's vessel, has completely imploded into himself and is refusing any help to cope with his personal hell. Though he doesn't know this man personally, Boston is compelled to help him overcome his adversity to find personal redemption with only a gentle push. Boston is seeking to atone for being a self-absorbed jerk in his previous life:
"I was not a good man. That's why I'm living out lifetimes with no end in sight. At first, I knew what I was supposed to do. I put together the interesting jigsaw puzzle lives of strangers. Johnny Foster becomes another living brick on my path to enlightenment. Another innocent soul about to get stuck to my shoe. Well, maybe I was never a good guy, and maybe I was never the really big fish. But if there's one thing I do know from living other people's lives it's that I've changed" (Jenkins, Deadman, 24-26).
Deadman realizes that in doing better by others while improving their lives, he can ultimately better himself. This isn't a selfish action, but a selfless action, as he is seeking to pay back all the harm that he's done in his former life as a 'bad man.' Though he knows he is doing important work in the universe through his actions, he is still incredibly conflicted about the 'good' he is truly accomplishing: "A young soldier with a brain injury and no legs is about to become my responsitibility. What eventually happens to him is going to be my fault. All of thsoe people...all of the bricks..."(Jenkins, 16). This symbiotic relationship improves both Boston's life and Johnny's life in the process. Though he is seeking to remain a part of the living world, Boston Brand/Deadman is altruistic in the sense that he improves lives at his expense. Though he may not realize it, Deadman is a brilliant example of altruism in the Comic Book Form.
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