Issue(s): Nomad #6
Cover Date: Oct 92
Title: "The mortal coil shuffle"
Credits:
Fabian Nicieza - Writer
Pat Olliffe - Penciler
Mark McKenna - Inker
Hector Collazo - Assistant Editor
Glenn Herdling - Editor

Review/plot:
We are basically in clean-up mode now for the Dead Man's Hand crossover. The three heroes have finally Teamed-Up, and they're going after the various groups that are in Vegas to divvy up the Kingpin's former territory.

Since this is Nomad's book, the narration finds a nice line of thought to focus on. Nomad's participation in this crossover stems from the fact that the government has asked him to assassinate the Slug, in return for his own criminal record getting wiped clean. Nomad is not sure if he wants to kill. And now he finds himself fighting alongside the goody goody Daredevil and the kill 'em all Punisher, and he wonders where he fits between them.

The heroes take out the Secret Empire first. Nomad then goes after the Slug, but he's already gone. Instead, Nomad finds Giscard Epurer, the guy from Nomad #1.

Giscard tells Nomad not to kill the Slug, saying that he was once given a similar choice and he doesn't like having lived with the decision he made.

Meanwhile, Punisher and Daredevil catch up with the Word, who has suddenly become a slinky Asian stereotype.

She is in the process of killing herself, since the Red Skull will not be happy about her failure to negotiate a settlement between the crimelords.

Daredevil stops her, but she winds up getting killed by Hand ninjas. Daredevil and Punisher fight them next.

What is the head of the Hand? The thumb?

Anyway, the ninjas are dispatched and Jonin (or, the Jonin) is killed by the Punisher.

Nomad catches up with Punisher and Daredevil after that. He tells them about his deal with the government. Punisher says that he's been after the Slug for years, and he's all too happy to help Nomad find him. They do. Nomad is a little stunned to find that the Slug doesn't even recognize him.

With Daredevil and Punisher on his shoulders like cartoon angels and devils...

...Nomad has to make his final decision. He opts to not kill him. Of course the Punisher is right there, but it turns out he's out of ammo. So they leave.

Quality Rating: C+

Historical Significance Rating: 1

Chronological Placement Considerations: This is part eight of Dead Man's Hand. Part nine is in Punisher War Journal #47. For what it's worth, Nomad says that the crossover has been going on for two days at this point.

References:

• Nomad met Giscard Epurer in Nomad #1.
  
• No footnote, surprisingly, but the Slug should know Nomad from Captain America #325.

Crossover: Dead Man's Hand

Continuity Insert? N

My Reprint: N/A