Deathstroke is skirting the line between hero and villain no more.
Though shared with the Justice League’s Black Canary, Slade Wilson has been headlining his own solo series, Deathstroke Inc., written by Joshua Williamson with art by Howard Porter and others. Before the title launched, Williamson promised that the book would definitively end the mercenary’s antihero status quo, forcing Deathstroke to pick a side. In the series’ previous issue, Slade seized control over a new iteration of the Secret Society of Super-Villains, and a preview for Deathstroke Inc. #6 sees him go full villain and order the death of Black Canary.
This reversion of Slade’s character brings him back to his evil roots. Deathstroke first appeared in The New Teen Titans #2 as an adversary for the Titans, and would go on to serve as an antagonist for other heroes like Batman. In most adaptations outside of the comic book source material, Deathstroke is typically depicted as a villain, ranging from video games like Batman: Arkham Origins (2013) to films such as Son of Batman (2014). However, his antihero-like status has also been adapted, with Slade going from villain to hero in The CW’s Arrow.
Deathstroke’s new mentality of being “the best villain” appears to be sticking around for a while. DC Comics recently announced a new event titled Dark Crisis, which features artwork showcasing Slade. The newly appointed “King of the Super-Villains” is shown front and center alongside big bads like Darkseid and Doomsday. Panel art hints at his control over the Secret Society, as he looks down at a Justice League memorial alongside silhouetted figures on a rooftop.
The next event to feature Deathstroke though will be the “Shadow War” crossover for Batman, Robin and Deathstroke Inc. The event will launch with Shadow War: Alpha #1, where Deathstroke will have to face the League of Shadows after killing Ra’s al Ghul. Before the event though, Slade will have to deal with some Wilson family drama in Deathstroke Inc. #7 alongside his daughter Rose (Ravager) and the mysterious Respawn, who may be related to Deathstroke as well.
The preview for Deathstroke Inc. #6 can be found below, cover and solicitation included.
DEATHSTROKE INC. #6
- Written by JOSHUA WILLIAMSON
- Art by PAOLO PANTALENA
- Cover by HOWARD PORTER
- Variant cover by IVAN TAO
- 1:25 variant cover by ALEX GARNER
- $3.99 US | 32 pages | $4.99 US Variant (Card Stock)
- ON SALE 2/22/22
- The reign of king Deathstroke begins!
- After the shocking truth about T.R.U.S.T. is revealed, Deathstroke finds himself the leader of a new army. Does he use that army for good or evil? Can Black Canary escape and warn the Justice League that there is a new force in the DCU?
Deathstroke Inc. #6 is written by Williamson with art by Paolo Pantalena, colors by Romulo Fajardo Jr. and letters by Steve Wands. Main cover art for the issue was done by Howard Porter and Hi-Fi, with variant covers by Alex Garner and Ivan Tao. The issue goes on sale Feb. 22 from DC Comics.
Source: DC Comics
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