DEATHSTROKE: THE TERMINATOR #1 (DC COMICS)
Slade Wilson.
If there was ever a person who was the walking definition of “polarizing”, that’s him. He’s the worst enemy to make. Ask the Titans, Batman and Green Arrow just to name a few. If he’s loyal to you, Slade is the one person to have in your corner. Granted, more times than not, it comes with a price.
DEATHSTROKE: THE TERMINATOR #1 by Tony Fleecs, Carmine Di Giandomenico, Ivan Plascencia, & Wes Abbott (DC COMICS) ushers in an all new look at the DCU’s most dangerous assassin.
Let’s take a closer look at what is unfolding now!
DEATHSTROKE: THE TERMINATOR #1 by Tony Fleecs, Carmine Di Giandomenico, Ivan Plascencia, & Wes Abbott (DC COMICS)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
Fleecs throws a very different look at Slade for this opening round. Wintergreen’s talk with Rose comes with a sense of mortality. It is a rare thought involving someone known as a “Terminator”. The writing indicates the end is coming sooner than expected. It leads to a sobering realization for Slade. Timing couldn’t be worse as he’s on his current case. This leads to a distraction in methods for most. Clearly, Slade is not everyone.
Readers buckle in for some intense action as Slade gets to business. It is complimented by a heart felt dialogue via letter to Rose. Fleecs exposes a side to Slade that is his one glaring weakness. one contract he can never fulfill is to people who love him. As he progressing in his contract, there’s a quick recap of his beginnings. It gives a crumb to a much larger picture hidden behind his mask. This gets pushed aside as more conflict comes his way. Once a true challenge appears does Slade appear to be tested. The writing captures the test and sees its’ outcome lead to a heartbreaking discovery. This thrusts events into a frightening close. It is not of a terror perspective. This is based off what has been done and what has been unleashed. The DCU is NOT ready for what’s coming next.
Di Giandomenico & Plascencia know what Slade does best. The opening two page splash of him scouting his target is as classic Slade as it gets. Tension rises quickly as Slade and Wintergreen talk. The old friends know how to push the others buttons. Readers watch as the planning of each move leads to something quite explosive. This leads it into an impromptu launching into action via two-page spread. It conveys how there is no turning back from this point. It’s full speed ahead.
The image of him emerging from the smoke is chilling. Knowing what is coming next, readers get their last moment of pause. Bullets start flying fast as Slade neutralizes the threat at hand. It’s all high octane from here. the only times there are breaks is when the art team throw in quick memory flashbacks. It serves as a solid stop point to let readers catch a breath. The main challenge enters via near full page. Panels get more graphic as the violence ramps up. The fallout leads to a shocking full shot of a terrible moment. Slade’s reactions are justified even as they aren’t his normal persona. This leads into more action until the final image. Events close with a deadly warning for what’s coming now. What a thrill ride.
FINAL GRADE: 9
Someone has crossed a line with Slade Wilson and there’s no turning back now in an intense opening salvo. Fleecs unlocks a few sides to Deathstroke outside of his business demeaner. Di Giandomenico & Plascencia bring the action on the high-octane mission at hand. If the last page is any indication, no one is safe for what’s coming next!
Let me know your thoughts on DEATHSTROKE: THE TERMINATOR #1 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!
