DEATHSTROKE: THE TERMINATOR #8 (DC COMICS)
Adeline Kane has done the impossible.
The ex-wife of Slade Wilson has shattered the man in more ways than one. Assuming his mantle, Kane looks to forger her own path of violence.
As for Slade, he is down, but never out!
DEATHSTROKE: THE TERMINATOR #8 by Tony Fleecs, Carmine Di Giandomenico, Ivan Plascencia, & Wes Abbott (DC COMICS) sees a new day start for the world’s deadliest assassin.
Let’s take a deeper dive.
DEATHSTROKE: THE TERMINATOR #8 by Tony Fleecs, Carmine Di Giandomenico, Ivan Plascencia, & Wes Abbott (DC COMICS)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
Fleecs knows how to apply the pressure to Slade with this series. The latest offering throws him into deeper water than even he can think of treading. Kane’s meeting with other assassins making her proclamation is sharp and direct. Even when challenged, her words never bend. This leads to a challenge of sorts which she is all ready to meet. As for her ex, the writing shows how far he’s fallen as Slade grasps for anything to cling to.
Readers watch as a simple gas station exchange turns into more than bargained for. Slade’s conversation with a mysterious ally opens him up to the root of his current problems. Accepting Kane has won has left him a shell of his former self. This persona only worsens as a would-be thief pushes Slade into a high speed chase. His conversation with his ally turns fast as more mystery is added. Fleecs never lets this partnership get too comfortable right to the end of the book. The final act throws everything off course as a new discovery complicates a fragile mind even further.
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Di Giandomenico & Plascencia give Kane an uneasy introduction to the assassin world with the opening pages. Her demeaner never folds as she makes her decree. The reaction of her audience varies. This leads one pair to make a rash decision. It is met with a half panel showing Kane doesn’t stray too far from Slade’s past mindset. Considering his current one, the art makes no apologies for how broken he’s become.
The gas station debacle leads to a more reserved look from Slade. Panels show him trying to find his spark to handle some business. The use of shadows perfectly camouflages his new ally. Panels mix in past “wins” for Slade as he attempts to track down his target. Once a few panels start firing bullets, a genuine smile comes across Slade’s face. This pushes forward as his chase begins. Only with a few breaks does the action slow down. Once in the final act, it is vintage Slade as he handles his issue. The art is more simplistic in panel size but pack a punch. It leads into a shocking final page where both panels are jaw-droppers. Always expect the unexpected with these visuals!
FINAL GRADE: 9
Slade’s new stat quo doesn’t escape trouble as he finds himself intertwined with a new mystery. Fleecs throws Slade into uncharted territory with a stellar script. The art brings the heat along with the emotional baggage. An impressive look inside the mind of a dangerous man.
Let me know your thoughts on DEATHSTROKE: THE TERMINATOR #8 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!
