***Contains Spoilers***
The Deathstroke series from 1991 is a gritty, action-packed look into the darker corners of the DC Universe, following Slade Wilson after the shocking events surrounding his son, Joey (Jericho). Starting in the aftermath of one of Slade’s most infamous moments, the series takes a serious tone akin to Batman’s world, and while it remains tied to the Titans’ lore, it eventually forges its own distinct path. The run explores Slade’s personal battles, his rise and fall as a crime lord, and even his transformation into an immortal warrior, all while weaving in thrilling global adventures and surprising character relationships.
The tone of Deathstroke immediately drew me in. It’s unapologetically dark, leaning into the morally ambiguous nature of Slade Wilson. One of the standout moments for me was the “City of Assassins” arc, which featured a fantastic crossover with Batman. Their clash was intense and meaningful, showcasing both characters at their best: tactical, ruthless, and driven by their own codes. This arc felt like a natural blending of two gritty worlds, and I found myself fully engrossed.
Another highlight was the series’ “world tour” storyline, an eight-part saga that took Slade across the globe on various missions. It was fast-paced, full of inventive action, and felt like a welcome break from the heavier crime lord plotlines. Additionally, I appreciated the evolving relationship between Slade and Pat Trayce, who stepped into the role of Vigilante. Their dynamic added a layer of emotional complexity to Slade’s story, showing that he’s not just a hardened mercenary but someone capable of meaningful connections.
The crime lord arc was another gripping aspect of the series, particularly the “Hunted” storyline, where Slade is systematically targeted, with his allies being picked off one by one. It was brutal but effective storytelling, and the revelation of Dayton’s involvement caught me off guard. These twists kept the series unpredictable, which is a key strength. And of course, Slade becoming immortal added a fascinating wrinkle to his character, setting up intriguing future possibilities.
While I thoroughly enjoyed parts of the series, there were moments where it felt uneven. The connection to the Titans’ universe, while initially strong, faded significantly after the “Total Chaos” storyline. I understand that the series was meant to stand on its own, but as someone who enjoys crossover potential, I found this a bit disappointing. Characters like Nightwing or Donna Troy rarely appeared, and Slade’s world often felt isolated from the larger DC tapestry.
Additionally, while the darker tone worked well most of the time, there were stretches where the series felt overly grim. Slade’s actions are often morally indefensible, and without stronger ties to the Titans or a clearer heroic foil, it sometimes became difficult to root for him. Some arcs dragged as well, with slower pacing that detracted from the series’ momentum.
Deathstroke (1991) is a solid series that delves into the complex and shadowy world of Slade Wilson, delivering some standout moments like the Batman crossover and the “Hunted” arc. While it falters in maintaining connections to the broader DC Universe and can feel dark at times, it’s still an engaging read with plenty of twists and action. I give it 3 stars—a series I enjoyed and one I’d consider revisiting for its high points, but not without its flaws.
Feature Image Deathstroke #3 cover art by Mike Zeck
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