Deathstroke The Terminator issue #1 is published by DC Comics and is written by Tony Fleecs, with art by Carmine Di Giandomenico, colors by Ivan Plascenica and lettering by Wes Abbot.
My History With Deathstroke
So my history with the character of Deathstroke is a little sparse and vague, with me only really having a very surface-level understanding of him. That understanding comes from the '80s Teen Titans story "The Judas Contract," the early '00s Teen Titans cartoon, reading a bit of Christopher Priest's run of the character, and his appearance in the Batman: Arkham Origins video game. I'm not sure why I have never checked out more of the character's comic books, as he seems pretty interesting with a cool look as well as name (that inspired a certain Marvel character) and is often associated with both Batman and the Teen Titans, of whom I'm a pretty big fan. This issue #1 has definitely piqued my interest and made me want to read more of the character outside of this series.
A Review of Issue One
I think something I really liked about Deathstroke The Terminator issue 1 is that it introduces us to Slade Wilson’s world and who he is as a character in a way that sets up a lot of exposition about who he is without making it feel overwhelming or boring. Even if you’re new to Slade, I think the book does a good enough job to slowly guide you into his world and let the story unfold without spoon-feeding the reader an exposition-heavy comic book that feels more like homework than an entertaining read. I very much feel like this comic book serves as a start to another adventure and an introduction, rather than just simply an introduction. \
What happens in the first issue? Well, to put it simply, Slade (Deathstroke) is on a contract killing mission for a mysterious client when he gets double-crossed. His best friend and "manager," Wintergreen, gets assassinated, and all of Slade’s finances and documentation are stolen in the process. Who could do this to Slade? Well, we also learn in this issue that Slade’s relationship with his family is quite fractured, and his own daughter has become quite estranged from him, even considering him nothing more than a killer. So, maybe she played a part? Regardless, these events cause Slade to wake up from the contract killing numbness of simply doing a job to a new, energized, bloodthirsty killer who’s looking for revenge! Great hook, eh?
I've already written about how I believe issue one is a great introduction to the character that doesn't feel overwhelming or boring, but I also think it does a great job of establishing the character's status quo up to this point in the issue and then breaking it down completely to establish something new. We follow who he is, how he lives, and those he surrounds himself with, which is then completely shattered by the end of this issue, which then shows us what kind of man Slade Wilson can become when messed with.
Relating to The Bad Guy
I think the biggest hurdle this comic book faces, which is the same as all past Deathstroke comic books, is how to make the character seem likable enough to care about or follow along. I mean, if you know anything about Slade Wilson, you know he's done some extremely detestable things that I'd certainly put up there as some of the worst for a supervillain. However, I think this issue does a pretty good job at humanizing him and making him feel sympathetic, with us understanding his fractured relationship with his family and how he's largely quite closed off emotionally and unable to live a normal life due to the wiring in his brain. I'm not saying it's acceptable to become a killer for hire, but I certainly think this issue does a good enough job of rationalizing him.
In the future of this run, I'd really like to see more of an exploration as to why and how his relationship with his family got so fractured, as well as seeing more of Slade when he isn't being Deathstroke and is just a civilian, as for me, that stuff comprised some of the strongest moments in this issue.
Talking About The Art
The art of this issue was stellar in my opinion and easily a massive highlight of the book, with Carmine Di Giandomenico creating some exceptional page splashes that feel hyperrealistic and with a lot of attention to detail. Even the way Carmine depicted the action felt really fun and like you were in the thick of it. Early on in issue one, there is a splash page in which a car comes crashing off a building with Slade on top of it, and Carmine Di Giandomenico does a really awesome job of making it feel so weighty instead of flat and lifeless.
There is a way he depicts guns and Slade's suit which I really enjoyed and increased my immersion into the page. Both stated things look so photorealistic, but are inked? I just think being able to do that for a monthly American comic shows fantastic skill. Even the way Slade's costume is depicted in his early days of being Deathstroke looks markedly different in the fabric used and how he wears it.
However, I personally don't feel that the way Carmine Di Giandomenico depicts faces is as up to par as how well he draws weapons and action. Yes, faces are serviceable, but they look a bit like waxworks to me at times. Hopefully, this will improve as the series progresses.
The Final Verdict
In conclusion, Deathstroke: The Terminator #1 is a great start to a new run that feels like a great jumping-on point for new fans while also acknowledging the events of past runs for old fans. Great art and an intriguing story make this a fantastic pickup.
Deathstroke: The Terminator #1 sees the return of DC's iconic paid killer in a very promising first issue full of excellent violence, intrigue, characterization, and over-the-top visuals. DC fans, you have been warned.