Our slapdash team is back, but this time they’re in space! After the bumbling about in the last issue (pun intended), this change in scenery should be met with some good action and plenty of laughs. Deathstroke Inc. #2 is written by Joshua Williamson and published by DC Comics, with art by Howard Porter, colors by Hi-Fi, and letters by Steve Wands.
Another day, another mission. T.R.U.S.T. sends our team—Deathstroke, Black Canary, and Hiro, who’s manning a bat suit—to a space station where its astronauts are in peril. Cyborg Superman plans to use the space station and Weird to spread his consciousness to every machine in the Multiverse. There are some enormous consequences if our heroes—some turned newly hero—don’t stop him. But while they’re trying to save the world, Hiro happens to stumble upon some interesting information that may reveal T.R.U.S.T.’s true intentions.
This series is turning out to be very episodic, with each issue being a separate mission undertaken by our odd bunch of heroes. This isn’t a bad thing, but it does mean that the bit of through line between issues feels a tad weak, at least for now. However, the end of the issue adds mystery and drama to the plot, and we’ll likely see what Hiro discovers become a more significant part of the series down the road. And the hint about what the next issue holds is definitely going to keep me reading.
But while there are no plot intricacies to be seen in Deathstroke Inc. #2, there’s plenty of wit and action to make for an entertaining issue. Deathstroke’s typical snark is front and center; add on Hiro’s disrespect for rules (and authority in general), and with Black Canary stuck in between the two, you’ve got plenty of dialogue that’ll make you crack a smile. Beyond the dialogue, the artwork paints a fetching picture.
Porter handles the visuals well, filling the panels with a plethora of energetic action and some interesting character designs, from the bat suit Hiro commands to Deathstroke’s spacesuit. The dynamic action is mirrored by the asymmetric panels. While the lettering is easy to read, the sprawl and jumble of the panels reflect the hectic space battle wonderfully and keep your eyes on the move.
And while space is oft-pictured as bleak and dark, Hi-Fi brings a lot of life to the pages with a broad palette of cool tones. With the explosions, impacts, and SFX all in reds, the action makes for a sharp contrast against the blues and purples of the backgrounds.
While not a plot-heavy issue, Deathstroke Inc. #2 brings with it plenty of action and wit to make for a fun read. Of course, it’ll be nice to see a more extensive, overarching plot added to the series, and I’m sure what Hiro discovers in this issue will likely play a prominent role in that. Still, for now, Deathstroke Inc. carries itself mainly based on its fun dialogue and terrific artwork.
Deathstroke Inc. #2 is available now wherever comics are sold.
Deathstroke Inc. #2
TL;DR
While not a plot-heavy issue, Deathstroke Inc. #2 brings with it plenty of action and wit to make for a fun read. Of course, it’ll be nice to see a more extensive, overarching plot added to the series, and I’m sure what Hiro discovers in this issue will likely play a prominent role in that. Still, for now, Deathstroke Inc. carries itself mainly based on its fun dialogue and terrific artwork.