REVIEW: ‘Deathstroke the Terminator’ Issue 1

Deathstroke the Terminator Issue 1 is published by DC Comics and written by Tony Fleecs, art by Carmine Di Giandomenico, colors by Ivan Plascencia, and letters by Wes Abbott.

Deathstroke is on a job while Wintergreen tries to get him to connect with his daughter.

This issue wastes little time getting to the point. It opens with the two most important figures in Slade Wilson’s life. One is Wintergreen, an old friend who acts as Slade’s moral compass. The other is Rose Wilson, also known as Ravager. She’s Deathstroke’s estranged daughter, who very much despises him. The conversation between the duo sets up the idea of connection, before Deathstroke the Terminator Issue 1 plunges the title character into action.

The pace accelerates as Slade highlights what he did better than almost anyone. He’s an elite mercenary with the abilities and equipment to take on almost anyone. The action sequence serves as forward momentum as a thread moves almost in the background. It’s energetic and intense without being overly violent. The ruthlessness is the point and is found in the efficiency with which he moves. The ending is completely unexpected and breathtaking, shattering all expectations. It instantly sparks a flurry of questions and removes a key part of Deathstroke’s line, with devastating consequences.

The very small cast in Deathstroke the Terminator Issue 1 is fascinating, especially given what happens in the very first chapter. It keeps the comic focused, which is also what Slade is trying to do. He’s on the job, working to reach a target. But Wintergreen is trying to coerce him into being a father and talking to his daughter. There are two sets of writing that Fleecs laces within Deathstroke the Terminator Issue 1. One is Wintergreen in Deathstroke’s ear, serving as his tech support whilst also trying to appeal to his sensitive side.

At the same time, Slade Wilson is writing a letter to Rose. It creates the impression that a connection attempt is being made. But that’s derailed by the final moments that sever that notion in an emotional gut punch. Throughout the mission, Fleecs hammers home the notion that Slade is heavily motivated by money. Every action and encounter adds more clauses to the contract and the reward. So the end of the issue raises questions about whether he is more devastated by the financial or the emotional impact.

The art submerges us into the gritty world of Deathstroke. The first page is quiet and serene, but after that comes a feisty action sequence that lasts the rest of Deathstroke the Terminator Issue 1. Di Giandomenico shows off how epic Slade Wilson is. There’s a huge variety of circumstances. Vehicle chases, explosions, and metahuman fights in close quarters, with Deathstroke walking through it all like his Terminator namesake.

His helmet obscures his facial expressions, making it impossible to see his emotions. That helps Slade stay professional, intent on the target and the task at hand. The violence isn’t over the top or gratuitous. Deathstroke the Terminator Issue 1 only gets bloody in the last pages, where the comic turns stark, signaling a shift in the story’s and the character’s tone.

The colors emphasize the atmosphere of a gritty thriller that has begun. In other comics, Deathstroke’s suit of armor can be very bright, with an orange-and-black palette. However, Plascencia keeps the shades dark to reflect the mood and atmosphere. There are more lively colors than expected, with a frequent use of purple and sunset tones. But the comic’s serious nature is never weakened by infusing it with lighter shades. The lettering had a unique font, but the word balloons and the faux handwriting can sometimes be difficult to read.

Deathstroke the Terminator Issue 1 is a powerful start with a phenomenal twist. The comic is a fantastic red herring, turning the story on its head before it’s even truly begun. Deathstroke is heartless and cruel, but Wintergreen and Rose are his weaknesses. They’re the one part of him that can serve as his humanity. Fleecs leans into that, trying to drag Slade towards reconnection. But the end of this issue proves that it may no longer be possible.

Deathstroke the Terminator Issue 1 is available where comics are sold.