Deathstroke Is D.C.’s Unsung Antihero

Deathstroke, Vol. 1: Book and Mask Set, by Tony S. Daniel
In spite of a well-received launch, Deathstroke’s steely fortitude wasn’t enough to maintain his initial New 52 series, but DC gave the character another shot under writer/artist Tony S. Daniel. This November, you can get a piece of the action with the Deathstroke, Vol. 1: Gods of War Book and Mask Set. This ultimate package includes a graphic novel collecting the first six issues of the new series, wherein Deathstroke is betrayed and left for dead by his erstwhile handler and confidant. Our antihero gets the last laugh when he’s reborn in a younger, completely healed body. Strapped for cash and completely on his own, Deathstroke’s resolve for answers has never been more relentless (or personal). Reenact your favorite moments—or inject any monotonous chore with the thrill of a contract killing—with the collector’s Deathstroke mask, a must-have item to wear when camping outside the theater for the Suicide Squad premiere. (Let ‘em try cutting in line…)

The New Teen Titans, Vol. 1, by Marv Wolfman and George Pérez
Held in the same esteem as Watchmen, Frank Miller’s Daredevil run, and the bittersweet finality of the “Whatever Happened to the Man of Tomorrow?” Superman epic, there are only so many works that exemplify the changing sensibilities of an industry during the ‘80s like The New Teen Titans. Reviving a then-obscure team of heroes, the series lived up to the marketing fanfare, blending contemporary adolescent tribulations with traditional superheroics that yielded fresh results, especially in the introduction of future Titans nemesis Deathstroke. The New Teen Titans, Vol. 1 includes the assassin’s first appearance, as he is contracted by the H.I.V.E. to eliminate the young heroes. At first dismissive, a routine hit escalates into a lifelong blood feud when tragedy befalls family, stoking Deathstroke’s desire for vengeance.

Deathstroke the Terminator, Vol. 1: Assassins, by Marv Wolfman, Steve Erwin, and Will Blyberg
Fan reaction to Deathstroke was staggering following his premiere, with each appearance adding his notoriety. He was one of the few—if not only—Titans villains to truly leave them reeling. It was inevitable that his charismatic grit would outgrow the colorful fantasy of the series that spawned him, prompting DC to do the only logical thing: give the man his own monthly! Collecting the first nine issues of his solo series, Deathstroke the Terminator, Vol. 1: Assassins invites readers on a ride through the reality of Wilson’s violent world, retelling his origin story in addition to a confrontation with a specter from his past. Batman also drops in for a four-part story that’s over-the-top fan service.

Deathstroke, Vol. 1: Legacy, by Kyle Higgins, Joe Bennett, and Art Thibert
The DC Universe we knew and loved might have changed with the New 52, but Deathstroke’s still the big man on top. Deathstroke, Vol. 1: Legacy is a collection of the first six issues of the series that dares to call his reputation into question, grappling with both a loss of respect and young upstarts seeking to fill the power vacuum. The only problem: Deathstroke isn’t ready to hang up the mask. In fact, it’s a challenge he’s more than happy to oblige (and one his foes will quickly regret). This being a reboot, it isn’t necessary to have read classic Deathstroke material, and fans both new and old will find plenty to enjoy amid the bullets and wanton bloodshed. And how can anyone not like a villain made of car parts named “Road Rage”?

Forever Evil, by Geoff Johns, David Finch, and Richard Friend
For a world having lived under the Justice League’s near-omnipotent protection, the unthinkable has happened: The Crime Syndicate of Earth 3 has broken through the dimensional barriers, defeated the planet’s greatest heroes and marshaled its villains together as the Secret Society. Forever Evil follows Lex Luthor and his merry band of like-minded dissidents as they attempt to rescue the Justice League and restore order while staying one step ahead of Secret Society trackers led by Deathstroke. Once cornered, Deathstroke’s quarry poses the question: in a world dominated by self-proclaimed killers, psychopaths, and mercenaries…where exactly does that leave a man of his imminently obsolete talents? Will Deathstroke risk losing his status, or might some green from Luthor’s deep pockets convince him otherwise?

New Suicide Squad, Vol. 1: Pure Insanity, by Sean Ryan, & Others
It’s back to business as usual following the events of Forever Evil—including the U.S. government’s clandestine group of wetworks operatives—in New Suicide Squad, Vol. 1: Pure Insanity, the perfect pre-game for the August 2016 movie. Latest recruits Deathstroke, Black Manta, and Joker’s Daughter join Harley Quinn’s team on a two-pronged mission in Russia, tasked with infiltrating and wreaking havoc on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ secret projects department while Deathstroke knocks off the CEO of the country’s top oil company. Naturally, the situation—figuratively and literally—blows up in their faces when giant security robots enter the scene, proving that there are things far worse than getting turned around in a bread line…