DC Comics 2016
Written by Christopher Priest
Penciled by Carlo Pagulayaa
Inked by Jason Paz
Coloured by Willie Schubert
Deathstroke’s latest contract takes him to a war-torn African country, where he finds himself caught in the middle of a disintegrating alliance between a ruthless dictator and a deadly super-villain. With an entire nation at stake, Slade Wilson must choose between fulfilling his contract and saving an old friend.
This is a master class in storytelling. By spinning right out of the Rebirth issue and bringing the reader a look at Slade Wilson’s life so that we can see the man he was/is and still allowing for plenty of room to go back and revisit and flesh out moments even more is the work of a master. Anyone who wants to understand how this is possible should be reading this because it’s a smart use of background information being vital to the main story that’s going on even amidst the flashbacks.
The characterization here is really extremely good. We see Slade at various stages throughout his life and career and it’s a great way to see him for who he is. From being that decorated war hero to the mercenary he is there are aspects of his life in-between that he just couldn’t escape from and it’s on great display here.
Our guest villain is back this issue, this does come directly out of the Rebirth issue after all. I’m thrilled by his use here. I mean it’s great to see some forgotten villains being brought out of retirement complete in their hideously garish garb. Not only does it bring back memories of the old days but it pays them homage and gives us hope for the future. I’ll also wholeheartedly admit I was fooled, unlike Slade, by his new gimmick and was thinking wow what a great upgrade to give this character.
The interiors here are fantastic! I really like the sharp crisp clean linework. The attention to detail in every aspect of what we see is incredible. While backgrounds aren’t as filled out as I’d personally like them to be they are well placed throughout the story. The way the pages and panels are used to control the flow of the story through angles and perspective are handled very well. Also the use of the colouring here is a great thing to see, whether it’s the outfits, powers or effects they make some moments pop like crazy.
For the beginning of a series this is done so exceptionally well. It gives the right amount of background, current and leaves us with a future story. We get a solid glimpse as to what we’re going to be getting from Priest as the run continues without revealing too much. He’s keeping much of the old and mixing it with new so that it’s still fresh, interesting and yet familiar enough.
I didn't’ want to like this I mean I picked up the first one on a whim because of the artwork and Priest. Now it seems this may just become more than a six issue curiosity for me.