DEATHSTROKE THE TERMINATOR #2: Extinction

Slade Wilson has been compromised and fighting for every inch of his life as his Wintergreen is gone, and so is his money. His only hope is to start taking jobs if he hopes to begin to track down those responsible for betraying him. However, that may be easier said than done, as the whole world is after him.

Creative Team: Written by Tony Fleecs with art and cover by Carmine Di Giandomenico. Colors by Ivan Plascencia and letters by Wes Abbott.

SPOILERS AHEAD

The Story:

Tony is delivering an all-killer, no-filler kind of story with this run, and I am here for it every single step of the way! We are getting glimpses into the life of Slade Wilson, the man, such as being trained by his wife and how he lived an entirely secret life without her knowing. We see how we lost his eye, and that same secret brought violence into his home, and how it drives him. All of this builds his character as more than just a mercenary and villain. Tony makes us feel for him as Slade is alone and on death’s doorstep. The action is at an 11, there is no quit in Wilson at all, which creates some intense and bloody sequences straight from a movie.

The Art and Letters:

The artwork is stellar, with Carmine bringing these action moments to life in every panel. The little details, such as Slade sweeping the leg of the cannon fodder attempting to arrest him, or the rage we see on his face. There is another fun detail that I couldn’t help but laugh at, and one that made sense, which is Slade having a USB in his eye patch. They make his armor useful down to every detail. Ivan shows the flashy side of things with the coloring and brings the violence to life. Moments of blood being spilled or explosions covering multiple panels are all full of life thanks to the coloring. Wes fills the pages with Slade’s rage that slowly builds and even his exasperation in the way that he writes, bringing to life Slade Wilson. I love how all three combine to make a killer issue.

Final Thoughts:

I hope the pitch for this was John Wick in DC because that is what we are getting, and Deathstroke is an absolute tank who will not quit. The world-building we get, filling Slade Wilson with a life outside of Batman or merc work, is fantastic. I am in love with this run so far!

Overall Grade: 10/10

Be sure to check out more reviews from our Editor in Chief Matt, as well! And let us know your thoughts in the comments below!