Deathstroke’s Batman-centric arc got off to a bit of a rough start. While the central conflict showed a lot of promise, the first couple issues buckled under the weight of all the necessary set-up. So, what we were left with were some shallow characters in fascinating circumstances. In many ways, the story had only raised questions without attempting to answer any. Luckily, this third entry provides everything that was lacking in the previous two issues and kicks off an exciting second act.
This issue opens with a pretty epic battle between Batman, Deathstroke, and one of Deathstroke’s targets. As Batman explained in previous issues, Deathstroke is no longer allowed to operate as an assassin so long as Damian’s true biological father is in question. Batman makes good on this promise in one of the most thrilling action scenes you’ll see this month.
Still, all this is just to hold you over until we flash back to last month’s cliffhanger when Deathstroke was approached by Talia al Ghul. The conversation that follows this meeting is completely captivating. Without giving anything away, we come to notice that Slade understands Batman in a way that few others in the DC universe do. The two have always had a complex relationship and it’s great to see Priest can fully appreciate that.
Sadly, Wintergreen and Alfred were nowhere to be seen this issue. That’s a shame as the last issue implied that the two would be hatching some sort of scheme together. There is a lot of fun to be had with that dynamic. Hopefully, this story can capitalize on what’s been set up. It’d be a shame to see their relationship amount to little more than brief asides.
Those confessional videos do make a return. When you first begin this issue, their inclusion may be tiresome. Thankfully, the device finally pays off in a big way. It leads right into the end of the issue and will absolutely leave you begging to know what’s next.
This story has not always been a sure thing. After this third installment, however, Deathstroke is a must-buy. This is finally becoming the Batman vs Deathstroke story that fans have always wanted. The new addition of a vital character at the end of the issue promises to bring tons of drama to an already high-stakes feud. We are now about halfway through this arc and, while it’s unlikely to affect Batman in any major way, this issue makes it apparent that Deathstroke’s life could change dramatically. The momentum is all there, Priest just needs to bring it home in the last half.
Final Score: 8.5/10
The 10 Strongest Members Of Batman’s Rogues Gallery, Ranked
Batman may keep Gotham City safe, but his enemies don’t make things easy for him. Stacked with some of the most terrifying supervillains in comics, Batman’s rogues gallery is chopped full of strong individuals who spread death and destruction wherever they go. From their mental plans to pure physical muscles, all of these villains have terrorized the citizens of Gotham and put the pain on Batman multiple times over the years.
Of course, there’s more than one way to be strong. Some of these villains rely more so on their minds or dastardly plots to attack Batman, while others rely on technology or their muscles to bring the pain. Regardless, the stronger the villains, the stronger Batman has to become to stay one step ahead. Without these deadly foes, Batman wouldn’t be the capable hero fans know and love. Every plot may leave him with a few more scars, but all of these villains have pushed Batman to become a better hero for the citizens of Gotham.
Hit Next to learn more about the ten strongest members of Batman’s rogues gallery!
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