Review: ‘Deathstroke Inc.’ #4 Is A Fast-Paced, Gothic Style, Superhero Showdown

Deathstroke Inc. #4 is ostensibly an all-action duke-‘em-out issue, but one that begins to unravel T.R.U.S.T.’s true motives too. Set in the castle headquarters of T.R.U.S.T., this issue leans into the Gothic aesthetically and, in some ways, narratively too, as Dinah is confronted with a nightmarish scenario involving the Legion of Doom and Deathstroke all coming at her.

As a comic book with gothic tendencies, the colours, by Hi-Fi, are suitably darker too to add to Howard Porter’s somewhat looser, grainer art style. He too leans into the genre of choice for this issue with a Deathstroke looking more sinister and horrific that usual with hints of horror etched into the texture of his mask. And all set against the backdrop of a suitably creepy looking castle with weather to match.

With all the genre-swapping going on in each issue of this series so far, Porter again proves he is one of the best in the business, but I never feel he ever gets the attention he deserves. It’s a book that has time and again allowed him so shine and illustrates why writer Joshua Williamson continues to work with him, as he did on The Flash. So, why he is never “up there” alongside the usual suspects of top tier artists is a mystery. He really is one of the best, and reliable, in the business. 

As for the writing, it offers plenty of interesting revelations and a good twist that is foreshadowed by a clue dropped into the script quite early on. But, with all the action, it’s easy to miss as the reader tries to keep up with the relentless pace of this issue. The revelation of T.R.U.S.T.’s true lineage may very well have readers scratching their heads. But, long-time fans may very well make the connection. And, if not, there’s always the internet to clue you all in. Like many before him, Williamson has clawed through DC Comics’ more obscure figures to find inspiration. And, he’s not the first great writer to make use of this once-forgotten character as a source. Although, it’s more with an eye to a new figure taking up the legacy that Williamson is more interested in. This is a story with a good real more fuel in its engine, but I am already keen to see where this series will lead now the mask has slipped and the villain exposed. And, what other genres Williamson will play around with. 

A relentless, revelatory and action-packed issue of gothic grandeur and sinister twists.

Deathstroke Inc. #4 is out now from DC Comics