Review: ‘Deathstroke Inc.’ #7 Sees A Family Reunion That Goes South Quickly

If I thought last issue was a break with the tone of stories being told in the first five issues of this series, then Deathstroke Inc. #7 really puts down a marker this series has turned a corner, never to look back at what has come before. I don’t think I have ever seen such a huge change in a series than this, but that doesn’t mean it’s a bad thing. Not when it’s still Joshua Williamson on writing duties. A writer who completely abandons the previously co-starring Black Canary and focusses solely on Slade Wilson in this issue. An issue that seems to prologue next month’s Batman event, the ‘Shadow War’. After all, with Williamson currently writing Batman, Robin and this series, it makes sense to bring them in line with each other plot wise ahead of the next big Bat-Event. 

This issue also brings Ravager and Respawn into the fray, making this a very family-orientated issue. But, this is Deathstroke the Terminator we’re talking about, so this family reunion was never going to end up well. And it doesn’t. But, what this issue does do is act as a bridge between this series and Robin for those of us who aren’t reading the latter series. A series I feel I should be reading given how good a writer Williamson is, and has continued to become as he has risen through the ranks at DC Comics. And rightfully so. This may be a series that has suddenly changed direction, but it’s still a riveting read as Williamson brings readers up to date on events from Robin engagingly as well as weaving a certain sense of horror in recounting Respawn’s origins. It never just feels like an issue simply filled with exposition. Especially when we witness Wilson’s reaction to Respawn upon learning of his origins.

And, while Howard Porter’s art is missed, Stephen Segovia’s smoother style is very welcome nonetheless. The change in art style further seems to distance this book from its first handful of issues and the genre-swapping early adventures, but with Slade now head of T.R.U.S.T. it’ll be interesting to see where this book goes next after the ‘Shadow War’ tie-in. 

Respawn’s story is engaging and the art is too. That’s a win-win. And while Deathstroke Inc. has quickly morphed into a more recognisable mainstream DC Comic, when compared to the more off-road feel to the first five issues, this is still brimming with quality. Williamson is a great chronicler of superhero melodramas and his previous work on creator-owned series Nailbiter shows he can do add more elements of the terrifying and horrific too. A good fit for the anti-hero that is Slade Wilson and this particular series. I may have been drawn to this title because of it’s initial promise of being something a bit different, but I was also sold on the creative team too. 

Deathstroke Inc. #7 is out now from DC Comics