Deathstroke #7 (2016) – Comic Review & Analysis 🗡️🆚🦸♂️
Genre 🧨
Action, Superhero, Psychological Thriller, Anti-Hero Drama
Main Characters 👥
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Deathstroke (Slade Wilson) – The lethal mercenary and master tactician, navigating personal demons and deadly assignments.
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Wintergreen – Slade's trusted confidant, whose mysterious abduction sets off the chain of events.
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Rose Wilson (Ravager) – Deathstroke's daughter, caught between loyalty and fear for her father's choices.
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Superman (Clark Kent) – The invincible Man of Steel, whose morality and might clash with Deathstroke’s ruthless tactics.
Writer ✍️
Christopher Priest – Known for reinventing complex characters with philosophical depth and moral ambiguity, Priest brings a sharp, intelligent edge to Deathstroke’s story.
Artist 🎨
Carlo Pagulayan – With dynamic line work and cinematic panel compositions, Pagulayan captures the brutal grace of combat and the emotional nuance of character interactions.
Editor Details 📝
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Editor-in-Chief: Bob Harras
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Associate Editor: Amedeo Turturro
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Editor: Alex Antone
Their editorial guidance maintains narrative consistency while allowing Priest’s nuanced storytelling to shine.
Publisher and Brand 🏢
DC Comics under the DC Rebirth brand – A line-wide relaunch aimed at restoring legacy and emotional resonance to beloved characters post-New 52.
Release Year 📅
2016
Brief Plot Summary 📖
In the climactic conclusion of “The Professional” arc, Slade Wilson uncovers the shocking mastermind behind Wintergreen’s disappearance and the assassination attempt on his daughter. But just when answers begin to surface, he’s thrust into a no-win scenario—a confrontation with Superman himself. Left to fight alone in a mission designed for him to fail, Deathstroke’s cunning and sheer force of will are tested against the indomitable power and unwavering morality of the Man of Steel. It's not just a battle of fists—but of ideologies. 💥
Notable Arcs or Storylines 📚
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“The Professional” Arc – A seven-part storyline that redefines Deathstroke’s motivations, family ties, and philosophical alignment.
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Marks a turning point in how Slade's past continues to shape his present, with both internal and external battles pushing him to evolve.
Fan Theories or Interpretations 🧠
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Moral Grayness vs. Absolute Morality: Fans speculate the Deathstroke vs. Superman face-off is not just physical—it symbolizes the irreconcilable philosophies of justice through control (Slade) versus justice through hope (Clark).
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Wintergreen’s Role: Some fans believe Wintergreen’s abduction was orchestrated to test Slade’s emotional vulnerabilities, possibly by an unseen third-party antagonist with long-term plans.
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Rose’s Future: Many interpret Rose's arc as foreshadowing a shift where she might reject Slade completely or become a morally conflicted mercenary herself.
Review Summary ⭐
Deathstroke #7 is a standout issue, delivering intense action and psychological depth. The confrontation with Superman is both a thrilling set piece and a layered character study. Christopher Priest’s writing is razor-sharp, painting Slade not just as a killer, but as a man trapped by his own code. Carlo Pagulayan’s artwork heightens the emotional and kinetic tension with precise layouts and bold visuals.
⚖️ Verdict: A gripping issue that blends action, strategy, and ethical conflict with near-perfect execution. Highly recommended for fans of gritty, cerebral superhero tales.
Rating: ★★★★½ (4.5/5)
Comic Resource / Read Online (External Source)
