A debate is raging online between DC Comics fans regarding Batman and Deathstroke. The online discourse boils down to whether Slade Wilson can truly be counted as one of the Dark Knight’s villains. The two DC characters have crossed paths numerous times across different media, including comics, video games, and animated TV shows and movies. Deathstroke is primarily thought of as a Green Arrow nemesis, but his reputation as the deadliest assassin in the DC Universe means he’s the perfect foil for Batman. This debate comes a week before the premiere of Matt Reeves’ The Batman starring Robert Pattinson.
Joe Manganiello portrayed Deathstroke in the DC Extended Universe, first appearing in a post-credits scene in 2017’s Justice League movie. The actor returned to reprise the role in another post-credits scene in Zack Snyder’s Justice League, which was released exclusively on HBO Max in 2021. Manganiello’s Deathstroke was all set to face off against Batman in a film directed by and starring Ben Affleck. However, Affleck eventually stepped away from the project, leading to Matt Reeves taking over and Robert Pattinson’s addition to the Batman mythos.
“Shadow War” is an upcoming DC Comics crossover between Batman, Robin, and Deathstroke Inc. Joshua Williamson is the writer of all three books, and the three-month crossover kicks off with Shadow War Alpha #1 by Williamson and artist Viktor Bogdanovic (Detective Comics) on Tuesday, March 29. Shadow War Alpha #1 finds Deathstroke committing an unthinkable act, which sends Talia al Ghul, Damian Wayne‘s mother and the Daughter of the Demon, out for blood. With Deathstroke Inc. under attack from the League of Shadows, Batman and Robin reunite to track down Slade Wilson so he can be brought to justice. Meanwhile, preludes in Robin #12 by Williamson and artist Roger Cruz, and Deathstroke Inc. #7 by Williamson and artist Stephen Segovia help set up the crossover’s events.
There have already been sequel talks concerning The Batman, with Reeves fanning those flames during the film’s premiere. “I really believe in what we’ve done and I’d be excited to tell more stories… We are already telling other stories in the streaming space, we’re doing stuff on HBO Max, we’re doing a Penguin show with Colin [Farrell], which is gonna be super cool,” Reeves told The Independent. “And we’re working on some other stuff, too, but we have started talking about another movie.”
DEATHSTROKE
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Deathstroke better off as an everyone villain imo. pic.twitter.com/SlkOsZY9HP
Entirety of DC Twitter can be boiled down to:
“Batman does NOT kill”
“Superman is ALWAYS bright, hopeful and optimistic”
“Deathstroke is not a BATMAN villain” pic.twitter.com/KfCsjRRXEn
If Mr. Freeze isn’t next, Deathstroke for #TheBatman sequel would be elite ? pic.twitter.com/3kM9bq294i
I love Deathstroke. And yes, he is a Batman villain.
But no. If Mr Freeze isnt next then they should adapt Clayface, The Mad Hatter, Poison Ivy, maybe a new version of Bane, Talon or Black Mask. https://t.co/JCagtPBsVL
Deathstroke will always and forever be the Titans’ villain. pic.twitter.com/fNq7swbZWE
I know this conversation happens every other week but I’ll always die on the hill he should first and foremost be considered a Nightwing villian https://t.co/KxVqZquOGa
Might be a hot take, but imo, Deathstroke really isn’t that interesting of a villain. Yeah he’s cool af, but he’s not made to be the main villain of a Batman story. #TheBatmanMovie #TheBatman https://t.co/dTTRKnOBLk
Starro isn’t a Suicide squad villain
Cyborg isn’t on the Doom Patrol
Jason Todd’s Robin isn’t a sociopath
Ra’s isn’t a Green Arrow villain
Black Mask isn’t a Harley Quinn villain
Harley isn’t even a BoP!
oooooooo
Deathstroke HAS been a Batman villain for 40 years! https://t.co/mTZIb9Zdf2 pic.twitter.com/qjqYhNXHKA
10 year old me becoming a deathstroke stan with this cinematic alone oh yeah.. pic.twitter.com/TGG6qxL4Cg
