Deathstroke: God Killer (Comics) | Review

Here's what writer/artist Tony Daniel (Action Comics: Hybrid, Detective Comics: Faces of Death) wants you to know: Deathstroke isn't just some mercenary who takes down humans for cash. God Killer from the New 52 era throws Slade Wilson against actual deities, pushing him into territory most DC heroes wouldn't dare to touch.

What happens when the world's deadliest assassin gets contracted to kill gods? This arc answers that question with brutal efficiency, high stakes and zero apologies. Daniel serves as writer and artist, giving the entire storyline a unified vision that feels intentional.

This isn't your typical Deathstroke story where he's hunting targets in dark alleys or playing mind games with the Teen Titans. God Killer escalates everything to cosmic proportions while keeping Slade grounded in what makes him compelling: ruthless tactical genius and complete refusal to ever back down from impossible odds.

The storyline doesn't play it safe and that's exactly what makes it worth your time. If you've been waiting for a Deathstroke arc that tests his limits against overwhelming supernatural forces, this delivers exactly what you're looking for with style and intensity.

Slade Wilson gets hired for what seems like a straightforward assassination contract. Except the target isn't human. It's a god. Specifically, one of the forgotten deities from ancient mythology who's been causing serious problems in the modern world and someone very powerful wants them permanently removed from existence itself.

What starts as a simple hit job spirals into something far more complex. Slade discovers these aren't just powerful beings with fancy tricks. They're actual gods with followers, agendas and the kind of reality-warping power that can reshape existence itself if left unchecked.

Slade approaches this the only way he knows how: with preparation, pure brutality and zero hesitation. The arc explores what happens when human willpower and tactical superiority face off against divine intervention. You get a front-row seat to watching Slade methodically break down seemingly untouchable godly opponents.

Daniel doesn't treat the gods as invincible cosmic forces beyond comprehension. Instead, they're portrayed as beings with weaknesses, egos and vulnerabilities that someone like Slade can exploit if he's smart enough, vicious enough and willing to sacrifice everything.

The narrative weaves in mythology elements without drowning you in exposition. You get enough back-story on these forgotten gods to understand their motivations and why they're dangerous. But the focus stays locked on Slade's mission, his strategy and the escalating count.

A revenge angle develops naturally as the story progresses, giving Slade personal stakes beyond completing the contract. His daughter Rose Wilson, also known as Ravager, makes appearances that add emotional weight to an otherwise brutal story. Their complicated relationship adds emotional layers without derailing the main plot.

What makes God Killer stand out is how it treats Slade's character. He's not suddenly overpowered or given convenient plot armor. Every victory feels earned through strategy, sacrifice and willingness to endure punishment that would kill most enhanced humans.

The arc shows him taking serious damage, making calculated risks and using every tool. Advanced weaponry to kill gods, tactical planning that accounts for supernatural abilities and psychological warfare against beings who think they're above mortal concerns. When Slade faces god-level threats, you believe he might lose.

God Killer connects to broader New 52 continuity without requiring fifty other titles. It references Slade's relationship with his children and reputation in the mercenary world. But newcomers can jump in without feeling lost, making it accessible regardless of knowledge.

Daniel introduces supporting characters who aren't just cannon fodder waiting to die. There's a weapons dealer who provides Slade with god-killing tech, cultists who worship these forgotten deities and other mercenaries who want in on the action. These elements create a living world around Deathstroke rather than him playing solo.

The storyline explores mortality versus divinity. What happens when gods who've been forgotten suddenly want relevance again? How far will they go to reclaim worship? Slade becomes the answer to those questions, delivered with extreme prejudice and zero mercy.

Tony Daniel handling both writing and art duties gives God Killer a cohesive style that benefits the story immensely. His artwork leans heavily into detailed, gritty visuals that match the tone perfectly. Fight sequences are choreographed with clarity, you can follow every movement Slade makes even during his supernatural battles.

The gods are designed with imposing scale and presence without looking ridiculous. Daniel's line work emphasizes brutality. When Slade takes hits, you see the toll on his body. When he delivers punishment, the impact registers visually with bone-crunching effectiveness.

The writing keeps pace tight throughout. Daniel doesn't waste panels on dialogue or internal monologues that slow down momentum. Slade's narration appears sparingly, to explain tactical decisions or provide sardonic commentary. Conversations serve purpose, either advancing plot or revealing character motivation without fillers.

Panel layouts vary effectively, using wide shots to establish scale during god confrontations while tight close-ups capture Slade's determination. Action flows smoothly without confusing sequencing, even when battles span multiple locations and involve reality-warping abilities.

God Killer succeeds at delivering a high-stakes Deathstroke story that feels consequential while showcasing what makes Slade Wilson such a compelling anti-hero. Tony Daniel's unified vision as writer and artist creates a consistent experience that never loses sight of its concept.

If you're looking for deep character introspection or complex moral philosophy, look elsewhere. God Killer is about watching a master tactician dismantle god-level threats through preparation, violence and determination. It delivers on that premise with style, intensity and impressive visual storytelling that elevates the whole story.

The arc works as both a standalone story and a strong entry in New 52 continuity for Deathstroke. Worth reading if you want action-driven storytelling with a protagonist who refuses impossible. God Killer proves that even gods bleed when Deathstroke comes collecting.

This storyline amplifies what works about Slade Wilson and places him in a scenario that genuinely tests his limits completely. It's not reinventing the character, it's showcasing why he remains one of DC's most dangerous and truly fascinating anti-heroes even when facing opponents far beyond normal human capability.

Deathstroke Vol. 2: God Killer is collected in a trade paperback from DC Comics. Physical editions are available on comic-book shops, major bookstores and online retailers. Digital editions are offered through Amazon Kindle, ComiXology and DC Universe Infinite.