Deathstroke: Gods of War (Comics) | Review

What happens when the world's deadliest assassin loses the one thing that made him unstoppable? Deathstroke: Gods of War by writer/artist Tony Daniel (Batman: Battle for the Cowl, Teen Titans: Titans East) answers that question by putting Slade Wilson through hell and forcing him to rebuild everything from scratch.

This isn't just another mercenary-for-hire story– it's a complete reinvention that strips away Deathstroke's legendary reputation and leaves him fighting for his very identity. Released as part of DC's New 52 initiative, Gods of War takes bold creative risks.

Daniel doesn't just tweak the character– he fundamentally reconstructs what it means to be Deathstroke. The result feels both familiar and completely fresh, proving that even established antiheroes can surprise longtime readers when writers are willing to think outside the box.

Slade Wilson's entire world collapses when his most trusted handler betrays him and leaves him for dead, making the world believe Deathstroke has finally been terminated but death becomes the least of his problems when he discovers something far more disturbing: his involvement in a crucial mission was wiped from his memory.

The memory erasure sets up the story's central mystery perfectly. Slade can't remember what he did or who he crossed but someone clearly wants him dead for it. This amnesia transforms every interaction into a potential trap filled with unknown dangers.

The paranoia builds as he realizes he can't trust his own recollections, turning every mission and every relationship into potential traps. Former allies become suspects while enemies hide behind familiar faces, creating constant psychological tension.

Enter Odysseus, a mysterious new enemy who has targeted Deathstroke and everyone connected to that forgotten mission. This isn't your typical revenge plot– Odysseus represents something deeper and more personal than Slade initially understands.

The hunt becomes mutual as both characters search for answers that could destroy everything Slade has built over decades of careful planning. What makes this premise work is how it attacks Deathstroke's core strength: his tactical mind and preparation.

Without his memories, Slade loses his greatest advantage– knowing his enemies and their weaknesses. Daniel transforms the character from predator to prey, forcing him to operate completely blind while facing deadly threats he can't even remember making.

The story gets wild when Daniel makes a controversial creative choice. Rather than just healing Slade's wounds, the narrative places his consciousness in a younger body that resembles his television counterpart. This body swap isn't cosmetic– it fundamentally alters how characters perceive and interact with Deathstroke.

The three main characters share a hidden history that threatens to destroy Deathstroke's new life before he can even establish it. This shared past becomes the emotional foundation, revealing connections that span years and involve deep personal betrayals.

This shared past becomes the emotional core of the story, revealing connections that go back years and involve people Slade thought he could trust. The revelation recontextualizes everything readers think they know about his relationships.

The action escalates from personal vendettas to larger conspiracies involving government agencies and enhanced soldiers. Daniel weaves these elements together without losing focus on the central character study. Each revelation adds new layers to both the mystery and Slade's psychological journey back to his former self.

Daniel handles both writing and artwork duties, giving the entire storyline a cohesive visual identity that serves the story's themes. His art style emphasizes brutal efficiency over flashy superheroics, making every fight feel grounded and consequential.

The action sequences flow naturally without sacrificing clarity for spectacle. Character designs reflect the story's focus on reinvention. The younger Deathstroke body allows Daniel to explore different visual approaches while maintaining the character's intimidating presence.

Daniel's writing strikes the right balance between action and introspection. He gives Slade genuine emotional moments without making him overly sympathetic or heroic. The dialogue feels natural for a military operative dealing with memory loss and betrayal, avoiding both melodrama and any unnecessary exposition.

The pacing builds tension through alternating between present-day action and fragmented memory sequences. These flashbacks provide crucial information without feeling like cheap reveals, letting readers piece together clues alongside Slade.

Gods of War succeeds because it treats Deathstroke as more than just a killing machine. Daniel's bold creative choices breathe new life into a character who could have become repetitive after decades of similar stories. The memory loss provides genuine stakes while the body transformation adds psychological depth.

This storyline works as an entry point for new readers and evolution for longtime fans. Daniel respects the character's history while pushing him in surprising directions. The New 52 connections are handled organically without requiring background knowledge.

Whether you're interested in psychological thrillers, military action, or character reinventions, Gods of War delivers on multiple levels. It's the kind of story that reminds you why Deathstroke remains compelling for all these years– not because he's invincible but because he's human enough to lose everything and keep fighting.

Deathstroke: Gods of War arc is collected in Deathstroke Vol. 1: Gods of War trade paperback, which is available at comic shops, major bookstores and online retailers. For digital readers, the full storyline can be accessed on ComiXology, Kindle and DC Universe Infinite.