Deathstroke Inc #5 Review

Deathstroke Inc. #5: Ghosts of a different life

Writer: Joshua Williamson
Artist: Paolo Pantalena
Colorist: Hi-Fi
Leterrer: Steve Wands
Editor: Ben Abernathy
Cover: Howard Porter and Hi-FI

Non spoilers section

  The best issue so far. I didn't like how the comic opens tho, makes the previous issue somewhat worse for me. But since what comes after really lands well, I don't mind that much. The journey through the Crooked House just works, the character beats there are genuine. And how this comic ends is really exciting and unexpected in a way. Strong middle section and a nice hook for the next issue.

Spoilers

I'm definitely having a rocky relationship with this comic, but issue #5 worked for me. My only problem, and I want to get this out of the way quickly, is how they handle Slade's death on the previous issue. Yeah, that was just for the shock value, not a fan of that. But finally, this comic has said something with weight about the titular character. That section in the Crooked House was wonderful. The basics for a Deathstroke comic were there. A reference to the Titans, his family, his desire to be a good father but how he simply can't. The Black Canary stuff was great too. I also have to talk about how much I love how she talks in this comic series so far. Every conversation with her just works. And about the art, I must say, Paolo Pantalen's 'art here is great. He worked on Deathstroke before, back in the New 52, and he's a lot better now. His style fits here very well and I'm happy that he is doing this book.


And of course, the ending. King Deathstroke is coming! The last pages felt real quick, but somehow, it lands. It did take me on a surprise too. Did not expect for Slade to just went "screw this, i'm taking over", but that works for the character, especially after what he saw in the Crooked House. I'm more excited now for the future, if the comic makes me feel that, it did his job well.
(Quick note, when Slade talks about going in a Haunted House with his kids, that was mentioned in dialogue on Deathstroke Annual 2, from the New 52 years ago.)