Writer Tony Fleecs crafts exactly what I was hoping for in his Next Level debut issue of Deathstroke: The Terminator. We get a punchy, high-energy story featuring Slade Wilson. From the outset Fleecs along with artist Carmine Di Giandomenico waste no time reminding us all why Wilson is one of the most dangerous characters DC Comics has to offer. All this while also welcoming those new to the DC universe into the fold.
Soldier-turned-superhuman assassin for hire Slade Wilson has made hundreds of enemies in his day, and now one of them is taking his world apart piece by piece. The hit is out on Deathstroke as he evolves into his purest form… a terminator out for revenge and ready to kill anyone who stands in his way.
I am used to reading stories by Fleecs in the world of independent comics where the creator takes a spin on cuddly characters and setting them in horrific moments. So, Fleecs getting to helm a Deathstroke comic was a true thrill in my book.
Tony absolutely nails the tone in Deathstroke: The Terminator, leaning hard into the idea that Slade has made a lifetime of enemies which are now catching up to him in a big, bad way. A brutal and intense comic packed with energy that kept me going from page to page. Deathstroke being hunted while evolving into an even more ruthless version of himself makes for a great storyline, all while showing Slade’s vulnerability, reminding us that he is deeply flawed and human.
What stands out the most, and one of the reasons for the Next Level series, is the approachability of this series. Longtime Deathstroke fans are flocked to the shelves on new comic day for this series, while also being a good place for those new to the character to jump right in. Fleecs gives you everything you need to understand who Slade is, whether it’s his mindset, his skills, or the kind of world he operates in, without bogging things down along the way.
Then there is the artwork by Di Giandomenico, something towards the opposite of Jorge Corona‘s Lobo Next Level debut. All the action sequences hit hard with clean lines making each panel feel impactful. Wilson’s violent energy can almost be felt, while the more vulnerable moments have weight as well.
Writer Tony Fleecs and artist Carmine Di Giandomenico got the task at hand when crafting Deathstroke: The Terminator. An action-packed and character-driven story that is honestly just plain fun. This is a great place to get to know Slade Wilson and go along for a ride.
Deathstroke: The Terminator #1 hits local comic shops on March 18, 2026 from DC Comics.
Deathstroke: The Terminator #1 Preview
