Deathstroke #19 Review

Let's Make a Deal

Written by: James Bonny
Art by: Paolo Pantalena, Arif Prianto and Dave Sharpe
Cover Price: $2.99
Release Date: June 22, 2016

It's that time of month again...Deathstroke Time!!!  That means all sorts of fun things like severed limbs, pools of blood, daughters hating fathers, fathers doing everything to save daughters and one crazy ass mind powered son that infuriates me every time I see his jerk off face.  Good times, people. If you didn't read last issue or don't remember what happened because you don't take care of yourself by eating right including some sort of fish three times a week, I will tell you.  The Wilson Family went off to take care of the Lawman and his associates, but after Rose was mind controlled (again), Jericho had to use mind powers to free her and she ended up a little worse for wear.  Actually, she is dying and the issue ended with Ra's al Ghul offering his assistance and only wants one thing in return...Deathstroke's soul!!!  Imagine the music that comes after a big statement like that.  You know, "Da-Da-Dummmmmm"  Go back and read that sentence again and say the sound effect out loud and then we will get on with the review.  Okay, we're all on the same page now?  On with the review...


If you didn't like my recap, James Bonny opens the issue with a better one anyway.  We are well into this story arc, but if you haven't been reading up until now, just jump right in because Bonny does a really good job of getting everyone up to speed.

After a great credits page, we find out how Ra's will heal Rose and it's the typical Al Ghul mystical mumbo-jumbo he must get off saying out loud.  The best part, though, is that as an added bonus, the cure will keep Lawman from controlling Rose's mind.  I call that a side effect that is pushed as a feature.  There is a downside, however, and it's that Rose will need to take it daily to survive which basically turns her into an addict.  Oh yea, there is also that whole thing about Deathstroke joining the League of Assassins.  Da-Da-Dummmmm!  I really thought Deathstroke was going to tell Ra's to pound sand, but Jericho begs him to do it and away we go.

In my reviews for this series, I always mention that this book is an action movie on the page and the rest of the issue is just that.  As Ra's and Jericho bring Rose back, it's up to Slade to fight off waves and waves of Dead Bastard attackers lead by that backstabbing asshole, Victor Ruiz.  It's funny, both Deathstroke and Ruiz seem to think they have the other right where they want them and when Lawman and Snakebite show up, I might agree with Victor.

While Jericho does his best What Dreams May Come impersonation, it's an all-out brawl between Slade and every villain in this book including the finally arriving Mystasia.  The issue ends with Team Nova Council running off to lick their wounds and Team Deathstroke being initiated into the League of Assassins.  Yes, I said "Team Deathstroke" because Ra's has altered the deal to include the whole Wilson Family.  Pray he doesn't alter it any further...This deal's  getting worse all the time!

This issue is setup for the huge battle that will end Bonny's run, but I am never against setup when it is kickass fun.  If you like movies such as Predator, Commando, Bloodsport and Sex Lives of the Potato Men, you will like this book.  It may not be for everyone, but it is for me.  I look forward to it each month and James Bonny has rarely disappointed.

Paolo Pantalena's art fits the book as it is over-the-top, action packed and frenetic.  I don't know who likes having Snakebites tentacles severed off more...Bonny, Snakebite, Pantalena, Deathstroke or me, but Pantalena makes it look cool every time.  I also love the eye exploding Snakebite attack we get to see again in this issue.

Bits and Pieces:

If you are looking for a popcorn action movie fight fest, you should check out this book.  James Bonny doesn't pretend it is anything more than it is and even makes this issue a decent jumping on point for those curious to see what's going on.  What's going on is backstabbing, eye gouging, limb severing goodness and Bonny and artist, Paolo Pantalena, make it worth the price of admission and then some.  If you are looking for a guilty pleasure to make you smile, join me and make it Deathstroke.

8.0/10