Deathstroke #8 Review

Pure Energy

Written by: Christopher Priest
Art by: Carlo Pagulayan, Jason Paz, Sean Parsons, Jeromy Cox, Hi-Fi and Willie Shubert
Cover Price: $2.99
Release Date: December 14, 2016

I don't ever know what to say in these intro paragraphs for this book.  If you look at my scores, you'll
see that I rate this book pretty high and while that is a testament to Christopher Priest's writing ability, I can't say that I really enjoy it.  The who criss-cross applesauce double-cross story is growing old quick and the out of sequence storytelling is more confusing than it has to be.  Of course, these are just my opinions, but it's my review and I'll bitch if I want to...bitch if I want to!  So, does Christopher Priest continue writing a technically good book that is not my favorite or does he criss-cross me and make me a big fan?  Let's find out...


The issue opens with what we were promised since last issue's cliffhanger...Deathstroke vs Superman!  While I liked the bit of fighting we got, I actually liked Slade's dialogue even more.  If you ever wondered where Superman was when the worst things in the world happened...so has Slade!

Of course, it does all end in fistacuffs, but Deathstroke's Ikon Armor does the trick and absorbs Superman's blows and gives a little return to sender blast that leaves Superman bloody.  It's neat enough...and definitely part of a setup!

We then head to Los Angeles and see that Rose is beginning to figure things out, but is still a bit behind.  Sure, she finds out who Etienne is working for, but it turns into a "your not asking the right questions" type of situation involving her brother.

Deathstroke continues with a game of cat and mouse with Superman that leads to Deathstroke blowing up and killing just about everything and everyone he comes across, but in the end, he gets his man.  Of course, that pisses Superman off and if you were still wondering why he even agreed to do any of this, wait until you see who he is working with.

We continue with Superman reporting back to Adeline and it's odd to say the least.  I guess Priest wanted to go with a more realistic story involving Superman here, but it just feels off.  In my opinion, it has from the start.  The issue then ends with Rose planning her next move and a very spy movie scene that I'm not sure is actually what we were seeing.

 

I didn't really enjoy this issue that much.  While it was more straight forward than a lot of the others in this series, Superman's inclusion just through it off for me.  That being said, I was looking forward to the fun that a Superman vs Deathstroke issue would bring, but sadly, it all fell flat.  We've had Batman and Superman in this series so far, is Wonder Woman far behind?

I enjoyed Carlo Pagulayan's art as usual.  He draws the crap out of every character in the book and his action scenes are explosive and easy to follow.  I like that combination.

Bits and Pieces:

I don't know if it's series fatigue or just a bump in the road, but I didn't enjoy this issue that much.  Not a whole lot happens story wise and what we did get just felt odd.  The art was great, but I can't recommend this issue.

6.5/10