Deathstroke #14 Review

In the Doghouse

Written by: Christopher Priest
Art by: Joe Bennett, Norm Rapmund, Jeromy Cox and Willie Shubert
Cover Price: $2.99
Release Date: March 8, 2017

I have been critical of this book since Rebirth started, but when Christopher Priest gives us a straightforward issue, I've loved it every time.  I'm not saying that it has to be generic, because this book is far from that, I just need to be able to follow it from page to page.  Listen, I'll take some fot he blame for being a big dummy, but I know I'm not the only one who feels this way.  So, what kind of issue do we get this week and is it any good?  Let's find out...

The issue starts off with Jericho popping pills and taking a business call about...bonds and financial commitments.  Again, maybe I'm a dummy, but I never claimed to have gone to business school (I went to West Virginia University for Christ's sake!) and the overlong editors note trying to explain it all makes me think others are in my boat.

We get back to familiar ground when Jericho calls Etienne while she's still getting a bit sexy with Slade.  It's still crazy seeing them together and odder when Slade tells her to call off the wedding with Jericho.  He is trying to figure out her angle in all of this, but it seems like he is stumped.

We then head off to Minneapolis to visit with Rose and Hosun...who is hiding from Deathstroke in a doghouse.  Seriously, Hosun better not get killed because he gives this book some much needed humor between the double and triple crosses flying around.

Back with Deathstroke, we see that Raptor pimped out the Ikon armor, but also that the government is not going to prosecute Deathstroke and may even have a job for him.  A job that leads right into the hands of Tanya Spears...aka Power Girl of the New 52 Teen Titans!  I thought that Raptor was an odd guest star, but Tanya?!?  Deathstroke finally gets his man, but is injured in the process.  I will admit to being a bit confused with Slade's change of clothes here, but I let it pass as Tanya shows up to help.

Back in Minneapolis, Rose continues her quest for the 'ancient mystical family sword" and it looks like she found it...in a pawn shop.  It starts as a continuation of the running gag, but ends with a bit of truth behind it all.

The issue ends with Christopher Priest showing us a really kick ass Tanya in her loft/lab and also the start of what we saw at the beginning of last issue.  It looks like Slade is going to need two eye patches!

I liked this issue a lot.  Yes, it started with a bunch of nonsense with Jericho, but we got to see Rose again, Hosun was hilarious and I can't wait to see what is up with Slade.  In between all of this we also got the continuing thing with Slade and Etienne and the craziest guest star who happens to now by my favorite so far.  How far the overall story progressed is anybodies guess, but that's par for the coarse and something that Christopher Priest is still keeping close to the vest. Joe Bennett's art was excellent as usual and while this is a tough book to ever recommend to new readers, those who've been reading since Rebirth started should be happy with it.

Bits and Pieces:

This is yet another good issue of Deathstroke with some humor, action and a guest star that is not only surprising, but surprisingly great.  The story and art come together so well and even if it's not new user friendly, those who are invested should continue to enjoy it.

7.8/10