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Deathstroke: The Terminator (collected editions) #1-9
Deathstroke: The Terminator, Vol. 1: Assassins
Deathstroke, the break-out villain from the 1980s sensation THE NEW TEEN TITANS and current star of the hit TV series "Arrow," stars in his own graphic novel series! First, Deathstroke begins his hunt for the man who tried to kill his ex-wife - the man called the Ravager. It's all-out action as these two super-powered soldiers go toe to toe! Then, someone is knocking off the crime bosses of Gotham City. It's up to Deathstroke to eliminate the competition - but Batman doesn't take kindly to him on his turf. And things get even crazier when the masked killer known as the Vigilante enters the fray.
Collects DEATHSTROKE THE TERMINATOR #1-9 and THE NEW TITANS #70.
Collects DEATHSTROKE THE TERMINATOR #1-9 and THE NEW TITANS #70.
272 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1991
23 people are currently reading
186 people want to read
About the author
Marv Wolfman
2,308 books306 followersMarvin A. "Marv" Wolfman is an award-winning American comic book writer. He is best known for lengthy runs on The Tomb of Dracula, creating Blade for Marvel Comics, and The New Teen Titans for DC Comics.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
October 22, 2018
I always liked the Deathstroke character, he was more a merc than a classic super villain. When DC gave him his own series I was curious to see how they would treat the character. I was not disappointed with the story arc. Good art and read. Recommended
January 20, 2018
No matter how the cinema might honor it, I have never participated in a war I could honestly call glorious.
October 14, 2015
This Is A Collection Of "Deathstroke The Terminator" 1991 Series #1-9 & New Teen Titans #70
I collected all issues individually but for ease of giving an overall review I elected to review the collected edition.
Although many Comic book fans know the eventual outcome of the fight with "the ravager" well before reading this it is managed to be told in a way that still gives you some things to be surprised about. While this collection doesn't exactly have an origin as he's fresh off a run in teen titans where all that is explained, someone new to the character will have no problem catching up with the plot, by far the best part of the book takes place in issues #6-9 as it is Deathstroke in Gotham City... You know who else is in Gotham? I'll give you a hint; it starts with B and ends in ATMAN. While at first although they are tracking the same people they remain mostly out of each other's way, but that all changes in an epic rooftop battle to remember for ages. Definitely a good way to remember the good old Anti-Hero Deathstroke before Tony Daniel turned him into a violent homicidal manic.
I collected all issues individually but for ease of giving an overall review I elected to review the collected edition.
Although many Comic book fans know the eventual outcome of the fight with "the ravager" well before reading this it is managed to be told in a way that still gives you some things to be surprised about. While this collection doesn't exactly have an origin as he's fresh off a run in teen titans where all that is explained, someone new to the character will have no problem catching up with the plot, by far the best part of the book takes place in issues #6-9 as it is Deathstroke in Gotham City... You know who else is in Gotham? I'll give you a hint; it starts with B and ends in ATMAN. While at first although they are tracking the same people they remain mostly out of each other's way, but that all changes in an epic rooftop battle to remember for ages. Definitely a good way to remember the good old Anti-Hero Deathstroke before Tony Daniel turned him into a violent homicidal manic.
October 1, 2017
Historias que no se escriben ahora y que se echan de menos. Marv Wolfman retoma a su personaje, Slade Wilson/Deathstroke, creado en Teen Titans, para llevarlo a dos aventuras: Full Circle, donde tendrá que cerrar heridas del pasado y Assassins, que lo llevará hasta Ciudad Gótica a enfrentar una guerra de poder entre bandas rivales, a la policía, el FBI y a Batman.
Wolfman le da profundidad a Slade, lo hace cercano, nos muestra esa cara que ni siquiera a su compañero y socio Wintergreen es capaz de revelar. Slade Wilson es un tipo que ha perdido demasiado, con muchos fantasmas y un dolor que carga en su espalda pero, ante todo, debe seguir adelante.
Wolfman le da profundidad a Slade, lo hace cercano, nos muestra esa cara que ni siquiera a su compañero y socio Wintergreen es capaz de revelar. Slade Wilson es un tipo que ha perdido demasiado, con muchos fantasmas y un dolor que carga en su espalda pero, ante todo, debe seguir adelante.
February 20, 2016
Such a good read, I'm glad I have volume two and the batman team up was awesome. To many people over look deathstroke and take liking to deadpool; I'm sorry but deathstroke is better in every way.
November 24, 2018
Slade Wilson is one of those DC characters that got better with time so the recent titles with him are absolutely readable and you can get a good picture of his past and personality from those, you don't exactly need to dig deeper. But he has limited amount of works with him, he is not exactly Batman with 20 different titles every month. So I dig and found this title from the '90s and holy shit IT IS SO GOOD. It's a bit jumping into Slade's background story, where this title starts, his sons are dead, his ex-wife hates him and works on killing him so his personal life is a mess - as usual. In exchange, we see his friendship with Wintergreen, his probably only true friend, how he does his job as an assassin, what kind of jobs he accepts, what's his work ethic, etc. It's damn interesting. Especially with all the cold war background, giving you extra political and history knowledge as well.
I will be completely honest with you, the only reason I didn't give this 5 stars is that someone who is called Deathstroke The Terminator can't possibly look as lame as Slade does in his early costume. I mean I could even accept it if it wasn't for those boots.
I will be completely honest with you, the only reason I didn't give this 5 stars is that someone who is called Deathstroke The Terminator can't possibly look as lame as Slade does in his early costume. I mean I could even accept it if it wasn't for those boots.
March 15, 2017
Unpretentious fun. Emo assassin has a midlife crisis. The only downside is continuity with New Titans books of the same period so you'll have to read a little bit further to catch up on some storylines but I think it's well worth it.
February 11, 2026
As an introductory arc, Full Cycle was great. Through the journals of longtime brother-in-arms Wintergreen, Slade Wilson’s most essential moments are organically recounted over the course of a few issues and establish the critical relationship Slade and Wintergreen have. You might have a question on the dirty details, but Slade’s origin and 90% of his important appearances in other books are aptly addressed.
Wolfman does a fantastic job making Deathstroke more than just an edgy anti-hero with a characteristically ambiguous moral compass. Deathstroke definitely has an untraditional sense of morality, but it’s very unique. He prides himself on his own code, which is structured by his personal history of trying to do right and getting it wrong. I love that Deathstroke didn’t start as a hotshot contract killer; he was a dutiful soldier betrayed by his own country, a husband and father to a family that fractured, and a man who moved with conviction to see his personal interpretation of justice done.
Full Cycle is a bit of a redemption arc which takes Deathstroke around the world trying to unravel a conspiracy of terrorism that coincidentally put him at the center of its plans. Typically not a fan of those big national espionage storybeats but I really liked this one. Deathstroke is great, the story is good, and the big villain is great right until he isn’t. The revelations of the mystery villain sucked, but still serviced the plot progression.
City of Assassins was a crime noir that didn’t deliver a shocking ending, but I don’t think the ending was the point, ykwim? The point was to have the frickin’ Bat and Deathstroke trade punches on a rooftop over their mutual target, and that part was awesome. Was stunned to see Batman get spanked by Deathstroke, but gotta remember, this book predates the godly Batman we have today. Batman hadn’t solo’d the Justice League yet, and him losing to metahuman was still normative.
Sidenote: Wintergreen’s “journaling” was great. Lots of musings on morality, war, righteousness, the likes.
Didn’t reinvent the wheel, but did give a very firm foundation to build on the character of Slade Wilson, aka Deathstroke the Terminator. Enjoyed!
Wolfman does a fantastic job making Deathstroke more than just an edgy anti-hero with a characteristically ambiguous moral compass. Deathstroke definitely has an untraditional sense of morality, but it’s very unique. He prides himself on his own code, which is structured by his personal history of trying to do right and getting it wrong. I love that Deathstroke didn’t start as a hotshot contract killer; he was a dutiful soldier betrayed by his own country, a husband and father to a family that fractured, and a man who moved with conviction to see his personal interpretation of justice done.
Full Cycle is a bit of a redemption arc which takes Deathstroke around the world trying to unravel a conspiracy of terrorism that coincidentally put him at the center of its plans. Typically not a fan of those big national espionage storybeats but I really liked this one. Deathstroke is great, the story is good, and the big villain is great right until he isn’t. The revelations of the mystery villain sucked, but still serviced the plot progression.
City of Assassins was a crime noir that didn’t deliver a shocking ending, but I don’t think the ending was the point, ykwim? The point was to have the frickin’ Bat and Deathstroke trade punches on a rooftop over their mutual target, and that part was awesome. Was stunned to see Batman get spanked by Deathstroke, but gotta remember, this book predates the godly Batman we have today. Batman hadn’t solo’d the Justice League yet, and him losing to metahuman was still normative.
Sidenote: Wintergreen’s “journaling” was great. Lots of musings on morality, war, righteousness, the likes.
Didn’t reinvent the wheel, but did give a very firm foundation to build on the character of Slade Wilson, aka Deathstroke the Terminator. Enjoyed!
August 16, 2021
Competent 90's action, very good art by Steve Erwin.
December 20, 2025
Deathstroke is the GOAT. Great read.
December 28, 2018
Wolfman's ongoing, picking up after the Teen Titans stuff he did. Nicely done, I can absolutely see where Priest is pulling from with this, but I prefer the art and writing of Priest to Wolfman by a lot. Wolfman really tries to make Slade an antihero, and Priest is firmly convinced he's a villain.
February 7, 2019
Love this character. First 10 issues of his 1991 solo title. Very good. I'll definitely continue this series.
July 25, 2019
This was really enjoyable. Forgot how good Deathstroke could be.
April 26, 2024
Presentado como antagonista de los Teen Titans, esta suerte de "Capitán América retorcido" (soldado y sujeto de experimentación militar que le otorga super capacidades... pero que se desvincula de todo abrazando una nueva identidad como super mercenario), siempre ha escalado en interés y popularidad. Y sin duda, seguramente esta cabecera propia del personaje habrá hecho mucho por eso.
Con este arranque, Marv Wolfman aprovechaba el desligar a Wade Wilson de contextos "pìjameros" más recurrentes y aprovechar el hecho de los encargos más turbios y de gravedad sociopolítica para los que encargar los servicios de "The Terminator". Así, Wade ya empieza enfrascado en una intriga guerrillas y amenazas de muerte a líderes políticos extranjeros. Pasará a ser asediado por un literal fantasma de su pasado y hasta acabará en medio de un conflicto mafioso en pleno corazón negro de Gotham City (con lo que la capa del Caballero Oscuro se oteará en el horizonte). Todo esto, promueve que este recopilatorio ofrezca ese sinfín de acción salvaje heredera de los clásicos actioners filmicos de los 80. Pero lo interesante aquí es justamente la personalidad y brújula moral de Wade Wilson que aunque lo lleven a estar continuamente luchando en campos de batalla o eliminando objetivos por orden de benefactores de igual o mayor dudosa fama. Será el mismo mercenario quien acabe decidiendo qué encargo aceptar o cómo y cuánto poner entre medias de los conflictos que promueven la muerte y la perdida. Porque aunque se formó como soldado y ha conocido muchos campos de batalla, Wade no tiene sentimientos belicistas como tal. Tan solo ha visto tanto que le ha dejado una vista gris oscuro del mundo. E incluso parcial, teniendo en cuenta que es tuerto de un ojo por una tragedia familiar.
Como muchos personajes, el Deathstroke de esta época cuenta con un gran aliado con su viejo mentor de su etapa en el ejército. El cual actúa de apoyo logístico, de informante y confidente. Y esto último se extiende al lector, pues con fragmentos de su diario ficticio, tendremos los textos introductorios y explicativos que enmarcan las historias y los conflictos personales de Deathstroke.
El estilo de narración de pura acción, pero encuadrado perfectamente en las tramas e intrigas más oscuras y de temáticas criminales o bélicas a ras del suelo. Logra que esta lectura se mantenga bastante fresca incluso para nuevos lectores referidos por adaptaciones recientes del personaje no solo en las viñetas. El trabajo e Wolfman y Steve Erwin se mantiene como una recomendada lectura DCita de uno de sus personajes más ambivalentes y a redescubrir.
Con este arranque, Marv Wolfman aprovechaba el desligar a Wade Wilson de contextos "pìjameros" más recurrentes y aprovechar el hecho de los encargos más turbios y de gravedad sociopolítica para los que encargar los servicios de "The Terminator". Así, Wade ya empieza enfrascado en una intriga guerrillas y amenazas de muerte a líderes políticos extranjeros. Pasará a ser asediado por un literal fantasma de su pasado y hasta acabará en medio de un conflicto mafioso en pleno corazón negro de Gotham City (con lo que la capa del Caballero Oscuro se oteará en el horizonte). Todo esto, promueve que este recopilatorio ofrezca ese sinfín de acción salvaje heredera de los clásicos actioners filmicos de los 80. Pero lo interesante aquí es justamente la personalidad y brújula moral de Wade Wilson que aunque lo lleven a estar continuamente luchando en campos de batalla o eliminando objetivos por orden de benefactores de igual o mayor dudosa fama. Será el mismo mercenario quien acabe decidiendo qué encargo aceptar o cómo y cuánto poner entre medias de los conflictos que promueven la muerte y la perdida. Porque aunque se formó como soldado y ha conocido muchos campos de batalla, Wade no tiene sentimientos belicistas como tal. Tan solo ha visto tanto que le ha dejado una vista gris oscuro del mundo. E incluso parcial, teniendo en cuenta que es tuerto de un ojo por una tragedia familiar.
Como muchos personajes, el Deathstroke de esta época cuenta con un gran aliado con su viejo mentor de su etapa en el ejército. El cual actúa de apoyo logístico, de informante y confidente. Y esto último se extiende al lector, pues con fragmentos de su diario ficticio, tendremos los textos introductorios y explicativos que enmarcan las historias y los conflictos personales de Deathstroke.
El estilo de narración de pura acción, pero encuadrado perfectamente en las tramas e intrigas más oscuras y de temáticas criminales o bélicas a ras del suelo. Logra que esta lectura se mantenga bastante fresca incluso para nuevos lectores referidos por adaptaciones recientes del personaje no solo en las viñetas. El trabajo e Wolfman y Steve Erwin se mantiene como una recomendada lectura DCita de uno de sus personajes más ambivalentes y a redescubrir.
September 7, 2019
Marv Wolfman's Deathstroke is still finding its footing in this first volume, but shows some strong potential.
Clay Pigeons (Titans #70). This is pretty much a backdoor-pilot for Deathstroke, showing what a comic focused on him could be like. And, it's OK. There's fine action-adventure, but with the cast just limited to Slade and Wintergreen there's not much opportunity for depth (though we certainly get nice details on Wintergreen and his relation to Slade) [3/5].
Full Cycle (DS #1-4). The first arc in Deathstroke proper gives us that desired depth, with more of a focus on Slade and what's happened to his children and even his wife. The return of Ravager is exciting, but ultimately that falls a little flat at the end when the reveals turns out to be just a big retcon that is clumsy and last minute. Still, this is a great arc for delving into Slade's history [3+/5].
Revelations & Revolutions (#5). A one-off focusing on Slade's wife and some various people out to get them both. The relationship material is strong, the conspiratorial espionage less so [3+/5].
City of Assassins. (#6-9). For some reason, Slade decides to seek out an insider in the Gotham police department. (Why? It's never entirely clear, which is a weakness of the story.) There's some great Batman interaction here, some of it bordering on amusing parody, and then Wolfman really expands the scope of the comic by introducing a new Vigilante. [3+/5].
Clay Pigeons (Titans #70). This is pretty much a backdoor-pilot for Deathstroke, showing what a comic focused on him could be like. And, it's OK. There's fine action-adventure, but with the cast just limited to Slade and Wintergreen there's not much opportunity for depth (though we certainly get nice details on Wintergreen and his relation to Slade) [3/5].
Full Cycle (DS #1-4). The first arc in Deathstroke proper gives us that desired depth, with more of a focus on Slade and what's happened to his children and even his wife. The return of Ravager is exciting, but ultimately that falls a little flat at the end when the reveals turns out to be just a big retcon that is clumsy and last minute. Still, this is a great arc for delving into Slade's history [3+/5].
Revelations & Revolutions (#5). A one-off focusing on Slade's wife and some various people out to get them both. The relationship material is strong, the conspiratorial espionage less so [3+/5].
City of Assassins. (#6-9). For some reason, Slade decides to seek out an insider in the Gotham police department. (Why? It's never entirely clear, which is a weakness of the story.) There's some great Batman interaction here, some of it bordering on amusing parody, and then Wolfman really expands the scope of the comic by introducing a new Vigilante. [3+/5].
January 21, 2025
In general i am more of a Marvel comics fan. That said i know this guy is the basis for Deadpool, was a big bad for teen titans, and was in Suicide Squad. That was my background. I was not expecting him to be a grumpy 50-60 year old one eyed guy. I know it is comics but it is never addressed but having one eye would make him a lousy shot as he would have 0 depth perception.
As for the volume itself, it was unexpected to see it start with a political take on Wade taking on a country's corrupt government. Also interesting seeing him take on Batman. Was a bit confused on his power level. It seems like he took super soldier stuff like Captain America so is just peak human level strong, but then kept going on about being 10X as fast with reactions. So i guess Captain America with spider mans reaction time and a healing factor. Will eventually read the other series to see where he ends up.
As for the volume itself, it was unexpected to see it start with a political take on Wade taking on a country's corrupt government. Also interesting seeing him take on Batman. Was a bit confused on his power level. It seems like he took super soldier stuff like Captain America so is just peak human level strong, but then kept going on about being 10X as fast with reactions. So i guess Captain America with spider mans reaction time and a healing factor. Will eventually read the other series to see where he ends up.
September 30, 2023
3.5/5 globe-trotting mercenary
I'd only known Deathstroke from his antagonist cameo in Batman and Titans. I'd gotten the impression of him as a an assassin with a weird protégé fixation. This was better than I thought, it was sort of a mercenary spy thriller, seeing him deal with things like South American style political instability, a nemesis peer from his past, and mob fights in Gotham. There's some ex-wife drama, but compared to the angst and infighting of Titans it was thankfully tepid.
I'd only known Deathstroke from his antagonist cameo in Batman and Titans. I'd gotten the impression of him as a an assassin with a weird protégé fixation. This was better than I thought, it was sort of a mercenary spy thriller, seeing him deal with things like South American style political instability, a nemesis peer from his past, and mob fights in Gotham. There's some ex-wife drama, but compared to the angst and infighting of Titans it was thankfully tepid.
June 11, 2019
La verdad es que me quedo muy contento con esta lectura. Marv Wolfman sabe escribir, y se nota. Nunca me había parecido tan interesante este personaje hasta leer esta serie. El dibujo es correcto, nada rompedor, pero tampoco es que el personaje lo necesite.
El único contra que le pongo es que esta serie necesita de una buena lectura de los Jóvenes Titanes del mismo autor para poder disfrutarla plenamente, pero nada más allá de eso.
El único contra que le pongo es que esta serie necesita de una buena lectura de los Jóvenes Titanes del mismo autor para poder disfrutarla plenamente, pero nada más allá de eso.
April 16, 2023
This series start is really good. The New Titans issue that starts this collection seems like a random added prelude and doesn’t add much to the overall collection, but I love issues 1 through 9 of the Wolfman series. Solid art, writing, paneling, pacing, and development throughout. The Batman issues are cool too (often these appearance of another popular character issues are not what they could be).
March 28, 2019
It’s a fun action packed book. Goes over the origin story. There are parts of the story that hint at event in Teen Titans so you need to be familiar with those tiger every reference. Art is on point. I’ll be reading the next volume.
April 1, 2019
Awesome graphic novel of Golden age of DCU- Deathstroke. It's cool seeing batman, the vigilante, and Deathstroke working together fighting bad guys to help Gotham city. I can't wait to read volume 2 of Deathstroke: The Terminator.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 2, 2025
As for Slade Wilson's character, Deathstroke: the Terminator, his first 9 issues and one with the The New Titans is unexpectedly very nice. Also, seeing him beat up Batman is a scene I want to keep repeating.
June 7, 2024
Recopila nueve números de la priera serie regular de Deathstroke. Alguna ediciones incluyen también un capítulo de Teen Titans.
June 9, 2024
Libro de historietas con ISBN propio. Tomo 47 o 54 de la colección.
June 15, 2024
Deathstroke pelándola sin vergüenza en las azoteas de la ciudad de asesinos.
January 8, 2025
Nice to see Slade Wilson kicking ass on his very own series. Written by one of the legends of DC.
February 20, 2025
Deathstroke: The Terminator Vol 1
Collects: Deathstroke: The Terminator #1-9; The New Titans #70
(4⭐) Although bit dated in style and content - still very complex and interesting plots, although a bit too political at times. Too much unnecessary text to read
Collects: Deathstroke: The Terminator #1-9; The New Titans #70
(4⭐) Although bit dated in style and content - still very complex and interesting plots, although a bit too political at times. Too much unnecessary text to read
March 19, 2025
No ha estado mal, pero tampoco deslumbra. Competente serie de acción noventera protagonizadas por Deathstroke. El origen del personaje ya se contó en la serie Nuevos Titanes de mejor forma, así que esta serie resume esos acontecimientos mientras que desarrolla otras historias como mercenario. A destacar algunas escenas de acción, sus problemas familiares y el primer encuentro con Batman.
May 3, 2024
El vigilantismo y el entorno de "guerrilla urbana" - conceptos que cobran fuerza desde los primeros años setenta hasta explotar en la década ochenta - son terrenos donde Marv Wolfman se mueve con singular comocidad, eleborando guiones violentos cargados de frases filosas y alusiones sociopolíticas que, miradas con distancia, retratan una visión de época. Vistas así, las misiones del mercenario Slade Wilson ofrecen una ventana electrizante a esos tiempos cargados de violencia.
April 4, 2023
Deathstroke: The Terminator, Vol. 1: Assassins is a thrilling ride that will leave you wanting more. The story revolves around the legendary mercenary Deathstroke and his trusted ally, Wintergreen, as they navigate the dangerous world of espionage and assassinations.
One of the highlights of the book is the dynamic between Deathstroke and Wintergreen. Their relationship is complex and goes beyond just a professional partnership. They have a history that is explored throughout the story, giving the reader a glimpse into their shared past and how it has influenced their present-day interactions.
The action sequences are well-paced and keep the reader engaged throughout the book. Each encounter is more intense than the last, and Deathstroke's abilities are put to the test as he faces off against a range of formidable foes.
While the story may not be groundbreaking, it is still an enjoyable read. The historical significance of the character and his impact on the DC Universe cannot be ignored, and this volume is a solid starting point for those new to the character.
Overall, Deathstroke: The Terminator, Vol. 1: Assassins is a slightly above average read that is worth checking out, especially for fans of Deathstroke and his dynamic with Wintergreen.
One of the highlights of the book is the dynamic between Deathstroke and Wintergreen. Their relationship is complex and goes beyond just a professional partnership. They have a history that is explored throughout the story, giving the reader a glimpse into their shared past and how it has influenced their present-day interactions.
The action sequences are well-paced and keep the reader engaged throughout the book. Each encounter is more intense than the last, and Deathstroke's abilities are put to the test as he faces off against a range of formidable foes.
While the story may not be groundbreaking, it is still an enjoyable read. The historical significance of the character and his impact on the DC Universe cannot be ignored, and this volume is a solid starting point for those new to the character.
Overall, Deathstroke: The Terminator, Vol. 1: Assassins is a slightly above average read that is worth checking out, especially for fans of Deathstroke and his dynamic with Wintergreen.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews