I've been a fan of Deathstroke ever since I first encountered him in the pages of THE NEW TEEN TITANS back in the early '80's, and the way he was handled in "The New 52" just broke my heart. If DEATHSTROKE: REBIRTH #1, the first issue since DC's "Rebirth" relaunch/reboot/whatever-the-hell-it-is, is any indication, they've got a winner on their hands.
The new series is written by Priest, who really seems to have a handle on Slade Wilson's character.
Priest sets the first issue in a war-torn African nation, with Slade in the employ of a bloodthirsty warlord. The book flashes back and forth from the present-day in Africa to a fateful hunting trip Slade took with his sons Grant and Joseph when they were little. Priest expertly uses every bit of his 20 page story to maximize characterization and setting, laying the groundwork for the story arc, introducing new readers to the various characters, and making you want to see what will happen next. I'm definitely down for a copy of the trade when this arc is collected. THIS is how you relaunch a series, DC! (Even if Priest does reference 'The New 52"s Deathstroke. I'm still not clear if "Rebirth" is a reboot back to the pre-FLASHPOINT continuity, or if we're still in "New 52"-land. Regardless, this was a damned fine read that left me wanting more.)
DC Comics provided a review copy.
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