WARNING: Contains Potential Spoilers For Dark Knights of Steel: Allwinter #1!

Tom Taylor’s critically acclaimed Elseworlds series, Dark Knights of Steel, returns with a thrilling Deathstroke-centric sequel. In this new installment, the fan-favorite mercenary transforms into the ultimate Viking warlord, donning a badass new costume. Slade Wilson’s debut in this fierce attire is marked by a legendary kill shot that takes out an iconic Gotham Rogue, setting the stage for an unforgettable series.

DC has provided an exciting preview of their upcoming release, Dark Knights of Steel: Allwinter #1, set to debut on July 17, 2024, by Jay Kristoff and Tirso Cons. In this teaser, fans get their first glimpse of Deathstroke’s in-narrative costume, which has been previously teased through various cover art for the series.

Although only five pages have been revealed, Slade’s Viking-esque costume is already poised to become a fan favorite, thanks to Cons’ stunning art style. Making this costume debut even more memorable is the fact that Deathstroke christens his new suit in the blood of Roman “Black Mask” Sionis.

Deathstroke Debuts New Viking Costume by Killing Black Mask in Brutal Battle

Panel Shows Deathstroke’s Crossbow Arrow Hitting Black Mask in the Eye as He’s Sat Astride an Armored Horse

Dark Knights of Steel: Allwinter #1 immediately thrusts fans into a striking black-and-white scene of a bloody battlefield labeled “The Battle of Svartfjell, 21 A.W.,” set six months after the events of Taylor’s Dark Knights of Steel series. The battle unfolds between a Deathstroke-led warband and Jarl Black Mask’s army, with Slade fighting for hire on behalf of Jarl Vandar. While the reason for the conflict isn’t explicitly stated, the outcome is unmistakable. Deathstroke clinches victory by sending a crossbow arrow into Black Mask’s eye, killing the Jarl and causing his men to break ranks and flee.

The black and white depiction of Slade’s arrow embedding itself into Black Mask’s skull is a brutal yet beautifully rendered panel, capturing the motion of the impact and the fading life force of Sionis. Following this, the next panel shows Deathstroke lowering his crossbow after firing the fatal shot. This moment offers the clearest view of Slade’s Viking-inspired attire, which includes a historically inaccurate yet badass horned helm, complemented by chainmail and leather armor. Notably, the helm sports a dual-colored design, paying homage to Deathstroke’s signature orange and black face mask with a sharp division between the two colors.

Deathstroke Becomes the Ultimate Viking Warlord in Variant Cover for Dark Knights of Steel: Allwinter #1

Cover E 1:25 Dan Panosian Card Stock Virgin Variant

Cons’ art provides a stunning in-narrative view of Deathstroke’s Viking costume, yet it’s the variant covers, particularly Dan Panosian’s, that offer a more detailed and vivid portrayal of the warlord. Panosian’s depiction shows Slade surveying the aftermath of a brutal battle with the presence of a Norse god. He confidently wields a battle-sharpened war axe in his right hand, dressed in a tattered cloak, leather boots, traditional Viking trousers (brækr), and a belt with a large metal clasp. The standout element of his attire is the horned helmet in black and orange, a direct tribute to Deathstroke’s classic design.

Dark Knights of Steel: Allwinter #1 is available July 17, 2024, from DC Comics!