In DC Comics, Deathstroke‘s new “Year One” origin story reveals details of Slade Wilson’s backstory that make him the perfect nemesis for Batman. Deathstroke the Terminator is considered one of the deadliest mercenaries in DC Comics but the early days of his career parallel important elements of the famous Batman “Year One” storyline. Batman’s greatest adversaries share unsettling similarities with the Dark Knight and Slade’s initial descent into destruction provides an excellent foil to Bruce Wayne’s near-death transformation.
During the “Year One” storyline in Batman, Bruce Wayne embarks on a journey that changes him from a young man into a near-mythic vigilante in Gotham City. In Batman #404, written by Frank Miller and illustrated by Dave Mazzucchelli, Bruce Wayne returns to Gotham after years of training to become a solider in his one-man war against crime. He heads into a dangerous part of the city at night looking for a fight disguised with only a ski mask and a fake scar. The ensuing street-side brawl continues to escalate until a confrontation with the police leaves Bruce wounded and bleeding. Bruce feels like he failed his parents and almost chooses to die from his injuries. The sudden appearance of a bat crashing through his window provides Bruce with the clarity he needs to embrace the symbol of Batman and dedicate his life to avenging his parents.
Likewise, Deathstroke Inc. #10, written by Ed Brisson and illustrated by Dexter Soy, explores the painful origins of Slade’s superhuman powers. Slade, the anti-hero, transforms from a well-trained soldier into Deathstroke, the cold-blooded killer, through a secret government experiment. Volunteering for an injection of the government’s A.C.T.H derivative, an experimental serum, nearly destroys Slade’s body and mind. After slowly recovering from the “failed” experiment and being essentially left for dead by the country he swore to protect, Slade attempts to return to civilian life. Discontent with the trappings of a normal life and protecting the property of rich clients, Slade donned a ski mask and sought relief through violent street-level brawls. As his newfound powers manifest, Slade is confronted by the government and presented with a simple choice: remain with his family or become a mercenary.
Slade Wilson and Bruce Wayne are both brought to an absolute breaking point, during their “Year One” origin stories, hitting rock-bottom mentally, physically, and emotionally. Both men contemplated death in darkness before being reborn into the roles of Deathstroke and Batman respectively. Restless violence defines their origins and becomes the ultimate tool for accomplishing their goals. Batman uses his skills to protect the people of Gotham City, while Deathstroke uses his enhanced abilities to pursue wealth and power. Slade allows himself to be manipulated into a deadly weapon for the government while Bruce molds himself into a frightening symbol of vengeance.
Fatherhood plays an important role in the origins of both Batman and Deathstroke. Bruce interprets the bat crashing through his window as a sign from his deceased father and embraces the opportunity to fight for the memory of his lost family. Meanwhile, Slade rejects what he interprets as a banal suburban life and ignores the emotional needs of his wife and son. Deathstroke’s origin story represents the selfish path that Bruce Wayne dedicated his life to avoiding as Batman which makes Slade Wilson the perfect Batman villain.
