Review: Deathstroke #46

"The Seven Doors"

Writer: Priest
Artists: Fernando Pasarin & Cam Smith
Color Artist: Jeromy Cox
Letterer: Willie Schubert

Review by Steve J. Ray

Ever since the cliffhanger at the end of issue #45, I could not wait to see how things unfolded this month. Picking things up exactly where they left us, Deathstroke #46 “The Seven Doors” finally gives us a deeper insight into the mystery of Lex Luthor and the crossover event “Year of the Villain.”

This issue is a wild ride. We’re taken on a journey this month as we delve into the relationship between Rose and Joseph. I couldn’t imagine it was an easy upbringing as Deathstroke’s children. I’m sure that this story doesn’t even scratch the surface on the troubles they had. Priest delivers a chaotic and emotional story. Once again beautifully conflicting the children’s perspectives against each other.

I will admit it took me a couple of reads to fully understand the full context to this issue as we jumped through time again and again. 

The artwork in this issue maintained its incredible high standard. Fernando Pasarin has once again drawn some beautifully detailed pages, packed full of action, complemented by the inks from Cam Smith and the colors from Jeremy Cox. Smith joins the Deathstroke team this month with bags of experience: a British Eisner award nominated artist, who has previously worked on titles such as Detective Comics, Green Lantern, Teen Titans and Superman.

Deathstroke #46 MVP

The unsung hero of this month’s issue has to be Willie Schubert, the letterer. I find Letterers fail to get the praise and recognition that writers and artists do. This issue takes us from one place to another, and from one time to another. At times it did feel a little disjointed but it was the great work from Shubert that kept me on track.

His use of different text boxes, different fonts and his ability to tailor the text to the character based on the time we are in is an art form, not to be underestimated.

Conclusion

A strong family story brings readers to emotional levels not seen before in this book. I was worried about how Priest would keep the audience gripped following the death of Slade. I’m pleased to say he is doing a great job by playing into the strengths of the other characters and bringing back some fan favourites to for the added element of excitement.

Images courtesy of DC Entertainment