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Friday, August 7, 2020

Deathstroke Knights & Dragons

One of the coolest characters in the DC Universe is Slade Williams-aka Deathstroke.

Once a special ops soldier Slade took part in a special government program endowing him with incredible intellectual and physical skills.

After serving his country Slade became a mercenary for hire.

When his son decided to take on a contract to destroy The New Teen Titans for The Hive and was killed in the process, Slade decided to take up his son’s contract.

He became one of The New Teen Titans most fearsome foes-Deathstroke.

George Perez and Marv Wolfman created Deathstroke (originally dubbed The Terminator).

Artist/writer Rob Liefeld created a tribute/parody of Deathstroke for Marvel Comics.  Perhaps you’ve heard of him: Deadpool, The Merc With A Mouth.

Ironically George Perez also created the costume for one of The Avengers greatest foes: Taskmaster before he created Deathstroke.  It’s easy to see the similarities between Deathstroke and Taskmaster.

DC Comics/Warner Bros. present the DC Animated Movie: Deathstroke Knights & Dragons on Blu-ray/DVD/Digital Code Combo Pack.

Besides the full-length animated film the Combo Pack also includes an exclusive feature about Deathstroke.

I’ve always thought of Deathstroke as more than just a villain.  He is a man caught in a moral dilemma.

While he does kill people, in his own mind he is doing the right thing because he decides that certain bad people need to die.

In his own way he is an honorable man, dependable and never one to back down from a pledge.

In the movie viewers learn what made Slade Deathstroke.  They learn of his faults, inner conflicts and his unwavering adherence to performing his sworn duty-no matter the cause or cost.

When Slade's family is threatened-his wife beaten by a vengeful mercenary named Jackal and his son kidnapped, Slade dons his Deathstroke togs and vows to save him.

Unfortunately he comes face to face with the Jackal, Lady Shiva, the Bronze Tiger and the forces of H.I.V.E..

The resulting tussle results in his son’s (Joseph) throat being slit.  Slade did manage to get him medical help in time-but the wound leaves the boy unable to speak.

As the story progresses Deathstroke comes face-to-face with the H.I.V.E. Queen and ultimately learns he has a daughter with his abilities, a son who doesn't wish to be saved form H.I.V.E. and a wife who reluctantly teams up with him to save their son once again.

However things don’t always turn out as planned.

Deathstroke Knights & Dragons is revealing movie in that it gives a clear and concise picture of the man called Deathstroke.  Much of his past life is revealed as well as his family, loyalties and dogged determination to make things right.

It’s a great animated film, extremely well written, performed and animated.

For a true picture of Deathstroke, the man, the mercenary and the father and husband be sure to pick up a copy of this Combo Pack.

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