Deathstroke Reading Order

This reading order is designed to give an outline of major storylines featuring Deathstroke (Slade Wilson) throughout DC Comics. It does not encompass every one of his appearances, but is an outline of the major ones and the stories that affect them.

The continuity details relating to each specific storyline are explained in the “Review” of each storyline. Every “Review” link will provide a detailed continuity breakdown of that story and will explain any reference the story makes to other aspects of the DC Universe. All of this can be found under the “Continuity” section of each link.

Jump to: New 52 – Rebirth

New 52

At the beginning of the New 52, the DC Universe was reset. In this new continuity, all of Deathstroke’s past was wiped clean and only his status as the “World’s Deadliest Assassin” was preserved.

He was reintroduced through a new Deathstroke series, where his assassin adventures continue. This series would go on to have a few minor crossovers with other comics, introducing Slade to a few different heroes and villains.

However, sometime before the events of Forever Evil, an unexplained continuity shift took place. Almost everything from Deathstroke’s solo series is retconned and only vague references to his time in Team 7 are made. At this point, a new Deathstroke series is launched and a new continuity is established for the character. His adventures in this era mostly revolve around his connection to his son Joseph (Reading Order) and his daughter Rose (Reading Order).

The first set of Deathstroke issues are from the Vol. 2 series
Teen Titans issues are from the Vol. 4 series
The second set of Deathstroke issues are from the Vol. 3 series
Green Arrow issues are from the Vol. 5 series

Notes

1. These issues continue the story from Deathstroke #14. However, the events of these issues have very little impact on Deathstroke himself so they can be skipped if necessary.
2. These issues are essentially a prelude to the events of Deathstroke #19-20. They are very briefly summarized at the beginning of #19, so they can be skipped, but they may be of interest to those who want to see exactly how Deathstroke got to his position in Deathstroke #19. 
3. Deathstroke only makes an extremely brief appearance in Forever Evil #1 so this issue could easily be skipped.
4. These issues detail a brief mission in which Deathstroke participates. However, the events of these issues receive a quick mention in later comics (from the Rebirth era) so they may be of interest for readers looking to see the long-term progression of Deathstroke's character.
5. These issues detail a brief mission in which Deathstroke participates. They can be skipped if readers have no interest in seeing Deathstroke interact with Green Arrow.
6. Deathstroke is essentially a background character throughout these issues and barely receives any dialogue. However, they establish a connection between Slade and the Yellow Lantern Corps, which may be of interest to some readers.

Rebirth

Coming Soon

All DC Comics Reading Orders