John Dodge is an MTV Writer for CBR who specializes in movies, television, comics, and pop culture. He has a deep knowledge of franchises like Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Marvel, and DC Comics, along with a passion for indie and horror titles. An expert on obscure productions from the ’80s and ’90s, John is known for his encyclopedic recall of cult classics like Beetleborgs.
Deathstroke and two of DC Comics' other most beloved characters are leading the charge towards DC: Next Level.
With DC K.O. quickly approaching its end, the second act of DC Comics' DC All In initiative is about to begin, and kicking off DC: Next Level are three of the baddest heroes, villains, and antivillains the DC Universe has to offer. And, while Lobo and Batwoman might be taking the lead, Deathstroke isn't far behind them with his own upcoming solo series.
Written by Tony Fleecs and illustrated by Carmine Di Giandomenico, Deathstroke: The Terminator #1 is set to arrive in stores on March 18, 2026. Deathstroke: The Terminator #1 will be released hot on the heels of the first issues of Lobo by writer Skottie Young and artist Jorge Corona and Batwoman by writer and co-creator Greg Rucka and artist DaNi on March 4 and 11, respectively, which round out the beginning of DC Comics' DC: Next Level slate.
Deathstroke: The Terminator #1
- Written by TONY FLEECS
- Art by CARMINE DI GIANDOMENICO
- Main cover art by CARMINE DI GIANDOMENICO
- Variant covers by DAN PANOSIAN; JORGE CORONA & SARAH STERN; KYUYONG EOM; and TONY FLEECS
The official solicit synopsis for Deathstroke: The Terminator #1 from DC Comics reads, "Prepare for brutal violence with over-the-top action and intrigue from the twisted mind of writer Tony Fleecs (Stray Dogs, Omega Kids) with pulse-pounding art by Carmine Di Giandomenico (The Flash). DC’s contract killing bogeyman is back and bloodier than ever!"
DC K.O. and Absolute Batman writer Scott Snyder, who also serves as DC: Next Level co-architect alongside Joshua Williamson, said of the new initiative, "Josh and I are excited to enter the second phase of DC All In with Next Level. From the launch of the DC All In Special, to the introduction of an Absolute universe, and into the DC K.O. event that we’re right in the middle of now, we're determined to build on all of the fan enthusiasm, and the retail support and story momentum, by continuing to take big swings in 2026."
"I’m incredibly excited to be involved in this new initiative designed to supercharge DC’s main line," Williamson added. "Much like how the Absolute Universe provided a new burst of creative energy with a series of unexpected new series, DC: Next Level aims to deliver similar excitement."
Who Is Deathstroke In DC Comics?
Image via DC Comics.Introduced in the pages of New Teen Titans #2 by the legendary Marv Wolfman and George Pérez back in 1980, the murderous mercenary Slade Wilson, better known as Deathstroke, has long been counted among the Teen Titans' most terrifying foes. Spurned by the death of Grant Wilson, his son and the first Ravager, Deathstroke begins a lifelong crusade to bring the Titans' entire world crumbling down on top of them.
While Deathstroke's new solo series is plenty exciting for fans, it isn't the only major new release for the character on the horizon. Back in November, it was confirmed that the Absolute Universe's own Deathstroke will officially be making his comic book debut in the pages of Absolute Batman #19, which is currently expected to arrive in comic book stores everywhere in April.
Deathstroke: The Terminator #1 goes on sale March 18, 2026, from DC Comics.
Created by Malcolm Wheeler-Nicholson
English (US) · 