One Of the Most Anticipated DC Characters Of All Time Confirmed to Join the Absolute Universe

One of the deadliest assassins of all time is finally set to make his Absolute Universe debut, and Batman is not ready for him.

Per industry fan and news account ScreenTime on X, Absolute Batman writer Scott Snyder recently confirmed the upcoming introduction of one of the deadliest characters of all time. In April, readers will be able to get their hands on the debut of the next Deathstroke in the pages of Absolute Batman #19. There's been no determined release date for Absolute Batman #19, though the release window is already exciting.

Who Is Deathstroke In DC Comics?

Created by the legendary creative team of Marv Wolfman and George Pérez, the villainous Slade Wilson, better known as Deathstroke, first appeared in the pages of New Teen Titans #2 back in 1980. A former U.S. Army soldier who made a name for himself as a gun for hire after receiving numerous superhuman upgrades, Deathstroke quickly established himself as a relentless mercenary and assassin capable of taking on any mission or target.

Deathstroke's longstanding hatred for the Teen Titans began when his eldest son, Grant, the first Ravager, lost his life during a confrontation with the team. Despite the fact that it was Deathstroke whose actions were responsible for Grant's untimely demise, the villain focused his hatred and lust for vengeance, cementing his place as the Teen Titans' ultimate nemesis. Unfortunately for him, both of Deathstroke's other children, Jericho and Rose, went on to become iconic Titans in their own right rather than follow in his murderous footsteps.

Deathstroke is set to be just one of several classic Batman villains who will be making their way into the pages of Absolute Batman before long. Snyder recently confirmed the debut of the Absolute Poison Ivy, who will be making her first appearance in the pages of Absolute Batman #17 in February. Outside of Absolute Batman, Deathstroke has appeared in DC movies and television shows before.

Snyder also touched on the intended legacy of the Absolute Universe, stating, "I hope it reminds people that these characters are meant to be renewed. They're meant to be burned down and put together. Batman weaponizes his trauma to make the world better, that's how he wins." Snyder also confirmed the plan for Absolute Batman going forward, noting that he and artist Nick Dragotta have mapped the series out to finish between 35 and 40 issues.

There is no release date for Absolute Batman #19 yet, but the comic will release in April 2026.