WARNING: Contains Potential Spoilers for DARK KNIGHTS OF STEEL: ALLWINTER #3!Deathstroke's starkly contrasting views on killing and morality have fueled conflict throughout their comic history, with only a handful of rare and typically forced team-ups. However, their latest collaboration is unlike any other, as they are starting with a COMPLETELY fresh slate that erases the bad blood between them.

The sequel to the fan-favorite Elseworlds series, Dark Knights of Steel, continues with Dark Knights of Steel: Allwinter #3 by Jay Kristoff, Tom Taylor, Riccardo Federici, and Tirso Cons.

This issue picks up where the last left off, with Deathstroke begrudgingly escorting a young Alec Holland—who is the land’s last hope to save a world drained of color by an eternal winter—across treacherous terrain after the death of his previous escort, Slade’s ex-wife Adeline Kane. However, their journey is abruptly interrupted when Prince Bruce Wayne of the Kingdom of El literally crashes into their path.

Batman & Deathstroke Become the New Dynamic Duo in Fan-Favorite Elseworlds Series

Bruce and Slade Forces in Dark Knights of Steel (But Not Before They Have an EPIC Fight)

Fans of the Dark Knights of Steel series will recall that Tom Taylor reimagined Bruce Wayne’s parentage, making Jor-El his father after an affair with Martha Wayne. Hence, Superman and Batman share a father, making Bruce half-Kryptonian. As a half-Kryptonian, Bruce is a late bloomer with his powers and is still learning to control them. This leads to an incident where Bruce, struggling with his newfound abilities, crashes into the bridge Slade and Alec are crossing, sending them plumeting to the ground.

Though Slade and Alec survive the fall, Deathstroke mistakes Bruce’s accidental collision as a deliberate attack and starts attacking the disoriented prince. This sparks an epic battle between the two, with Bruce using his developing powers against Slade, who counters with his formidable combat skills. Realizing the misunderstanding, Alec intervenes with his powers, halting the conflict long enough for Slade and Bruce to discuss their situation and understand they mean no harm to each other. After some much-needed discussion, Slade and Bruce agree to work together to get Alec to those who can help him save the world, marking the beginning of their new partnership.

ALLWINTER Is Giving Fans a Deathstroke & Batman Team-Up Unlike Any Other Before

Bruce and Slade Get a COMPLETELY Fresh Slate In Dark Knights of Steel: Allwinter #3

Allwinter #3 concludes with the trio embarking on their quest, leaving fans eager to see how Slade and Bruce’s partnership will evolve. This new alliance promises to be unlike any previous ones between the two characters, thanks to the high-fantasy setting that offers a fresh start. In Dark Knights of Steel, Bruce and Slade have the opportunity to build their relationship free from the weight of past conflicts that plague their mainstream continuity relationship. Without the bad blood between them, Batman and Deathstroke may develop a genuine and agreeable friendship, offering a completely unexplored dimension of their dynamic for future narratives.

DARK KNIGHTS OF STEEL: ALLWINTER #3 is now available from DC Comics!