WARNING: Contains Potential Spoiler for Absolute Batman #9!Deathstroke to the Absolute Universe, the Darkseid-created world that reimagines the publisher’s most iconic characters with new, grittier, and more hardcore origins to match the dark landscape of this reality. Now, fans finally have confirmation of when and where they can expect Slade Wilson to make his debut.

Thanks to leaked images from Scott Snyder and Nick Dragotta’s Absolute Batman #9, set for official release on June 11, 2025, fans have just gotten their first look at the Absolute Universe’s version of Slade “Deathstroke” Wilson.

The leak reveals Deathstroke’s visual design and confirms one chilling detail: in this universe, the Joker and Slade Wilson are working together, a partnership that instantly raises their threat level. This reveal marks yet another major villain ing Batman’s ever-growing rogues gallery in the Absolute Universe, leaving fans to wonder when the two will inevitably collide.

Absolute Batman Teases Diabolical Partnership Between Deathstroke & Joker

Cover D 1:25 Dustin Nguyen Variant for Absolute Batman #9 (2025)

The Absolute Batman #9 leak that features Deathstroke shows a black and white photo of him and the Joker, dated “2-15-18” and labeled with “Slade Wilson” and “Joker,” making the identities of the two men in the photo unmistakable. Both Joker and Slade are dressed in formal suits, and as far as character design goes, Slade for the most part stays true to his main universe appearance. He keeps his typically white, long hair, his signature goatee, and his eyepatch. The only notable difference at this time is that he appears slightly slimmer. However, this may be more due to Dragotta’s artistic style rather than an intentional change in design.

While there is not much context surrounding this , it does feature two boxes of narration that read, “To think you can save them, the ones you care about, your brothers in arms… only to find out you can’t. To see them become strangers, enemies…” Given that hitman Alfred Pennyworth has been the primary narrator throughout the series, it is safe to assume he is the one narrating this scene as well. Furthermore, since the second zooms in on the half of the photo showing Slade, fans can infer that Alfred is speaking about him. This implies that Alfred and Slade were once close, brothers in arms, until they experienced some kind of falling out.

Of course, this is all just speculation at the moment, as there is currently no official context for the leak. However, it seems like a reasonable assumption that Slade and Alfred served together in the armed forces but are now on opposing sides. Alfred has sided with Batman, while the implication of the photo is that Slade has aligned himself with the Joker. There is no current mention of Slade’s mercenary moniker, Deathstroke, but it is likely he remains a mercenary, given his connection to Alfred, who is a hitman in this universe, and the Joker, who has already been established as the main villain of the series.

Scott Snyder Confirms Big Plans for Deathstroke, Bane, and More in Absolute Batman

ECGCE Chuma Hill VIP Variant for Absolute Batman #9 (2025)

While there is still much to be revealed about Deathstroke’s character and his origins in this universe, fans have received confirmation from Scott Snyder himself that Slade is not just a throwaway character. The writer has big plans for Deathstroke within the future of the Absolute Batman narrative. This is exceptionally exciting news, as it suggests that fans of Slade Wilson can expect the mercenary to play an important role and stick around for the foreseeable future. However, Deathstroke is not the only rogue Snyder has teased having big plans for.

As fans who have been keeping up with Absolute Batman news know, Bane will also be making his debut in issue #9 and will serve as the primary antagonist for the next story arc. Thanks to cover art, fans are already aware that Bane’s design fully embraces the recurring "big" motif that has defined Absolute Batman. In addition to Bane and Deathstroke, Snyder has teased that Harley Quinn and Scarecrow will also be playing major roles in the narrative, with Harley even confirmed to be an ally of the Dark Knight. With the impending additions of characters like Bane, Deathstroke, Harley Quinn, and Scarecrow, the Absolute Universe is about to become a whole lot deadlier.

ABSOLUTE BATMAN #9 is available June 11, 2025, from DC Comics!