Summary

• Slade Wilson's unconventional approach to handling magic involves violence and cunning that Superman would struggle with.
• Deathstroke's strategy against magical foes is fast, hard, and aimed squarely at the face.
• The limits Superman places on himself make him vulnerable to magic, highlighting the importance of response and reflex in magical combat.

WARNING: Contains Potential Spoilers For Dark Knights of Steel: Allwinter #1!

Superman a masterclass in overcoming one of the Man of Steel's greatest weaknesses—magic. However, it's doubtful that Clark Kent would ever seek out Slade Wilson as a tutor, considering the mercenary's approach to handling magic is anything but conventional, often involving a level of violence and cunning that Superman would find hard to stomach.

It's the limits that Superman places on himself that make him particularly vulnerable to magic in most cases.

Tom Taylor’s high-fantasy Elseworlds saga continues with Jay Kristoff and Tirso Cons’ Dark Knights of Steel: Allwinter #1, focusing on Deathstroke the Terminator. This issue introduces fans to the Viking-inspired Slade Wilson, currently employed by Jarl Vandal Savage as a sword for hire.

After killing Jarl Black Mask in battle for Savage, Deathstroke is tasked with "capturing a monster," accompanied by Savage’s second-in-command, Killer Frost. As they approach the creature’s dwelling, Killer Frost warns Slade of its magical prowess, to which Slade responds, “Never saw a spell that an axe to the face couldn’t end.”

“Axe to the Face”: Deathstroke Reveals How He Combats Magic (& It’s Hilariously Brutal)

Slade's blunt declaration, "Never saw a spell that an axe to the face couldn’t end," is both brutally pragmatic and hilariously in character for him. This line is also one of many sharp dialogues that make this DC title a standout in 2024. Beyond its entertainment factor, this exchange with Killer Frost also illuminates Deathstroke's strategy against magical foes: fast, hard, and aimed squarely at the face. Fans intrigued by the application of this approach will have to wait, though, as a surprising twist prevents Slade from unleashing his method on the 'monster' in the end.

While fighting the defenders of the 'monster,' Slade recognizes a familiar face—his ex-wife, Adeline Kane. Instantly changing sides, Deathstroke attacks Killer Frost, telling her to inform Savage that their deal is off. After Frost departs, Slade is approached by the 'monster,' only to realize it's not a monster but a young boy. The issue concludes here, but future issue solicitations reveal the boy as the heir to Atlantis' throne. Even though fans didn't get to see Slade confront magic with an axe to the face, the boy's revelation more than compensates for any lack of magic vs might violence.

Would Superman Be Less Vulnerable to Magic If He Didn’t Hold Back?

What’s notable about Slade’s approach to handling magical threats is that it isn't about him being less vulnerable to magic itself, but rather relies solely on how he responds to it—with brutal efficiency. If Slade can combat magic, Superman should be more than capable of combating it, given his reflexes are even more enhanced than Deathstroke's. This line of thought also holds considering that Clark should be able to unleash his heat vision well before someone can cast a spell. Thus, it's truly the limits that Superman places on himself that make him particularly vulnerable to magic in most cases.

Dark Knights of Steel: Allwinter #1 is available July 17, 2024, from DC Comics!