Deathstroke's Axe-Wielding Viking Look Makes the Regular Mercenary Seem Like a Joke (Cosplayers, Pay Attention)

Summary

Deathstroke evolves into a Viking warlord in the sequel to Dark Knights of Steel, showcasing a powerful new look with a war axe and fierce physique.
The new Viking Deathstroke design offers fans unique cosplay inspiration with simple costume elements to replicate.
Slade Wilson's past and present collide in Allwinter as he protects an orphaned child, while battling an endless winter.

Elseworlds tale, Dark Knights of Steel. There's no denying that Slade Wilson has always been one of DC’s most badass characters, but his new Viking look elevates him to a whole new level and offers fans plenty of cosplay inspiration.

Panosian's variant cover for Dark Knights of Steel: Allwinter #2 depicts Slade as a figure reminiscent of a Norse god, surveying the aftermath of a brutal battle.

On August 21, 2024, Tom Taylor and Riccardo Federici’s Dark Knights of Steel: Allwinter #2 will be released. This second installment in the sequel to the critically acclaimed Dark Knights of Steel saga continues the epic DC/Fantasy mash-up Elseworlds series, enchanting readers with its medieval reinterpretation of fan-favorite characters.

DARK KNIGHTS OF STEEL: ALLWINTER #2 (2024)

Release Date:	August 21, 2024
Writers:	Tom Taylor & Jay Kristoff
Artists:	Tirso Cons & Riccardo Federici
Cover Artist:	Tirso Cons
Variant Covers:	Dan Panosian, Mona Finden, and Qistina Khalidah
Deathstroke’s past and present collide when he discovers the source of Vandar Savage’s ire is being protected by Adeline, Deathstroke’s wife. But what she has in her possession might be the only thing capable of stopping this endless winter for good. Crossing Vandar is dangerous enough, but their quest will barely have begun before tragedy strikes… Superstar writer Tom Taylor returns to the world of Dark Knights of Steel with artist Riccardo Federici to tell the story of an orphaned child…heir to the throne of Atlantis, Atlantis, whose arrival will signal prosperity…or terror!

In Allwinter, Deathstroke is thrust into this imaginative world as the reluctant guardian of an orphaned child while also battling against an endless winter. Solicitations have offered a sneak peek of Slade’s Viking-esque redesign, which is nothing short of spectacular. Dan Panosian's variant cover is particularly notable.

Deathstroke's Allwinter design takes his physicality to a whole new level, boasting an eight-pack and pectoral muscles as hard as steel and likely capable of deflecting a broadsword.

Slade Wilson Takes On His Ultimate Viking Form In Tom Taylor & Riccardo Federici’s Dark Knights of Steel: AllWinter

Dark Knights of Steel Allwinter 2 OTO (Panosian) variant

Panosian's variant cover for Dark Knights of Steel: Allwinter #2 depicts Slade as a figure reminiscent of a Norse god, surveying the aftermath of a brutal battle. In his right hand, he wields a mighty war axe, undoubtedly contributing to the carnage. Slade is clad in "Viking tros" known as brækr, adorned with a tattered cloak, leather boots, and a belt featuring a large metal clasp. Completing his ensemble is a horned "Viking helmet," albeit not historically accurate but undeniably badass. The helmet's half-black and half-orange design pays homage to Slade's classic mask, making the character recognizable.

Also notable about Deathstroke’s new Viking look is his incredibly muscular physique. Slade has always been in exceptional shape, but this Allwinter version takes his physicality to a whole new level, boasting an eight-pack and pectoral muscles as hard as steel and likely capable of deflecting a broadsword. His arms are also formidable and would undoubtedly intimidate any enemy. Another striking aspect of the design is Deathstroke’s signature long white hair, now accompanied by a full winter-white beard instead of his usual neatly trimmed goatee. Panosian's art truly does justice to the character's imposing presence.

Sorry, Mercenary Lovers, But Viking Deathstroke Is the Pinnacle of Slade Wilson-Cosplay Inspiration

Dark Knights of Steel Allwinter 1 Zaffino Variant Cover: Viking Deathstroke in battle.

One of the most exciting aspects of this new Viking Deathstroke design is its potential for cosplay inspiration. Not only does it offer fans a fresh and incredibly unique version of the mercenary to embody, but it also presents relatively simple costume elements to replicate. The belt, boots, and brækr are easy to mimic, while the axe, helmet, and cloak pose slightly more challenge but remain entirely feasible, especially for creative individuals. Here's hoping that the next comic con will see the emergence of axe-wielding Viking Deathstrokes among the attendees.