Certificate – 15
Directed By – Sung Jin Ahn
Starring – Michael Chiklis, Sarah Alexander, Chris Jai Lex, Faye Mata, Griffin Puatu, Colin Salmon.
Running Time – 84 Minutes (1 Hour 24 Minutes)
Deathstroke has been a niche fan favourite for DC Comic readers for decades since being introduced in Teen Titans. However, in recent years the anti-hero/villain/gun for hire has blown onto the mainstream due to the fantastic second season of Arrow.
Then came the animated movies and season two of Titans. He also had a brief debut big-screen appearance in the post-credits of Justice League, will be keeping my figures crossed to see more in Zack Snyder’s Justice League.
Now comes the first, of hopefully many, solo led animated film (which is technically CW seed shorts turned into a feature) showing once again DCA’s direction post-DCAU.
What Is Deathstroke: Knights & Dragons About?
Mercenary and master assassin Slade Wilson (Chiklis) leads two lives: one as the relentless killer known as Deathstroke, and the other as a dedicated family man. When these worlds collide, forced together by the vicious terror group known as H.I.V.E., it is the killer in Slade who must fight to save his loved ones, as well as what remains of himself.
With his soul torn apart and his young son held captive, Deathstroke will have to atone for the sins of his past to fuel the battles of his future!
Is It Any Good?
There’s a lot of like about this film. The first thing about it is the animation style and direction from Jin Ahn, following Jay Olivia and Sam Liu’s footsteps in being DC Animations newest director talent.
The style felt fresh and new, which fits in this new direction of how the DCA seemingly giving their directors. Meanwhile, it fitted the action and the brutal, deadly nature of the character.
In a lot of ways, this film reminds me a lot of Genndy Tartakovsky’s Samurai Jack and Star Wars Clone Wars with the style of animation.
As for the story, I liked that we see a slightly more experienced Slade that isn’t a villain, but more an anti-hero with a moral code and Chiklis does a decent job in the lead role.
Anything Bad About The Film?
While I liked Chiklis in the role, I’m bummed it wasn’t Manu Bennett in the role as I felt he was a brilliant Slade in Arrow and his voice would’ve worked for this version of the character given his backstory.
Meanwhile, the story was a basic origin story, and the voice cast isn’t up to DC’s usual standard apart from Chiklis and Alexander, like they give Salmon a bit part.
Are There Any Bonus Features?
Yes, just the one, and it’s pretty cool.
Deathstroke: One-man Death Machine – A featurette focusing on the history of Slade Wilson and how the character of Deathstroke has transformed over the years.
Verdict
A beautifully animated and action-packed film. I hope this is just the beginning of Deathstroke solo animated films and in Jin Ahn, the DCA has a bright new star.
The Bear Cave 