Deathstroke # 1 2011 NM-

Deathstroke # 1 (2011), titled "Back to Basics," launched as part of DC’s The New 52 relaunch. Written by Kyle Higgins with art by Joe Bennett, the issue re-establishes Slade Wilson as a ruthless, cold-blooded mercenary whose reputation has begun to slip in the eyes of the underworld. 

The story follows Deathstroke as he attempts to prove he is still the deadliest man on the planet. 

• The Mission: Deathstroke’s handler, Christoph, assigns him to a high-stakes job: intercepting a weapons dealer named Jeffrey Bode on a private plane mid-flight.
• The Team: To Slade’s annoyance, he is forced to work with a team of young, cocky "up-and-comers" known as the Alpha Dawgs (April, Quinn, and Hughes).
• The Twist: On the plane, Slade discovers Bode isn't carrying nuclear secrets but biological weapons—soldiers enhanced with Clayface DNA. After defeating them, Slade is handed a mysterious briefcase by Bode, who claims it is a "message" for him.
• The Brutal Ending: After completing the mission and returning to their transport, the Alpha Dawgs celebrate their success. Slade, believing there is "no team, only competition," cold-bloodedly executes all three young teammates. He warns Christoph that they must work to rebuild his fearsome reputation because the contents of the briefcase suggest his enemies think he has gone soft. 

Key Characters 

• Deathstroke (Slade Wilson): A metahuman assassin with enhanced strength, speed, and 90% brain capacity.
• Christoph: Slade’s long-suffering handler and liaison.
• The Alpha Dawgs: April (weapons), Quinn (communications), and Hughes (transport). They are all killed by Slade at the end of the issue.
• Jeffrey Bode: The target of the mission who delivers a cryptic message to Slade. 

Creative Team 

• Writer: Kyle Higgins
• Penciller: Joe Bennett
• Inker: Art Thibert
• Cover Artist: Simon Bisley