WARNING: Contains potential spoilers for Dark Knights of Steel: Allwinter #6!While Batman may harbor a soft spot for iconic villains like Catwoman and Talia al Ghul, occasionally blurring the lines between enemies and lovers, an epic Other worlds reimagining presents a surprising twist. The Dark Knight forms an unlikely friendship with a villain previously considered an irreconcilable enemy. This unexpected alliance not only redefines their relationship, but also sets the stage for one of the most unconventional Justice League lineups ever assembled.
...under different circumstances, a path to friendship between Batman and Deathstroke might have been possible even within the main continuity.
Jay Kristoff, Tirso Cons, and Wes Abbott's High Fantasy, Dark Knights Steel: All Winter series expands Tom Taylor's high fantasy Other worldshighlighting Deathstroke and delivering one of his most incredible reimaginings to date. As Kristoff's narrative delves into previously unexplored characters from Taylor's trajectory, a familiar face returns triumphantly: Prince Bruce Wayne of the Kingdom of El.
Although their initial meeting is far from friendly, Deathstroke and Batman become unlikely allies before parting ways. However, The Dark Knight makes an epic return in issue #6, the series finale, unequivocally declaring Slade Wilson a friend.
Batman Admits Deathstroke Has Officially Earned Best Friend Status
"You are not alone, friend Slade." –Batman in Dark Knights Steel: All Winter #6 (2025)
Dark Knights Steel: All Winter #6 culminates in an epic battle between Deathstroke and the sorcerer Victor "Mr. Freeze" French fries. However, Slade soon loses the advantage and falls victim to Victor's magic. Fortunately, Batman and Adeline Kane arrive just in time, helping Deathstroke, Rose "Devastating" Wilson, Alex "Swamp Thing" Holland and William Wintergreen. While Victor is distracted by Batman's attacks, Adeline frees the incapacitated heroes, including Slade. Deathstroke, recognizing Batman's intervention, suggests that Bruce sit out the rest of the fight, stating that he "No skin in this game."
However, Bruce responds with, "You are not alone, friend Slade." This statement, approaching Deathstroke as "friend" and refusing to abandon it in the face of danger means a profound change in its dynamics. DC Comics typically portrays Slade and Bruce as adversaries, making this display of genuine friendship a significant departure. Their newfound camaraderie is further cemented after the battle is won, when Deathstroke approaches Batman to express his gratitude, addressing him by his royal title. The Dark Knight, however, responds with, "My friends call me Bruce" solidifying the depth of their newfound bond.
Deathstroke and Batman's friendship gives rise to DC's Justice League's wildest lineup yet
Bruce Wayne joins the Wilson family in an epic battle, redefining the characters' dynamics
While it's undeniably cool to see Deathstroke and Batman experiencing something other than animosity towards each other, their newfound friendship also yielded a glimpse of what a truly wild Justice League lineup would be. When Bruce declared that he would not abandon Slade in the fight, Slade responded with a battle cry, "Together then!" Subsequent art featured an unexpected alliance, with Slade and Bruce fighting alongside Wintergreen, Adeline, Ravager, and Alec. AND With the presence of key figures like Batman and Swamp Thing, this formidable lineup evoked the spirit of a unique iteration of the Justice League.
This was without a doubt one of the most epic moments in comics, as witnessing normally at-odds characters work in such perfect harmony undeniably felt like a Justice League team-up. Even if some readers didn't immediately perceive it as a Justice League-style moment, it undeniably presented a remarkable display of unity: The Dark Knight fought alongside most of the Wilson Familywith Slade, Adeline, Wintergreen and Rose forming the core of this unconventional team. Considering Alec is Slade and Adeline's ward, he could even be considered an honorary member of the Wilson Family.
Black Knights of Steel Proofs Batman and Deathstroke Could Have Been Friends in Main Continuity
Card variant of cover B by Yasmine Putri for Dark Knights Steel: All Winter #4 (2024)
Some may dismiss this change in the Batman-Deathstroke dynamic as inconsequential, given that it occurs within the Other worlds kingdom. However, such a perspective would be mistaken. The changing dynamic between Bruce and Slade in Dark Knights of Steel demonstrates the potential for friendship between these two iconic characters. Despite existing in an alternate reality, both Slade and Bruce maintain their core characteristics – Deathstroke as the infamous mercenary and Batman as the Dark Knight fighting for justice. Thus, this narrative suggests that, in different circumstances, a path to friendship between Batman and Deathblow could have been possible even within the main continuity.
Dark Knights of Steel: Allwinter #6 is now available from DC Comics!