DC Direct Page Punchers Deathstroke review

It's funny how a parody like Deadpool got more reviews than his inspiration, Deathstroke, which is something that I could say since I have more figures of the Merc with a Mouth than I do the other Terminator. I'm sure many know who Deathstroke is already given his history with either the Teen Titans or Batman (the latter amusingly being something that triggers comic purists even though he fights anyone at this rate). It's easier to pinpoint him as an anti-hero if you ask me, especially considering how much there is to explore in his own comic series. And with the Page Punchers line giving casuals a chance to check out DC's many comic runs, we'll see how well Deathstroke pulls it off for this review!

Here we have Deathstroke in-hand. The figure is a reuse of the original Rebirth version in more classic colors. The asymmetrical costume design is always a signature trait for Spade Wilson's costume design, with a few bits of orange and white on the left side to contrast the prominent navy blue. The bits of orange on the right thigh and left leg in the form of straps and a sheath for the knife...that he somehow doesn't come with. I know many pointed out how he lacks any proper paint to help the sculpt pop, but I'd argue that leaving a spot meant to hold an accessory empty despite not coming with said accessory is even worse. These are the kinds of things that action figure companies should be called out for. It's the opposite problem with the 2016 movie Deadpool figure who had guns glued in his holsters despite having separate guns he can hold without issue. Very strange how these two have holster problems. Also his hands appear to be slightly oversized.

Head sculpt is the best part of the figure, with that continued asymmetry as well as the face that one eye is slightly more visible than the other. The slight ridges are also a nice touch. His articulation is the standard affair with all McFarlane figures, so we'll instead talk about the accessories he does come with. Firstly, he lacks a knife but he does have a spot for one when it'd be better if it was retooled. He does have a katana that looks nicely painted, as is the crowbar with a handle unique and almost fitting for him. 

He also has a staff that sadly comes warped out of the packaging. It should be easier to straighten with some heat, but it still sucks regardless. Lastly, he has an unmasked head that I'd argue is even better than the masked head with its details being more intricate than the paintwork on the rest of the figure. Oh and the sword can clip on the back, though it could be a bit more stable.

Being a Page Puncher, Deathstroke comes with the first issue of his Rebirth title. The cover is mostly basic but it does give us a look at the kind of comic series we shall get into.

The issue generally covers the struggles Deathstroke faces while trying to redeem himself and be a different man. Despite this, he has this addictive bloodthirsty that haunts him after remembering the past events he tries so hard to forget.

The funny part is that the comic comes with an ad for My Adventures With Superman, a show that claims to be for Adult Swim yet has an artstyle comparable to a kiddy show with how they made everyone look. I hated the artstyle and it appears so does the toy! Oh and there is a Platinum version with brighter colors and painted linework. Overall, this figure is a good if you missed out on the original, since the base body is well sculpted while the colors make for a more traditional Deathstroke look, but I am knocking points off for the lack of paint and knife. The hands also should be slightly smaller than they currently are. Get this at a discounted price or wait for classic Deathstroke.

Final ranking: ⭐⭐⭐ and a half out of ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐