The second episode of My Adventures with Superman has surprisingly started a discourse on Deathstroke’s look with many calling it an Anime-inspired design. The series introduces a younger version of Slade Wilson but unlike his comic iteration, Deathstroke is not sporting his iconic eye path and neither has lost his right eye.
HBO Max & Adult Swim’s animated series on the Man of Steel centering over the young Clerk Kent interning for Daily Planet has been met with good reception from critics and fans alike. Episode 1 & 2 which were released earlier on Friday 7 July introduces the three main leads of the series – Lois Lane, Jimmy Olsen and Clark Kent. In addition, we also learn about the antagonist of the show, Deathstroke and the brain behind him is the Suicide Squad head Amanda Waller.
My Adventures with Superman does not name him during his debut appearance in episode 2. The only proof that he is in fact DC’s Deathstroke the Terminator is found in the credits mentioning him as Agent Slade Wilson. He is shown making contact with Livewire, another criminal from Superman’s lore.
My Adventures with Superman is a serialized coming-of-age story so Clark is introduced as a newbie who is yet to fully grasp and understand his powers. Furthermore, the young Kent’s first interaction with his biological parent, Jor-El leads to further confusion due to his inability to comprehend Kryptonian language. However, a vision of the past, the last moments of his Krypton parents informs Clark of his heritage whilst also giving him the Superman suit.
I actually like anime boy Slade Wilson but the voice acting is…not for him. Good performance, but it's just so off for Deathstroke, idk. I also don't mind him being in a Superman show, it's not a big deal here.
— Evan Von Doom 💀 (@EvanReadsComics) July 7, 2023
Look at what they did to Deathstroke! Look at what they did to him! pic.twitter.com/GLpIi7iSel
— Mr.Bug (@buggy_con) July 7, 2023
This is a universe where Clark just became Superman, which means Deathstroke's actual archenemies are still trapezing with their parents or haven't turned green yet. It makes sense for him to be a younger man than what we're used to. pic.twitter.com/rfIh8AUThL
— Kimberly Amy 🏳️⚧️ (@comicsAmy) July 7, 2023
'What were people expecting Deathstroke to look like?'
A actual grown ass man and not a 20 old twink voiced by fucking Jerry. https://t.co/qyXEdGAc8k pic.twitter.com/vn0zq4c4OK
— Mr.Bug (@buggy_con) July 7, 2023
Y’all telling me this white haired anime boy is Deathstroke 💀 pic.twitter.com/TLB9sdaPSp
— 🛸Dan 10🛸 (@DanBoyWonder) July 7, 2023
I cant believe they got notorious Green Lantern villian Deathstroke as the main bad guy for a Superman show!? pic.twitter.com/VnSknlKQs6
— ogbrownnerd (@ogbrownnerd) July 7, 2023
They got the energy of Superman and friends down, but the villains are questionable. Hopefully they do better with Livewire and Deathstroke as the episodes go on
— 💙 (@AnimatedKev) July 8, 2023
You’re surprised that they made deathstroke in his 20s like everyone else in this show?? https://t.co/NgeDCfPzir pic.twitter.com/m2mdtH6aT0
— ☿ Ghost ☽☾ Shadow ☽☾ TJ ☿ TEAM VAMPIRE (@blknightwing) July 7, 2023
That’s Deathstroke??? Why does he look like that lmfao. https://t.co/9QY7naYIxw pic.twitter.com/4T13JkPDVT
— WORM (@DededeFran) July 7, 2023
Me personally I don’t mind anime boy deathstroke pic.twitter.com/8qM3zYbWq7
— justdraven (@saitsdraven) July 7, 2023
Don't know who the Swat guy is but this is Deathstroke pic.twitter.com/Q64LsBIWkc
— ThatBastardSquirtus (@JudasTheSaint1) July 7, 2023
Why is Deathstroke so pretty? That’s Livewire??? https://t.co/Ig5PiaAku4
— Nerdygirlcreates -MANGA/INDIE COMIC REVIEWS (@kerry_comcgrl77) July 7, 2023
Unfortunately, Deathstroke’s youthful appearance has not struck a chord with many DCU fans. Detractors shared characters designs of the mercenary from Young Justice, Teen Titans: The Judas Contract and the acclaimed 2003 series as styles they prefer over the new depiction.
One user on Twitter @SteelSandRun brought up the anime-style design for Joker in Suicide Squad Isekai -“They turned Joker and Deathstroke into pretty anime boys”. The clown prince of crime’s facial structure was compared by many to the likes of Attack on Titan’s Captain Levi.
On the bright side, a large sect of the audience also supported the look and argued the anti-hero may still be in his early days and could possibly transform into the persona he’s known by the end of the series.
Voiced by Jack Quaid for Clark Kent/Superman – the series has also fallen on Superman: Legacy actor David Corenswet‘s radar. The 29-year-old star recently offered support to The Boys actor and said he “Will be watching” the show.
They turned Joker and Deathstroke into pretty anime boys
We are finished https://t.co/s42GDLaoxG pic.twitter.com/NA26Rtg7im— Turtle 🔱 (@SteelSandRun) July 7, 2023
This is a universe where Clark just became Superman, which means Deathstroke's actual archenemies are still trapezing with their parents or haven't turned green yet. It makes sense for him to be a younger man than what we're used to. pic.twitter.com/rfIh8AUThL
— Kimberly Amy 🏳️⚧️ (@comicsAmy) July 7, 2023
Stop turning characters into pretty boys
First Joker and now Deathstroke. It’s hella generic
— 💫AstralWingz💫 (@Zhane_Star) July 7, 2023
Good character design? Without people telling me that's supposed to be Slade Wilson, Deathstroke, I would've had no fucking idea who that is
He doesn't wear the colors, has BOTH EYES, and looks young as hell https://t.co/5IwhKcU7Mu pic.twitter.com/R5j3TKo44X
— Mr. E 📛➐ (@E1der_AU) July 7, 2023
First Joker and now Deathstroke. It's like that time DC made Lobo metrosexual. History repeats itself again. pic.twitter.com/Uj9htMUicB
— Yorick (@YorickEldritch) July 7, 2023
Nooooo they dragging Deathstroke in this goofy ass Sheera Bullshit! Not my boy! pic.twitter.com/73looC7Zv1
— Mr.Bug (@buggy_con) July 7, 2023
I think making THIS guy be the voice for Deathstroke is such an inspired choice. pic.twitter.com/4Q5ZvILb9I
— yehu ✡︎ (@comicyehu) July 7, 2023
I really liked the first two episodes of My Adventures With Superman, but hoo boy, I am not fully prepared for Sexy Anime Twink Deathstroke at this juncture.
— Brad and the Curse of the Bad Thing (@bmillette) July 7, 2023
Jor-El looks more like Deathstroke wtf pic.twitter.com/RNV2A5kKwZ
— Jack Kentner (@Jack_Kentner) July 7, 2023
Man fuck that bullshit nigga. I don't want no pussified ass Deathstroke. I want the Deathstroke that be fucking niggas up 9 ways from Sunday. I'm tired of this weak ass shit we've been getting in media lately. I want this type of Deathstroke. https://t.co/PDR9IXH0Cm pic.twitter.com/Z2PdRYyqZQ
— The Ratchet Galaxy🔞 (@MrYGuy2) July 8, 2023
My Adventures with Superman episode 3 will air on HBO Max on July 14, 2023.
