Batman Admits One DC Villain Is Now His Friend, Paving the Way For One Wild Justice League Lineup

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WARNING: Contains Potential Spoilers for Dark Knights of Steel: Allwinter #6!While Batman may harbor a soft spot for iconic female villains like Catwoman and Talia al Ghul, occasionally blurring the lines between enemies and lovers, an epic Elseworlds reimagining presents a surprising twist. The Dark Knight forms an unlikely friendship with a villain previously considered an irreconcilable foe. This unexpected alliance not only redefines their relationship but also sets the stage for one of the most unconventional Justice League lineups ever assembled.

Jay Kristoff, Tirso Cons, and Wes Abbott’s high-fantasy, Dark Knights of Steel: Allwinter series expands upon Tom Taylor’s high-fantasy Elseworlds, spotlighting Deathstroke and delivering one of his most badass reimaginings to date. While Kristoff’s narrative delves into previously unexplored characters from Taylor’s run, a familiar face makes a triumphant return: Prince Bruce Wayne of the Kingdom of El.

Though their initial encounter is far from amicable, Deathstroke and Batman find themselves as 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.

“You Stand Not Alone, Friend Slade.” – Batman in Dark Knights of Steel: Allwinter #6 (2025)

Dark Knights of Steel: Allwinter #6 culminates in an epic battle between Deathstroke and the sorcerer Victor “Mr. Freeze” Fries. However, Slade soon loses his advantage and falls victim to Victor’s magic. Fortunately, Batman and Adeline Kane arrive just in time, coming to the aid of Deathstroke, Rose “Ravager” Wilson, Alec “Swamp Thing” Holland, and William Wintergreen. While Victor is distracted by Batman’s attacks, Adeline frees the incapacitated heroes, including Slade. Deathstroke, acknowledging Batman’s intervention, suggests Bruce sit out the remainder of the fight, stating he has “no skin in this game.”

However, Bruce responds with, “You stand not alone, Friend Slade.” This declaration, addressing Deathstroke as “friend” and refusing to abandon him in the face of danger, signifies a profound shift in their dynamic. 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 & Batman’s Friendship Gives Birth to DC’s Wildest Justice League Lineup

Bruce Wayne Joins the Wilson-Family in Epic Battle, Redefining Character Dynamics

While it is undeniably cool to see Deathstroke and Batman experience something other than animosity towards each other, their newfound friendship also yielded a glimpse at what would be a truly wild Justice League lineup. When Bruce declared he wouldn’t abandon Slade in the fight, Slade responded with a battle cry, “Together, Then!” The subsequent art showcased 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 Justice League iteration.

This was undoubtedly one of the most epic moments in the comic, as witnessing characters typically at odds working in such perfect harmony undeniably felt like a Justice League team-up. Even if some readers might not immediately perceive it as a Justice League-esque moment, it undeniably showcased a remarkable display of unity: The Dark Knight fought alongside the majority of the Wilson Family, with Slade, Adeline, Wintergreen, and Rose forming the core of this unconventional team. Considering Alec is the ward of Slade and Adeline, he could even be considered an honorary member of the Wilson Family.

Dark Knights of Steel Proves That Batman & Deathstroke Could Have Been Friends in Main Continuity

Cover B Card Stock Variant by Yasmine Putri for Dark Knights of Steel: Allwinter #4 (2024)

Some may dismiss this shift in the Batman-Deathstroke dynamic as inconsequential, given that it occurs within the Elseworlds realm. However, such a perspective would be misguided. The dynamic change between Bruce and Slade in Dark Knights of Steel demonstrates the potential for friendship between these two iconic characters. Despite existing within an alternate reality, both Slade and Bruce retain their core characteristics – Deathstroke as the infamous mercenary and Batman as the Dark Knight fighting for justice. Hence, this narrative suggests that, under different circumstances, a path toward friendship between Batman and Deathstroke might have been possible even within the main continuity.

Dark Knights of Steel: Allwinter #6 is available now from DC Comics!

“}]] Sorry, Superman: Batman has a new BFF.  Read More