James Gunn continues to use social media as his personal PR machine, and it is working. One week after another, he is keeping the comic community on its toes. This time around, he’s got the world thinking Deathstroke.

Fans have been waiting five years for Slade Wilson to make it to the silver screen. Going back to 2017’s Justice League (and 2021's Justice League Snyder Cut), the best part of the movie was the post-credits scene with Joe Manganiello appearing in a perfect Deathstroke costume. It turned out to be the ultimate tease. Despite years of rumors that Manganiello would star in a Deathstroke solo movie, nothing has come of it...until now. Under Gunn, we can fire up those rumor mills.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vq85FS3lu3U

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t-MUs8GaqQk

The DC Studios co-chair was answering fan questions on Twitter when he was asked about Slade coming to the DCU. Although he didn’t say yes, his playful reply implies that, indeed, DC’s original Terminator is on the agenda.

That will have buyers taking aim at these keys.

NEW TEEN TITANS #2

This is a perennial favorite among the collecting crowd. Well before there were any movie rumors, New Teen Titans #2 was one of DC’s most wanted keys simply for the coolness factor. Why wouldn’t it be? It’s the first appearance of the company’s premiere badass with one of the best looks in all of comics. There’s a reason Rob Liefeld ripped off Slade to create Deadpool; Deathstroke is just so awesome. That’s exactly why fans are so ready to see him on the silver screen.

Slade’s first appearance had been in a holding pattern for basically years as collectors waited for the movie news. Although Gunn didn’t confirm how or when we’ll see him, the tweet should fire up those eBay accounts. We haven’t seen a graded 9.8 sell online since one brought $925 at the first of December. More recently, a 9.6 sold for $214 on December 19.

NEW TEEN TITANS #70

The unsung hero of today’s list could be New Teen Titans #70. As best I can tell, this issue marked the first solo adventure for Deathstroke. In the modern age of collecting, these initial solo stories have been eBay gold.

I don’t expect this issue to become a major sensation, but it is a worthy addition to any Slade Wilson fan’s long box. You can actually get raw copies on the auction site for less than $10.

DEATHSTROKE: THE TERMINATOR #1

Another go-to for completing your character sets is the first solo title. That will add a new emphasis to this 1991 issue. Aside from the fantastic Mike Zeck artwork, there’s not much that makes this a key issue. When we get the confirmation that he’s coming to the DCU, it should make this a more popular collectible. That makes the $51 average a good value for a graded 9.8.

AN ALL-NEW DEATHSTROKE

Unfortunately for Manganiello fans, myself included, it’s unlikely he will be Gunn’s Deathstroke. As much as I would have liked to have seen him in the role, that is a small price to pay.

Does Gunn’s tweet mean he’s getting a solo movie? Perhaps Deathstroke will star in a gritty HBO Max series or he could be part of a Nightwing or Teen Titans movie. At this point, any of those options would be welcome news. Sure, we’ll mourn the loss of Manganiello’s Slade Wilson, but I am sure there are plenty of other actors who could pull off the role just as well. It’s indeed an exciting time to be a DC fan.

*Any perceived investment advice is that of the freelance blogger and does not represent advice on behalf of GoCollect.