Deathstroke's Secret Gadget Turns Superman's Powers into a Huge Liability - Screen Rant

The world's greatest assassin Deathstroke, aka Slade Wilson, has often been described as the evil Batman, and few things prove that claim more than his ability to use gadgetry to gain an advantage over Superman. While casual fans may think that the Man of Steel is way above Deathstroke's pay grade, fans of Slade know he's prepared for almost any challenge, including Kryptonian heroes.

Slade Wilson has acquired a variety of unique and powerful gadgets over time, some of which make him a formidable opponent for Superman. Deathstroke #8 even sees Slade counter Superman's strength with the epic Ikon Suit, which has the capacity to absorb and redirect the energy of Kal-El's attacks. Deathstroke also possesses unique weapons like his promethium blades and the God Killer sword, which is designed to slay even immortal beings. However, none of those offensive tools are as insidious as the device which allows Deathstroke to use Superman's enhanced senses against him.

In Devin Grayson and Phil Hester's Nightwing #115, Dick Grayson - aka the hero Nightwing - explains to Superman he is no longer on the side of the angels. Dick is lying as part of an attempt to infiltrate Deathstroke's Secret Society by training the villain's daughter, and naturally assumes Superman will pick up on his heartbeat and know to play along. Unfortunately for the heroes, Deathstroke is one step ahead, having guessed Dick's endgame. Superman and Nightwing's friendship would likely have prompted the Man of Steel to assume Dick is undercover, but by falling back on his superhuman senses, Kal-El allows Deathstroke to trick him with a simple gadget that mimics Dick's heartbeat and makes it seem like he's telling the truth about abandoning his heroic ideals.

The former Boy Wonder underestimates Deathstroke, leading to a fight with Superman that puts innocents in danger. Deathstroke is Nightwing's deadliest adversary, and so it is no surprise that Dick Grayson is unaware of modifications planted in his costume, as well as additions made for Ravager. One of Grayson's gloves contains a device that misdirects his heart signal. As a result, Superman's senses convince him that Dick is telling the truth, causing him to fall for an obvious lie his own instincts should have told him wasn't true.

The outcome is far from simple, with Superman cleaning up the mess created by his fall, and Dick Grayson returning with Rose to face her father. Although Deathstroke eventually agrees to Nightwing's request to remove his Secret Society from Blüdhaven, he proves that he's capable of turning even Superman's powers into a liability, messing with Kal-El's in-built lie detector to get him to turn on an ally. Perhaps the darkest part of this adventure is that once Superman discovers Deathstroke's gadget, he can never again truly trust his ability to detect lies, since the master assassin could be behind the scenes, manipulating his perception.

With advanced reflexes and an impressive healing factor, Deathstroke isn't without superhuman powers, but his greatest gift is undoubtedly his mind, as he proved by turning Superman's powers against him to play the DC's greatest hero for a fool.

More: Thor vs. Deathstroke: Could DC's Master Assassin Actually Kill a God?

Black Cat Fan Art Gives Marvel Hero The Perfect Modern Accessory

Related Topics

About The Author

Jim (1 Articles Published)

Jim is a writer for ScreenRant. Many years ago, Jim published a novella entitled ‘Two Views’. He has worked as a freelance music journalist, screenwriter, story consultant and film script editor. He is also a singer-singwriter, guitarist, recording artist, stage performer and actor. Jim's friends, family and partners describe him as a friendly ambivert, traveller, purveyor of Dad jokes, and a dreamer. He currently resides in Queensland, Australia.