Deathstroke's Shocking New Target Proves He's Always a Villain
The Teen Titans of the 2003 animated series have returned in comic form, fighting their nemesis, Deathstroke. Slade Wilson, a collector of super-powered teenagers, sets his sights on a new hero during his scuffle with the Titans. The young and slightly fumbling Primer, in pursuit of her heroes' admiration, has inadvertently exposed herself to a hunter. All that remains to be seen is whether Slade intends to fight Primer — or recruit her.
Ashley Rayburn is Primer, a 13-year-old superhero with a top-secret set of military body paints that grant a variety of powers based on the colors used. Primer, a former attendee of Teen Titans Academy, is a foster child with a complicated history with law enforcement. She is a graffiti artist and the child of an imprisoned felon. However, Primer wants to be a hero, and she’s a big fan of the Teen Titans.
When she spots the team fighting Deathstroke in Prime: Clashing Colors #1 by Jennifer Muro, Thomas Krajewski, and Gretel Lusky, she can’t resist the chance to try and help out her favorite heroes. Though it ends up a wash, Primer does end up standing out — to Slade Wilson.
Deathstroke Collects Metahuman Teens for H.I.V.E
Slade's motives in the Teen Titans universe are not simply to destroy the Titans, but to build a team of his own. He makes several attempts to sway Robin to his side, and he succeeds in stealing Terra. Beast Boy's first love, Terra, was the subject of experimentation who gained geokinesis: the ability to control stones and earth. However, Terra's emotional issues make her powers uncontrollable and dangerous. When Robin expresses doubt in her ability to control herself, Terra breaks Beast Boy's heart, and accepts Slade's offer of more effective training.
Rose Wilson has made her official return to the DC universe as a badass Viking, serving as PERFECT cosplay inspiration for Ravager fans.
Does Deathstroke Have His Sights Set on Primer?
Deathstroke the Terminator’s questionable relationship with Terra aside, he does run his own academy in the Teen Titans universe. H.i.v.e Academy, home to Gizmo, Mammoth, Jinx, and several other sidekick-level villains, is where Slade trains his recruits. H.I.V.E seems to be, more or less, a repository for semi-disposable, powered goons that Slade can throw at the Titans in service of Trigon. Having a school gives Slade a recruitment tactic for unstable heroes in search of "found family." Primer, who is getting tired of her best friend Luke discouraging her heroic activity, would be particularly vulnerable to this type of environment.
Between Slade’s direct attention, and the appearance of Ravager — Slade’s son — Primer is in Deathstroke’s scope. In prison, Slade reveals that he allowed himself to be captured on purpose, stating to his employer that “you have your agenda, and I have mine.” Slade’s capture came only after he’d caught a glimpse of Primer, haphazardly offering the Titans her assistance. Between Slade’s direct attention, and the appearance of Ravager — Slade’s son — Primer is in Deathstroke’s scope. Fans will have to keep reading to find out if the harsh rejection from the Teen Titans will drive Primer into Deathstroke's welcoming arms.
Primer: Clashing Colors #1 is available now from DC Comics.
