Deathstroke: Knights and Dragons (2020)

Deathstroke: Knights and Dragons (2020)

Dir. Sung Jin Ahn

Originally conceived as a dozen webisodes that were to be released periodically, Knights and Dragons was ultimately pulled from that format after just one installment had aired. It was eventually released straight to disc instead with all twelve parts stitched together, which explains 'The Movie' being in the title.

It's the story of Slade Wilson (Michael Chiklis), an ex-Green Beret soldier who, unbeknownst to his wife Adeline (Sasha Alexander), makes his living now as a costumed mercenary named Deathstroke.

His job isn't the only thing Slade keeps secret from Adeline. Before their marriage he volunteered to receive an experimental military serum, which gifted him super powers and a convenient healing ability. It's like someone took the most overused aspect of every Marvel comic character and gave it a new home.

There's an attempt to give the duo depth beyond their immediate problems, and even some pathos, often through flashbacks and exposition.

It's an odd combination of ultra-violence and rough-hewn maturity, with scenes of bloodshed, gunfire, swordplay, and severed heads contrasting with a valid but clumsy exploration of human relationships through acts of love and adultery, respect, betrayal, and estrangement, etc. It sometimes feels like a Todd McFarlane dream, with a mix of mature happenings and schoolkid one-man-army violence-porn that misses the mark way more than it hits it.

The animation isn't on par with the quality seen in many of DC's more mainstream works, but it has some unusual stylings, occasionally reminiscent of old-school anime. And while it was nice to see the studio step away from their usual Justice League-esque roster, Knights and Dragons isn't going to stay long in the memory of folks seeking a good story.

NOTE: if not already apparent, it's not suitable for young kids. It's rated 15 (R in the US).