Aquaman and Ocean Master show Deathstroke and his crew who's boss by beating, maiming, and murdering them all. Plus, an appearance from Warlord. Yes, you read that correctly, Warlord.
The Good
First thing's first. Warlord? I had a really good giggle when I saw him in the issue. I am not a huge Warlord fan, but I love seeing the integration of this Conan-like character into the world of Flashpoint, as a pompous pirate, who no one takes seriously. Ok, now that's out of my system.
This book is the most fun I've had all day. Sure, there's been one or two I've read that I overall liked a bit more, but Deathstroke #2 was the most fun. Why? It had an insane amount of over-the-top pirate violence, and it's all thanks to Jimmy Palmiotti, who's been doing some great over-the-top cowboy violence for years (Jonah Hex). I loved the brutality that Aquaman and Ocean Master displayed in this issue. Yes, these guys will kill you, but they'll find a new and exciting way to do it each time.
Violence aside, as always on a pirate ship, the captain is seconds away from a mutiny, or one of his crewmen doing what they take to rise up in the ranks, which is displayed here numerous times. The best way to sum up everything in this issue is pirates with super-powers, and yes, it works.
The Bad
Although it's a fun book, it isn't the best of the Flashpoint tie-ins. Sure, it's fun to watch Aquaman and Ocean Master cut people's heads off, but I question whether or not this book is necessary to the event. (Spoiler alert: Doesn't really matter)
The Verdict
As I said earlier, it's not the best of the Flashpoint tie-ins, but it is for sure the most fun. How could you not love pirates with super-powers? Well, modern-day pirates, none of that Pirates of the Caribbean garbage. Not only that, it's super-violent. At least that's a plus for me. This isn't a must have Flashpoint tie-in, unless you hate fun. I don't know how much more clear I could make it. Did I mention Warlord yet?