The following article contains spoilers from DC vs. Vampires: All Out War #1, on sale now.
Deathstroke gave readers his own impression of Midnighter in DC vs. Vampires: All Out War #1 (by Alex Paknadel, Matthew Rosenberg, Pasqual Qualano, Nicola Righi, and Troy Peteri) and what little he had to say was actually very telling. He views Midnighter as just another version of himself, but one with principles. It is these principles that make Deathstroke dislike Midnighter, but it may be indicative of deeper problem Deathstroke has.
Yes, in many ways, Midnighter is extremely similar to Deathstroke. The only difference between them is that Midnighter decided to devote his incredible talents to the service of others, effectively becoming a hero. In contrast, Deathstroke decided to use his new abilities to make money. If that sounds petty and selfish, it’s because it is. Deathstroke may very well hate Midnighter because his existence is a slap in the face to everything Deathstroke devoted his life to.
It’s important to remember that Deathstroke wasn’t always a mercenary. For a time, he was one of the best soldiers in the United States Army. It was only after the experiment that turned him into a super soldier that he truly devolved into a pattern of selfishness. The experiment left Deathstroke emotionally damaged and feeling betrayed. So, rather than devote himself to a government that placed no true value on his life, he decided to use his new abilities to serve only himself.
Midnighter on the other hand, wanted to use his powers to do good. He may kill like Deathstroke, but their similarities end there. Midnighter possesses morals, despite his original team of Stormwatch betraying him like the United States betrayed Deathstroke. Yet, Midnighter retained his desire to help others and put his talents to good use. Meeting him must have felt like looking at a distorted mirror to Deathstroke. In front of him was a man who had basically the same skills and abilities, but managed to have enough integrity to use them for the greater good. Midnighter’s very existence would suddenly become an insult to everything Deathstroke is.
It’s not because Deathstroke despises morality, as he does have some good in him, even if it is buried deep within. What truly may be bothering Deathstroke is that in Midnighter, he sees what he could have been if he had let his selfishness go. He could have been respected, a leader of men, someone that people turn to not just for protection, but guidance. Instead, most people who here his name now sneer or look around in terror, expecting him to leap from the shadows at them.
So, while Deathstroke may pretend that he hates Midnighter for being a principled knockoff, it’s really because Deathstroke is looking at a better version of himself. He knows that he is not a good person, and that he is largely incapable of change. That stubbornness has hurt him more than once, and now he has a walking talking insult to his very existence living alongside him. Midnighter isn’t just a reminder of everything Deathstroke hates about heroes, he’s a reminder of everything Deathstroke hates about himself.