by Aaron Lightfoot, Comic Columnist
Creative Team: Bob Kane, David Vern Reed and Lew Schwartz
Portrayed by: Will Smith
What two things do Batman and Deadshot have in common? They both were created by the legendary Bob Kane, and have both resided as Gotham City’s savior, although Deadshot was shown to have ulterior motives for his heroics. In many ways Deadshot is a perfect match for the Caped Crusader, as both use their wealth in order to achieve their goals. A mainstay in all forms of media for DC Comics, Deadshot will finally get his first live-action appearance with the upcoming “Suicide Squad” movie. Ranked No. 43 on IGN’s Top 100 Comic Book Villains of All Time, there’s much more to the deadliest shooter than meets the eye.
Floyd Lawton made a name for himself as an assassin who “never misses.” He has a vast array of weapons to ensure the job gets done. As previously stated, Deadshot shows up in Gotham City while Batman is away and becomes the new savior for the crime-infested city. When Batman returns, he confronts Deadshot. The mayor of Gotham City tells Batman that Deadshot was another hero and Batman needs to work with him. Batman soon learned Deadshot’s ultimate goal was to destroy the Caped Crusader and become Gotham City’s biggest crime lord. When Deadshot put his plan into action, Batman bested him and sent him to jail.
After serving his time, Deadshot had one goal: to defeat Batman. He changed his costume from a suit and top hat to the red jumpsuit version we know today. Also equipped with a laser-targeting device on his right eye, Deadshot took to the streets to seek out the man who caused his downfall. After clashing with Batman and losing once again, Deadshot was sent to jail, where Amanda Waller decided Deadshot’s determination, leadership qualities, and array of weaponry made him perfect for the Suicide Squad.
Deadshot has a desire to die in spectacular fashion, so he has taken several missions with the Suicide Squad in order to achieve the adrenaline rush he desired. He almost meets his end when he is tasked with killing a senator who threatened to expose the Suicide Squad. After stopping Rick Flag from killing the senator, he then killed the senator himself, stating his orders were “Stop Flag from killing the senator. Exact words.” When fleeing the area, Deadshot is gunned down by the local police, but survives the attack.
Almost always a member of the Suicide Squad, Deadshot should be a prominent member in the upcoming movie.
Are you a fan of the cycloptic assassin? Let us know what you think in the comment section below, and be sure to visit CMN tomorrow for the next installment of “Welcome to the Suicide Squad.” “Suicide Squad” hits theaters Aug. 5.