Deathstroke and Taskmaster are both incredibly talented mercenaries and feared by many in their respective worlds, but what would happen if these two skilled combatants bumped into each other and didn't get along? What would a clash between these two look like and who'd be left on the floor? The Comic Vine crowd has been thinking about this melee since Monday and they've picked a winner. Ladies and gentlemen, it was a close race, but the people have spoken! Slade Wilson, a.k.a. Deathstroke, wins!
The dude from DC earned 54% of the votes and Tony Masters, a.k.a. Taskmaster, earned a respectable 38%. 8% of voters think this one is just too close to call and both sides have an equal shot at winning.
So, why'd Deathstroke win? Sure, we all know Taskmaster can be a jobber from time to time, but that absolutely does not mean we should overlook his ability to duplicate numerous (and not to mention impressive) styles and his own commendable physicals. He's blocked projectiles, danced around Venom, and held his own against Steve Rogers. However, as good as he may be, the voters have good reasons for siding with Slade. First and foremost, his enhanced physicals are worth noting. He has ridiculously gifted reflexes and he's stronger than his foe. He also has a healing factor that's worth taking into consideration and his own level of speed and agility has been praiseworthy since his first appearance. Then there's his commendable intellect/tactical mentality and his gear -- especially his power staff -- can turn the tide with a good connect. Plus, as good ass he may be, Taskmaster occasionally seems to relish fighting a new opponent. As he learns about them, he sometimes becomes arrogant enough to talk about his abilities. If he did this against Slade, it would really hinder his odds. It'll be a hugely entertaining fight, but in the end, Deathstroke's long history of impressive combat feats and physicals could grant him the win over the lethal mercenary from Marvel. Now, let's see what the community has to say about this one.
nickthedevil
"I'm siding with Deathstroke.
But I'll admit, I was hovering over the Taskmaster button for a few moments. Taskmaster can copy moves to the T, and has done so in a moment's notice, but as been stated numerous times, and even shown, Tasky does not have superhuman powers unlike that of his competitor, who does have superior reflexes, speed and strength; We've seen Taskmaster doesn't stack up evenly to people with superior physicals and skills to boot. Not to say Taskmaster will roll over for Slade either, and it will be one heck of a fight, but Slade should get the majority out of this one. The way Slade thinks though, he will definitely learn this fast and exploit it."
laflux
"I would go with Deathstroke in a good fight.
Funnily enough Udon Taskmaster has another good speed feat, I believe he used Bullseye's moveset to catch a bullet at nigh point blank range (rather than the aforementioned double time). Taskmaster is more skilled, and has a wealth of fighting styles to draw on, but Slade has fought toe to toe with some of DC's best Martial artists. Taskmaster might know more moves, but Slade has fought people who I apply a a wide range of martial arts knowledge, and apply it more efficiently- namely Batman. I think Slade's tactical mindset may be a bit overplayed here, Taskmaster's cockiness may land himself in trouble- and Slade capitalizing on that is more common sense then anything, I think its Slade's physical advantages in healing, durability, speed and I guess strength which will get him the win. I would also say that sans Udon Gear, Slade's gear is more effective."
The Lobster
"I have to go with Taskmaster.
It wasn't easy. Specially since both Taskmaster and Deathstroke have fought their universe's top superhero team (Avengers and Justice League) all on their own. That's no easy feat. But Taskmaster's photographic reflexes, combined with all of the fighting styles of some of the best fighters in the marvel universe, fighters like Captain America, Iron Fist, Wolverine, Daredevil, etc. It'd be like Deathstroke was fighting half of the marvel universe on his own, with no prep-time.....plus after a few minutes he'd be fighting himself as well. That's a feat, even I think Deathstroke couldn't pull off."
SnowyMountain
"My choice for victory would be Deathstroke. Both of these mercenaries are bad@$$es who walk around with an impressive arsenal of weaponry and military hardware. However, I will have to say that I believe that Deathstroke probably has a slight edge over Taskmaster in this respect. While Taskmaster is equipped with functional shield, broadsword, bow/arrows, batons, and even guns; Deathstroke easily matches or surpasses him as he regularly carries rifles, machine guns, or that power staff of his. So Taskmaster will probably be overwhelmed or unable to seize a definitive advantage at long range.
That leaves shortening the range and entering close quarters and hand-to-hand. While I believe that Taskmaster might surpass Deathstroke in pure fighting skill and even could preempt his techniques once he sees Deathstroke in action, the fact of the matter is that no matter how many martial arts skills, gymnastic techniques, or hand-to-hand combatant tricks that Taskmaster might have picked up or absorbed will equal the fact that Deathstroke is a SUPERhuman. That is, he is superhumanly strong, fast, and agile with inhuman endurance, a minor healing factor, and a brain that harnesses the other 90 percent of its untapped potential.
No matter how skilled he is, no matter if he can tell exactly when Deathstroke is going to kick or punch or whatever; it doesn't matter if Taskmaster isn't fast enough or strong enough to counter. He's going to get stomped, plain and simple.
WINNER: DEATHSTROKE!"
Agree? Disagree? Feel free to continue the debate below! Also, is there someone you want to see Deathstroke battle next? You're welcome to make suggestions below or share them via Twitter.