LOS ANGELES, Sept. 29 (UPI) -- Joe Manganiello has started to prepare for his role as major DC Comics villain Deathstroke in Ben Affleck's upcoming solo Batman film.
"#Research," the actor wrote on Twitter alongside a photo of various graphic novels and Funko POP! figures featuring the character.
A second tweet labeled "#research2" features even more comics including new issues of Deathstroke from DC's newly released Rebirth line, the series Identity Crisis from 2004 where Deathstroke was able to single-handedly take on members of the Justice League and a volume of Batman: Earth One from 2015 that is notably written by Geoff Johns who is helping Affleck craft the Batman film.
Previously, Manganiello shared the cover of New Teen Titans issue No. 2 on Twitter where Deathstroke first made his appearance. "In honor of #NationalComicBookDay here's a look at the first appearance of #Deathstroke in New #TeenTitans #2," he wrote at the time.
#research pic.twitter.com/M5OnLIoMVq
— Joe Manganiello (@JoeManganiello) September 27, 2016
#research2 pic.twitter.com/TQ4vNxKgYH
— Joe Manganiello (@JoeManganiello) September 27, 2016
In honor of #NationalComicBookDay here's a look at the first appearance of #Deathstroke in New #TeenTitans #2 pic.twitter.com/dWxfsGJU3D
— Joe Manganiello (@JoeManganiello) September 26, 2016
On Wednesday, the writer from that issue, Marv Wolfman, showed support for Manganiello tweeting, "@JoeManganiello As one of Deathstroke's comic book daddies back in 1980, I can't wait to see what you do with our baby."
@JoeManganiello As one of Deathstroke's comic book daddies back in 1980, I can't wait to see what you do with our baby. @marvwolfman
— Marv Wolfman (@marvwolfman) September 28, 2016
Affleck, who is set to direct the Batman project featuring Deathstroke, teased the character's appearance in Warner Bros. DC Extended Universe recently on social media by posting a video featuring the highly-skilled assassin for hire staring menacingly at the camera as he sported his signature blue and orange armor.
Deathstroke, aka Slade Wilson -- also nicknamed The Terminator -- was also created by artist George Perez. Known for taking on the Teen Titans and hunting down heroes for the right price, Deathstroke possesses incredible strength, reflexes, a brilliant tactical mind and the ability to regenerate.
The fan-favorite character has appeared in numerous comics, animated shows like Cartoon Network's hit Teen Titans series, video games and was most recently portrayed by actor Manu Bennett on Arrow.
— Ben Affleck (@BenAffleck) August 29, 2016
