Bloodsport Vs Deadshot: Who Is The Strongest DC Comics Character?

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The iconic Suicide Squad, a comic book team known today, was initially introduced in a 1959 issue of “The Brave and the Bold.” However, it was in 1987 that the character underwent a significant transformation at the hands of writer John Ostrander. This revamp saw lesser-known supervillains being recruited by a secretive group named Task Force X for performing dangerous missions on behalf of the U.S government. The concept has proven so captivating, leading to numerous adaptations across various mediums such as live-action TV shows, animated movies, popular video games, and two major live-action films.

Among the key figures in the ‘Squad’, an extraordinary group given that the show often revolves around character deaths, are Deadshot (Floyd Lawton) and Bloodsport (Robert DuBois), two of the deadliest assassins in DC Comics. They excel in close combat, weaponry, and numerous other skills. In live-action adaptations, Will Smith portrayed Deadshot in 2016’s “Suicide Squad”, while Idris Elba took on the role of Bloodsport in 2021’s “The Suicide Squad”. The question arises: Which one is the deadliest and who would emerge victorious in a life-or-death battle?

Who is Deadshot?

In the vast DC Universe, Floyd Lawton, also known as Deadshot, is renowned for his exceptional skills as an assassin. Normally, he appears dressed in a technologically advanced red-and-silver bodysuit, complete with a mask featuring one red eye to aid in aiming, and wrist-mounted guns. This is generally how he’s portrayed, such as in the 2016 “Suicide Squad” movie, where Will Smith played him. However, the film’s costume is red-and-black instead of red-and-silver, and his mask is white for an unexplained reason. It’s worth noting that Deadshot’s appearance can change from comic to comic. For example, in his debut in “Batman” #59 from 1950, he initially presented himself as a hero, wearing a black suit, black top hat, and a black domino mask, without the signature wrist-mounted guns.

Unlike certain assassins in the DC universe, Deadshot doesn’t possess any superpowers or special abilities. Instead, he is a highly skilled marksman, often said to be “unerring,” capable of extraordinary feats like hitting multiple targets with a single ricocheted bullet, shooting objects from great distances with his eyes closed, and proficiently using any kind of firearm. Moreover, he demonstrates exceptional accuracy when throwing weapons like knives and darts as well.

Beyond that, he’s proficient in close-quarter fighting, having mastered various martial arts styles. He even engaged Deathstroke, a formidable DC assassin with genuine metahuman powers, in a stalemate. Ultimately, Deadshot demonstrates strategic genius, assuming the unofficial role of leader for Task Force X.

Who is Bloodsport?

Unlike some others who’ve borne the title, I’m particularly drawn to Bloodsport, specifically Robert DuBois. Although characters like Alexander Trent and an unnamed figure briefly appeared in comics, it’s DuBois who has become the fan-favorite and most widely adapted version of this character. He graced our screens in the “Justice League Unlimited” animated series, made a striking appearance on the CW’s “Supergirl,” and, not forgetting, starred in the 2021 blockbuster, “The Suicide Squad.

The little-known backstory of DC Comics’ Bloodsport, initially appearing in 1987’s “Superman” #4, unfolds with DuBois portrayed as a reckless mercenary recruited by Lex Luthor to assassinate Superman using an innovative kryptonite bullet-firing device. In contrast to Luthor’s intentions, Bloodsport manages to strike Superman, but fails to end his life. What sets this gadget apart is its extraordinary ability to transport any weapon directly into DuBois’ grasp—ranging from cutting-edge LexCorp prototypes to weapons hailing from other realms.

Initially, Will Smith expressed interest in reprising the role of Deadshot for another “Suicide Squad” movie, but that didn’t materialize. Instead, Idris Elba was selected to portray Bloodsport in the sequel. His character’s abilities and history share some similarities with his comic book version, but there are differences: instead of a gadget that transports guns into his hands, his costume is equipped with nanotechnology that produces weapons.

Did Deadshot and Bloodsport ever fight in canon?

In the comic books, Deadshot and Bloodshot, specifically the Robert DuBois version, did engage in a brief skirmish, but this encounter doesn’t provide conclusive evidence about who would emerge victorious in a lethal battle, as it was interrupted before reaching a decisive point. This altercation took place in “Batman and Superman: World’s Finest” #10 from 2000. In the storyline, Bloodsport detonates an explosive device to seize control of a dockyard, prompting Deadshot, hired by the criminal underworld, to intervene and prevent Bloodsport’s territorial expansion. Essentially, their confrontation was more about property disputes than a serious fight to the death.

The conflict begins with Bloodsport shooting at the dock with his weapon. Deadshot shows up behind him, quipping, “Drop it. Or change your name from Bloodsport to Bloodspot.” DuBois isn’t fazed though, responding coolly, “Always wondered which was faster, you with your wrist-magnums … or me with my arm-transporter!” before immediately teleporting a high-tech laser gun into his hands and jumping sideways to dodge Deadshot’s attack.

In this action-packed sequence, Deadshot manages to disarm Bloodshot by shooting his gun from his grip. However, Bloodsport swiftly materializes another weapon in his other hand. Meanwhile, DuBois fires a laser blast that demolishes a nearby structure, with debris threatening to crush Lawton. Just when it seems inevitable, Superman intervenes to protect Deadshot, while Batman delivers a powerful punch to incapacitate Bloodsport. It’s an exhilarating scene, but it ends far too quickly and leaves many questions unanswered.

Winner: Bloodsport

It’s a tricky decision to predict who would emerge victorious in a confrontation between Deadshot and Bloodsport, given their shared expertise as sharpshooters, skilled hand-to-hand combatants, and access to advanced weaponry. While Deadshot appears to be the superior marksman and martial artist, Bloodsport’s cutting-edge weapons surpass those of Deadshot in terms of technology. In the comics, DuBois has devices that transport weapons into his possession instantly, while in “The Suicide Squad,” he can generate nanotech guns from his high-tech suit. Regardless, Deadshot’s wrist-magnums, which he wields in both the comics and the film, seem to be outmatched by these advanced tools.

Beyond doubt, Lawton is technically more adept as a fighter. However, Bloodsport has demonstrated remarkable strength and resilience for an ordinary human, enduring blows from Superman in their numerous brawls and persisting to fight. It’s true that finesse in strikes matters in a fight, but it loses its luster when the recipient can withstand the blow and keep going. In such cases, raw power may overshadow skill as a decisive factor.

Despite their clash in the comics only leaving uncertainty, it provides some hints nonetheless. Deadshot, swift as ever with his aim, still fails to hit DuBois even at close range. This is particularly disadvantageous for Lawton, who might have perished if not for Superman’s timely intervention. Considering Bloodsport’s power and advanced technology, we lean towards him in this encounter. However, it’s a tight call.

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2025-04-10 21:30