William Randolph Wintergreen is a fictional character appearing in comic books published by DC Comics, often depicted as an associate of Slade Wilson (the supervillain Deathstroke). Although Wintergreen lacked Slade's superhuman physical attributes, he possessed far more combat experience and thus acted as Wilson's mentor. A re-imagined version of the character appeared on The CW's live-action television series Arrow, portrayed by stunt performer Jeffrey C. Robinson and depicted as the first incarnation of Deathstroke. He also appeared in the DC Universe series Titans, played by Demore Barnes.

Publication history

Wintergreen was created by George Pérez and Marv Wolfman, and first appeared in The New Teen Titans #2 (December 1980).

Fictional character biography

William Wintergreen is a friend of Slade Wilson / Deathstroke who he met while serving in the British Army. After Slade is discharged for saving Wintergreen from a Viet Cong prison, he becomes a mercenary, with Wintergreen acting as his butler and mentor. After Slade cuts ties with Wintergreen, the latter establishes Vigilance, Inc., a search-and-rescue operation that Slade's ex-wife Adeline Kane created as a mercenary organisation. Wintergreen is later killed by Jericho, who has possessed Slade's body. In Blackest Night, Wintergreen is temporarily resurrected as a Black Lantern. He is permanently resurrected following the DC Rebirth relaunch.

Powers and abilities

Wintergreen has received extensive training in military protocols and espionage, making him a proficient hand-to-hand combatant and martial artist. He has also proven an exceptionally skilled marksman in the use of various firearms.

In other media

Television

Video games

Wintergreen appears as a character summon in Scribblenauts Unmasked: A DC Comics Adventure.

Miscellaneous

Wintergreen appears in Deathstroke: Knights & Dragons, voiced by Colin Salmon. This version is a Black British former MI6 agent.

Merchandise

The Arrow incarnation of Billy Wintergreen / Deathstroke received a 6.75-inch action figure from DC Collectibles as part of a two-pack with Oliver Queen.