Suicide Squad #1
Written by Rob Williams
Art by Jim Lee
Colors by Alex Sinclair
As the new series begins in earnest, writer Rob Williams begins his task of not only creating compelling stories but also setting the tone for the Suicide Squad that will stand for years to come. Rick Flag back as the leader of the team is a nice nod back to the classic Ostrander stories that built the squad into what it is today, but the rest of lineup makes it clear that will be something new and modern. The addition of Killer Croc, Katanna, and Enchantress to the Rebirth lineup proves that DC is trying to capitalize on the increased popularity of the squad due to their feature film debut. Love it or hate it, the movie certainly brought the Suicide Squad to the forefront of popular culture and that is something DC is going to build on.
This issue brings us the first glimpse of the Suicide Squad’s headquarters, Belle Reve, as well as a deeper look at the puppet master of the whole operation, Amanda Waller. Since her creation, Waller has been a strong and callous tactician will to put anyone in danger as long as it serves the “greater good” and although it is reassuring to see her portrayed this way in issue #1, I do hope that if she continues to feature in the squad’s stories there will be some growth or exposition with her character beyond what decades of stories have made us familiar with. The issue deals the squad is going to be sent on another mission that will most likely lead to their deaths but as most of this issue takes place during the briefing before the mission, Williams takes this opportunity to let a little of the squad members’ personality shine through. Deadshot may be somewhat suicidal, Killer Croc is fearless except for space, and Captain Boomerang’s only defining trait is that he is Australian. What is interesting here is how June Moon/Enchantress is portrayed. Rather than the powerful witch, we are introduced to June Moon, the scared and confused illustrator who cannot understand why she has been lumped in with the freaks and degenerates. Hopefully as the story progresses we get to see how June and not Enchantress fits in the squad.
The character I am most impressed with in this first issue is Flag. It is often said that a team is only as good as it’s leader, and that too can be sad for stories and their lead characters. Although Suicide Squad is a team book, Flag as the lone “hero” amongst villains needs to be the standout character. If he is flat, the story will be flat. Fortunately, if this issue is anything to go off of, Flag will be a complex character torn between his disdain for the criminal element and his unwavering loyalty to his teammates.
The combination of Rob Williams’ sharp and clever writing and Jim Lee’s fantastic art make Suicide Squad issue #1 a great opening issue in a series with high expectations. If they can be this good consistently throughout the forthcoming issues, then I am sure that Suicide Squad will be a highlight of the post Rebirth era.
Art by Jim Lee
Colors by Alex Sinclair
As the new series begins in earnest, writer Rob Williams begins his task of not only creating compelling stories but also setting the tone for the Suicide Squad that will stand for years to come. Rick Flag back as the leader of the team is a nice nod back to the classic Ostrander stories that built the squad into what it is today, but the rest of lineup makes it clear that will be something new and modern. The addition of Killer Croc, Katanna, and Enchantress to the Rebirth lineup proves that DC is trying to capitalize on the increased popularity of the squad due to their feature film debut. Love it or hate it, the movie certainly brought the Suicide Squad to the forefront of popular culture and that is something DC is going to build on.
This issue brings us the first glimpse of the Suicide Squad’s headquarters, Belle Reve, as well as a deeper look at the puppet master of the whole operation, Amanda Waller. Since her creation, Waller has been a strong and callous tactician will to put anyone in danger as long as it serves the “greater good” and although it is reassuring to see her portrayed this way in issue #1, I do hope that if she continues to feature in the squad’s stories there will be some growth or exposition with her character beyond what decades of stories have made us familiar with. The issue deals the squad is going to be sent on another mission that will most likely lead to their deaths but as most of this issue takes place during the briefing before the mission, Williams takes this opportunity to let a little of the squad members’ personality shine through. Deadshot may be somewhat suicidal, Killer Croc is fearless except for space, and Captain Boomerang’s only defining trait is that he is Australian. What is interesting here is how June Moon/Enchantress is portrayed. Rather than the powerful witch, we are introduced to June Moon, the scared and confused illustrator who cannot understand why she has been lumped in with the freaks and degenerates. Hopefully as the story progresses we get to see how June and not Enchantress fits in the squad.
The character I am most impressed with in this first issue is Flag. It is often said that a team is only as good as it’s leader, and that too can be sad for stories and their lead characters. Although Suicide Squad is a team book, Flag as the lone “hero” amongst villains needs to be the standout character. If he is flat, the story will be flat. Fortunately, if this issue is anything to go off of, Flag will be a complex character torn between his disdain for the criminal element and his unwavering loyalty to his teammates.
The combination of Rob Williams’ sharp and clever writing and Jim Lee’s fantastic art make Suicide Squad issue #1 a great opening issue in a series with high expectations. If they can be this good consistently throughout the forthcoming issues, then I am sure that Suicide Squad will be a highlight of the post Rebirth era.
A Look Inside
