Foreword
Apologies in advance for this review probably getting rambly or disjointed, everyone. I had surgery yesterday and these post-op drugs are hitting hard. I’m doing okay, and I’m looking forward to finally being free of that damn cyst. Enough about little old me, though, Let’s get to the book!
The Actual Review
If you’d have told me last year that Suicide Squad would not only be enjoyable to read, that I’d be excited to read it, but it would be my favorite book I’m reviewing?
I don’t think I could laugh in your face, honestly. I’d be too miserable reading issues #1-4 of Suicide Squad.
That’s all changed though, this book is great! This issue in particular is probably my favorite so far, and it’s purely because of how fun it is. I don’t think I’ve had this much of a blast reading a semi-mainline DC book for this job ever.
It’s called One Last Job, how COOL is that!?!?
It’s awesome. This book is awesome. There’s nothing else to say. I mean, they’re using the Retaliators. That’s awesome.
You look at this and you tell me this doesn’t get you hype.
A (not so) secret key to my heart is alternate earths. Not in the big, multiverse-spanning, Crisis-style events (though those can be fun too). I like the one shots. The little glimpses of alternate heroes and villains that leave you wanting more. That’s exactly what we get here. I’ve never really cared about the Retaliators before now. They were the cute nod to the Avengers I read in The Multiversity, laughed, and moved on with my day. I never would have thought they’d be used as a genuinely kind of genius morality test for what’s probably the most heroic Suicide Squad we’ve had yet.
Honestly, it’s probably my favorite idea from Robbie Thompson I’ve seen so far in this run. I love the idea of Amanda Waller setting her sights on alternate earths as a kind of playground/conquering material, free from the prying eyes of both the US government and the Justice League. It’s a breath of fresh air that I think the team desperately needed, especially with all of the more traditional content coming out recently (much love to James Gunn’s movie, though, it’s tied with Hell to Pay as my favorite adaptation of the Squad!).
Aside from the Earth-8 shenanigans, however, there’s TONS more going on! Rick Flag’s revolt finally blossoms into some action, Bloodsport and Peacemaker get into a tussle, and more! So much, in fact, I don’t think I can discuss it without spoilers, but know that the gist of this section is that things are happening, and I’m here for it.
I think that honestly, I just have too much to say about this book and not enough brainpower to say it right now, so in the interests of coherence, I’ll just do some bullet points.
- The action is exciting and fun to look at.
- Major Force and Ambush Bug are probably the best additions to this Squad that could have happened, and they’re quickly becoming favorites of mine.
- Every single joke and gag in this issue is well thought out, well timed, and lands perfectly.
- This is the second issue that Ambush Bug has made an Amalgam comics joke, and I know it doesn’t mean anything, but can we please get an Amalgam 2? That would be so fun!
All of the things, of course, are accompanied (and dare I say enhanced) by the absolutely astounding art. Pansica, Ferreira, and Soy are absolute masters of the pencils, and Maiolo’s colors are an absolute treat for the eyes.
Horrible murder never looked this good.
Recommended if…
- You’re a fan of fresh, exciting takes on old properties.
- Multiversal misadventures are up your alley.
- You’re just looking for a damn good book.
Overall
This book is just getting better and better. I know I keep saying it, but I hope Thompson can keep this up, because I want to keep reading more. Can’t wait for next issue!
Score: 9/10
Disclaimer: DC Comics provided Batman News with an advance copy of this comic for the purpose of this review.
