SUICIDE SQUAD #1

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Now it is a proven fact that sometimes you have to know when to keep your mouth open and when to keep it shut. Well, just look around at celebrity culture for proof of this, or alternately read this comic book, Written by Adam Glass; Drawn by Federico Dallocchino; and Published by DC Comics in September 2011.

THE STORY:

Seven known villains are being detained and tortured by a number of hooded figures, with the intent on finding out whom it is that they work for. Now Deadshot doesn’t say anything – he just recollects the time that Batman captured him and sent him to prison. And funnily enough, the same thing can also be said for El Diablo too – just without the Batman.  Harley Quinn doesn’t say anything either – she just pines for ‘her Joker’. As for King Shark on the other hand – well – he just bites off one of his captors arms, CHOMP! And as for Black Spider and Voltaic – ha – nish.

The villain whom spills the beans on this group is called Savant, whom tells these hooded figures that they are prisoners who have been enlisted in an undercover mercenary group called ‘Task Force X’ – or ‘Suicide Squad’ of you prefer. But alas, as payment for this information, Savant is taken away and then... BANG! And as for the rest of them... ohhh... they are in for one hell of a surprise – care of Amanda Waller. HA!

THE REVIEW:

First off, let me just say that I really liked the two mercenary related team books that proceeded this one – ‘Secret Six’ and the ‘Suicide Squad’. To me, they both had a fun jovial quality about them that mixed mirth, madness, and monkeying around, all together, before spitting out a dose of hard-core humour. Granted, sometimes this type of series can be seen as being overtly forced and baroque in nature. However, when it is in good hands, this is not always the case.

Still, can I say the same thing about this DCnU version of Suicide Squad? Hmm? At the moment – maybe. Both writer, Adam Glass, and artist, Federico Dallocchino, have a very distinct style about them – as in a very bold and brash way, they have made me intrigued about the future of this title. Now the reason why I say this, is because what they have managed to do, is to set up a ‘hello, this is who we are’ issue, whilst at the same time adding a twist and telling us – the reader – what they are all about.

Personally speaking, I liked the way that most of the characters had a time to shine in this book, plus the known fact that we are going back to the ‘Belle Reve days’ for this group. What I didn’t like though, was: (1) Deadshot and Harley’s new costume, plus Lawson without his moustache. (2) Amanda Waller slim fast – I liked her best as a fat black mama who could kick ass. And (3) The slight inconsistencies in Federico’s art work – as sometimes it was a tad too bold, whilst other times murky.

Overall, this first issue of ‘Suicide Squad’ – like the majority of these new DCnU titles – has made me intrigued to see what is coming up next. And on top of that, its punk rock take in execution does justify why this old-for-new book maybe a sleeper hit – but only if the fans are as intrigued as I am.

Fine start – good team – some doubts about Amanda’s waste line.

THE RATING: B+