New Suicide Squad #1 Review

Written by: Sean Ryan
Art by: Jeremy Roberts
Cover Price: $2.99
Release Date: July 9, 2014

Batter Up!

The Suicide Squad is dead.  Long live the Suicide Squad.  The NEW Suicide Squad, that is.  There may be some new members, but the song remains the same.  Take some of the most popular DCU villains, throw them into over-the-top situations and watch the craziness ensue.  It's mindless fun, but isn't that the point?

Sean Ryan does a good job introducing the team and the new Director, Mr. Sage.  Mr. Sage seems to be putting together his "Villain Fantasy Team" and it comes off as hilarious.  I'm sure things will get darker in the future, but if this vibe remains, I'll be happy.



As for the team, I'm pretty satisfied with the members; Black Manta, Harley Quinn, Joker's Daughter, Deadshot and Deathstroke.  They play well off each other and the chances of great, tension filled interactions are really high.  We see glimpses of that this issue with Harley vs Joker's Daughter and Deadshot vs Deathstroke.  While Ryan focuses more on the action, these little interactions were my favorite part.

Mr. Sage also has some great back-and-forth with Amanda Waller.  She's pissed that he's in charge of her baby and he's relishing that very fact.  The dynamic between these two is great and it's bound to explode soon.  The two are already fighting every step of the way about everything.

I can go on about character interaction, but this book is about big action and huge explosions.  The Team is in Russia for their first mission and while it's 80's action movie goofiness,  I love that sort of thing.  Of course, the mission doesn't go smoothly and the ending promises more fun and zany action next issue.  I'll be there.

The only thing I didn't like was the inclusion of Joker's Daughter.  I hate the character and I hate the way DC has tried to shove her down the fans' throats.  Plus, this issue makes her look like a Metahuman with super strength.  What gives?  Up until now she was just a crazy girl with Joker's Face.  Sean Ryan, you have a tough road ahead to make me like her even a little bit.

I did like Jeremy Roberts art for the most part.  The character models are great and there are some really good panels.  However, some of the action scenes were a little stiff.  I've enjoyed his art in the past and know this is the exception, not the rule.

Bits and Pieces:

New Suicide Squad #1 is action packed, mindless fun and that's just what I want.  Sean Ryan introduces the new team and briefly shows the tension filled dynamic before getting to the big explosions.  I had a good time with this issue and am looking forward to more zany over-the-top adventures.

8.0/10