Writer: Robbie Thompson
Art: Eduardo Pansica, Julio Ferreira, Marcelo Maiolo, and Wes Abbott
Publisher: DC COMICS
Price: $3.99
Release Date: April 6th, 2021
Their mission: to retrieve TALON from Arkham Asylum. It seemed like an easy smash and grab… until Joker toxin flooded the entire Asylum. To survive, Peacemaker and TALON had to work their way deep down into the prison. However, if Peacemaker and TALON are going to make it out alive, Amanda Waller will have to send in some backup. Enter SUPERBOY: Conner Kent. Waller has managed to gain control of the teen clone of SUPERMAN to use as a blunt instrument for the new SUICIDE SQUAD. Nevertheless, how and why is Conner Kent working with Taskforce X? And, will this Beta Squad rescue Peacemaker and TALON or will they be mere casualties? Let’s dive into SUICIDE SQUAD #2 by Robbie Thompson to see if success is on the menu OR will there be more team fatalities served up for dessert.
If you’re interested in this comic or any of the others mentioned, simply click on the title/link to snag a copy through Amazon.
INITIAL THOUGHTS
Issue #1 was solid. Plus, I loved how it intertwined with the INFINITE FRONTIER #0 that centered around Arkham Asylum being Jokerized. Along with the previewed new team members, I was intrigued to jump into this series. Now, I’m still interested in the lineup and direction of the series. However, as Issue #2 came to a close, the allure has already begun to wear off.
It appears as though the premise of the beginning arc is to get Waller’s new SUICIDE SQUAD together, which is totally fine. Still, I’d like to know the purpose of the players. Why does Waller want TALON so badly? Heck, she was willing to throw away some pretty solid metahumans to get him. Could Robbie Thompson tell us more as the series unfolds? Of course. However, I’m the type of reader that needs the story to give a little to get a little from me. Give me a clue as to why TALON was so important to your mission. As SUICIDE SQUAD #2 ends, Waller gives some quick insight into the next team member they’re going after providing a minor explanation that will suffice for now. Yet, I still need a compass to point me in the direction this book wants to go overall. What’s the eventual purpose? What is this series running towards?
CONTINUITY
Additionally, a characteristic I love about a writer is that they can play well with others. They follow continuity and weave their story into other writers’ laps making their narrative feel connected to the comic landscape. Thompson not only knits together his story with INFINITE FRONTIER and BATMAN but the next issue will show him jumping into another comic. When done well, this concept pays off for the reader. It makes their comic feel important while showcasing other amazing comics and stories at the same time. I hope Thompson continues this trend.
SUPER ASPECTS
The biggest draw to the series for me was seeing Conner Kent on the team. Needless to say, I was a bit worried. However, SUPERBOY still has his morals. Currently, he’s not jaded, twisted, or lost like Wally West. He’s basically being forced into doing this work through some type of Kryptonite internal electrocution. Now, it’s not explained as to how it was placed inside of him but like the head bombs, it will work to keep him under control for at least some time. Plus, the “Boy Scout” showdown between Peacemaker and SUPERBOY will be an interesting twist on a SUICIDE SQUAD team that seems a bit unique to say the least.
ART
Speaking of the good, Eduardo Pansica, Julio Ferreira, and Marcelo Maiolo make this issue come to life. The colors are vibrant, the linework is detailed, and the panel progression is super easy to follow. The comic flows nicely with drastic color changes between the characters and the background that make each fight scene and interaction stand out. Pansica and Ferreira’s BATMAN and Jokerized people are spot on! The biggest room for growth would be adding a bit more features to the character’s faces, especially when the focus is on their expressions.
THE BAD
The biggest problem I had with this issue of SUICIDE SQUAD was merely with the use of one character, which sort of defeated the purpose of the entire issue. His name is Exit and he can teleport by physically drawing portals in the air. So, what’s my problem? Well, why was this mission integral if he could have just teleported into TALON’S cell with Peacemaker from the beginning. My point: none of this was necessary. Sure, Exit explains to the reader how they escaped without anyone knowing BUT couldn’t they have just done this from the start?
FINAL THOUGHTS
The art is powerful, the characters are intriguing, and the interwoven story design throughout other comics is a testament to Thompson, his creative team, and the possibilities within this series. The new characters are fresh, interesting, and add a dynamic tone to the story that I’m excited to see play out. Being two issues into the series, SUICIDE SQUAD appears to be a nonstop, action-packed ride chalked full of engaging dispositions. Right now, I’m all in. However, I hope that Thompson gives readers more of a substantial direction soon before fans begin to lose interest in the series. What’s the main goal of the series? Where’s the fireworks factory? I don’t need to be there yet BUT I’d like to know where it is. Pick this up, let me know what you think, and God bless!