DC Comics reviews for 3/22/17

Suicide Squad #14

Suicide Squad’s unique storytelling format made for an unusual read. It would be so much more effective with a more streamlined approach.

Writer Rob Williams is still sticking with the chapter format he initially used to accommodate artist Jim Lee. That was necessary since Lee couldn’t handle a full workload, but it’s not needed with artists John Romita Jr. and Eddy Barrows fully capable of tackling an entire issue.

At times, the story feels like it’s running in place. Not a whole lot happens this issue as a result. The first chapter features Rustam and The Burning World terrorizing politicians while Harley to rallies the Squad for payback. Williams isn’t quite convincing on selling the idea that Harley is the leader type. She’s more of the unhinged and unpredictable psycho and the hero makeover is an odd fit.

In the second chapter, the Squad unites to save Harley and battle Burning World after fighting among themselves. Each chapter has a cliffhanger, with the latter negating the suspense of the former.

Williams needs to ease up on killing Squad members. The team is a little too firmly established and there’s not any viable red-shirt candidates. It’s time for the Squad to get some not so well established characters so Williams can re-introduce the notion that every mission could be the last one for the team. At this rate, the threat of death is diminished more and more each issue.

Williams does instill a fantastic sense of paranoia. Suicide Squad can easily play as a spy book as well and double- and triple-crosses are the name of the game. Williams hasn’t revealed his cards yet and everything is still on the table at this point.

Suicide Squad is too chaotic and busy a title for Romita Jr.’s style. His less detailed pencils make the characters look too similar and cube-like. Dean White is utilizing the same bombastic color sequences that worked so well in All-Star Batman. But with a bigger cast, it’s too disorienting.

Barrows’ work continues to wrap the issue on a high note. His style fits the title so much better. Colorist Adriano Lucas has a terrific sense of the environment whether in a dark bar, a battle damaged office or desert setting.

This issue’s big payoff is one readers probably saw coming, but Williams effectively baits the hook to get them eagerly anticipating next issue.

Rating: 8 out of 10