DC Comics reviews 1/4/22 – Dark Knights of Steel #3, Batman #119

Suicide Squad #11

Suicide Squad has quietly become one of my favorite DC titles. It’s got a fantastic mix of characters, a clear destination, big time action scenes and Ambush Bug as the narrator. That’s a strong combination for a thoroughly entertaining book.

With a looming deadline, Amanda Waller sends her Squad to the Marvel-homage Earth-8 to test their ruthlessness. Meanwhile, Peacemaker tries to recruit Bloodsport to join Rick Flag’s Suicide Squad.

Writers Robbie Thompson and Dennis Hopeless have set the stage nicely for this conflict and are pacing the story well so as to not rush it. The build here is just as important as the actual squad battles.

Most of the characters seem to have an angle too making the inevitable clash intriguing since loyalties will clearly be tested.

Eduardo Pansica & Julio Ferreira and Dexter Soy continue to tag team on the art. The split art duties work on Suicide Squad since Soy and Pansica/Ferreira stick to one subplot. Their styles are complementary making the shifts easier to take in.

Marcelo Maiolo’s striking colors fully capture the building tension and escalating intensity.

Suicide Squad is poised for a big showdown. Even if it’s not the 12th issue it’s going to be a strong culmination of this first arc.

Rating: 9 out of 10