We are a little over two weeks away from the Suicide Squad film. At least we have the final issue of New Suicide Squad to hold us over until then. Is it good?
New Suicide Squad #22 (DC Comics)
So what’s it about? The official DC synopsis reads:
Delve, if you dare, into the twisted mind of Harley Quinn as she wrestles with her past and questions her future in the mind-bending finale of NEW SUICIDE SQUAD.
Why does this book matter?
This issue delves into Harley Quinn’s head, who is most likely going to be the best part of the new movie. Is this issue in canon with the movie? Who’s to say, but to see a younger Harley and maybe find a little bit more about her…how can you pass that up?
Fine, you have my attention. What’s good about it?
A calmingi first page…
Sean Ryan writes a strong issue as we peer deep inside two very pivotal moments for Harley Quinn. One involves her complaining about her clients at Arkham (and subsequently getting a handful with a certain clowned villain), and the other when she was as young as 10 (it’s never said how old she is). In between Ryan has Harley go deep in her own mind, fight off toy soldiers, and even encounter Batman.
These moments feel quite genuine which in turn makes this a read that feels important. They are aided by artist Ronan Cliquet’s pencils. Young Harley looks vulnerable and like a person who isn’t yet screwed up by life. Without saying it we are viewing the mind of a girl who had to cope any way she could and implementing her toys is a fun way to do it. There’s also an inspired “Hang in There” cat poster that appears to be actually falling, which conveys the sense that Harley is losing it.
It can’t be perfect can it?
It’s hard to pinpoint what age Harley is when the story flashbacks to when she was younger with her mother. At the dinner table she may be 15, but later she has a pudgy smaller face as if she were 10. It’s a bit odd, and maybe that’s on purpose we are in Harley’s mind after all, but it threw me off.
Anyone looking for any of the other members of the Suicide Squad should be aware they don’t appear. Or at least, they don’t appear in their actual forms.
Don’t go through that door Harley!
Is It Good?
The art and writing do well to make Harley Quinn a sympathetic character. This is a fitting end to the series as it feels important.
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