Connect with us
Suicide Squad #47 Review

Comic Books

Suicide Squad #47 Review

A fun one-shot story about Captain Boomerang that embraces the character’s inherent silliness with an equally silly spy-thriller parody.

“People find it way too easy to laugh at a bloke called Captain Boomerang.”

Under the guise of Australia’s fabled swamp creature, the Bunyip, a villain has planted nuclear devices in all of Australia’s major cities. Threatening the nation’s complete devastation, the Bunyip craves complete control of the county. The only man who can stop this maniac: Australia’s greatest secret agent, Captain Boomerang. From a plethora of gadget-infused boomerangs and tuxedos, to pun fueled feminine names and hologram messages hidden within beer cans, Suicide Squad #47 embraces all of the absurdity of early James Bond films in the best way possible. Rob Williams and Philippe Briones have created a fun, done-in-one issue exploring the boomerang master.

Suicide Squad #47 Review

DC Comics

Listen to the latest episode of our weekly comics podcast!
“One thing this Boomerang never does… is come back.”

Following the “Sink Atlantis” crossover with Aquaman, Rob Williams chooses to focus on one of the characters who was absent from the previous mission: Captain Boomerang. Admittedly, I know very little of the character beyond what has been shown in DC’s live action and animated movies. So, basically, I know that he is an Australian supervillain who throws boomerangs very well. Also, he is one of The Flash’s rogues. Perhaps it is best to just ignore the movie’s bit about the unicorn. Thankfully, this issue serves as a fun introduction to the character.

One of the best parts of this issue is just how much it embraces the absurdity of James Bond movie tropes as well as the inherent silliness of a character named Captain Boomerang. At one point, Digger points this out to the reader when he states, “People even find it way too easy to laugh at a bloke named Captain Boomerang.” Rob Williams does an excellent job of leaning into the inherent silliness by constructing an equally silly, yet enjoyable, one-shot story that sometimes borders on parody. This is a smart choice as trying to explore this character by infusing unnecessary melodrama or darkness would come off as insincere.

Additionally, I think the character’s irreverence for his hometown is something that will resonate with many readers. At some point in all of our lives, we have all had that moment where we just wanted to leave the cesspool behind and never come back. The boomerang-inspired humor utilized within the issue helps this sequence come off as authentic.

Suicide Squad #47 Review

DC Comics

“That’s pretty culturally insensitive, mate!”

Comic books do not always need to be serious or dark to be entertaining. Suicide Squad #47 is largely fun because it is neither of those things. Unfortunately, when you dance along the line of absurdity, it is easy for things to fall apart in the final act. One of the only problems that I have with this issue is the reveal of the Bunyip. Although this comic also serves as a reintroduction to a character previously unseen in the Rebirth era of DC Comics, the reveal of the character’s identity seems to come out of nowhere. There are a few lines of dialogue throughout the issue that may allude to the Bunyip’s identity. However, the intent of these lines is questionable.

“I’m not a bloody boomerang!”

One of the most difficult aspects of writing a character like Captain Boomerang while embracing humor is to not make the character look inept. Rob Williams and Philippe Briones go a long way to make the character still come off as a mostly viable threat through the issue’s action sequences. My favorite sequence in the issue is the resolution to the battle with the Bunyip. It was something that didn’t register upon my first read-through, but was certainly foreshadowed throughout the issue.

Ultimately, Suicide Squad #47 is a fun one-shot story about Captain Boomerang that embraces the character’s inherent silliness with an equally silly spy-thriller parody. Philippe Briones’ art does a great job conveying the story as well as the action sequences. Unfortunately, the reveal of the Bunyip’s identity seems to come out left field.

Suicide Squad #47 Review
Suicide Squad #47
Is it good?
Rob Williams and Philippe Briones have created a fun, done-in-one issue exploring Captain Boomerang.
Rob Williams leans into the inherent silliness of Captain Boomerang
Philipe Briones' art conveys the action well.
Rob Williams uses James Bond film tropes to tell a fun story.
Most people will be able to relate to Digger's irreverence toward his hometown.
The reveal of the Bunyip's identity.
8
Good

Join the AIPT Patreon

Want to take our relationship to the next level? Become a patron today to gain access to exclusive perks, such as:

  • ❌ Remove all ads on the website
  • 💬 Join our Discord community, where we chat about the latest news and releases from everything we cover on AIPT
  • 📗 Access to our monthly book club
  • 📦 Get a physical trade paperback shipped to you every month
  • 💥 And more!
Sign up today
Comments

In Case You Missed It

WWE SmackDown preview, full card: March 1, 2024 WWE SmackDown preview, full card: March 1, 2024

WWE SmackDown preview, full card: March 1, 2024

Pro Wrestling

AEW Dynamite preview, full card: February 28, 2024 AEW Dynamite preview, full card: February 28, 2024

AEW Dynamite preview, full card: February 28, 2024

Pro Wrestling

AEW Rampage preview, full card: March 1, 2024 AEW Rampage preview, full card: March 1, 2024

AEW Rampage preview, full card: March 1, 2024

Pro Wrestling

Marvel unveils the new villains Bloodcoven appearing in 'Blood Hunt' Marvel unveils the new villains Bloodcoven appearing in 'Blood Hunt'

Marvel unveils the new villains Bloodcoven appearing in ‘Blood Hunt’

Comic Books

Connect
Newsletter Signup