Suicide Squad has not pulled its punches, surprising readers with genuine character interactions and shocking deaths. The last issue was proof of that, as Deadshot has fallen, but the threat is only getting started. In the 10th issue, out today, the Suicide Squad must save an entire island, but first, they need to figure out what they’re working with.
This issue opens where we left off as a Suicide Squad member plummets from the top of a skyscraper after being shot in the head. Most of the team is still intact, and they are not happy with what has happened to their friend. This is a fast-paced issue that doesn’t hold back for second and even speeds along a battle royale fight sequence to move things along quickly. The pace of this issue is impressive and it shows how creators can put the pedal to the metal while not letting character writing or big beat moments fall to the wayside. Tom Taylor and Bruno Redondo are at the top of their game, as is color artist Adriano Lucas.
There’s a vibrancy in the art that permeates the issue, picking the right panel placement or angle to capture deep, impactful moments whilst action and decision making takes place elsewhere. As the story barrels towards the cliffhanger you get the impression every team member is involved and important. A key aspect of every team book. Further, every blow, emotional or physical is felt. When Black Mask suffers a blow, you feel it with the splashy strike he takes with the background filled with red save for the white where the impact takes place. There are a lot of energy effects on this issue as well and Lucas has great range in featuring various light levels while enhancing impactful explosions.
Nope.
Credit: DC Comics
Deadshot isn’t the most famous of anti-villains turned heroes, but you’ll feel for him due to the time and energy spent on him. From the issue focusing on the character and his daughter, to a meaningful quiet moment with Harley has as she cradles him, the creators do the work to make you feel for his death. That’s a rare thing in comics — most characters die with readers anticipating their return sooner than later, but here there is an effort to show the death mattered. That makes it all mean more, but also feel earned.
You may want to read this issue more than once since it moves so fast — there’s so much to pick up in the art by Redondo. As far as fast-paced issues go it does feel too quick for its own good–there are events you’ll want to see more of for sure–but the identity of this book is breakneck and for that it is forgivable.
Once again, Suicide Squad may be the best superhero team book out right now. It feels cohesive, battles matter, and the powerset of this team made up of mostly new characters is exciting. For entertainment’s sake, this is the best you can do when it comes to team books.
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