With teammates like these, who needs enemies?
Suicide Squad readers should know the drill by now. The new series is a solid read, but the less than ideal structure ensures that the pacing is all over the map. It's frustrating how little the plot has advanced over the course of six issues. But when each new chapter of the main story is only 10 pages long, what else can readers expect?
At least Rob Williams continues to push the book in a fun and action-packed direction. This issue sees all-out chaos break out in Task Force X headquarters as Amanda Waller's new prize drives everyone into a violent rage. That allows for a number of memorable fight scenes and macho one-liners. Waller herself is the highlight, proving that she can hold her own alongside deadly assassins and superhuman opponents when the chips are down. Harley Quinn also stands out in this issue. As enjoyable as her solo series can be, it's refreshing to see such a different take on the character for a change (even if the continuity between the two books appears to be nonexistent). As usual, the worst aspect of the story is that it's over so quickly and abruptly.
The emphasis on violent action certainly plays to Jim Lee's storytelling strengths. Lee's pages are dynamic and always easy on the eyes, even if the some pages are a bit lacking in background details. The fact that Lee and three other artists share inking duties isn't ideal ,either, but rarely are the shifts from one inker to the next that jarring. Colorist Alex Sinclair is the real MVP of this issue. Sinclair makes great use of the fluctuating lighting conditions in the base, crafting pages that alternate between violent red hues and cold, alienating blue tones.
This issue's backup feature focuses on Killer Croc. At this point, the formula of Waller confronting a team member with a tragic tale from their past has grown pretty familiar, but it still works. Williams' script speaks to the sad history of Waylan Jones, a boy who never had a chance of living a normal childhood or growing into a productive member of society. It's also a treat seeing Arkham City artist Carlos D'Anda return to the Batman universe. His adult Croc is every bit as imposing as he is in the Arkham games and comics, and his rendition of a younger Waylan Jones oozes emotion and pathos.
The Verdict
After six issues, Suicide Squad's choppy structure is still an annoying flaw plaguing an otherwise enjoyable comic. This issue delivers plenty of violent chaos and dynamic action, along with a handful of memorable character moments amid all the carnage. The Killer Croc story ranks among the stronger backup stories to date. But at some point it would be nice to see all 20 pages devoted to the main storyline for a change.
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