Suicide Squad #8
Writer: Rob Williams
Artist: Jim Lee
Colorist: Jeremiah Skipper
As the powers of the Black Vault continue to turn the penitentiary into an asylum, it is left to a sane Harley Quinn to stop Zod’s release and perhaps everyone in Belle Reve from killing each other. Suicide Squad #8 is the finale issue of Rob Williams introductory “Black Vault” arc and he is pulling out all the stops. Not only will the Squad have to deal with their own growing insanity, a crazed Kryptonian on the loose, but also the reappearance of someone thought dead, because after all, something’s have a habit of coming back around.
The issue opens with Harley Quinn being only seconds away from becoming Croc food. Fortunately she is saved from this fate by timely intervention by Rick Flagg who had the genius plan to stab himself in the leg, because apparently pain stumps insanity any day of the week. As he positions himself between Killer Croc and the rest of his team, it is up to Harley to try and convince June Moon to let loose the Enchantress, since only her magic may be enough to stop Zod when he awakes. Rob Williams uses this opportunity to show how despite their villainous origins, the Squad members can and do care about one another because it is only when Flagg threatens to shoot Croc in his nostril, and thus bypassing his bullet proof hide, that Moon relents and lets loose the witch within. This is one of many small moments that have filled Williams first arc that shows he is committed to showing the squad members as more than one tone villains. The friendship between Croc and Moon was unexpected, to be sure, but it only goes to add depth to their characters and prove that they are capable of caring about more than just themselves.
Elsewhere in the prison, Hack is getting acquainted with her newest cellmate even if he is only digital data. The return of Captain Boomerang is the best thing in an issue full of great moments and although Suicide Squad is at its best when the stakes are life and death, I can’t say I hate this return. Captain Boomerang as comic relief is one of the best things in this book and the fact that one his first thoughts after returning is that he is now the almighty is proof of that. After a quick discussion that dashes the Australian’s hope of divinity and convinces the digital diviner that she needs to get over her fears, the two are off to the races as they charge head first in Zod’s containment chamber and perhaps certain death.
Suicide Squad #8 is a strong issue from beginning to end. Filled with Rob Williams’ usual outstanding writing, the funny moments will make you laugh and the action will have you on the edge of your seat. As has become standard during his run, Williams leaves the more introspective writing for the backup story, which unlike all the previous ones, focuses on a member who has yet to make her formal debut as a member of Task Force X. Jim Lee continues to prove that he is one of the best in the business, and that his art is best served when action is everywhere. With the Black Vault behind us and the much anticipated Justice League and Suicide Squad ahead, it is safe to say that Suicide Squad is one of the best books to come out of DC’s Rebirth initiative and worth eagerly awaiting every issues release.
Artist: Jim Lee
Colorist: Jeremiah Skipper
As the powers of the Black Vault continue to turn the penitentiary into an asylum, it is left to a sane Harley Quinn to stop Zod’s release and perhaps everyone in Belle Reve from killing each other. Suicide Squad #8 is the finale issue of Rob Williams introductory “Black Vault” arc and he is pulling out all the stops. Not only will the Squad have to deal with their own growing insanity, a crazed Kryptonian on the loose, but also the reappearance of someone thought dead, because after all, something’s have a habit of coming back around.
The issue opens with Harley Quinn being only seconds away from becoming Croc food. Fortunately she is saved from this fate by timely intervention by Rick Flagg who had the genius plan to stab himself in the leg, because apparently pain stumps insanity any day of the week. As he positions himself between Killer Croc and the rest of his team, it is up to Harley to try and convince June Moon to let loose the Enchantress, since only her magic may be enough to stop Zod when he awakes. Rob Williams uses this opportunity to show how despite their villainous origins, the Squad members can and do care about one another because it is only when Flagg threatens to shoot Croc in his nostril, and thus bypassing his bullet proof hide, that Moon relents and lets loose the witch within. This is one of many small moments that have filled Williams first arc that shows he is committed to showing the squad members as more than one tone villains. The friendship between Croc and Moon was unexpected, to be sure, but it only goes to add depth to their characters and prove that they are capable of caring about more than just themselves.
Elsewhere in the prison, Hack is getting acquainted with her newest cellmate even if he is only digital data. The return of Captain Boomerang is the best thing in an issue full of great moments and although Suicide Squad is at its best when the stakes are life and death, I can’t say I hate this return. Captain Boomerang as comic relief is one of the best things in this book and the fact that one his first thoughts after returning is that he is now the almighty is proof of that. After a quick discussion that dashes the Australian’s hope of divinity and convinces the digital diviner that she needs to get over her fears, the two are off to the races as they charge head first in Zod’s containment chamber and perhaps certain death.
Suicide Squad #8 is a strong issue from beginning to end. Filled with Rob Williams’ usual outstanding writing, the funny moments will make you laugh and the action will have you on the edge of your seat. As has become standard during his run, Williams leaves the more introspective writing for the backup story, which unlike all the previous ones, focuses on a member who has yet to make her formal debut as a member of Task Force X. Jim Lee continues to prove that he is one of the best in the business, and that his art is best served when action is everywhere. With the Black Vault behind us and the much anticipated Justice League and Suicide Squad ahead, it is safe to say that Suicide Squad is one of the best books to come out of DC’s Rebirth initiative and worth eagerly awaiting every issues release.
A Look Inside
