Heretical Jargon

Writer: Adam Glass
Artist: Cliff Richards
Colorist: Val Staples
Letterer: Jared K. Fletcher
Cover By: Ken Lashley
Assistant Editor: Sean Mackiewicz
Editor: Pat McCallum

Well, after last month’s zombie apocalypse and mindless violence, I wasn’t sure if Glass could keep up the momentum…but sure enough, he does!  #3 is the best issue thus far for rebooted title as it’s not only a gaggle of the most vile immorality produced by DC right now, it’s also very substantial in its content.  These psychopathic killers may look and act devilish on the outside, but Glass provides us (finally) with some emotional friction for us to latch onto and relate with.  The bad guys aren’t completely heartless.

At the center of this issue is a baby, one that the squad is trying to protect from the swarm of bullets flying at the Squad’s heads.  Granted each team member has a bomb implanted in their heads which will go off if any of them go against orders, (very good motivator I might add) but it seems the team is very concerned with the infant’s well-being outside of saving their own ass.  But more importantly, Glass spotlights many of the relationships that were established within the first two issues, especially with how much each character actually cares about the team.  Harley Quinn is a prime example in helping Diablo and Spider walk to the copter after surviving some almost fatal wounds…even if it might “ruin” her reputation.

Speaking of Harley, I’ve always been one to comment on the sexuality within comics.  Just like with the vampire and gothic genres, erotica is simply a part of the medium.  I’ve been shooting down the haters of Catwoman’s “over-sexual” premise, as well as those who have criticized Voodoo’s skin flaring characteristic, but I can’t say I’m a huge fan of what’s going on with Harley.  The CLOWN aspect to her character seems to be diminishing. Sure, she still cracks a few jokes and is still off her rocker, but she feels less “clownish” and more of an insane red and purple Jezebel.  Is her connection with the Joker gone now?  What was the point in having that brief “not-sex” scene between her and Lawton?  Harley’s always been a sexual vixen, but it’s always made sense too…maybe Harley’s JUST THAT CRAZY in the rebooted DC Universe.  I don’t know, I’ll give it some time before making a final judgement.

From what I can tell, Glass is definitely serving this title’s name justly with the sudden killing off characters and adding new ones on a whim.  Issue #1 immediately killed off a very well known villain right off the bat, and Issue #2 did the same thing.  Now, instead of killing off characters, #3 brings in a brand new, yet familiar one.  I won’t give away the identity of this new Squad addition for those who have yet to open this book up, but be advised, you may chuckle a bit.

Cliff Richards is a good artist, no argument there!  In fact, I’m really enjoying the approach in his sketches.  But what kind of irks me is the coloring job.  Much of the colorization is fine…not great, but fine.  But there are moments when the definition is lacking.  The inks, at times, seem to be smudged over by the colors causing it to have this overly blended feel.  Now I’m not a colorist so I may be coming off as an ignoramus, but if you know me and my art style, you know I’m very much a fan of definition over color.

Suicide Squad is officially one THE title I look forward to over all the rest, even Action Comics and Wonder Woman.  Despite some of the flaws in issue #3, this book certainly appeals to my desire for stories that push boundaries.  There’s so much going on with this title that it’s hard to put it into words.  And despite the fact that I have given this issue a lower than issues 1 and 2, it doesn’t reflect the substance that #3 has, and mostly reflects the sub-par visualizations.  so far as the story goes, this issue is fantastic!  Pick it up now guys before it gets too far into the run.

8.5 out of 10 stars

P.S. – I don’t have a problem with Harley Quinn’s new look.  However, if you DO in fact take issue with it, does hesitate to look for Harley Quinn’s facebook page and request the postcards that object to the new Harley look.  Here’s a gander at what they look like.  Toodles!