Written By: Adam Glass
Artist: Federico Dallocchio
Colorist: Val Staples
Letterer: Jared K. Fletcher
Cover: Ken Lashley
Editors: Sean Mackiewicz, Pat McCallum
So what happened here? Like the previous 3 issues, the shit continues to hit the fan. Issue #4 begins with a jolting set of violent acts, all headed by Captain Boomerang, much to the dismay of the rest of the team. But, in that trademarked Boomerang style, the Captain shows why he really isn’t leadership material. Not even the reboot can change that!
This title is doing all it can to fill that hole left by the cancellation of the Secret Six, and those are some pretty big shoes to fill. Adam Glass has been up to the challenge and doing a great job thus far. It’s too early for any of the characters to really connect to one another however; they mostly just bicker with brief moments of twisted humor and insanity. However, from the first issue until now we’ve seen the team look out for one another in their own, individual ways. Of course that’s mostly due to the fact that if any of them deviate from the plans Amanda Waller has given them, their heads will blow up. But from what has transpired so far, we’re seeing little inklings of love within each member.
#4′s main focus is on the revelation of Amanda Waller’s progressively developing plan for the Squad, but within that we get a lot of really cool moments for each character. As mentioned above, Deadshot proves himself to be the leader the team needs. (What was the purpose of having Boomerang in this issue anyway?) There’s also been a lot of buzz about Harley Quinn’s new origin story coming up in the Squad, and this issue gave us a hint of something to look forward too.
One little downer for me, however, was Yo-Yo. I’ve been waiting to see the importance of his character in this book, but all we see is his a remarkable ability to mimic a blowfish. Really?? Maybe there’s something more coming about this, maybe more will be revealed to show Yo-Yo’s awesomeness…but I’m not giving my hopes up.
Federico Dallocchio and Val Staples is steadily impressing me more and more. From my perspective, there seems to be a bit of a disjointed look between the sketching and the coloring, as if the two artists haven’t quite figure out their grove yet. However, I won’t complain as it’s all gorgeous no matter how you slice it. My only hope is that Dallocchio gives Harley a much more menacing look. She feels too much like a regular comic book hottie with perfect features and not so much like a demented hottie…with perfect features. I don’t think it’s the costume, I think it’s mostly within her face and how it’s constructed. Maybe that demented look will come out more in later issues…especially when her new origin is revealed!
It’s not quite up to Secret Six quality, but I don’t think ANY title ever will be. However, the Squad is standing on it’s own two feet and is definitely sticking out with it’s own uniqueness and creativity that none of the other 52 have been able to touch yet. This is one of DC’s best titles!
9 out of 10 stars
Excellent review. I don’t feel I’m missing much, but it’s great that you’re enjoying the book. The only thing I’d consider buying this book for is Amanda’s agenda – you have me intrigued.