SUICIDE SQUAD #19
Written by Rob Williams
Art by Neil Edwards, Sandu Florea, Tomeu Morey, and Pat Brosseu
Published by DC Comics
Release Date: June 14, 2017
The beauty of the Suicide Squad comic is that anything and everything is possible.
In issue nineteen, we are reminded of this freedom and unpredictability from every angle of the story. The backbone of this arch is a campy sort of humor that carries us seamlessly and effortlessly all the way from “B movie” horror to distress, to romance, and back to hilarity and still, somehow all make sense.
Not many writers can pull off such a feat, but Rob Williams has made it an art form. The Suicide Squad title has never been stronger and the team behind it should be exceedingly proud of their hard work.
Like most stories that encompass the lives of many different characters, the fleshing out of each player varies from issue to issue. In this one in particular, we see are shown the rare side of humanity in characters previously painted as heartless and cold. We uncover hidden layers of those we have not been privy to before.
Part of the glorious unpredictability of Suicide Squad is the constant fluidity of who plays the comedic relief and who will be the dramatically serious hero this go around. It often varies panel to panel, and it’s delightful.
Enchantress is as always equally as powerful as she is hilarious with her booming threats and macabre commands.The portrayal of Harley Quinn is still so incredibly unique here — always subtly reminding us of her history as Dr. Harleen Quinzel with a more introspective and intellectual inner dialogue than that of her humorous, lighthearted solo title.
It’s the much needed other side to the coin, though both are equally necessary to properly cover all the aspects of such a complex character. In regards to the guest-appearing Kryptonians, there is much confusion and impulsive decisions made on account. Some will take their jobs too literally, roles will be reversed and things will never be the same.
The artwork in this issue is particularly strong as many different expressions are utilized. Shock, horror, relief, sadness, anger, fury, and pure madness. Hardly an emotion isn’t covered here and the artistic strength of Neil Edwards, Sandu Florea, Tomeu Morey and Pat Brosseu is more than present.
The widening of eyes, the curling of knuckles, the crinkle of a brow are all examples of the subtle yet expressive features that bring these characters to life upon the glossy pages. The story would just not be the same without the green of Enchantress’s cloak or the glowing red chosen to represent Katana’s sword. All of these things in conjunction is what creates this irreplaceable recipe we know and love as Suicide Squad.
As the book continues to get better and better, the fans have much to look forward to in issues to come.
The Verdict: 8.0/10
