cyclonus_the_warrior's Suicide Squad: Kicked in the Teeth #1 - Volume 1 review

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    You call that a kick? More like a tap.

    A federal agent by the name of Amanda Waller assembles a team called the Suicide Squad. The team's purpose is to conduct covert missions that heroes may sometimes find to be appalling. The team is made up of super-villains serving out life sentences. Although these people have free reign to conduct the missions as brutal as they would like, they're still on a leash that reminds them there's still someone watching their every move. -summary

    Suicide Squad was actually one of the series I was looking forward to as part of DC's New 52 reboot. I enjoyed a lot of the original series, plus I enjoyed Gail Simone's writing for Secret Six, which featured the character Deadshot, whom makes his return in this series. The premise has always been intriguing, as we get a team of super-villains whom works very differently from the heroes. They're obviously going to do things that sets them apart from the blue and red boy scout types, which not only adds to the fun but adds another dynamic to how super-powered types working for the greater good can work . Written by Adam Glass, this rebooted and new incarnation of the Suicide Squad remains faithful to their predecessors as they live up to their title as anti-heroes; but I feel Glass and DC's decision in altering characters personalities and appearances along with predictable storytelling drops this one right under average. This TPB collects issues 1 - 7.

    The story begins quite well after a tight situation for the group, as they're later sent on a mission to battle against something very similar to a possible zombie outbreak (gotta love those huh?) in a football stadium. Now the whole zombie outbreak thing is terribly played out in this day and age. Fortunately, it isn't much of the focus since it's only a vehicle to deliver brutal action; it's the actual story and how the characters handle the situation. This story is what sets the Suicide Squad apart from the Justice League and Teen Titans. Although one person believed there was a chance to save these people, the rest of the team only cared for saving their own asses or killing for the sake of it. This is really cool, because I wouldn't expect anything different from a villain. The entire time through this, I was wondering what Superman or Red Robin would be thinking to defuse this problem and save lives in a situation where it just isn't possible. Unfortunately after this, the story begins to fall victim to predictable plot twist and shitty characterization; people are pretty much divided here so take what I say with a grain of salt. More on this part later.

    The story isn't completely stale concerning character development since you will learn something about other characters, plus how they're forced into service along with the penalty for disobeying orders. However, the focus does shift towards Batman enemy and former Joker associate Harley Quinn, to the point where the rest of the cast merely become back ups. If you're a fan of Harley then you're going to love this book, if you love Suicide Squad or even Secret Six, your feelings may be different. This story references Batman: Faces of Death concerning the situation between Joker and Dollmaker, which heavily and predictably effects Harley. I mean her initial actions couldn't be anymore spelled out, plus it creates a plot hole that makes Amanda Waller look like a fool, despite her being nowhere near one, at least in pre New 52 continuity. I really didn't care for the set up that triggered the so-called plot twist, nor did I care for Harley's creepy behavior towards the end of the book. It just felt like Glass resorting to juvenile fantasies in an attempt to be edgy and sexy I guess.

    Now as far as characterization goes, I'm definitely in that hate party with those whom are furious about the treatment of both Amanda Waller and Harley Quinn. There has been too much of an anime influence in American comics as of late. I'm aware that comics developed this form of female exploitation in the sleaziest of ways a long while ago, but damn, these writers are trying too hard to imitate Japan. Harley Quinn is sporting a new and very slutty outfit that even fits her personality trying to lay different guys, it's as if DC took a look at Moonstone of the Thunderbolts over at Marvel and decided they needed one as well. Harley was always more than sadistic eye candy, there was this playful yet psychotic charm that made her out into a huge fan favorite. I really don't care for this take on her now or that ridiculous outfit; DC should have used her Arkham City design.

    I'm also very upset with the new design change for Amanda Waller. I preferred the unattractive obese woman whom was all business. Her previous character defined female empowerment; you knew she earned her position through hard work and gaining the respect of her peers. She was a very intelligent and authoritative black woman. Her attitude was completely no nonsense, she was a chief in a man's world who played by her own set of rules crossing the line often. This new design takes away a whole lot from that character. We didn't need another sexy vixen in the pages of comics; no matter how casual and lady like she may appear, the character is clearly eye candy.

    Suicide Squad is very easy on the eyes though I'll give it that much. There's a gang of artist for these seven issues for some odd reason; Federico Dallocchio, Ransom Getty, Clayton Henry and others join the mayhem. One thing is for sure, the action crowd are going to love the in your face gory action. people are taking bullets to the head, heads are knocked, and bodies are burned, whatever, this is definitely among the most violent books of the New 52. Fan boys can get their kicks with Harley in at least one pair of daisy dukes shorts along with her skimpy outfit. The artwork is far from perfect though, as you will get quite a bit of inconsistency with some stale character designs and even bland backgrounds, while on other occasions you'll get the opposite. It's a mixed bag for the most part, but there's nothing here I can claim as being terrible.

    Suicide Squad for me is one of the weaker books in the New 52; however, it's not so bad to the point where I could see myself dropping the title. It's not a bad introduction for newbies. I can imagine most new readers enjoying it somewhat, but it's still kind of hard to recommend. There are just so many better books in the New 52 such as Batman: Court of Owls, Aquaman: The Trench, Green Lantern: Sinestro, and Flash: Move Forward. I recommend those at the very least before coming into this.

    Pros: Loads of action, some decent artwork

    Cons: Pretty bland characterization, predictable

    Other reviews for Suicide Squad: Kicked in the Teeth #1 - Volume 1

      Simply for Shock Value 0

      This book has little, if anything, going for it. It's by no means terrible, but it's certainly not worth your money. I found myself reading through it all pretty mindlessly up until the last couple of issues, which were marginally better.If you are unfamiliar with the Suicide Squad, it's a team of supervillains from the DC universe that are working off their paroles by fighting the good fight for the government in ways that aren't entirely legal; that is to say, they are still villains prone to ...

      2 out of 3 found this review helpful.

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