Review: Suicide Squad Special #1: War Crimes

DC Comics
Review: Suicide Squad Special #1: War Crimes
By Philip Schweier
August 31, 2016 - 05:59

DC Comics
Writer(s): John Ostrander
Penciller(s): Gus Vazquez, Carlos Rodriguez
Inker(s): Gus Vazquez, Carlos Rodriguez
Colourist(s): Gabe Eltaeb
Letterer(s): Nate Piekos of Blambot
Cover Artist(s): Juan Ferreyra

I like a done-in-one, and that’s precisely what Suicide Squad Special #1: War Crimes is. A complete story all in a single comic book, just like the old days. I would be just as happy with lengthier stories in single issues every other month, than a monthly chapter format. Hopefully this is an idea that will take root.

Amanda Waller sends the squad on a mission to rescue former Secretary of Defense George Foster Carmody, whose been taken by Strikeforce Europa – a European team of meta-human mercenaries – to stand trial for war crimes. The unfortunate truth is, the man’s guilty as sin. The team seems comprised mostly of the faces we saw in the recent film, so it may seem familiar territory for those who have not been avid followers of the many ongoing series.

I found some elements a bit predictable, but any time you’re reading about covert ops, it should go without saying that nothing is as it seems. Diversion and distraction are the name of the game. Nevertheless, there were a few surprises I didn’t see coming, which may have much more lasting impact on the team later on. Call it a trade-off if you will, but methinks the groundwork for future adventures is being laid.

Art is by Gus Vazquez and Carlos Rodriguez, and is entirely serviceable. I know that may sound as though I’m damning with faint praise, and perhaps so. But in this era of overblown, over-stylized illustration, it’s refreshing to read a comic where the artwork serves the narrative instead of over-powering it. They deserve more work, and high praise for doing their job without letting ego and “Art with a capital A” get in the way of good story.