Tag Archives: Amanda Waller

New Suicide Squad #1 Review

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newsuicidesquad1

The New Suicide Squad is back with new players, more chaos, and violence to the extreme.  The DC Comics New 52 title is a relaunch of the comic book series that was cancelled a few months ago.

Belle Reve is a prison for superhumans.  Select prisoners are given the opportunity to have their sentences reduced by participating in a secret government program.  Task Force X, or Suicide Squad, participants carry out covert missions, including assassinations.  To keep the prisoners in check, tiny bombs are implanted in their necks.

Amanda Waller was program director, but she is no longer trustworthy.  A new player has been called in to run Task Force X.  Victor Sage gets to call the shots, but Waller is still involved with the program.

Sage added Deathstroke and Joker’s Daughter to the team, and Joker’s Daughter already has Harley Quinn ticked off.

newsuicidesquad1a

Sean Ryan is the writer of this dark, violent, and exciting series.  Sharp dialogue, excellent character interactions.  Fast paced but not hard to follow.

The outstanding visuals are provided by Jeremy Roberts (artist) and Blond (colors).  I have nothing but the highest of praise for the artwork.  Realistic features, phenomenal action scenes.

Roberts was the winner of the Harley Quinn Talent Competition, and it’s good to see that his talent is not going to waste.

I plan to finish the story arc to see where it’s headed.  I need to find out how Sage plans to control Deathstroke and Joker’s Daughter since they are not prisoners of Belle Reve, and they don’t have bombs in their necks.

I am also interested in Sage and Waller’s business relationship.  Waller has always been that woman I love to hate.  But Sage appears to be as corrupt as 10 politicians molded together.

I have a strong feeling that this title will get added to my pulls.

VERDICT (drum roll please)

There is no doubt that I strongly recommend New Suicide Squad #1.  DC Comics has a lot of great comic titles currently on the shelves, but this series deserves a shot.  I just hope it lasts this time.  This issue gets what it deserves, 5/5 stars.

 

Justice League of America #1 Review

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jla1

I originally planned to buy all 50 state variant covers for Justice League of America #1.  That’s right.  A cover for each state.  Why did I change my mind?  Because I can take the money I would have spent on all those covers that would only sit and collect dust, and buy a variety of comics.  So I’m proud to display my MICHIGAN cover!

Amanda Waller, Director of A.R.G.U.S. (secret branch of U.S. military) is passive-aggresive, and manipulative from the beginning.  She wants Col. Steve Trevor to organize and train the members of the Justice League of America (JLA).  Although Amanda says the JLA will help other super-heroes, it’s pretty clear that A.R.G.U.S. plans for the JLA to take down the Justice League. If necessary.

The issue focused on Amanda and Steve reviewing the profiles of each team member and the reasons they were chosen.

  • Katana
  • Hawkman
  • Martian Manhunter
  • Vibe
  • Stargirl
  • Catwoman
  • New Green Lantern (Simon Baz)
  • Green Arrow

How Steve Trevor plans to organize and train the team is beyond my wildest guess.  I can’t wait to see how he plans to train Katana and Hawkman.  Katana was an assassin who came to America to track down her husband’s killers.  Hawkman (he scares me, and yes I love it) is a police officer from his planet (Thanagar) that captures Thanagarian fugitives.  He also passes judgment on the fugitives.  Read the comic so you’ll know how he passes judgement.  I’m trying my best to not put in spoilers.  I’m also trying my best to get you to read this comic, because that’s what this blog is all about!

Martian Manhunter is not one to be messed with.  He’s powerful, yet mysterious.  Spooky is the word I like to use.  He pops up out of nowhere.  He also knows the true reason Steve agreed to organize the team.  But he warned that he will erase the minds of everyone in the building if Amanda Waller or any other government official makes a move against him.  Including Steve.

Can A.R.G.U.S. be trusted?  I don’t think so, especially Amanda Waller.  Steve Trevor is going to have his hands full trying to organize such a powerful and diverse group.  The team roster is established and each member of the JLA has been paired with a member of the Justice League that he/she is going to take down.  IF it comes to that.

The debut issue ended with The Secret Society being mentioned.  What’s that about?  You’ll just have to wait and see like the rest of us.

Geoff Johns grabbed my attention with this story from the beginning.  Powerful opening.  Strong dialogue throughout.  Rapid progression.  Perfect timing.  I know this series is going to be around for a very long time.

I love the artwork by David Finch.  Scenes flow flawlessly between panels.  Sonia Oback did a great job with the colors.  I especially like the dark panels.  It gives me a sense of fear and suspense.

VERDICT (drum roll please)

This is one series you definitely want to jump on.  I have no doubts about this one at all.