New Suicide Squad #13 Review

Explosive!

Written by: Sean Ryan
Art by: Philippe Briones, Blond and Dave Sharp
Cover Price: $2.99
Release Date:October 28, 2015

I've been a fan of this rebooted version of the Suicide Squad that Sean Ryan has been cooking up since issue one.  The best thing, however, is that the book just keeps getting better and better.  In fact, it has gone from being an action packed guilty pleasure of mine to a character driven top of the pile book.  That's right...the New Suicide Squad is one of my favorite books and while some of my other favorites (if you listen to our Podcast, you know what they are) have been up and down since the June introduction of the DC You, it has been consistently good.  Does that go for this latest issue?  Let's find out...




The issue begins with Boomerang and Deadshot in a super powered drug deal that goes hilariously wrong.  Like myself, Boomerang only knows what goes on in these deals by watching movies and unfortunately, that doesn't help in the real world.  It also didn't help that Amanda Waller changed up the plan right before it went down, but I guess that's something everyone has to get used to because in case you forgot, The Wall is now in the field.

Sean Ryan starts this new arc by mixing humor and action and only takes a couple of pages to bring everyone up to speed on the who and what of the Squad.  I don't know about you, but at the end of the day, the characters are what drives this book for me and I love this team.

Speaking team, Parasite busts through the wall like a big, purple badass followed by my favorite member, Harley Quinn.  It's a great scene and while everyone has their role to play, parasite steals the show...and a whole bunch of powers.

You see, the drug deal I mentioned above involved a new drug that's a mix of narcotic and random super powers and while I am as anti-drug as they come...I might be intrigued enough to try this one out.  Don't hate me for being honest.

So, while random super powered thugs attack the Squad, Parasite just steps up to the all you can eat power buffet and goes to town.  Just like me, however, it comes with a price and while I've had some explosive reactions to eating too much (Gross, I know), Parasite just...well, explodes.  Hey, it's just parasite being Parasite.

Sean Ryan also gives us a great scene with Amanda Waller and Deadshot while all this is going on.  If you've been reading this book since "New" got slapped on it, you know that Lawton has been struggling to get into and stay in the field.  His shoulder has turned him into a pill popper (and a poor shot to boot) and while Waller discovers his secret, she doesn't help when she tells him, "All you are is your aim".  Way to go coach!

Waller continues to demotivate everyone when the aftermath of Parasite brings the attention of the riot police kind and she tells Harley and Boomerang to tun distraction...because that's all they are.  Boomerang may be enjoying the view a little too much, but Harley is none too happy.  Again, if you're a fan of this book, you know that Reverse Flash showed Harley (In the awesome Annual) that she can be more than just a monster, but it seems that Waller didn't get the memo.  Harley does follow orders, but it is so obvious that her heart isn't in it.

I know I've been pretty hard on The Wall so far, but she does use her brains to push the overall story forward.  Throughout the issue, she has noticed a peculiar bit of convergence that leads right to Vic Sage.  She calls Bonnie and tells her the what's what and then Bonnie...goes right to Vic and kind of sells her and the Squad out.  I'm not sure if Bonnie is evil or just stupid, but I'm going for both.  The issue ends with Vic Sage with his finger on the button and if what he does is for real, this book will be called the "New New Suicide Squad" in November.  I don't know about you, but I can't wait to see.

I loved this issue.  I know, that's as well kept a secret as Vic Sage being bad, but this is a review and I have to tell you things like that.  Sean Ryan again has given fans an action packed issue filled with great character moments.  The bits with Harley and Deadshot were great and expand on the already strong characterization that we already got.  However, the issue is a whole bunch of setup which being the first issue in a new arc isn't a surprise, but is still setup all the same.  Still, this was another really good issue ending in an explosive cliffhanger that has me wanting more now.

It's no surprise that this book stepped up a notch when Philippe Briones jumped on and this issue was another great looking one.  Like the book in general, it's all about the characters and Briones does a great job with them.  This issue's highlights were Parasite and Boomerang.  Seriously, Parasite exploding was great, but the panel with a leering Boomerang was incredible.  It made me laugh so much, but also gave you a great look at the Aussie's personality.

Bits and Pieces:

This issue started a new arc and while it was setup heavy, it was so much fun.  Parasite overdosing on powers, Deadshot trying to get his groove back and Amanda Waller using her new job description to figure out just what Vic Sage is up to really has me excited for where this book is heading.  Throw in some great art and a cliffhanger that may just reboot it all and fans of this book have another winner on their hands.  Those who aren't should get off their high horse and join us cool kids on the New Suicide Squad trolley.

8.5/10