Well, it must be the week of the Squad!
With all of the paraphernalia being released, including three different comic book compilations, you’d think there was a fairly important studio movie premiering this weekend!
Oh, wait! There is!
You couldn’t possibly have missed it: the Suicide Squad movie business is all around us right now, what with the film dropping on Friday, August 5. Early reviews haven’t exactly been stellar – but their tone is also dependent upon who has been writing them. Critics for more general publications haven’t been enamoured with the latest DC Extended Universe cinematic offering, while those who write for pop culture (namely comic book) websites and trades seem to enjoy the flick quite a bit more.
And DC Comics, the publishing company that began all of this via their mid-1980’s iteration of the Suicide Squad comic book, is doing their best to step into any kind of Squad halo right now… and that’s why we get Suicide Squad: Rebirth #1 today!
Suicide Squad: Rebirth #1
Written by: Rob Williams
Illustrated by: Philip Tan & Jonathan Glapion
Published by: DC Comics
Let’s take a step back first, shall we?
Since the summer began, DC Comics has been revamping all of their comic book offerings beginning with a brand new “Rebirth” first issue that leads into brand new #1’s for each of their monthly publications. You’ve seen a few recommended in this very column – and I’m thinking specifically about the current Wonder Woman series which has been super-duper enjoyable.
So, now it’s Suicide Squad’s turn, those dastardly villains who are forced to do acts of good for their country!
Suicide Squad: Rebirth #1 focuses on disgraced military man, Captain Rick Flag, who is given the chance to redeem himself with the most deadly job imaginable. At the “request” of Amanda Waller, a high-ranking (and highly intimidating) government official, Flag is tasked with the impossible: keep the Suicide Squad alive!
Written by Rob Williams (Unfollow, Martian Manhunter) and illustrated by Philip Tan (Batman/Superman, He-Man and the Masters of the Universe) and Jonathan Glapion (Batman, Batgirl, Birds of Prey), it’s a fresh start for the Suicide Squad, and all of your favourite characters are at the party: Harley Quinn, Deadshot, Katana, Captain Boomerang, Killer Croc and more! This particular issue will seamlessly dovetail into the first issue of the monthly Suicide Squad series, released on August 17. Think of Suicide Squad: Rebirth #1 as your introductory primer to all the crazy action that is sure to ensue.
But that’s not all for the Squad! Today also sees the release of:
Suicide Squad Most Wanted: Deadshot: A softcover collection of a Deadshot solo tale.
Harley Quinn #1: The first issue of an all-new Harley series.
Coloring DC: Harley Quinn and the Suicide Squad Vol. 1: A softcover compilation book of all the great Harley Quinn and Suicide Squad comic book cover s, splash pages and more (from a variety of awesome artists), that you or your offspring can colour with crayons, pencils or markers!
Make the run to your local comic book shop today and pick up Suicide Squad: Rebirth #1 – and find out what the villainous world of comic book pop culture will be talking about over the coming days and weeks!
