SUICIDE SQUAD #16

At times mercenaries really need to relax. Just so they can chill out and let down their slacks. Otherwise they might crack. And have a panic attack. About a suicidal member wielding an axe. Psst! I give you a clue. This has nothing to do with Writer: Adam Glass; Artist: Hendrik Jonsson; or Publisher: DC Comics in February 2013. Amen.

Out of the following 6 scenarios, which 2 have ABSOLUTELY NOTHING to do with this STORY entitled, 'Killing In The Name Of...'?

As soon as Deadshot comes around -- from 'being dead' -- his boss, Amanda Waller, informs him how his compatriots, the Suicide Squad, saved his ass three issues ago.
Like how Harley had to fight off a hoard of Basilisk agents for instance -- including a 'spidery' Grey-Lora.
Or how Captain Boomerang and Killer Shark danced to 'Jumping Jack Flash' amidst this debacle.
Now once this tale has been relayed, Amanda pisses off, giving Floyd and an injured ms Quinzell enough time to beat the living sh*t out of each other, just so they can form an alliance of sorts.
Furthermore, they do it just in the nick of time to get reacquaint with a few of their old squad members. Such as a once chewed, Yo-Yo -- a once-dead, Voltaic -- and...
... a once young, Mick Jagger.

What is the most memorable SENTENCE OR CONVERSATION spoken in this issue?

Time and time again Harley's dialogue in this book is a blast for me to read. But the stand-out for me on this particular occasion, would have to be when she and Yo-Yo said to each other...

Yo-Yo: How's my favorite bag full of crazy doing?

Harley: Well, I survived my ex trying to kill me and slit my own wrists to escape him.

Yo-Yo: Good times.

Ha! I thought it funny when she asked Floyd to break her nose too. That's was quite unexpected.

What was the BEST thing about this issue?

Although I did enjoy Hendrik Jonsson's very bold and expressive style of art-work, plus the overall jovial favor to this tale, I personally thought the best thing about this issue was the fight between Harley and Floyd.

Admittedly, I wasn't very happy with this at first. I thought to myself "What the f*ck is going on? Why are they kissing each other one minute and beating each other up the next!". Yet, as the battle continued, and the momentum behind this scene built and built, I understood perfectly well the type of schizophrenic tone Adam Glass wanted this section to convey.

Well done, Adam. This segment really won me over, pal. Good job.

What was the WORST thing about this issue?

My one slight gripe about this yarn was the manner in which it was structured. It started off with Deadshot coming back to life. It then segwayed into a flash-back sequence relating to the 'Basilisk debacle' a couple of issues ago. After that, there was a jumbled fight between Floyd and Harley. And finally, the next mission was primed and prepped, ready for next months ride.

Now didn't all of that come across as a little bit flimflam to you, dear reader? Slightly 'all over the place' structurally, yet fairly focused as a tale in its own right?

Agreed. This is not a massive gripe. It's a nano gripe at best.

What was the most INNOVATIVE thing about this issue?

As I've already mentioned up above, there was a lot to like about this issue on the whole. Such as the jovial one liner's; or the fact that Yo-Yo may have to kill his own sister next month. However, the one thing I thought stood to attention more than the rest of these scenarios, was the notion that Amanda and company have acquired the ability to bring the dead back to life, thus prompting Floyd and Harley to figure out what's going on.

Isn't this aspect a very original addition for a 'Suicide Squad' series! As well as being one of the most innovative things about it.

Pick TWO CHARACTERS out this comic book, and compare them individually to a SIMPSONS CAST MEMBER.

NED FLANDERS as DEADSHOT: OK. I know that this is a pure fabrication. But come on. Don't tell me it wouldn't be funny seeing Ned shooting all over the shop and saying 'Diddly' at the same time!

COOKIE KWAN as HARLEY QUINN: Just like my previous answer, you have to admit, it would be a blast to see this oriental estate-agent taking names and breaking bones.

What WORD or PHRASE could you use to sum-up this story?

'Always forgive your enemies; nothing annoys them so much' -- Oscar Wilde

What SONG, THEME-TUNE, or MELODY, would complement this tale, as well as add and extra dimension to it by default?

In essence this adventure is about people being brought back to life and being brought back reality. Oh! You're not things the same as me, are you? Soul 2 Soul -- 'Back to Life'!

ANYTHING Else?

If I'm going to be completely honest about it, I didn't mind reading this issue of 'Suicide Squad' at all; and thought that it was way above its usual bold standards. It told a tale. It brought all the characters up to date. Plus it was a rather nifty and funny story to plough through.

Yet, whilst saying that, why is there so many different 'guest artists' on this title all of a sudden? Don't get me wrong. I liked Hendriks stuff. He was fairly consistent. But to me, this sort of thing spells a shifting in the editorial wind -- if you get my gist -- inadvertently putting this comic on shallow ground.

Moreover, the style of this series seems to be evolving as well. Over the last couple of issues it has changed from dark and urban, to clear and nihilistic. Again, don't get me wrong, I normally like to see a series evolve with the times. However, in this case, the process is slightly abrupt in retrospect. Not making things change in a more progressive manner.

I just hope that Adam and company will keep these points in mind for the future.

GIVE IT, IT'S DUES: An above average series that is fast becoming one half jovial and intriguing, and one half flimflam and abrupt.