The Suicide Squad! Seeing a group of maniacal super-villains trying to cooperate is always fun. It's that clash of personalities that makes the group so popular in the DC universe proper and why the upcoming Suicide Squad film is certain to be a smash hit.
It was a welcome surprise, then, to see the Arkham universe get its own version of the iconic villain team last week. Harley Quinn, Captain Boomerang, Deadshot, the Penguin and Killer Croc have all united to take down Bruce Wayne, — only this time they aren't at the mercy of the government and Amanda Waller. It's not exactly clear why they have a bone to pick with Bruce and not, say, Batman — but it definitely makes for a more entertaining story, with the group constantly taking jabs at Bruce's "rich playboy" status, completely unaware of his alter ego.
Speaking of Bruce Wayne, he is the real star of this issue, not Batman. Writer Peter Tomasi shows us the man beneath the cowl for an extended period this issue. As always, he writes some truly funny interactions between Bruce and Alfred, and we get a glimpse at what Bruce is up to when he isn't fighting crime. This time around, it's helping with the construction of a city bridge in a public appearance that the Suicide Squad is following all too closely.
Much of this issue is told through the binoculars of the Suicide Squad, bickering back and forth as they watch Bruce from a distance. It's a nice visual tool that brings some personality to this issue. Eventually, the group swoops into action — though they soon find they may have bit off more than they can chew.
And then there is the Arkham Knight. The character once again rears his head for yet another brief appearance. He is slowly but surely piecing together Batman's life — and that apparently includes knowing that Bruce Wayne and Batman are one and the same. It's a shame we still haven't seen much of this character or his motivations (especially now that the video game is out), but Tomasi definitely helps add to the character's mysterious aura.
With the Suicide Squad, an appearance from the Arkham Knight and a witty as ever Alfred, issue #21 is yet another solid entry in this entertaining prequel series.
Story
★★★★☆
Art
★★★☆☆
Overall
★★★★☆
More Comic Book Reviews:
Mortal Kombat #27
Batman: Arkham Knight #20
Batman #42
Mad Max: Fury Road: Max #1
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