The Arkham universe's own version of the Suicide Squad was only introduced a few issues back, but already it looks like the team has completely fallen apart.
It took a joint effort from Batman and Deadshot to make it happen. The squad's plan to kill Bruce Wayne goes south when Batman arrives, and things get even worse when it turns out Deadshot is a mole and executes Captain Boomerang.
That leaves this issue to deal with the aftermath, as a rampaging Killer Croc has been unleashed to deal with Batman. This isn't the first time the two have crossed paths in this prequel series, and Killer Croc certainly remembers their last encounter. He is looking for revenge and is willing destroy anybody who gets in his way, including Deadshot.
It all leads to a interesting, if incredibly brief, team up between the two characters. Meanwhile, Harley Quinn has managed to escape the whole fiasco and reports back to Penguin. Turns out Bruce Wayne wasn't the team's end-game anyways. Rather, Penguin is looking to go after Stagg Industries, a name that will be familiar to those who have already completed the Batman: Arkham Knight game.
In between the action we get a brief glimpse of Commissioner Gordon and Barbara, who are attending a fundraiser dinner for Gordon's political campaign. Gordon's political aspirations have been kept in the background so. Every few issues we get a little reminder that yes, Gordon is still running for office, and yes, he is more than a little out of his element. It's such an interesting idea, however, that it feels like it is being wasted when it is only briefly mentioned every handful of issues.
Speaking of wasted, it's hard not to feel like the Suicide Squad could have been put to better use. They are an iconic team that fans are in love with and who have a major film on the way. But the Arkham universe version of the Suicide Squad falls apart before it even got warmed up thanks to the hasty killing of Captain Boomerang for what at this points seems like no real reason.
Issue #23 doesn't bring anything new to the table, but it does feature some solid action and a few cool moments as Deadshot battles Killer Croc. It's a step up from last week's less than great issue, but it's becoming more and more clear that this series is losing its focus.
Story
★★★☆☆
Art
★★★☆☆
Overall
★★★☆☆
More Comic Book Reviews:
Mortal Kombat #28
Batman: Arkham Knight #22
Batman #42
Mad Max: Fury Road: Max #1
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