As luck would have it, a mission is called while the cocky Ashemore is being thoroughly unnerved by the likes of El Diablo and Harley Quinn, presenting the chance for first-hand observation. Cheetah, El Diablo, Harley and Deadshot land in Hong Kong, where a US-friendly politician is threatened with assassination. Hi-jinks ensue, and a mystery player derails the best-laid plans of Waller...
Most longtime comics fans get tired of series being restarted, but here's an issue that probably should be a new #1. It has a fresh writer in Grayson's Tim Seeley, and artist in Gotham By Midnight's Juan Ferreyra. Ashemore's tour allows for a Task Force X primer and introduction to the tweaked line-up. Seeley gives us the lay of the land with economy and wit before bringing on the action. The movie-friendly mix of characters gels well - El Diablo and Harley, especially, have real chemistry - and the new storylines shows promise.
Ferreyra's full-colour work is confident and warm, his people full of personality; it's delightful. His page designs for the first half of the book are sedate without being boring, but when we reach Hong Kong... wow, the layouts really pop to match the change of scene and mood.
Seeley and Ferreyra's street party, with our anti-heroes suitably dolled up, is a DCU version of the opening of the latest 007 film, Spectre. Cheetah's encounter with three locals may be my favourite moment of this standout issue.
Seeley and Ferreyra really hit the ground running here, and if they stay together awhile I can see the synergy shooting off the charts.
Really loving this book. The ending while probably a fakeout, was also a really nice touch that adds a sense of gravity to the comic.
ReplyDeleteIf it's not a fakeout, I guess someone will be bringing everyone back to life. Any ideas who the mysterious floaty person is?
DeleteIm not well versed enough to give a name. But I am reminded of that one puma wrestler lady from the Teen Titans cartoon who popped up for the finale alongside Beast Boy, Menos, and Jericho
DeleteHmm, I never saw those cartoons. Intrigued!
DeleteI tried this one on the strength of the new team (well, Seeley, actually, but was pleasantly surprised by how great the art was) -- and boy did I like it. I'll be reading the rest of this story, definitely, and if the rest is as strong as this opener, the Squad will have one of its original readers back.
ReplyDeleteI'll be disappointed if this new team vanishes with the Rebirth business. They needs a chance to go places.
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