Suicide Squad #1 (published in May 1987 by DC Comics) is written by John Ostrander with art by Luke McDonnell. This issue marks the debut of the modern version of the Suicide Squad, also known as Task Force X, and establishes the foundation for the team’s covert and morally ambiguous missions.
Plot Summary
The story begins with Amanda Waller, a tough-as-nails government official, assembling a team of incarcerated supervillains for a top-secret government program called the Suicide Squad. The premise is simple: these criminals are offered reduced sentences in exchange for participating in high-risk missions on behalf of the government. Failure or disobedience will result in severe consequences, including death.
The inaugural mission for this newly reformed team is to neutralize a terrorist threat posed by a group called the Jihad, a deadly organization operating out of the fictional country of Qurac. The Squad’s task is to infiltrate the group’s base and eliminate its members before they can carry out their planned attacks.
The roster includes notable villains such as:
- Deadshot (Floyd Lawton): A master marksman with a death wish.
- Captain Boomerang (George “Digger” Harkness): A brash and untrustworthy criminal with a penchant for trick boomerangs.
- Enchantress (June Moone): A powerful but unstable sorceress.
- Bronze Tiger (Ben Turner): A skilled martial artist and one of the few morally centered members of the team.
- Rick Flag: The team’s field leader, a hardened soldier who struggles with his disdain for working alongside criminals.
The issue sets up the dynamics within the team, highlighting tensions between the members, particularly between the pragmatic Flag and the unpredictable villains. It also introduces Waller’s authoritarian leadership style, emphasizing the expendable nature of the squad.
The mission is fraught with danger, as the team is forced to rely on their individual skills and reluctantly work together to survive. The issue ends with the Squad launching their operation against the Jihad, setting the stage for action, betrayal, and moral dilemmas in subsequent issues.
Key Themes
- Redemption and Morality: The series explores whether villains can redeem themselves through acts of heroism or if their actions are purely self-serving.
- Expendability: The concept of using disposable assets for dangerous missions raises questions about the value of life and the ethics of Waller’s leadership.
- Team Dynamics: The clashing personalities and mistrust among team members create tension and unpredictability.
Significance
- Modern Suicide Squad Debut: This issue redefines the Suicide Squad, transitioning it from a World War II-era military team to the morally complex, villain-centric group known today.
- Amanda Waller’s Role: Waller is solidified as one of DC’s most formidable and morally ambiguous characters, whose decisions drive much of the team’s drama.
- Groundbreaking Concept: The series introduces the idea of villains as reluctant heroes, a concept that would become a staple in superhero storytelling.
Suicide Squad #1 is a compelling introduction to a team of anti-heroes tasked with impossible missions. Combining action, intrigue, and complex character dynamics, it remains a cornerstone of DC Comics and a must-read for fans of the team.