REVIEW: ‘Suicide Squad,’ Issue #7

Suicide Squad #7 is published by DC Comics, written by Tom Taylor, with art by Daniel Sampere, inks by Juan Albarran, colors by Adriano Lucas, and letters by Wes Abbott. Having learned he’d earned his official pardon Deadshot quits the  Squad to go home to the only thing left he loves. But it seems on his way out, he pissed off Ted Kord a little too much. Though that might not compare to the mood Deadshot will be in if his family gets caught in the crossfire.

Art is forever consumed within the framework of the consumer. A situation that, six months ago would’ve created tension, can now, within the context of the changes with how I perceive my world, create dread. Suicide Squad #7 reminded me of this truth to a shocking degree. What I think and feel about my world is truly altered. And it will never be the same…

One of the hardest issues with jumping into a new comic is missing some of the hit of the emotional moments due to an unfamiliarity with its characters. As I’ve mentioned before, I knew very little about Deadshot going into this run of Suicide Squad. For that reason, it would be understandable if the beats of this issue weren’t able to land with the full force they are going for with me. But, Taylor has done such a great job informing me of Lawton’s character throughout the previous six issues that this issue’s big moments land like a thunderbolt.

Lawton finally gets to see his daughter. Not only that but she is overjoyed to see her dad. This moment’s emotion is captured so well. Lawton’s journey of shock, relief and joy are captured beautifully in this moment. Taylor has the good sense to keep the dialogue minimal, and lets the moment’s heavy lifting be done by the art. But while his daughter might be happy to see him, the feeling isn’t universal.

After Lawton has his moment with his daughter he gets to confront his wife.(I am assuming wife, but the context of their exact relationship is not spelled out here.) This is obviously a much rockier dialogue. Taylor once again does a great job writing Lawton through this moment. Lawton knows he screwed up. A lot. And he knows he can’t expect her to just welcome him home, and takes her verbal punches with grace of a man who’s truly sorry for what he’s put another through.

Past this point in the book cannot be talked about without giving spoilers. But I will say there are moments that were both adorable and terrifying. A confrontation takes place, and a lot of things are discovered. And what it means exactly for Lawton’s character going forward remains to be seen.

The art in Suicide Squad #7 is a wonderful compliment to its story. Sampere returns to the book and his pencils are just as good as ever.  His work to push the emotional moments of the story front and center land flawlessly. Combined with Albarran’s inks, they create a wonderful base for the issues visual presentation.

That presentation is further enhanced with Lucas’ colors. In particular, the scene when Lawton is reunited with his daughter stands out largely thanks to the magnificent colorwork. There is a glow in the colors that give the moment the full force of hopefulness you can tell Lawton feels as he holds his baby girl.

Finally, we round out Suicide Squad #7 with a look at Abbott’s lettering. Abbott does an exceptional job here. Along with the cleanliness of the text, and great placement I liked how thought boxes and some other text were given stylish designs to them. Always good to have some variety in the letter design where it makes sense.

When I look back at Suicide Squad #7 it stands out to me as an impactful moment for a character I barely knew half a year ago, but has quickly come to mean a lot to me. With this story’s ending, I look forward to where the journey takes him, and the rest of the Squad next.

Suicide Squad #7 is available now where comics are sold.