REVIEW: ‘Suicide Squad,’ Issue #10

Suicide Squad #10 is published by DC Comics, written by Tom Taylor, with art by Bruno Redondo, colors by Adriano Lucas, and letters by Wes Abbott. Floyd Lawton is dead. Having been killed by Black Mask, the Suicide Squad must deal with his sudden passing, while still having to locate Lola before she goes supernova. Is there enough time left to stop this ticking bomb?

Over the past nine issues, Taylor has taken what started as two separate, opposed teams, and fused them into one unit. With a single goal, these individuals have become a force to be reckoned with. But, with Lawton dead, it feels like their heart has just been ripped out. Taylor masterfully built up this moment with the strong focus Deadshot has had in the previous issue. Bringing his family into the story, plus the adorable Dogshot, made him more endearing than I ever would’ve expected he’d be ten issues ago. Now, things feel cold. And someone is gonna have to pay.

The other character whose presence had a surprising turn throughout this story was Ted Kord. While never my first choice for a supervillain, everyone has their break at some point. Why and how Kord has been seen pulling the strings all along is explained in an extremely satisfying way. Besides, the Squad has a new target to go after since Black Mask is the one that put a bullet in Lawton.

Suicide Squad #10 does a tremendous job balancing its many story angles well. There is little time for our protagonists to mourn their fallen comrade, but there is no mistaking their hurt at his loss. As one would expect, Harley is the most impacted by Lawton’s death. Given her long history with him, it would’ve felt like a disservice if anyone showed more grief than her. Her final tribute to him in these pages is a perfect parting homage.

While the grief is the part that hits the hardest, the bulk of Suicide Squad #10 follows the team’s desperate struggle to locate Lola. The distress portrayed by the heroes is palpable. Particularly with the Arie, as it is their homeland that is imperiled. How this book leaves this situation is pure agony! Though in the best narrative way.

The art in Suicide Squad #10 delivers on the story perfectly. These characters continue to be built as much by the art as the story. And that’s saying a lot given how spot on the story has been with them. And even though I love Redondo’s lines in this issue, it is Lucas’ colors that steal the visual show. The colors that bathing the panels in this issue continues to deliver one of the most striking looks in all the comics I’m reading. It’s vibrant and unique, while never failing to serve the story being told. A masterclass of colorwork.

Lastly, we have the issue rounded out by another fantastic performance by Abbott on letters. All the story is well placed within the art, and some extra care is given to highlight when the emotions are running hot. A great job all around.

Suicide Squad #10 delivers everything I could ask of it. The tragic passing of Lawton, along with a high tension cliffhanger ending leaves me anticipating what comes next. As the story barrels toward its finale I can only hope that this phenomenal creative team doesn’t stumble at the end of the road.

Suicide Squad #10 is available on October 28th wherever comics are sold.