Suicide Squade #5 of 8

"Suicide Squad" continues to build the momentum and intrigue. Writer John Ostrander has brought his A-game so far with this miniseries. I had not picked up a "Suicide Squad" story since I left comics and Ostrander has drawn me back into his fun world of villains on suicide missions. Javier Pina's art has been exceptional and continues in this issue. This has been a fun series to read.

If you haven't picked up the monthly version of this, you would do well to get the TPB when it comes out.

Suicide Squad #4 of 8

John Ostrander has a lot of fun with Amanda Waller. She is a great character and Ostrander does a good job of keeping true to her character. Waller is just a bad ass. She's augmenting the team in this issue and it is fun to watch her go through the candidates. I won't spoil the ending but a big bomb is dropped and it has me looking forward to the next issue. The art by penciller Javier Pina and inker Robin Riggs is pretty good. A lot of it reminds me of the late 80s/early 90s stuff that DC was putting out. The team does a good job of capturing the different personalities on display and setting a good atmosphere for them to play in.

At the halfway point and Ostrander continues to impress me with his complete grasp of Waller and the characterization of the squad members - both new and old. This miniseries is a good read and is highly recommended.

Suicide Squad #3

"Suicide Squad" issue #3 has the best cover yet for this excellent miniseries. The previous covers did not reach out and grab me, but John K. Snyder's colorful use of the Squad's weapons of choice made this the most compelling cover of the three.

Writer John Ostrander continues to excel with these characters as he takes a detour to the past showing the first meeting of Rick Flag and Rustam. Javier Pina and Robin Riggs' art is top notch capturing the intensity of the characters. Once again, I have to give it up to the colorist. Jason Wright's coloring elevates both the art and the story giving it a very realistic look. In the end, the miniseries looks like it catches up with real time as Flag is rescued after being in prison for three years. The "New Suicide Squad" is the teaser for the next issue and I am looking forward to Ostrander's take on the new and old members of the team.

If you haven't jumped onto this miniseries, head to your local comic shop and pick up issue's 1-3. You do not need a degree in Suicide Squad history to enjoy this mini.

Suicide Squad #2 of 8

Writer John Ostrander continues to flesh out Rick Flag's back story as he advances the plot. General Eiling is being set up as the bad guy here with Rick Flag and Rustam stuck in Skartaris - a place of dinosaurs and endless sunlight. I really like Jaui Pina's art as it captures the intensity of Rick Flag. While last issue was all action, this issue Ostrander serves up character development. I enjoyed getting Flag's history and the explanation of how he and Rustam survived when Jotunheim blew up. We get a brief glimpse of Amanda Waller with the rest of the squad absent for this issue. It is good to see Ostrander back on this title and having fun with his characters.

Suicide Squad: From the Ashes #1 of 8

Back in the day, I loved John Ostrander's "Suicide Squad". The concept and execution were exellent and Ostrander handled the various "bad guys" well, adding depth to each character. I thoroughly enjoyed the introduction and growth of Amanda Waller as well. Flash forward quite a few years and Ostrander is back with a miniseries explaining how the team leader, Rick Flag survived a nuclear blast in Qurac and made it back to the pages of DC Comics.

Ostrander assembles the classic Suicide Squad in the pages of "From the Ashes" and sets up the series end point of finding Rick Flag. The writing in tense and action packed, with each squad member getting an introduction. The team dynamics are reastablished and Amanda Waller is reintroduced as the badass that we know she is. The squad is gathered together and sent into Russia to find the thought dead Rick Flag. The mission goes awry with Ostrander delivering good dialague, action, and character motiviation. The art by Javi Pina on pencils, Robing Riggs on inks, and Jason Wright on colors is outstanding. All capturing the nuances of each character.

I'm not a follower of "Checkmate". I really had not planned on buying this series, but decided to pick up the first issue on the spot at my local comics store. This issue really drew me in and made me want to read the entire series.