Review: Suicide Squad Volume 5 - Walled In

During the Crime Syndicate’s takeover of the Earth, the most dangerous villains are freed from their prisons in hopes of unleashing anarchy on the world. With the members of Task Force X free from her purview, Amanda Waller must find a way of bringing them back into the fold in order to defeat the Thinker.

Suicide Squad Volume 5: Walled In collects Suicide Squad #24-30 and Suicide Squad: Amanda Waller #1, written by Matt Kindt and Sean Ryan.

This collection functions as a pseudo tie-in to Forever Evil. The plot of that event has bled over into the lives of the Suicide Squad, creating a slight jump in the overall flow of their narrative. It’s jarring and makes the title far less accessible than it previously had been. Readers unfamiliar with Forever Evil are likely to be confused as to what’s going on and even those who are may be displeased with the direction taken with the Squad. Harley and co have been freed from Belle Reve, while Amanda Waller is stuck in the prison she formerly ran. It’s an inversion of roles, but is done haphazardly as a result of Forever Evil imposing its status quo onto the DC Universe at large.

Overall, Walled In is a bit of a chore to read. Its narrative hinges on two teams converging on Belle Reve with the intention of defeating O.M.A.C., a powerful cyborg that the Crime Syndicate has turned into a weapon. What’s really cool about this arc is that we see Power Girl and Steel teaming up to help in the effort to stop O.M.A.C. Power Girl in particular is a standout in this volume, as her snarky personality and aggression on the battlefield give her a unique presence amongst the other characters. King Shark is another memorable character, whose development is rather notable. We finally get his origin (which is tragic, I might add), cementing my growing affection for his character. Sadly, Power Girl and King Shark are pretty much the only good things about this volume. Harley Quinn oddly fades into the background, Deadshot continues to be unremarkable and the rest of the cast is kind of blah. 

This particular volume acts as the final note in the Suicide Squad saga that started with Adam Glass at the helm in 2011. As such, Walled In provides zero closure and almost no character development. It closes on something of a cliffhanger, which is obviously intended to be the lead-in to the New Suicide Squad title. It’s recommended to those who have stuck with the series, but isn’t an essential read to anyone looking for some Suicide Squad fun.

RATING: C-

Top 10: Greatest Women of DC Comics

In 1941, DC Comics revolutionized the world of comic books when they introduced the very first female superhero -- Wonder Woman. After her triumphant debut in the pages of Sensation Comics, Wonder Woman became a hit amongst readers and she would go on to inspire the creation of countless other superheroines.

Consequently, DC Comics has remained dedicated to promoting their heroines by placing them in the spotlight and giving them the chance to shine through a plethora of ongoing solo series.

This article focuses on the ten greatest women of DC Comics as chosen through The Women of the DC Universe Poll.

10. Huntress

Real Name: Helena Wayne (I), Helena Bertinelli (II)
First Appearance: All Star Comics #69 1979 (Wayne), The Huntress Vol. #1 1989 (Bertinelli), Huntress Vol. 3 #1 2011 (The New 52)
Special Abilities: Archery, Martial Arts, Marksmanship

On the alternate Earth known as Earth-Two, Helena Wayne was the only daughter of Batman and Catwoman. By day she was an unassuming attorney, but at night she was the costumed vigilante known as the Huntress. Motivated to take up crimefighting after the tragic death of her mother, Huntress used her keen sense of morality and killer aim to dish out her own brand of justice.

Following the soft reboot of the DC Universe in the mid-1980s, Huntress was revamped as Helena Bertinelli. As the heiress to a mafia dynasty, Helena was the sole survivor of a massacre that all but eradicated the Bertinelli family. Vowing vengeance, Helena took on the mantle of the Huntress to destroy the mafia.

As one of DC Comics' most enduring heroines, Huntress has become a modern icon and fan-favorite who has gone on to headline several mini-series. She has also been a key member of the beloved Birds of Prey comic and has been adapted into such hit series as Justice League Unlimited, Batman: The Brave & The Bold and Arrow.

09. Starfire

Real Name: Princess Koriand'r of Tamaran
First Appearance: DC Comics Presents #26 1980 (Classic), Red Hood & The Outlaws #1 2011 (The New 52)
Special Abilities: Superhuman Strength, Superhuman Durability, Energy Projection, Flight

Princess Koriand'r was the youngest daughter of the royal family of the planet Tamaran. During a conflict with a neighbouring planet, she was used as a bargaining chip to reach an agreement. After years in captivity, Koriand'r escaped her imprisonment and fled to Earth where she became the superheroine known as Starfire.

As one of the new characters introduced in Marv Wolfman and George Perez's seminal The New Teen Titans, Starfire's free-spirited nature and Amazon-like appearance made her an instant hit. Despite this, the character wouldn't really reach A-list status until she was adapted for the children's cartoon Teen Titans. While this adaptation made her a household name, it also created a lot of misconceptions about her due to the extreme liberties they took with her. Regardless, Starfire is currently the sole female member of the Outlaws and is more powerful and independent than she's ever been.

08. Power Girl

Real Name: Kara Zor-El

First Appearance: All-Star Comics #58 1976 (Classic), Mister Terrific #1 2011 (The New 52)

Special Abilities: Heat Vision, Super Hearing, Enhanced Vision, Flight, Invulnerability, Superhuman Strength, Superhuman Speed, Super-Breath

As Superman's cousin from another reality, Kara Zor-El found herself stranded in a strange land. Never one to be comfortable in the shadow of her more famous relative, she would go on to blaze a trail for herself as the brash and bodacious heroine known as Power Girl.

Perhaps best known for her controversial cut-out costume, Power Girl has established herself as both a sex symbol and problematic feminist character. Despite the divisive nature of her physical appearance, she continues to be a fan-favourite due to her sassy personality and relatable persona. Whether she's debuting cutting edge technology as the CEO of Starr Industries or chilling at home watching horror movies, Power Girl has readers hooked.

07. Supergirl

Real Name: Kara Zor-El

First Appearance: Action Comics Vol. 1 #252 1959 (Classic), Supergirl Vol. 6 #1 2011 (The New 52)

Special Abilities: Heat Vision, Super Hearing, Enhanced Vision, Flight, Invulnerability, Superhuman Strength, Superhuman Speed, Super-Breath

After years of believing himself to be the only survivor of Krypton's destruction, Superman discovered that one other Kryptonian had survived when his cousin Kara Zor-El crash landed on Earth. Bearing the familiar S-shield, Kara proved herself as the champion Supergirl through a series of trials and has established herself as one of Earth's greatest heroes.

As one of the earliest examples of a female version of a prominent male hero, Supergirl set the standard for plucky teen heroines. Her popularity led towards her headlining the pages of Adventure Comics, as well as several self-titled ongoing series. While her origins may have fluctuated over the years, Supergirl's status as an icon is undeniable and has only been further bolstered by her appearances in Superman: The Animated Series and Smallville, not to mention a planned live-action series based off of her adventures.

06. Zatanna

Real Name: Zatanna Zatara
First Appearance: Hawkman Vol. 1 #4 1964 (Classic), Justice League Dark #1 2011 (The New 52)
Special Abilities: Sorcery via spells spoken backwards

As the only daughter of the legendary magician Giovanni Zatara, Zatanna followed in her father's footsteps and became a popular stage magician. Her mystical abilities also led her down the path of heroism, using her unique talents to investigate magical mysteries and fight crime as a member of the Justice League.

Despite being one of the most prominent female members of the Justice League, Zatanna was inexplicably relegated to the fringes of the DC Universe for decades. Due to her appearances in Batman: The Animated Series, Justice League Unlimited and Smallville, as well as her role in the controversial limited series Identity Crisis, interest in the character was renewed. This increased recognizability helped establish her as an A-lister, leading towards her critically-acclaimed self-titled ongoing series and membership within Justice League Dark.

05. Catwoman

Real Name: Selina Kyle
First Appearance: Batman Vol. 1 #1 1940 (Classic), Catwoman Vol. 4 #1 2011 (The New 52)
Special Abilities: Acrobatics, Thievery, Martial Artist

Orphaned at a young age, Selina Kyle turned to thievery to survive on the streets. She perfected her craft by stealing from the rich, using these spoils to lead a new life as a pampered socialite. Inspired by her affection for cats and the vigilante known as Batman, Selina donned a catsuit and became the master thief Catwoman. A constant thorn in Batman's side, Catwoman has been both the Dark Knight's foe and ally.

Debuting a full year before Wonder Woman, Selina Kyle began her career as The Cat. From these humble beginnings, she would go on to become Batman's most prominent female antagonist. Earning the moniker of the feline fatale, her enigmatic persona and undeniable sex appeal made her a favourite amongst readers. Multiple incarnations and adaptations later, she has earned the right to be considered a true comic book legend.

04. Harley Quinn

Real Name: Dr. Harleen Quinzel

First Appearance: Batman: Harley Quinn 1999 (Classic), Suicide Squad Vol. 4 #1 2011 (The New 52)

Special Abilities: Psychology, Gymnastics

Once an ambitious young psychiatrist, Harleen Quinzel sought to establish a name for herself by helping to rehabilitate the sociopathic Joker. Persuaded by his lies and manipulations, Quinzel fell for the villain and gave up her life to become his costumed associate Harley Quinn. Harley's toxic relationship with the Joker wouldn't last, encouraging her to strike out on her own and becoming a key member of the Suicide Squad.

Originally created for the beloved Batman: The Animated Series, Harley Quinn won audiences over with her hilarious antics and quirky persona. Her popularity saw her official introduction into the comics, where she's become one of DC Comics' most prominent villains. She has since gone on to become a modern icon thanks to appearances in video games like Batman: Arkham Asylum and Injustice: Gods Among Us, as well as her roles in television adaptations like Birds of Prey and The Batman. If that weren't enough, she's also set to be one of the leads in the upcoming Suicide Squad film.

03. Black Canary

Real Name: Dinah Lance

First Appearance: Flash Comics Vol. 1 #86 1947 (Classic), Birds of Prey Vol. 3 #1 2011 (The New 52)

Special Abilities: Canary Cry, Master Martial Artist

Trained from a young age in the ways of hand-to-hand combat, the heroine known as Black Canary has used the combined might of her fists and distinctive sonic scream to fight crime as a vigilante. As the field leader of the Birds of Prey, she has taken down terrorists and supervillains alike.

As one of DC Comics' earliest heroines, Black Canary has kicked more collective ass than most other superheroes (male or female). She's been a member of the Justice League, the Justice Society and has led the various incarnations of the Birds of Prey for nearly three decades. She's also become a favourite amongst casual fans due to her numerous appearances in adaptations, some of which include Justice League Unlimited, Smallville, Batman: The Brave & The Bold, Young Justice and Arrow. This is one birdie you can't keep down.

02. Batgirl

Real Name: Barbara Gordon
First Appearance: Detective Comics Vol. 1 #359 1967 (Classic), Batgirl Vol. 4 #1 2011 (The New 52)
Special Abilities: Martial Arts, Eidetic Memory

Inspired by the exploits of Batman, Barbara Gordon donned the mantle of Batgirl in pursuit of bringing peace and justice to the streets of Gotham City. Though she was crippled for several years by the Joker, Barbara recovered and resumed her career as the thrill-seeking Batgirl.

Barbara Gordon is easily one of DC Comics' most inspirational and recognizable feminist heroes. Whether swinging from rooftops as Batgirl or hacking sophisticated computer systems as Oracle, she has proven herself to be an independent woman who is the equal of her male contemporaries. From her iconic portrayal in the live-action Batman series to more recent incarnations in Batman: The New Adventures, The Batman and Young Justice, Batgirl continues to be a household name whose exuberance and spunky personality have earned her a devoted fanbase. 

01. Wonder Woman

Real Name: Princess Diana of Themyscira

First Appearance: All-Star Comics #8 1941 (Classic), Wonder Woman Vol. 4 #1 2011 (The New 52)

Special Abilities: Superhuman Strength, Durability, Speed, Reflexes, Agility and Stamina, Flight, Enhanced Healing Factor, Master Hand-to-Hand Combatant

As the daughter of the Queen of the Amazons, Princess Diana left her island home to fight for truth and love in "Man's World" as the costumed heroine Wonder Woman. Known for her compassion and strong sense of morality, Wonder Woman believes wholeheartedly in equality and works tirelessly to promote world peace.

There's no disputing that Wonder Woman is the most iconic superheroine of all-time. Her impact is undeniable, having inspired the creation of countless others over the years. She has proven that women can be taken seriously as heroes and that they can be just as captivating as their male counterparts (if not more so). Her recognizable star-spangled costume and her unique accessories make for an instantly iconic look, while her ideals have endeared her towards the LGBTQ and feminist communities. It's no wonder she's number one.

Top 10: Comic Book Friendships

Whoever said that women can't get along in fiction clearly has never opened up a comic book. Over the years, the big two companies (DC Comics and Marvel, for comic virgins) have written some of the most fascinating and relatable friendships. Some the longest lasting of these partnerships have been between women. Forged in the middle of the battlefield, these heroines have bonded over their shared love of justice and penchant for tights. To celebrate these gal pals, here is a list of the top ten comic book friendships.

10. Batgirl and Supergirl

As one of the earliest female partnerships, Batgirl and Supergirl's friendship dates back to the 1960s when the pair teamed up to bust an all-female organization of thieves. In this Pre-Crisis continuity, Barbara Gordon and Kara Zor-El would band together several times until Kara's death in Crisis on Infinite Earths. Years later, Stephanie Brown fostered a friendship with Supergirl while she was using the Batgirl title, thereby keeping the legacy of girl power alive and well.

09. Marvel Divas

In 2009, Marvel published a four-part mini-series titled Marvel Divas hoping to draw in a larger female audience. This series was a play off of Sex and the City and featured the romantic misadventures of D-list heroines Firestar, Black Cat, Hellcat, and Monica Rambeau. While it failed to garner major critical acclaim, Marvel Divas emphasized the importance of female friendship and demonstrated just how far women will go for each other. The series itself is a must-read for any female readers.

08. Fire and Ice

The late-1980s saw the introduction of what is known as the Justice League International era. Largely spearheaded by J.M. DeMatteis and Keith Giffen, the JLI was a more light-hearted approach to superhero comics. At the centre of these books was the friendship between the heroes. One of the most notable was that of Fire and Ice. As complete opposites, the sassy Fire and the sensitive Ice were the epitome of what it meant to be girlfriends.

07. Stephanie Brown and Cassandra Cain

Much like Fire and Ice, Stephanie Brown and Cassandra Cain were polar opposites. The pair met back when Stephanie was Spoiler and Cassandra was Batgirl. These two became fast friends and would see each other through thick and thin. When Cassandra grew weary of being Batgirl, it was Stephanie who took up the mantle and continued her legacy. Truthfully, these two illustrated how teenage girls should treat each other -- with love and respect.

06. Jessica Drew and Carol Danvers

When Carol Danvers was brutally attacked by the mutant Rogue, it was Jessica Drew who saved her after she was tossed off the Golden Gate Bridge. This was the beginning of a friendship that would span decades. The pair have been on the Avengers together as Spider-Woman and Ms. Marvel and Jessica has made appearances in a supporting capacity in both Ms. Marvel and Captain Marvel.

05. Starfire and Donna Troy

While the cartoon may have made people think that the gal pals of the Teen Titans are Starfire and Raven, the reality is that it's Starfire and Donna Troy's friendship that has stood the test of time. When Starfire first came to Earth, Donna opened her doors to the alien and helped her adjust to life in New York City. She helped her get a job as a model and used her as her muse for many successful campaigns. Beyond that, Starfire and Donna would hold friendly competitions with one another in order to hone their skills. Their friendship was so strong that Starfire was one of Donna's bridesmaids at her wedding to Terry Long.

04. Huntress and Power Girl

Likely inspired by the partnership between Supergirl and Batgirl, the parallel Earth heroes Power Girl and Huntress became the best of friends in the pages of All-Star Comics. This friendship is one of the earliest examples of a permanent partnership between women in comics and would last until the events of Crisis on Infinite Earths. Over 30 years later, their friendship has been revisited in the pages of Power Girl/Huntress: Worlds' Finest in DC Comics' New 52 line. This title places their friendship at the forefront and makes it one of the only female-centric buddy comics in publication.

03. Storm and Jean Grey

Female empowerment and solidarity has long been a recurring theme with the X-Men. There are many notable female friendships which have occurred over the years, but none is as memorable or as touching as that of Storm and Jean Grey. The pair met for the first time when Storm and other new recruits rescued the original X-Men from the menace of the living island of Krakoa. After these events, Jean helped Ororo to adjust to life in America and this would blossom into a friendship that would outlast Jean's various resurrections.

02. Harley Quinn and Poison Ivy

As the only villains on this list, Poison Ivy and Harley Quinn prove that even bad girls can get along. Their friendship dates back to Batman: The Animated Series, where they teamed up after the Joker kicked Harley to the curb as his gun moll. Ivy subsequently took her under her wing and the pair became an unstoppable criminal duo. This was later brought over to the comics and their friendship has since become the subject of speculation that the two may be lovers. The important thing to take from these two is the need for love and support between women (even the bad ones).

01. Birds of Prey

When it comes to girlfriends, no comic book has ever done so much for female friendship as Birds of Prey has. The original series centred around the partnership between Oracle and Black Canary, but evolved to include the vigilante Huntress. Birds of Prey focused on the healing powers of friendship and the importance of companionship. Under the careful pen of Chuck Dixon and later Gail Simone, these ladies proved that when sisters do it for themselves they can accomplish a whole lot. This series has managed to be so influential that it has been cited as a gateway comic for many readers and has been the subject of many adaptations. If you haven't read Birds of Prey, I'd say it's about time to start!

Review: Worlds' Finest Volume 1, The Lost Daughters of Earth 2

A year after DC Comics re-launched their universe under the New 52 initiative, the company introduced a second wave of books to replace those that had been cancelled. Among the new titles was Worlds’ Finest, starring the fan-favourites Power Girl and Huntress. Written by Paul Levitz and illustrated jointly by George Perez and Kevin Maguire, Worlds’ Finest had everything it needed to please fans. Unfortunately, many were displeased with Power Girl’s costume and the return of Helena Wayne (and, therefore, the death of Helena Bertinelli). Could this have been DC Comics’ biggest misstep?

When an alternate Earth is on the brink of destruction, two of its heroes – Supergirl and Robin – are transported to another world. Now stranded on an Earth not unlike their own, the pair are determined to find their way back home. In the meantime Supergirl transforms herself into the bodacious Power Girl, while Robin becomes the stealthy vigilante known as the Huntress. Honestly, the premise has promise. The pacing is a little bit slower than usual and spends time in both the past and present, so it gives the characters ample opportunity to show off their personality. Power Girl is a single-minded individual whose determination to get back home has become an obsession. She’s blossomed into a business tycoon and has more sass than she knows what to do with. Huntress, on the other hand, is very much a realist. She’s more or less relegated herself to life on this new world. Also front and center is their indisputable friendship. These two women clearly care about one another and their banter is truly quite funny at times. It’s refreshing to read a comic where the women get along and aren’t spending every waking moment reflecting on their relationships with men. In fact, it may even remind some of Gail Simone's early work on Birds of Prey.

While Paul Levitz may have come under fire for his writing, the biggest point of contention should be on the art. The story itself is fun and light, while the characters are equally as bubbly and tenacious. Unfortunately, the decision to split the art between Perez and Maguire brings the title down. Perez takes care of all panels relating to the present. His art has aged poorly and is terribly clunky. The main females look disappointingly dull and his decision to draw Power Girl with a flipped hairstyle is a crime. For all the people complaining about the lack of a boob window, they really should have been focused on the fact that she’s wearing a hairstyle from 2000. She’s supposed to be a CEO for crying out loud! To go back to the boob window fiasco, what was the point of covering the character up if Perez was just going to draw her in tatters half the time anyway? Maguire’s art, however, is bursting with character. The heroes are expressive and full of life. He should have been given full art duties, rather than just the panels focused on the past.

Given all of the criticism Worlds’ Finest has received, it’s safe to say that the book has suffered from a severe case of nitpicking. When stripped down to its core components, the title has everything it needs to succeed. It’s funny at times and has tremendous heart at others. Power Girl is still as brash as she’s always been and Levitz has taken great care to emphasize her skills as a businesswoman (something that largely fell to the wayside previously). The contrast between the two main characters is right on point and their chemistry is fantastic. Though it may not be one of DC Comics’ best titles (not every title can be as stunning as Batwoman or as impressive as Wonder Woman), it is one of the few that truly showcases the importance of friendship.

Rating: B