“Animals In Cages”
Writer: John Layman
Artist: Jesus Hervas
Color Artist: David Baron
Letterer: Andworld Design
Review by Philip Clark
Full disclosure, if you haven’t finished the Batman: Arkham games and don’t want anything spoiled; then this is not the comic series for you. With that out of the way, let’s get into Suicide Squad: Kill Arkham Asylum #1 shall we?
This mini-series is the official prequel to the highly anticipated video game Suicide Squad: Kill The Justice League, set to release worldwide next week. The comic and game take place in the Arkham Games universe, and this issue starts the story off.
Waller’s Asylum
After the events of the Arkham games, the institution needed rebuilding and a new head honcho. Amanda Waller is now the warden, and the situation’s pretty much exactly as you’d expect it to be because of that. The security’s been heightened to an almost ridiculous level, and the treatment of the inmates has plummeted just as ridiculously.
Gordon and Batman voice their displeasure at the new management, and, unsurprisingly, things get a little heated between the Bat and Waller. We’re also introduced to the regular Suicide Squad members; Deadshot, Harley Quinn, Captain Boomerang, and King Shark. We already know that they’re going to be the main characters in the video game, so it makes sense for them to be the focus for this run, too.
Jesus Hervas does an excellent job with the art in this issue. I’ve personally always been a fan of the heavier set Waller over the slim version, but he brings her bluntness forward very well. His Killer Croc is quite possibly my favorite of all time; it just gives a much more animalistic feel to the character.
Conclusion
Honestly, Suicide Squad: Kill Arkham Asylum #1 delivers a solid start to the prequel series. Layman gives us enough of a backstory without bogging us down with the intricate details. We get to know everything we need to, and the issue ends on a story beat that will make you want to keep reading.
I look forward to seeing how the series progresses.
Images Courtesy of DC Entertainment
