Suicide Squad #47 // Review
Digger Harkness, also known as Captain Boomerang: one of the scummiest, low-level villains out there, and, as it turns, out an Australian secret agent who has been undercover for years. “Whaaaat!!!” Writer Rob Williams and artist Philippe Briones pull out all the stops in this issue of Suicide Squad #47. One of the best types of comics is when a villain is put into the spotlight, and is looked at as the hero of the book. It's even better when it’s a scumbag like Captain Boomerang, which is what this book does, as Digger Harkness sets off on a James Bond-like quest, but 007 Captain Boomerang is not, more like 00-40oz.
Amanda Waller, the Suicide Squads’ handler, is flabbergasted when she finds out about Digger Harkness being a secret agent, but she is forced to believe it when one of Australia’s own secret agents shows up and needs Digger to come in and help rescue their Australian homeland. A villain is holding the country/continent hostage. This villain is also an Australian Bigfoot, known as a Bunyip, and has a massive arsenal of nuclear warheads.
The writer of this incredibly funny story from the DC universe, Rob Williams, takes an underrepresented but funny villain and gives him a story that could easily be considered as a spoof of the typical redemption story. This comic is filled with well-written comedic dialogue, and has echoes of influence of Daniel Way’s run with Deadpool back in the 2000’s.
Not only is the writing reminiscent of Deadpool, but so is the artistry. Philippe Briones employs a style that is very akin to Paco Medina's art that was also very crucial in the Daniel Way run. One specific example of this is when two English tourists run away from the Bunyip, which itself could be a metaphor for Australia’s own tepid history with the United Kingdom. The artistry is a bit cartoony, but in a realistic way, and this page in particular is very comical and well-drawn. Seeing Captain Boomerang depicted as a second-rate James Bond wannabe, complete with full-on 007 style dress, is quite funny as well.
This is an overall fantastic and funny story that features an unlikely hero in a very unlikely situation, and artwork that only adds to the comedy of the comic. It is very rare that Captain Boomerang is portrayed in a heroic light--well, almost heroic--but Suicide Squad #47 is definitely worth the buy, and would make a great addition to any collector’s collection. Will it be worth something in the future? Probably not, but it is a very hilarious read for those looking for an interesting story to pass their time.
