Justice League vs Suicide Squad #1 Review

12/21/2016 12:49 pm EST

It was only a matter of time before the Justice League attempted to stomp out the fire in their backyard, that fire being the always reckless but always effective Amanda Waller led Suicide Squad, and it goes about as smoothly as you'd expect.

Spoilers incoming for Justice League vs Suicide Squad #1, so you've been warned.

Amanda Waller would have people think the Suicide Squad serves a necessary purpose, but the civilian population might feel a little uncomfortable with the fact that their protection is being handled by people who, well, have a loose handle on words like ethics and morals. Oh, and they kill people, so there's that.

It's easy to forget that the Justice League are in many ways in the dark about Waller's activities with the Suicide Squad, though Batman has finally been able to nail down Waller's breadcrumbs it seems.

The biggest positive to this first issue is how unforced it feels. Writer Joshua Williamson allows the Suicide Squad to shine in their usual chaotic way and effectively displays the core differences between the two teams. Both teams are also based in logic here as well, and it makes for a more compelling conflict.

A point Deadshot makes by issue's end is right on the money, when he so eloquently describes his and the other member's daily existence, one that isn't guaranteed and relies on their knack for survival. This is just another way to do that, and they happen to help some people out in the process. For the league, it's about trust in authority, and no one on the League would trust Enchantress, Killer Croc, or Harley Quinn in that regard in any way. Some crossover events feel forced, but here both sides manage to make decent arguments, and that always makes a story better in the long run.

Jason Fabok's art style fits the story well, and his action sequences are filled with movement and expression. It makes one excited to see more in issue #2, where the teams are destined to truly come to blows, and more of his Deadshot and Batman is always a welcome sight.

There are some big surprise appearances in the book as well, including a new team that will likely get into the mix very soon. For longtime DC fans, the inclusion of these characters should me the series even more entertaining, especially once Waller learns who is at the controls. Not too may flaws here, but it is frustrating to see Enchantress treated as the new 90's Jean Grey. It seems the most powerful member of the team is always getting knocked out so the rest of the group can do something, and if that's the case then why have her on the team at all?

Justice League vs Suicide Squad #1 is what a team crossover should be. It's fun and action packed with some interesting seeds planted for the rest of the story. Fans will be quite happy with the results, and hopefully, the rest of the series follows suit.

Rating 4 out of 5 Stars

Written By: Joshua Williamson

Art By: Jason Fabok

Colored By: Alex Sinclair

Lettered By: Rob Leigh

MORE DC: New LEGO Batman Movie Posters Revealed / Harry Potter Author Teams With Batman Artist For Pulse Night Club Tribute / 5 DC Kotobukiya Bishoujo Statues We Still Want / Powerless: What We Know About DC's New Series / Here's What Odette Annable Could Look Like As Catwoman

Disclosure: ComicBook is owned by CBS Interactive, a division of Paramount. Sign up for Paramount+ by clicking here.