JOHN OSTRANDER ON RETURNING TO THE SQUAD

[MattBrady]

<img src="http://www.newsarama.com/dcnew/Squad/Suicide_Squad_1.jpg" border="0" align="right">As we reported on Friday (http://forum.newsarama.com/showthread.php?t=97276), April will see four one shots tied to World War III, which will be happening in <b>52 #50</b>. Two of the four will be written by Keith Champagne (http://forum.newsarama.com/showthread.php?t=97351), while the other two will be handled by John Ostrander.

On top of those two special issues, DC Universe Executive Editor Dan Didio revealed that Ostrander would be working with a familiar property in the coming year as well – a new <b>Suicide Squad</b> miniseries.

If you go back and check out the initial news (in that first link, above) readers are <i>still</I> talking about Ostrander’s return to the Squad. To say that there’s a healthy fan anticipation…well, that’s an understatement.

For those not familiar with the connection, Ostrander created the current version of the Suicide Squad that’s been appearing around the DC Universe since their debut in <b>Legends #3</b> (1986). His team then was a reimagining/reintroduction of the concept to the DC Universe, as it had first been introduced in 1959. The idea – kind of like <i>The Dirty Dozen</i> meets <i>Mission: Impossible</i>, but replace Bronson, Brown, Savalas, Sutherland and the others with the likes of Deadshot, Enchantress, Javelin, and Captain Boomerang (and replace Lee Marvin with Bronze Tiger and Rick Flag Jr.) – and then put Amanda Waller on top of them all. In short, the government used the criminals to do the dirty work around the world – missions where superhuman muscle was needed, but was too messy for the heroes to be involved.

Ostrander, who was the series’ writer for its 66 issue run used the characters, their missions, and the dynamics between the disparate – and desperate – villains to get inside heads and turn over motivations and explore them from the inside out. As a result, Deadshot, Captain Boomerang – to name two – became fan favorite characters during the run.

The Ostrander version of the Squad had a handful of appearances after the series ended in resurfaced recently (http://forum.newsarama.com/showthread.php?t=84915) in <b>Checkmate</b>, something which apparently only whetted appetites.

<img src="http://www.newsarama.com/dcnew/Squad/Suicide_squad02.JPG" border="0" align="left">We spoke with Ostrander about the return.

<b>Newsarama</b>: While your fans and Suicide Squad fans are jazzed about you back with the Squad, the miniseries is the latest of a return for you to the DCU which has seen you on <b>Batman</b> (http://www.newsarama.com/dcnew/Batman/Mandrake/Ostrander_BM.html)as well as other projects - what got this larger collection of work going in the first place?

<b>John Ostrander</b>: This has been buzzing for awhile. Dan DiDio kept coming up to me at cons, saying how DC and I should work together again. Pete Tomasi, an old friend and one of my regular editors, kept sending me fill-ins on things like <b>Aquaman</b> - which I really enjoyed doing, by the way. Some of the writers who have come up since I left – like Geoff Johns and Gail Simone – kept bringing up my name. I’ve always maintained good relations with the editors I knew up there so I don’t think there ever was any ill will. I figure it’s just a cycle.

<b>NRAMA</b>: Had you been following along with the DCU so that you were able to come in without a tutorial from editorial on your <b>52</b> one shots and <b>Suicide Squad</b>, or did you need the crash course?

<b>JO</b>: A mix. Some things I was aware of, some not. DC has done a <i>lot</i> of change in the past few years which I think is healthy. <i>Any</i> comic book company needs to reinvent itself every so often.

<b>NRAMA</b>: That said, what's your take on where the DCU is now, and why you think it's a time for the Squad to return?

<b>JO</b>: I go back to the days just after <b>Crisis on Infinite Earths</b>. What that series did, IMO, is that it served notice to everyone – fans and industry -- that DC was opening everything up. Re-tooling itself, looking anew at what it did and how it approached it’s characters, that it was re-inventing itself. <b>Infinite Crisis</b> was not just a celebration of that anniversary; in my opinion, I think its doing the same thing.

As for the Squad -- <i>my</i> Squad as a re-invention of a <i>former</i> Suicide Squad and it came after <b>Crisis</b> and <b>Legends</b>. Also, I think fan interest is high again. Out of all the books I’ve ever worked on, the two most requested ones for return have been <b>Suicide Squad</b> and <b>GrimJack</b>…interesting since I’m also going to be doing more GrimJack at
about the same time.

<img src="http://www.newsarama.com/dcnew/Squad/Squad5.jpg" border="0" align="right"><b>NRAMA</b>: Speaking of seeing the Squad “return,” you know Amanda Waller...in your mind, has the Squad ever <i>not</i> been around, despite what Waller might've said to say, a Congressional Committee?

<b>JO</b>: Oh, now <i>that’s</i> a fun idea! [laughs]

<b>NRAMA</b>: Larger picture – as you’ve said, you're aware of the fan excitement over just the <i>idea</I> of you coming back to the Squad, let alone, and hones to goodness return, and certainly, when you wrote the series, you seemed to click with the characters and stories. Why do you think that was? Was there something special about the whole set up that just hit you the right way?

<b>JO</b>: I’m very attracted to flawed characters and the Squad certainly had that! Even the good guys were badly flawed. It was also fun to take what were sometimes second tier characters or throw-aways and making something out of them. Deadshot was probably one of the best examples – we took a very minor villain and really played with him, juiced his backstory, until he became a very complex, dangerous character. With the stories, I - joined later my wife Kimberly Yale - used current events and then projected forward a little, made it an espionage based story and found we had things resonating with the real world. I had one person I know call me up at one point to ask where I was setting the Squad that summer because she was booking her vacation and she did <i>not</i> want to go anywhere we were sending the Squad since, at that point, it tended to get “hot” in the real world around the same time the issues came out. Spooky!

<b>NRAMA</b>: With taking the characters and set up this time around - what was the appeal to you about going back to this particular well? After all, you had a great run on it, fans loved it...isn't there a danger of sorts of going back home again?

<b>JO</b>: Oh, always and that <i>did</i> make me hesitant. As I’ve said, I’m also doing <b>GrimJack</b> again, so I don’t want people thinking I can only do the characters I’ve already done. Fortunately, I also have some new things in development that I can’t yet talk about and I am doing <b>Star Wars: Legacy</b> [with Jan Duursema] over at Dark Horse and that’s all new characters. The biggest concern I have is – can I do anything but screw the Squad up now? Fan expectations may be high; can I possibly meet them? That’s the risk but that’s also what makes it interesting, isn’t it?

<img src="http://www.newsarama.com/dcnew/Squad/Squad20.jpg" border="0" align="left"><b>NRAMA</b>: Obviously, we're a ways away from the start of the mini as well as the events that precede it, but in broad strokes - Dan said that after WWIII, there's a need for the Squad...anything you can say to that? Is the DCU after WWIII a world where dirty deeds are needed to be done for dirt cheap?

<b>JO</b>: That’s always been the premise of the Squad since I brought it in during <b>Legends</b>. Funny thing is, when I proposed the concept – that the government would sponsor a covert action team using criminals and possibly illegal methods – it raised concerns at DC. Would people buy into that? And then Irangate broke between the time the proposal was accepted and our first issue came out and made us look like pikers. So, in our own twisted fashion, the Squad reflects the real world – and that’s part of its strength. That’s what makes it “feel” real. And it may not be so much the events <i>after</i> WWIII that make a Squad necessary as the events <i>during</i> it.

Of course, Dan knows a lot more about the state of the DCU afterwards than
<i>I</i> do. [laughs]

<b>NRAMA</b>: Are there any familiar faces you're looking to bring back in to the mix?

<b>JO</b>: The story has ties to the past and some of it is set there so you’ll see “classic” Squad members in it. Yeah, that means <i>you</i>, Boomerbutt. So get out of your grave and look sharp. Yer fans are calling.

<b>NRAMA</b>: Finally – again, it’s a little ways off, but big picture - what will this miniseries encompass?

<b>JO</b>: So – how <i>did</i> Rick Flag survive being at ground zero when that nuke went off in Jotunheim? I’ll tell you a little secret – I knew when I wrote it. How’s that for a tease? [laughs]

We also want to redefine certain characters and aspects of the Squad. The stories were originally written in the ‘80s so the history can use a little re-tooling. I want the Squad to be as vital a part of the DCU today as it was in its heyday. If the Squad is ever going to get its own series again, this needs to be its launching pad. If I do my part, I know the fans will do theirs.

[Korvac]

Thank you, thank you, thank you.

[SpyGuy]

MEMO TO DC COMICS

Subject: Ostrander and Yale's SUICIDE SQUAD

Dear DC --

Trade paperbacks -- in color, not this "Showcase" nonsense -- starting with #1. Make it happen. Today.

Warmest regards,

Your Consumer Base

[Ye Olde Iowa]

I am so incredibly, undeniably sold on this miniseries. Ostrander is one of the best in the business and had a great year in 2006, between more SW:Legacy, the World War III issues, and a new Suicide Squad mini, I'm guessing 2007 will be even better for him. Now if only he was on Batman full-time (I love Morrison, be he has been an ill-fit for the character and Ostrander's arc was crazy-awesome)!

Either way, this miniseries will be a must read for DC.

[DiManna1]

More GrimJack is always a good thing!!:)

[Deadshot77]

THANK YOU John. THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!
And Thank you DC & Didio & Geoff & Gail & any one else who lobbied for Mr. Ostrander's return.

It's also good to know that John left an out for Flag or had planned for him to live after all. Hopefully he had input in that Checkmate story, then.

Boomer's younger version should be alive somewhere, since I believe we seen him come out of the future in one of Geoff Johns' last issues in Rogue War.

And John MUST get Deadshot back. I think with Gail's admiration, she'd gladly give John ol' Floyd back. Nobody wrote him as well as John. The mini-series still goes down as one of the darkest & coolest of all time.
In fact nobody wrote Nightshade, Bronze Tiger, Nemesis, Wall, hell anyone John touched, he made gold. This will be awesome. I think a monthly, if John wants it, should only be a formality. This is going to kick major a$$.

Need I say, THANK YOU JOHN, one mo' time? ;)
I can't wait. This is a dream come true!

LONG LIVE THE SQUAD!

[ElijahSnowFan]

From John Ostrander: If I do my part, I know the fans will do theirs.

you're damn right, we will!

go! go! go!

[God-Man]

I'm definitely looking foward to this.

[gorillaboss]

This is the happiest comic news I've read in over a decade.

Wow. Just wow.

[Squashua]

Who is this Ostrander guy, some sort of n00b writer?














:D

[jaggedpill]

Suicide Squad was my favorite series from the 80's. Welcome back John.:)


Hopefully Duchess can be brought back. I know she was actually Lashina spying for Apokolips, but I bet her character longs for her Squad days on our little "mudball". For those who don't know, Duchess was like if an amazon on steriods had a child with Rambo and yeah she carried a Big F'in Gun or BFG if you will. Seriously one of the most kick@ss female characters in comics at that time.

The Wall, Deadshot, Bronze Tiger, Rick Flag, Nightshade, Boomerang(Jr or Sr), Duchess and a gaggle of "disposable" criminals...I'm ready!

[jeircho]

I find it so interesting how many people are excited about this writer getting back to SUICIDE SQUAD. I've never read the series plus the only thing I've read from Ostrander was a collection of the first few SPECTRE issues (which I liked quite a bit). That and his writing article on WRITE NOW magazine. Anyone know of any trades I can pick up on the series or anything else he's done that I can try? I'm curious since everyone is touting this like the second coming of Christ -lol.

[mrblasphemy]

I've loved this series ever since I found issue #3 in a quarter bin several years ago; I've since gone back and collected most of the rest of it...also often from quarter bins.

It's inconceivable to me that we'd be reading the excellent Checkmate series today without the foundation Ostrander and Yale laid in Suicide Squad. The best thing about the series was that the writing and the art were always completely comfortable with the fact that there were all these kookie characters running about, like Punch and Jewelee and Captain Boomerang. Rucka's doing much the same thing today on Checkmate.

So I'll be giving this a look...

[Snarf5181]

If they cancel Outsiders ('cause it sucks!) this would be a good place for a few of those guys -- Boomer, Shift, Katana, Grace. They could either get brought up on charges for some stuff they did during the missing year or some could be non criminal members like Vixen, Shade, etc...

As far as trades go, at least put out the Janus Directive as a collection. I think I finally tracked them all down, but its a real pain getting them all together to read that story. What was it, 13 chapters? I'd pay 29.95 for that if it was in color.

Edit: For more Ostrander, check out the Clone Wars trades or any issues of Republic with Quinlin Vos. Same artist as Legacy (which is great). For more Duursema, check out Arion, Lord of Atlantis for super cheap =P. Shes pretty good, I've always dug her Star Wars stuff, but thats the only thing from the Big Two I've noticed her on. Has she done more DC or Marvel Stuff?
Also, did Ostrander write the original Checkmate? I've only read a few issues, but it seemed alot wordier/slower than Suicide Squad. The new Checkmate feels like a much better companion. I wonder if he will reference that 12 issue Suicide Squad from a few years ago. Alot of fun, but not on the same level.

I can't believe any DC fan isn't excited about this/is suprised by the fan response! This is the coolest DC news since JSA #1!!!

[wespierce1]

I always lovced the SS. No, not that SS. The return of the Suicide Squad marks a decidedly better turn for the DCU. It was always a book that alloowed us to see what was going on behind the scenes with characters that had no other outlet and would otherwise be sitting in comic Limbo.

Deadshot, C.B., Enchatress, Bronze Tiger and all of the others always made the stories run smooth and kept a special place in my heart. Besides, when everyone says, this character needs revamping... what were they to do? The usual answer was kill 'em off. What beter way to do it than by tossing them on a team where at least one member was expected to die, and not in just some cheesy-pleasy way.

I look forward to this with profound enthusiasm!

Until next time.. Make Mine... No wait.... Excelsi... No, not that either... DRINK CREATINE UNIFORMLY!



(Well, until the DCU comes up with their own phrase that's what I'm using....;) )

[kingofcities]

<b>JO</b>: The story has ties to the past and some of it is set there so you’ll see “classic” Squad members in it. Yeah, that means <i>you</i>, Boomerbutt. So get out of your grave and look sharp. Yer fans are calling.

I don't see a [laughs] there. That mean this is really happening? :eek:

[Kent Horton]

JO: Oh, always and that did make me hesitant. As I’ve said, I’m also doing GrimJack again, so I don’t want people thinking I can only do the characters I’ve already done. Fortunately, I also have some new things in development that I can’t yet talk about and I am doing Star Wars: Legacy [with Jan Duursema] over at Dark Horse and that’s all new characters. The biggest concern I have is – can I do anything but screw the Squad up now? Fan expectations may be high; can I possibly meet them? That’s the risk but that’s also what makes it interesting, isn’t it?

Please tell me this means another Grimjack mini is coming this year.

[Gamma Duck]

I've been unimpressed, disliked or out-and-out hated 99% of what DiDio's done since he came to DC.

Welcome to the 1%.

[Thalya]

I wonder... Does this mean we'll get a Boomerang on the team and have Calculator fill in on the Oracle role this time around?

[holtom2000]

awesome. flag, boomerbutt, just awesome

[Samy Merchi]

There is an extremely limited amount of series that I put more than one issue's worth of money behind. I can count on the fingers of one hand, the times when I've bought more than one copy per issue of a given series.

I will be buying 10 copies of each Ostrander NewSquad issue. Because I feel that strongly about this. Ostrander on the Squad is one of the best things that could happen. It's like having Byrne back on FF or Simonson back on Thor.

[Tony Lee]

Dear Dan Didio.

Thank you for giving me a Christmas present late this year.

Ostrander back on Squad? Sold.

Tony


www.tonylee.co.uk

[wespierce1]

I will be buying 10 copies of each Ostrander NewSquad issue. Because I feel that strongly about this. Ostrander on the Squad is one of the best things that could happen. It's like having Byrne back on FF or Simonson back on Thor.


Right there with you on everything except for the Byrne: FF. If he were to touch that nowadays given his recent histroy, it would be what we army folks call 8 up. He no longer has the knack... Look at all of his recent works to verify that... As for Simonson on Thor... Don't make me drool. Go Ostrander!!!! Go!!!!



Drink Creatine Uniformly!!!! :D

[Drcharles]

Not all that familar with the Suicide Squad, but I wonder how they will interact with the Secret Six since DeadShot is now with the Six ?
I love all Villain Groups, so I may get this series, but it will depend on the artist.

[jpreader]

I can't buy that I'm the only reader who cites Ostrander's Squad, Morrison's Animal Man, and LSHv4 as the mold of my reading habits.

[MichaelBrowning]

Suicide Squad was definitely one of the best comics ever. I have every single issue and they're all good. Ostrander definitely knew what he was doing. His art teams were great, too, with Luke McDonnell doing the first several issues of the run, coming back for a few guest spots, and then John K. Snyder and Geof Isherwood did an awesome job finishing the series.
That was all great stuff. I still love reading those comics and can't hardly wait to read the mini-series!
Mike B.

[DaVeO]

Personally, I'd rather see what John can do with a whole new Squad. Bring back Bronze Tiger and Rick Flag since they've been established in Checkmate, but then give us new villains and 'lost' heroes. Deadshot, Boomerang, Enchantress, Vixen and all were great, but most have moved on to bigger things (or have just moved on :p ).
Let the old Squad be collected in trades (with the complete Janus Directive) but give us a new Suicide Squad for a new age.

[BlackDog]

I'll never forget the storyline where AQUAMAN, BATMAN and SUPERMAN get together to find THE ATOM(Ray Palmer) and wind up fighting the entire SUICIDE SQUAD. It's one of my most endearing, collected issues of Ostrander's Suicide Squad.

I also always loved Ostrander's take on Kobra.

[Akcoll99]

"Out of all the books I’ve ever worked on, the two most requested ones for return have been Suicide Squad and GrimJack…interesting since I’m also going to be doing more GrimJack at about the same time"

You don't know how happy this makes me as a fan. Two of my favorite books of all time by one of my favorite writers of all time, both coming out after too long a hiatus. This year is going to be awesome....:)

[canugrok]

Man, both Suicide Squad AND Grimjack by Ostrander...in the same year?

Really, really great news.

and one thing from the interview: I, for one, don't care if you explore these characters again and again and again. I sincerely doubt I'd ever object to more Grimjack by JO.


I just realized...Grimjack and NEXUS in 2007!!! wow

[Mikeman]

Checkmate was written by Paul Kupperberg, who also helmed Vigilante before that. But yes, Suicide Squad did lay the groundwork for all incarnations of Checkmate as well as the DEO. Ostrander back on SS is the best news post IC I've heard yet! My favorite part of the series was when they went all mercenary for $1 million/mission after issue #41. Best espionage/spy tales ever!

[mikesang]

Man, both Suicide Squad
MIKE HERE
Suicide Squad by Ostrander remains one of my favorite series, damn near perfect. It's great to have Ostrander back on it, but I want to see an ongoing series, not just a mini.
M

[tarjeetb]

[....]Deadshot, Captain Boomerang – to name two – became fan favorite characters during the run.

<b>JO</b>: The story has ties to the past and some of it is set there so you’ll see “classic” Squad members in it. Yeah, that means <i>you</i>, Boomerbutt. So get out of your grave and look sharp. Yer fans are calling.


Boomerang--and most of the classic Flash Rogues--already came back from the dead once. If he can survive getting nuked by Neron, he should be able to shrug off a simple gunshot wound.

[nietoperz]

New Suicide Squad AND new Grimjack! I must have died and gone to heaven! :D

[jedifish]

Looking forward to this one.

[Kolimar]

WOO-HOO!!!

:D :) :) :) :D

[JLAJRC]

Can't wait to read this, although it proabaly means the end of Checkmate pretty soon. There's too many government agencies in the DCU.

I say let Waller somehow imprison the Secret Six, and then simply change the name to SS. Heck, they practically go on SS type missions already.

[SyVyN11]

I don't see a [laughs] there. That mean this is really happening? :eek:

It's that simple, it ain't Suicide Squad without Captain Boomerrang.

Or deadshot (but I think Gail will let him play with John for a spell or two).

[Duke Jupiter]

Whatever happened to Luke McDonnell?

- DJ

[SyVyN11]

MIKE HERE
Suicide Squad by Ostrander remains one of my favorite series, damn near perfect. It's great to have Ostrander back on it, but I want to see an ongoing series, not just a mini.
M

Buy the entire mini, buy two sets. Show DiDio that people will buy it and a ongoing will follow.

[Vazquez]

Already took out the money from my bank account for this. :D

I second the plea for Suicide Squad trades!

[Kolimar]

I'll never forget the storyline where AQUAMAN, BATMAN and SUPERMAN get together to find THE ATOM(Ray Palmer) and wind up fighting the entire SUICIDE SQUAD. It's one of my most endearing, collected issues of Ostrander's Suicide Squad.

Don't forget the Jihad and Hayoth. And the Microforce :D :D

Batman and the Tiger kicking each other's ass. And Judith. Ahh, memories. :D


I also always loved Ostrander's take on Kobra.

Ditto.

[gwangung]

Personally, I'd rather see what John can do with a whole new Squad. Bring back Bronze Tiger and Rick Flag since they've been established in Checkmate, but then give us new villains and 'lost' heroes. Deadshot, Boomerang, Enchantress, Vixen and all were great, but most have moved on to bigger things (or have just moved on :p ).
Let the old Squad be collected in trades (with the complete Janus Directive) but give us a new Suicide Squad for a new age.

Amen!

C'mon, folks, don't complain if it isn't EXACTLY how it was in the '80s...I wanna see Ostrander plays with some NEW toys as well...

[Krypto]

Please click one of the Quick Reply icons in the posts above to activate Quick Reply.

[BriGuy]

Been waiting years for this. Can't wait. I was actually talking with Ostrander at one of those cons when Didio approached him. Very cool.

And, yeah, DC, lets get the first series collected in regular color trade format (No Showcase). I'll even buy the second series in trade too.

[Krypto]

I am so happy! Thanks Dan D and, as has been said, all John's supporters at DC - this is the best news in years.

Now, let's hope that when a monthly follows the mini, a superstar artist isn't put on it, cos I want this book monthly.

Is original penciller Luke McDonnell still up for comics work? Have him stop drawing madly square specs and I'm sold. And bring back inker Karl Kesel - he could even write the odd fill-in.

[Haterade]

Anyone who loves the original series has to be pleased that the ORIGINAL Captain Boomerang is back... Not his putz son with the "Members Only" Jacket and soul patch. Feh. One of Geoff Johns' rare lame misses in terms of re-booting a character.

The lethal coward that is Digger Harkness is BACK, baby! In all his craven glory!

Oh, and Deadshot's cool too.

[dalegon]

DC making all the right moves recently

Dave Gibbons is back, so is Marv Wolfman and Dan Jurgens and now John Ostrander.

If only they get Roger Stern on a monthly .........

[hawkeyefan]

Can't wait for this. I remember reading this series as a kid because my older brother was into it, but I didn't really like it as much as he did. A couple years later, I got the entire run together and read it straight through. Awesome. Way ahead of its time. I can only imagine what kind of stories about the Squad we'll get these days....

Also....how great is it to see a thread where about 99.9% of the posts are positive. When was the last time that happened? Impressive.

[Deadshot77]

I'd love to see Luke back, too. Not sure if he is retired, tho, but he was the quintessential Squad artist. His style was perfect for the title.
With the Squad members spread out, it'd be cool to have John bring some home. He's not going to get them all, but blending some old with new is necessary to get the same feel with the characters we already remember, know & love.
And hopefully the old Logo will return as well.

But hell, John is back! That's the most important key, so no matter what, this has me geeked.

[Rebis]

I, too, wonder where Luke McD. is these days. Who's got the answer?

Also, does anyone know if John Ostrander still lives in Chicago?

[xandro]

Whatever happened to Luke McDonnell?I'm guessing he does children's books and comics (http://www.lukemcdonnell.com/) now. I *know* this is his art style (http://www.lukemcdonnell.com/sharkbook/splash.html).

Luke was the reason why I picked up Suicide Squad in the first place since I liked his work on the last issues of Justice League of America, and was happy to see him put in one page in JLofA#0.

I wouldn't mind seeing more of Geof Isherwood (http://www.geofisherwood.com/)'s stuff again either.

[John Cage]

The original Suicide Squad finished around the time I got into comics, but I've been reading back issues and I'm glad the SS is getting some love from DC. It's a great concept and I'm glad DC brought back Mr. Ostrander to write a new series. Hopefully it leads to an ongoing and the long-overdue collected editions of the original series.

Have a good day.
John Cage

[OM]

...Man, this is fantastic news! Didio's finally doing something right WRT a series relaunch. This is almost as good as a certain fan favorite returning to Iron Man.

Yeah, I'll let Matty announce that one, even though I just sent him the info. Surprisingly, Rich Johnston didn't spoil either of these...:p

[grendel824]

I can't buy that I'm the only reader who cites Ostrander's Squad, Morrison's Animal Man, and LSHv4 as the mold of my reading habits.

Reading habits? Hell, they were the mold for some of my WRITING habits. At least now I know once I finally get something published I'll have a chance at having at least one fan...

[Crusader K]

Oh HELL yes! Flawed characters with selfish desires, international and political intrigue, the good guys trying to make sense of the bad guys, the Wall . . .!

You can sign me up for this right now!

[RAB]

This is legitimately the most exciting comics news in the past 10 years. I've all but stopped buying comics save for 2-3 titles, but I always have, and always will, buy anything Squad related because of Ostrander's run. I still take it out and re-read it from rather often (DC - PLEASE!! give us collected editions...my individual issues can't take much more!), and have yet to really find an ongoing since that compares in quality with the Ostrander Suicide Squad.

Thank you, Mr. Ostrander. Thank you, DC.

[beetle1million]

I can't buy that I'm the only reader who cites Ostrander's Squad, Morrison's Animal Man, and LSHv4 as the mold of my reading habits.

If you add in a crap load of Silver Age Superman, actually, that's exactly the mold I'd use for my reading habits. At least comic book wise.

[beetle1million]

I got a chance to meet Ostrander a year or so ago at a convention. It was really cool; I've never been so nervous about meeting a guy who writes comics, because his were the first comics that I connected with fully on a "mature" level, and they've had an incredible impact on how I read, how I write, how I watch movies and tv...

And the fact that he's known Rick Flag was alive all these years is amazing, especially given the series went, what, almost fifty issues after Rick "died", with multiple teases that he was alive always leading us to realize he was, of course, dead. Ostrander may have just given the single greatest Newsarama-interview tease I've ever read.

I do have my doubts on Boomer's ressurection, though. Not because I wouldn't love to see Ostrander write the little bastard again, but because he just doesn't feel like a character who should be brought back from the dead a second time. Of course, I doubt it will be simple or straight forward, and I'll most likely be won over.

And maybe we'll finally, just possibly, see how Barbara and Bruce got back on speaking terms after she told him to go screw himself when she was with the Squad? And why Waller got back into the nasty game after her decision to quit it at the end of Squad?

[PoisonElf]

I remember when he taught the writing class at the Joe Kubert School about 3 years ago...

It's good to see he's back in the limelight.

[ThatNickGuy]

I'd also like to throw my hat in to politely ask for full-color trades of the old Squad stuff. The Showcases are great and all, but this series deserves the full treatment!

[kcekada]

Looking forward to this.

And Ostrander should commandeer Nightshade and Enchantress from Shadowpact. Willingham has no idea who these characters are -- and they are actually boring in his title.

[SwanShadow]

Whatever happened to Luke McDonnell?

The talented Luke McD. is very much alive, well, and still creating fantastic work. Here's a recent commission he did for me (http://www.comicartfans.com/GalleryPiece.asp?Page=1&Order=Date&Piece=214392&GSub=22104&GCat=0&UCat=0), featuring -- not coincidentally -- a Suicide Squad veteran.

I wouldn't mind seeing more of Geof Isherwood's stuff again either.

Then you'll probably enjoy this recent Suicide Squad commission (http://www.comicartfans.com/GalleryPiece.asp?Page=1&Order=Date&Piece=110613&GSub=7433&GCat=0&UCat=0), created for me by the phenomenal Mr. Isherwood.

For me, it's just not the Squad without either of these gentlemen pushing the pencil. But I'm glad to see Ostrander writing the scripts once again.

[gwangung]

I do have my doubts on Boomer's ressurection, though. Not because I wouldn't love to see Ostrander write the little bastard again, but because he just doesn't feel like a character who should be brought back from the dead a second time.

Given that we KNOW he's done some time travelling, do we really know exactly at what point in his life this Squad's Boomerbutt is at?

[theodoros2]

I'd also like to throw my hat in to politely ask for full-color trades of the old Squad stuff. The Showcases are great and all, but this series deserves the full treatment!

John Ostrander is one of my favorite writers. Spectre is one character that he gave new life. LOVE his S.Squad. But I don't expect to see any TPBs from the old Squad. The issues are so cheap in the net that everyone can buy them in affortable price.

I don't think DC will publish any trade paperbacks of SSquad.
(Then again I bought Morrison's Animal Man for 1$ each issue).

So, everyone, try some Squad from the quarter bin. They are so well written! And affortable!

Of course I'll buy this new limited series and I won't wait the TPB!

[Floyd Lawton]

Hell yes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! HELL YES!!!!!!!!!! damn Im happy.

[bcwflash]

Loved the Squad from Legends and into their own series.
Boomerang and Deadshot ruled at the time. I am also a Plastique fan and hope her charcater can be made a star and survive this current team.
Secret Six vs A Suicide Squad would be very interesting.

[olokin]

If they cancel Outsiders ('cause it sucks!) this would be a good place for a few of those guys -- Boomer, Shift, Katana, Grace. They could either get brought up on charges for some stuff they did during the missing year or some could be non criminal members like Vixen, Shade, etc...

As far as trades go, at least put out the Janus Directive as a collection. I think I finally tracked them all down, but its a real pain getting them all together to read that story. What was it, 13 chapters? I'd pay 29.95 for that if it was in color.

Edit: For more Ostrander, check out the Clone Wars trades or any issues of Republic with Quinlin Vos. Same artist as Legacy (which is great). For more Duursema, check out Arion, Lord of Atlantis for super cheap =P. Shes pretty good, I've always dug her Star Wars stuff, but thats the only thing from the Big Two I've noticed her on. Has she done more DC or Marvel Stuff?
Also, did Ostrander write the original Checkmate? I've only read a few issues, but it seemed alot wordier/slower than Suicide Squad. The new Checkmate feels like a much better companion. I wonder if he will reference that 12 issue Suicide Squad from a few years ago. Alot of fun, but not on the same level.

I can't believe any DC fan isn't excited about this/is suprised by the fan response! This is the coolest DC news since JSA #1!!!

Duursema had a nice X-factor run too. its also available on the cheap.

[Hawkangel]

So, I have to ask...if Amanda Waller is in Checkmate, Enchantress is in Shadowpact and Deadshot is in Secret Six, are any of them going to appear in the Squad?
Sorry if this has been answered in this thread.
BTW, here's my 5 cents (we don't have 2 cent pieces in Australia anymore) worth to vote for a new colour Suicide Squad TPB.

[Xomrub]

Ok, it's interesting to see that Suicide Squad is coming back roughly when Thunderbolts are being revisited by Marvel to be...a kind of suicide squad. I fail to see major differences between the books. Originally Thunderbolts was different, as they were villains trying to look like heroes in order to take over, but now, with the new direction thunderbolts has, it sure looks quite similar to suicide squad.

[Titansmaster]

This was hands down my FAVORITE title during the time it was published.

I am glad that this revival is wisely being handed to Ostrander. Now I think I am gonna dig out those old issues and begin re-reading them.

Now is the could get Luke Ross on the artwork.....

As a side note, there is not a series that I have read by Mr. Ostrander that has not been excellent. He is one of the few writers to this day that I follow only based on his name and reputation. At this point be could probably write an Atom Ant limited series with a crappy artist and I would buy it on his reputation.

[MichaelBrowning]

I'd love to see Luke back, too. Not sure if he is retired, tho, but he was the quintessential Squad artist. His style was perfect for the title.
With the Squad members spread out, it'd be cool to have John bring some home. He's not going to get them all, but blending some old with new is necessary to get the same feel with the characters we already remember, know & love.
And hopefully the old Logo will return as well.

But hell, John is back! That's the most important key, so no matter what, this has me geeked.

Luke still does commission work. I've bought a couple commissions from him. His art is better now than ever and he actually drew a page in the recent Justice League of America 0 (Brad Meltzer owns the page... I tried to buy it, but it was already promised to him...).
Luke defined the look of the Suicide Squad. He's definitely one of the most underrated artists in comics. His style really set a great mood on Suicide Squad. Of course, he was inked by the great Karl Kesel and that helped, too!
I own several of Luke's covers, including three Suicide Squad covers and a nice Deadshot commission. Go to:
http://www.comicartfans.com/GalleryRoom.asp?GSub=12513
Also, here's a link to a Karl Kesel Suicide Squad cover:
http://www.comicartfans.com/GalleryRoom.asp?GSub=13048
To me, this ranks right up there with Sandman and Starman as one of the greatest series by a single writer ever published.
Suicide Squad definitely needs to be reprinted in trade paperback. In color, DC, although, I would accept a black and white Showcase edition if that's all I can get...
Mike B.

[rouge2]

Looking forward to this.

And Ostrander should commandeer Nightshade and Enchantress from Shadowpact. Willingham has no idea who these characters are -- and they are actually boring in his title.

Couldn't agree more. Bring them "Home".

[Superfrick]

MEMO TO DC COMICS

Subject: Ostrander and Yale's SUICIDE SQUAD

Dear DC --

Trade paperbacks -- in color, not this "Showcase" nonsense -- starting with #1. Make it happen. Today.

Warmest regards,

Your Consumer Base

Dear DC comics. I'll happily take showcase volumes of suicide squad :)

[Dave Phelps]

I do have my doubts on Boomer's ressurection, though. Not because I wouldn't love to see Ostrander write the little bastard again, but because he just doesn't feel like a character who should be brought back from the dead a second time. Of course, I doubt it will be simple or straight forward, and I'll most likely be won over.


If I'm reading the article right, the Boomer appearance is a flashback (or an untold tale, rather), not a resurrection.

[Andy E. Nystrom]

I'm not normally big on resurrections but Captain Boomerang I'd make an exception with. Given that DCU characters don't age in real time, the character in Identity Crisis looked too old to be him. Not to mention too careless. Remember, this is a character who in the Silver Age convinced the Flash some crooks were his parents, and tossed a boomerang through time to steal jewels so he could have an alibi. So even before John Ostrander got ahold of him he was a manipulative bastard. When John *did* get ahold of him he posed as Mirror Master to commit crimes and later backstabbed the Adam Cray version of the Atom. Having him die taking the direct approach like in Identity Crisis doesn't seem his style. So even with the kid it smells like imposter.

--Andy EN

[Scott Mateo]

This would be a GREAT home for Ray Palmer! Afterall, he *does* still owe Waller a favor and since there's a new Atom in Ivy Town...

[Hap Collins]

Best news I've heard all week...

[Dr.Sexy]

I gotta admit, unlike most of the people here, I seem to be one of the few who hated Ostrander's recent run on Batman. The introduction of the character of "Grotesque" was just....a bit forced and kinda cheesy. It was very reminiscent of a 90's storyline, where it was all about the fight and not about the motivation. When it did have motivation, it was forced by adding people into the back story of Bruce Wayne that we had never even seen/heard from before in such a way that made it seem like we should have. I may check out Suicide Squad, however, because so many people seem to like his work and friends of mine dig his work on GrimJack, not impressed on his run on recent Batman, however.

[Arion]

MEMO TO DC COMICS

Subject: Ostrander and Yale's SUICIDE SQUAD

Dear DC --

Trade paperbacks -- in color, not this "Showcase" nonsense -- starting with #1. Make it happen. Today.

Warmest regards,

Your Consumer Base

I think it is about time to get Ostrander's run in trade.

[MichaelBrowning]

While we're talking about great John Ostrander works like Suicide Squad, why not demand that Spectre, Firestorm and Manhunter be released in trade paperbacks? Marvel has the collections like the Peter David Hulk, the McFarlane Spider-Man, the Lee X-Men ... why couldn't DC have the Ostrander Suicide Squad, the Ostrander Firestorm, the Ostrander Manhunter, the Ostrander Spectre and the Ostrander Martian Manhunter (a much underrated series, too)?
I think they all deserve to be brought back in trade paperbacks. I know I'd love to have them on my bookshelf.
Mike B.

[damienwhiter]

why couldn't DC have the Ostrander Suicide Squad, the Ostrander Firestorm, the Ostrander Manhunter, the Ostrander Spectre and the Ostrander Martian Manhunter (a much underrated series, too)?
I think they all deserve to be brought back in trade paperbacks. I know I'd love to have them on my bookshelf.
Mike B.

I'd love to have them too, but it's the Ostrander and Yale SS and Manhunter.

[PaulBertges]

I will join the chorus singing the praises of this writer. He has been absent from DC for too long. It seems obvious to me that DC needs to make his earlier work available to fans who may have missed it (or like me want to have it in handy volumes). I think that SS and the Spectre (beyond the one volume from way back) are musts! His stories were as well written and entertaining as Moore, Morrison and Miller at the time. Finally someone everyone can agree upon. Great news.

[HNutz]

It wasn't one of the books I read when I was younger, but I've really enjoyed picking up back issues and reading them for the first time now. I'm definately gonna try out the mini and would really like some trades one of these days!

[Snarf5181]

I gotta admit, unlike most of the people here, I seem to be one of the few who hated Ostrander's recent run on Batman. The introduction of the character of "Grotesque" was just....a bit forced and kinda cheesy. It was very reminiscent of a 90's storyline, where it was all about the fight and not about the motivation. When it did have motivation, it was forced by adding people into the back story of Bruce Wayne that we had never even seen/heard from before in such a way that made it seem like we should have. I may check out Suicide Squad, however, because so many people seem to like his work and friends of mine dig his work on GrimJack, not impressed on his run on recent Batman, however.

Eh, your not alone, I didn't even bother picking them up. I'll be back when Morrison is. His Suicide Squad, however, is one of the best complete series I've ever read. I'd be hard-pressed to find another series that was that consistent for 66 issues. Hamas GI Joe maybe. JSA maybe.

[whitemarkd]

I gotta admit, unlike most of the people here, I seem to be one of the few who hated Ostrander's recent run on Batman.
Funny, I haven't heard anyone say they liked it until this thread. But everything else I've read from John rocks.

[grendel824]

While I'm excited for this series and can't wait to read it, I'm afraid it's gonna ruin my epic Suicide Squad pitch for when I eventually become a saleable writing commodity (and poor Kite-Man has already been knocked off, and my first "issue" really made you love the guy before he gets shot in the face). I had "Rick Flag" leading the team for about a year's worth of stories before we find out that it's actually Nemesis using his identity to deal with his failure in a previous incarnation of leading the squad where he basically got everybody killed and/or maimed. I usually hate listening to "fan-fic" stories in my local comic shop, but I was surprised that I actually drew a crowd while going over my SS ideas with a potential artist collaborator and had people asking where they could buy the trades of these non-existent stories. Well, at least I know some of my ideas on on-track... here's hoping... but for now I'm gonna focus on novel and TV writing (so I can take the eventual pay cut to return to my one true love...)

[Dr.Sexy]

Funny, I haven't heard anyone say they liked it until this thread. But everything else I've read from John rocks.
Good thing. I'll definitely check out Suicide Squad now. Thanks for the recommend. SS is an awesome premise, but I was leary due to my current exposure in the current 6 issue arc in Batman. I stopped reading the last issue cause I just thought it was *that bad*. It's nice to see some writers really hit or miss like that, though.

[JediMaster]

While we're talking about great John Ostrander works like Suicide Squad, why not demand that Spectre, Firestorm and Manhunter be released in trade paperbacks? Marvel has the collections like the Peter David Hulk, the McFarlane Spider-Man, the Lee X-Men ... why couldn't DC have the Ostrander Suicide Squad, the Ostrander Firestorm, the Ostrander Manhunter, the Ostrander Spectre and the Ostrander Martian Manhunter (a much underrated series, too)?
I think they all deserve to be brought back in trade paperbacks. I know I'd love to have them on my bookshelf.
Mike B.

I agree wholeheartedly! Much of those issues I no longer have (and, in some cases, there are gaps in my runs), so I'd love to have all of these runs collected in trade format! It would be so sweet to read these again!

Ostrander is one of the best writers in comics, bar none. His current run on Star Wars: Legacy is the best stuff set in the SW Universe in ages

[SMARTASS8]

Looking forward to this.

And Ostrander should commandeer Nightshade and Enchantress from Shadowpact. Willingham has no idea who these characters are -- and they are actually boring in his title.

I'm enjoying Shadowpact, but if we get Enchantress in her witch's hat again, I'd be in favor of her going to Suicide Squad.

[SMARTASS8]

Ok, it's interesting to see that Suicide Squad is coming back roughly when Thunderbolts are being revisited by Marvel to be...a kind of suicide squad. I fail to see major differences between the books. Originally Thunderbolts was different, as they were villains trying to look like heroes in order to take over, but now, with the new direction thunderbolts has, it sure looks quite similar to suicide squad.

I'll agree that it seems to be more than a coincidence, but:

1)Suicide Squad has been around for 20 years through 2 series; it's not a rip-off.

2)Suicide Squad makes more sense, within its respective Universe's history, what with it being done without superhero support, and being monitored by an agent of the government.
Thunderbolts has long time heroes like Iron Man, Hank Pym, and Mr. Fantastic supporting a team run by a psychopath who has killed(or attempted to kill) and "molested" teenagers in favor over their superhero friends due to a new law.

[Vazquez]

Oh yeah, and when you make the trades for the excellent earlier Suicide Squad run, please include all specials, and crossover issues with other titles (Janus Directive) Not asking too much is it. ;)

[holtom2000]

they were foreshadowing the return of the suicide squad way back in jsa 76 or so when waller approached atom smasher behind bars
they should also put out a trade collecting the four-issue deadshot miniseries, and then throw in the suicide/doom patrol one shot and or the suicide squad annual

[Crapgame13]

as an avid fan of both T-Bolts and the Ostrander SS I'll give you the major differences I see in both.

T-Bolts, they're putting in a bunch of established "kewl" villains (Bullseye, Venom, Green Goblin) to jack up sales. The original run and the re-vamp were more like the Squad, taking a bunch of losers and nobodies and making them mean something.

to me, I'd rather watch Blizzard struggle with his identity than see Mac Gargan's Venom.

Ostrander's SS plays more like the first season of "The Wire" with the characters stuck between who they are (the bad guys) and dealing with crappy bureaucratic red tape and underhanded meddling (Flag, Tiger, Nemesis, Nightshade).

the stories are deeper and more thought out and were interweaved with real political intrigue. There were office politics in the SS, which led to tense and comedic moment. Every character had a different motivation for being there, which also made it more interesting.

Ostrander's Suicide Squad was never about the body count unlike Giffen's run. In fact, I'd re-name it "Task Force X"

[holtom2000]

Ostrander also made us care about D-list characters

[Snarf5181]

Oh, and the Deadshot mini was fun too, just recently got it. Can't wait to get my last 2 issues of SS, should be here late next week! (23 & 59 to be exact)

[MichaelBrowning]

as an avid fan of both T-Bolts and the Ostrander SS I'll give you the major differences I see in both.

T-Bolts, they're putting in a bunch of established "kewl" villains (Bullseye, Venom, Green Goblin) to jack up sales. The original run and the re-vamp were more like the Squad, taking a bunch of losers and nobodies and making them mean something.

to me, I'd rather watch Blizzard struggle with his identity than see Mac Gargan's Venom.

Don't you think Marvel's putting cool characters into ALL its super teams? Look at Avengers... when sales fall, add Wolverine and Spider-Man, two characters who should have stayed as far away from the Avengers as possible...
One of my favorite parts of Ostrander's SS was that it used characters nobody cared about and Ostrander and Yale made you get into their lives and really care about each of them. Who really cared about Captain Boomerang before Ostrander gave him such a great personality in SS? Probably not even the most hardcore Flash fan...
I know Marvel has to sell books, but Suicide Squad proved it can be done with B and even C list characters, so the House of Ideas should try that approach...
I'm glad DC isn't doing that, otherwise we'd see Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman and Lobo in the new incarnation of the SS.
Mike B.

[grendel824]

Who really cared about Captain Boomerang before Ostrander gave him such a great personality in SS? Probably not even the most hardcore Flash fan...


Um... Mark Waid might have something to say about that... but otherwise, you're right on. I'm still gonna get a kick out of Thunderbolts, though.

[bcwflash]

I cared about Cpt. Boomerang
In fact i bought any appearance he made.
I do the same with all Flash Rogues but Boomer was one of my fav's of the Rouges.

[Deadshot77]

Luke still does commission work. I've bought a couple commissions from him. His art is better now than ever and he actually drew a page in the recent Justice League of America 0 (Brad Meltzer owns the page... I tried to buy it, but it was already promised to him...).
Luke defined the look of the Suicide Squad. He's definitely one of the most underrated artists in comics. His style really set a great mood on Suicide Squad. Of course, he was inked by the great Karl Kesel and that helped, too!
I own several of Luke's covers, including three Suicide Squad covers and a nice Deadshot commission. Go to:
http://www.comicartfans.com/GalleryRoom.asp?GSub=12513
Also, here's a link to a Karl Kesel Suicide Squad cover:
http://www.comicartfans.com/GalleryRoom.asp?GSub=13048
To me, this ranks right up there with Sandman and Starman as one of the greatest series by a single writer ever published.
Suicide Squad definitely needs to be reprinted in trade paperback. In color, DC, although, I would accept a black and white Showcase edition if that's all I can get...
Mike B.

Awesome, dude. Thanks for sharing the links. Some of those covers, it was nice to see them again, it's been a while. I have to dig up my collection. Prolly won't get to reread them until I move. Good to hear Luke, Geoff & Karl seem to be doing well. I'd love to see them all on the title again, even if it's for fill-ins. It'd be awesome for all us old school fans.

[JamesJesse]

Has there been any update on this news?

Like, when will the new series start, who'll be its artist and who might make the team?

I read somewhere that Atom Smasher, Bronze Tiger, Rick Flag and Multiplex are among the members.

Bueller?

;)

[Haterade]

While I'm excited for this series and can't wait to read it, I'm afraid it's gonna ruin my epic Suicide Squad pitch for when I eventually become a saleable writing commodity (and poor Kite-Man has already been knocked off, and my first "issue" really made you love the guy before he gets shot in the face). I had "Rick Flag" leading the team for about a year's worth of stories before we find out that it's actually Nemesis using his identity to deal with his failure in a previous incarnation of leading the squad where he basically got everybody killed and/or maimed. I usually hate listening to "fan-fic" stories in my local comic shop, but I was surprised that I actually drew a crowd while going over my SS ideas with a potential artist collaborator and had people asking where they could buy the trades of these non-existent stories. Well, at least I know some of my ideas on on-track... here's hoping... but for now I'm gonna focus on novel and TV writing (so I can take the eventual pay cut to return to my one true love...)

That sounds truly dreadful. And Nemesis disguised as Rick Flag because he's such a loser and a wuss he has to take another B-list heroes identity? How does that make ANY sense? And why would anyone care? The mystery or RONIN is more compelling-- which is to say, not at all.

I pray these stories of your remain "non-existent." Leave the Squad writing to Ostrander, thank you.