When compiling a list of characters who would be associated with the Suicide Squad, Superboy’s name would probably not be on it. Actually, Superboy might be the very last person fans would expect to see assembling the team, but that is exactly what is happening this April in Suicide Squad #2 by writer Robbie Thompson and artist Eduardo Pansica.
Starting in March, DC begins a line-wide relaunch under the banner of Infinite Frontier. Fans will see the debut of a new Swamp Thing, a new Justice League line-up, as well as an all-new Suicide Squad. The concept is still the same: Amanda Waller brings together villains and anti-heroes and offers them pardons in exchange for doing the United States government’s dirty work. If they even think of getting out of line or escaping, Waller can kill them instantly. In Infinite Frontier, Waller needs a new Suicide Squad, and Peacemaker (a Squad stalwart) and Superboy are her prime recruits.
In addition to Superboy and the Peacemaker, Waller wants to recruit Talon, the former assassin of the Court of Owls, to the Squad as well. Unfortunately for her, Talon is locked away in Arkham Asylum—one of the most heavily secured facilities in the DC Universe, so Waller sends Superboy in to retrieve him. This poses a dilemma to Superboy: does he want to get his hands dirty assisting Waller, even if doing so will save innocent lives? Check out the cover art and solicit info for Suicide Squad #2 below:
While Superboy may at first seem to be an odd choice for the Suicide Squad, there is no denying his powers - which include most of Superman’s and then some - would be a great asset to the team. His sense of morals and ethics would normally prevent him from assisting Waller and the Squad, so how exactly does Waller even get him under her control in the first place? She is a formidable person, and is capable of steam-rolling heroes and villains alike, but what could she have on Superboy to get him under her thumb? There have always been questions about his origin and where he came from, so perhaps Waller has some insight into that?
Placing an unassuming character such as Superboy front and center in a new Suicide Squad title is a bold move on DC’s part and proves that Infinite Frontier will indeed shake up the status quo. While Superboy is assisting Waller and the Squad for now, his code of ethics may lead him to leave the team—which for a team like Suicide Squad, is oftentimes easier said than done.
