REVIEW: Suicide Squad: Dream Team #4
Suicide Squad: Dream Team #4, “Dreams Die” is the final devastating installment of this mini-series that leads directly into ‘Absolute Power’. More than one jaw dropping moment happens throughout this issue as the depth of Waller’s villainy is on full display. Even more heartbreaking is the after effects this issue might have on Dreamer as her decisions could easily haunt her forever.
The standard cover is by Eddy Barrows, Eber Ferreira, and Adriano Lucas. For as gruesome as the image suggests, it’s kind of fun to see the title sequence used as part of the caution tape. Honestly, this scene is perfect for the finale of this series as there is a definite end to some character’s stories while Waller’s is just getting started. Plus, things get as dark as the cover suggests. This is definitely not a book that ends with a positive outlook.
Sweeney Boo wraps up her cross hair spotlighted variants with a double shot of Deadeye and Traci 13. Their costumes really work with the pleasing aesthetic of the black on red color scheme. These variants have been a great thematic concept throughout the series and it’s great she was able to get most of the team done up this way.
For those that might not know, Dreamer is a trans hero brought to life by a trans woman, so it’s very fitting to have her showcased on the Pride variant by Fatima Wajid. Although the series may not be as triumphant for Dreamer as this cover would suggest, the entire creative team should feel a more traditional sense of pride with how stellar this series, and cover, turned out.
Eddy Barrows and Eber Ferreira, along with Colorist Adriano Lucas, finish strong as the interior art team. They absolutely deliver on the epic nature and heighten emotional weight of this story. Not a dull scene can be found and the desperation of Dreamer trying to find a way to stop Waller is palpable. There’s also real visual acknowledgement of how much stronger Dreamer’s powers have become since the first issue as their wavey, psychedelic-ness has faded by this issue’s end. It’s an issue you’ll need to pace yourself on as several shocking scenes will have you questioning if it really happened.
It can’t be said enough how amazing Nicole Maines, lettered by Becca Carey, has executed this entire series. This issue in particular presents the previously addressed philosophical/moral debate between Dreamer and Waller in a visual a visceral way. Maines has had the pleasure of bringing Dreamer into the realm of comics through several short stories and event involvements over the years. The guts to place a character you’ve helped create and solely navigated into the DCU in the position Dreamer now finds herself is commendable on its own, but to also set up the extremely high stakes that will be “Absolute Power” is outstanding.
It’s safe to say Maines has really shown off her writing talents with this book and, in my opinion, has proven Dreamer’s importance and relevance to the greater DCU. Without spoiling too much, this issue doesn’t have a well wrapped ending but rather acts as a true prologue for what’s to come. It’s also a true Suicide Squad story as a surprising member of the team doesn’t survive to the final page. If ‘Absolute Power’ is half as good as this prologue has been, we’re in for one heck of an event that could really have lasting affects.
(10/10) I can tell I’ll be gushing and raving about this book, and series as a whole, for a long time. It blew away any kind of expectations I could’ve possibly had and delivered a truly thought provoking story with plenty of fun interactions, amazing drama, and spectacular action sequences. Also, I need more Harley and Dreamer hijinks in my life, just saying.
