DC’s dive into the anime world through Suicide Squad Isekai is every comic book fan’s dream come true. A fun-filled beginning for a show directed toward the bizarre nature of a team of misfits. If the anime had to be described in one word, it would be fun. The story isn’t one to rush but takes its time. However, it is made sure that the pacing isn’t slow either.
Releasing the first three episodes at the same time gave them the advantage of an extended time while establishing the world and story with balance. While there is nothing too over the top about the anime, it is most definitely a fun entry to watch for all those fans who need something new and relaxing.
Suicide Squad Isekai Sets the Foundation
Episode 1 of Suicide Squad Isekai dives right into Harley and Joker’s story as they are driving away from the cops. The entire sequence is thrilling and showcases in the most subtle way possible about how their relationship really is. From them escaping to then being ambushed at a bar, things escalate pretty quickly with the series not sparing a glance and jumping right into things.
Parallely, Amanda Waller is shown attempting to open a portal, or gate, to a different world, making the Isekai part concrete. Although Warner Bros. takes the liberty of making Harley a fangirl, constantly referencing shows and movies whose rights are also owned by the same studio. While Harley manages to escape most of the cops and Joker flees the scene, she gets caught by Katana.
It is then shown as to how the infamous Amanda Waller collects her criminals, sending them to an unknown world with no information whatsoever, except for the fact that they have no choice but to save the world. Her entire gathering and execution is similar to any other Suicide Squad movie but, the twist comes when they discover that they are in another world altogether.
New World, New Powers, Old Enemies
It is Clayface who acts like an absolute weeb, knowing the ins and outs of what an Isekai even is. In a way, he breaks the fourth wall and helps others do it too. Once they reach the world, they immediately get thrown into the prison. Angered by this, Clayface takes it upon himself to get out of there no matter what. However, this is where a glance at the magic system of the new world comes into play. It can subdue the metahuman powers, and by the looks of it, most of the kingdom ran on magic in some way or another.
It is an amusing clash of their modernity and the new, unknown world’s medieval setting. While the first episode takes its time in bringing out the characters, the second dives into the most fascinating prison brawl. Messing with the Suicide Squad isn’t the easier task and the ogres learn about it the hard way. Things get even better when they combine their forces to revolt against the prison guards, enthralling their own escape.
Language barriers happen to be a big obstacle, so when they find someone else speaking their own tongue, it is both a sigh of relief and restraint for them. This person happens to be none other than Rick Flag, completing the Suicide Squad.
Stronger Together but More Chaotic Together
Their own abilities and powers seem to be affected by the world with Clayface being the most prominent example. In his own, dramatic fashion, he expresses how although in their world he can only manipulate the clay of his own body, in this world, he has access to any and all kinds of clay as long as there is enough moisture to support him. Harley too notices certain peculiar things about the magic and how its different for them.
It is also revealed that theirs wasn’t the first squad to go in, with Rick Flag’s previous team long since gone astray. Amongst the lot was Katana and Ratcatcher being introduced in the third episode. With Harley, Clayface, King Shark, Rick Flag, Peacemaker, and Deadshot all together; they make a chaotic but strong team.
Princess Fione seems to be a voice of reason amongst the people of the kingdom, noticing the harshness of her own privilege as compared to the suffering of her people. As a result, she sought out the squad to help save her world. However, their goal is simple, make it to the gate on time so that the timers on their bombs can be reset.
Rating: 8.5/10
Suicide Squad Isekai is available to watch on Max.
