Grimlock ♥ Ultra Magnus

Except tha this says it's to be continued in the mini-series, and that's already mostly - if not completely - out in the world.   Why are all these other criminals so eager to go up against Amanda Waller?

Well, you find out in this issue.   It makes perfect sense and the Amanda here is cold and calculating, just as I remember her from the original series.   And she really is the only Squad regular here.   (Well, there is  Rustam, But I don't really consider him one of the core members: he wasn't there from the beginning of the original series, and I don't feel like he stuck around as long as most of the members have.)

This was a compulsive read in which I wanted to know what happened and how it tied into the events I already knew were coming.   It didn't give conclusive answers, but between the first issue of The Squad versus the League and this issue, well, it was obvious.   So it made that connection without having to read the series, it was fun, it was full of action, and it was just so much fun, I didn't mind not hanging out with my normal crew for a month.   I am hoping that next issue gets back to Deadshot and Killer Croc and Harley Quinn, but I was happy enough to read this story.   

Also, it looks like Jim Lee either is not penciling this series, or he took a month off.   (And no judgement on either: for those who aren't familiar with comics, this happens a lot.   Many times an artist will leave only when the writer does, and vice versa, but that is not always the case.   An artist can get burned out on too many projects, can get exclusive contracts, or like Jim Lee, you are co-publisher at DC.*  In the second case, there are often times pencilers who step in for an issue - or two - for multiple reasons.   The artist may be burned out, may have an emergency they have to deal with, or it can be a crossover related issue.   For example, this could be tied to the League vs. Squad miniseries or event**, although I don't remember who the artist was on that off the top of my head.   He may have stepped in for some tie-ins, though.   For the burnout, yeah, it happens more than you'd expect.   Sometimes artists just need a month or two off and from what I've seen, comic companies are fairly understanding.   There's an issue or two with a different artist, then the regular artist again - and they can stay on the title until it's cancelled after that.  What I mean is, there don't appear to be repercussions.)

Back to the main Jim Lee point - and there was one.   I've been told that due to his heavy workload, the backstories were created so Lee only had to do half or so an issue per month.   Fair.    He's co-publisher.  Of the entire, and hugely successful, comic company that puts these out.   Still, I found the backstories compelling and I looked forward to them as much as I did the main storylines.   That being said, I had flipped to the back to see who was highlighted in this issue and found no backstory.   Frowning, I started from the beginning.   And found that by the end, I had been so wrapped up in the story, I'd forgotten about my earlier disappointment.  I didn't need that backstory, but I'd grown attached enough to think I'd sorely miss it.   I would have if this story wasn't so brilliant.   (And yes, thank you, for using current political issues, but hiding them behind a faux country.   It was sill enough to see what this series was intended to be: a political reflection of the real world.)   

In other words, I really, really loved this issue!

*Guys, he co-oversees everything at DC.   What's really surprising is that he had the time and energy to even do this in the first place. 

**Spider-Man vs. Deadpool did a fun event where they had different writers and artists for a couple issues away from the main storyline.   So it was fun, but not tied into a larger event.   That can happen, too.   Point is: there's a lot of stuff that can happen and Jim Lee may or may not be back.   I'm okay with either one.   Love Lee's art, but I love a lot of comic book artists and the work they create.  I'm confident DC will pick someone suitable as a replacement - or I know they have if this artist continues - if Lee is no longer on the title.