DC Comics Debuts New Suicide Squad with An Even Darker Twist

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A new team of villains, even more dangerous than the original Suicide Squad, has emerged. Now in its second year, the Absolute Universe is facing increasingly serious threats. A powerful and ruthless group, the Justice League, has formed – comprised of characters like Veronica Cale and the Joker – to stop the growing number of heroes who challenge their dominance. However, while they’re working together, each member also has their own secret plans for dealing with the heroes causing them trouble.

Cale has been trying to eliminate Wonder Woman ever since she defeated the Tetracide. When Wonder Woman inspired a revolt among the prisoners in Cale’s magical prison, Cale escalated her efforts. She delved into the highest levels of government, searching for powerful individuals like Zatanna who could defeat Wonder Woman. Now, Cale is deploying her Suicide Squad, and she’s ensuring their obedience with a terrifyingly original weapon – something far more dangerous than a simple explosive collar.

The Absolute Suicide Squad is Here (Along with Absolute Starro)

The latest issue of Absolute Wonder Woman, written by Kelly Thompson with art by Hayden Sherman, Jordie Bellaire, and Becca Carey, starts with a sense of calm, but Wonder Woman feels something ominous approaching. Unbeknownst to her, Veronica Cale is already plotting her next move against the Amazonian princess. Deep within Area 41, Cale is overseeing a disturbing experiment: a metahuman prisoner is undergoing surgery to have a parasite implanted in their neck. While the creature isn’t identified by name, a container nearby holds a starfish-shaped monster that looks eerily familiar.

Okay, so it is Starro’s tech, but Cale has a really different plan than just mind control. Honestly, she doesn’t even seem interested in controlling people mentally. What she wants is a way to ensure loyalty. Basically, anyone she brings on board gets implanted with these parasites, and if they ever betray her or go rogue, the parasite will kill them. She’s leaving the actual implantation to the doctor while she gets the rest of the team prepped for what’s coming next. It’s a pretty brutal system, but it shows how serious she is about getting this mission done.

That night, Wonder Woman was the special guest at a new exhibit opening at Gateway City’s Natural History Museum. While at the event, she sensed something was wrong, and a group suddenly burst into the museum surrounded by blue smoke. Leading the group was Zatanna, who had magically stripped Wonder Woman of her powers. Zatanna then revealed the rest of her team – the Suicide Squad – which included villains like Giganta, Doctor Poison, and Cheetah. Unable to defend herself, Wonder Woman could only watch as the Suicide Squad began their attack.

Incorporating Starro is a Perfect Twist for the Absolute Universe’s Suicide Squad

It makes perfect sense that the Absolute Universe has a Suicide Squad. Considering Cale, the government, and corporations don’t trust heroes, it’s logical they’d assemble a team to deal with anyone they perceive as a danger. What is surprising, though, is the inclusion of what is clearly Starro. Even though the story doesn’t mention the villain by name, those parasites being implanted in the team members are obviously connected to the classic Justice League enemy.

The neck bombs used on the main Suicide Squad are scary enough, but replacing them with parasites connected to a truly terrifying alien enemy feels even more disturbing. I’m particularly surprised Cale isn’t relying on Starro’s usual mind control abilities, but instead on the agonizing death his team will face if they disobey orders. However, Cale is incredibly ruthless, and that’s exactly what you need to lead a team like the Suicide Squad.

It’s fascinating to consider how this new development will affect the Suicide Squad. Will removing the threat of immediate explosion make them less obedient? Or will the discomfort of the Starro spore actually be more agonizing? This all sets up a really challenging first mission for the team, as Wonder Woman will have a tough fight on her hands dealing with them. There are a lot of interesting dynamics at play here, and it promises to be a difficult battle for Diana.

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2026-01-29 22:15