Oh, it definitely feels good to be bad. While we’re going to have to wait and see how well the film actually does in the long run, Suicide Squad just had a record breaking weekend at the box office. With numbers like these for mostly unknown characters, I think it’s a safe bet to say that we’re going to be seeing Task Force X on the big screen again very soon.
With superhero sequels comes new characters and when it comes to Suicide Squad, they’ve got plenty to choose from. The team’s roster has shifted constantly throughout the years in the comics and I wouldn’t be surprised if we saw the core members (Flagg, Harley, Deadshot & Boomerang) stick around for the sequel but with some new additions to mix things up a bit. And maybe we’ve got an idea for a cool villain at the end. Maybe you’ll be into that idea. Maybe you won’t. So, hit Next already and let’s get this sucker started.
King Shark
First appearance: Superboy (vol. 4) #0 (October 1994)
Joined the team in: Superboy (vol. 4) #13 (March 1995)
He may have made his live-action debut on The Flash TV series but initially was set to appear in the first Suicide Squad film. Ultimately, he was was replaced with Killer Croc in the film which has left him open to appear in the future. Perhaps even simply just as a cameo which features the character as one of Belle Reve’s inmates?
Plastique
First appearance: Fury Of Firestorm #7 (December 1982)
Joined the team in: Suicide Squad #1 (May 1987)
So, going to have to be honest for a second here. Plastique didn’t only make it on to the list because she was one of the original members from the 1987 run and it’s got nothing to do with having already seeing a live-action version of the character on The Flash. When you’re making a Suicide Squad film, you’re going to need some expendable members. Who better than someone that can literally go out with a “bang.”
Vixen
First appearance: Action Comics #521 (July 1981)
Joined the team in: Suicide Squad #11 (March 1988)
While Vixen is most often portrayed as a hero, much like her current incarnation on her own animated series & Arrow, at one point during the comics she was a member of the Suicide Squad following an incident involving her turning violent. During her time as a member, she lost control and killed a drug kingpin and decided to stay with Task Force X until she could get things under control. The addition of a more “heroic” character to the group could bring an interesting new dynamic which could include some potential conflict.
Bronze Tiger
First appearance: Richard Dragon, Kung Fu Fighter #1 (April–May 1975)
Joined the team in: Legends #2 (December 1986)
Ben Turner aka ‘Bronze Tiger’, a long time fan-favorite, has been a member of the modern day Suicide Squad since it’s initial inception in the Legends mini-series. The character made his live-action debut on the TV series Arrow, where the character wasn’t exactly done justice. They got the right man for the job, casting Michael Jai White in the role, but the series really dropped the ball when it came to the character otherwise. Here’s hoping we can see him get the treatment he deserves on the big screen someday.
Count Vertigo
First appearance: World’s Finest Comics #251 (July 1978)
Joined the team in: Suicide Squad #24 (May 1989)
Ah. Here’s another character that Arrow attempted to use but sadly just completely wasted. Count Werner Vertigo may not be one of DC’s best villains to date but he has massive cinematic potential. Beyond his top notch hand-to-hand combat skills, the character has his “Vertigo Effect” ability which could lead to creative and some visually impressive scenes if done right. Additionally, the inclusion of the character could lead to further world building for the DCEU if they chose to include his affiliation with the organization Checkmate.
Deathstroke
First appearance: New Teen Titans #2 (December 1980)
Joined the team in: New Suicide Squad #1 (July 2014)
Come on, who else were you expecting to snag the top spot? Throughout production, Slade Wilson was heavily rumored to make an appearance in Suicide Squad. However, as well all know by now, those rumors didn’t quite end up being legit. That doesn’t mean we can’t see the character in the sequel and when you’ve got a team full of supervillains, you need an ever bigger & badder villain for them to take on. Who better than the baddest of the bad aka DC’s most ruthless mercenary? Give him a couple of C-list villains to work alongside and let’s get ready to rumble.
