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Suicide Squad: The Official Movie Novelization
Assemble a team of the world's most dangerous imprisoned super criminals, provide them the most powerful arsenal at the government's disposal, and send them to defeat an enigmatic, unstoppable enemy.U.S. intelligence officer Amanda Waller has gathered a group of disparate, despicable individuals with next to nothing to lose. Once they figure out they were chosen to fail, will the Suicide Squad resolve to die beating the odds, or decide it's every man for himself?
375 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published August 5, 2016
131 people are currently reading
1025 people want to read
About the author
Marv Wolfman
2,307 books306 followersMarvin A. "Marv" Wolfman is an award-winning American comic book writer. He is best known for lengthy runs on The Tomb of Dracula, creating Blade for Marvel Comics, and The New Teen Titans for DC Comics.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 152 reviews
November 19, 2017
Well then, here we go.
So let's say you're thinking about reading this novelization, but you're not sure. It really all comes down to one question: did you like the movie? If you did, you'll like the book, too. If you didn't, this is not your read. Because this is the script with many other words added to it. I even recognized some of the scenes from the movie's extended cut.
Moving on, there are too many POVs. Everybody gets a voice, even Mister T, the guy who dies because he stares too long at Harley in the club.
But what disturbed me the most was hearing Joker's thoughts. As I picture him, he's an enigma. In the comics you have no clue what he's thinking. You only get the nuggets he's willing to throw your way. And even then, you cannot be sure it's the real thing. So it's really hard to try and paint the intricate madness that's his mind. That's just a big no for me.
Then again, Mr. J's relationship with Harley is closer to the comics than the movie. J's not just a lovestruck fool. Yes, he still seems to have feelings for her, but he's attitude is different. He's colder, a little bit more detached. I liked that. I strongly believe that Joker's one true love is .
As for dear, sweet Harley, she's her usual crazy self. She does a lot more acrobatics in the book, and I liked that. Every now and then, I pictured her as the character from the animated series. To tell you the truth, Harley and her Puddin' are the only two reasons I like both the movie and the novelization. Maybe June Moone, too. Everything else is background noise. By the way,
So yes, go read the book if you're a movie fan. You'll enjoy it.
P.S. It was pretty hard for me to rate this one. I was expecting more.
*****************************************
This novelization will be the end of me. I'm reading at snail-speed as I'm constantly highlighting.
*****************************************
Please, please be good!
So let's say you're thinking about reading this novelization, but you're not sure. It really all comes down to one question: did you like the movie? If you did, you'll like the book, too. If you didn't, this is not your read. Because this is the script with many other words added to it. I even recognized some of the scenes from the movie's extended cut.
Moving on, there are too many POVs. Everybody gets a voice, even Mister T, the guy who dies because he stares too long at Harley in the club.
But what disturbed me the most was hearing Joker's thoughts. As I picture him, he's an enigma. In the comics you have no clue what he's thinking. You only get the nuggets he's willing to throw your way. And even then, you cannot be sure it's the real thing. So it's really hard to try and paint the intricate madness that's his mind. That's just a big no for me.
He'd accepted that one day she'd be the death of him, and perhaps that was why she was so enticing. Every day with her was like running through a shifting mine field. Having to survive kept him stimulated. Knowing one day he'd strangle the very life out of her kept him focused. Life with Harley was always an adventure. A dangerous, corrosive one, but hey, he was the Joker.
Then again, Mr. J's relationship with Harley is closer to the comics than the movie. J's not just a lovestruck fool. Yes, he still seems to have feelings for her, but he's attitude is different. He's colder, a little bit more detached. I liked that. I strongly believe that Joker's one true love is .
As for dear, sweet Harley, she's her usual crazy self. She does a lot more acrobatics in the book, and I liked that. Every now and then, I pictured her as the character from the animated series. To tell you the truth, Harley and her Puddin' are the only two reasons I like both the movie and the novelization. Maybe June Moone, too. Everything else is background noise. By the way,
So yes, go read the book if you're a movie fan. You'll enjoy it.
P.S. It was pretty hard for me to rate this one. I was expecting more.
*****************************************
This novelization will be the end of me. I'm reading at snail-speed as I'm constantly highlighting.
*****************************************
Please, please be good!
July 30, 2024
Being a die-hard Suicide Squad fan, this is a great addition to the movie. Provides special insight to characters you can't help but fall in love with. Perfect for a night in. Grab a cup of tea and snuggle up in your bed or blanket. My tip: Watch the movie afterwards. Helps to visualize everything^^
October 11, 2016
4.75
this was such fantastic and crazy book
this was such fantastic and crazy book
September 14, 2016
So I went into this book literally expected nothing from it and wOAH I was taken by surprise and actually really enjoyed this! In my opinion, the film was good but it had many flaws and was no way near as good as I wanted it to be so the fact that I liked this book was really refreshing!
I picked this book up mainly because it was super cheap and because I was curious to see if it would contain more scenes etc as you can tell there were so many cut from the movie. You did get a few extra scenes in this book and I feel as though the plot made more sense! You got to know the characters better too, however I still feel as though a few deserved better *cough* Katana *cough*.
Harley and the Joker's relationship was portrayed in a much more violent manner which I was pleased with as I felt like the movie almost romanticised them which was not okay! However, the book still did portray their relationship as loving which made me annoyed and uncomfortable to be honest. Also, Harley was SO sexualised in this book! The way she was described sometimes was as though she was purely there to look at which made me so mad!
Overall, this book was pretty good and I would recommend it to everyone (whether you enjoyed the movie or not) as it's an entertaining read that left me feeling more satisfied than the movie did.
I picked this book up mainly because it was super cheap and because I was curious to see if it would contain more scenes etc as you can tell there were so many cut from the movie. You did get a few extra scenes in this book and I feel as though the plot made more sense! You got to know the characters better too, however I still feel as though a few deserved better *cough* Katana *cough*.
Harley and the Joker's relationship was portrayed in a much more violent manner which I was pleased with as I felt like the movie almost romanticised them which was not okay! However, the book still did portray their relationship as loving which made me annoyed and uncomfortable to be honest. Also, Harley was SO sexualised in this book! The way she was described sometimes was as though she was purely there to look at which made me so mad!
Overall, this book was pretty good and I would recommend it to everyone (whether you enjoyed the movie or not) as it's an entertaining read that left me feeling more satisfied than the movie did.
August 10, 2016
I enjoyed he film very much but was disappointed that Joker wasn't on the screen much. I also thought we could learn more about the other characters and their battle with Enchantress.
I assumed the novel would have space for things the film had to cut but this book was a pale shadow of the film. Things from the film were missing from the book including some key quotes/lines and very little new stuff was included.
It starts well with a lot more detail about how the Enchantress was found in her cave but after that it's quite dismal and I regret reading this now it was such a disappointment
I think they are aiming the book at a wider market and felt like a PG rating version of the story.'
I would not recommend to any fans of the film. You won't learn anything from this sad book.
I assumed the novel would have space for things the film had to cut but this book was a pale shadow of the film. Things from the film were missing from the book including some key quotes/lines and very little new stuff was included.
It starts well with a lot more detail about how the Enchantress was found in her cave but after that it's quite dismal and I regret reading this now it was such a disappointment
I think they are aiming the book at a wider market and felt like a PG rating version of the story.'
I would not recommend to any fans of the film. You won't learn anything from this sad book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 7, 2021
It was serviceable, I suppose. Well, this was more coherent than the movie, so that's fair.
Did I get this purely because of Harley Quinn? Yes, yes I did.
Do I need help? Tell me something, how do you spell Intervention? Hehe.
Tell us one thing though; why was this so readable? Maybe we just need brain candy from time to time.
You can tell that this is based on the original script intended for the actual shooting, before all the scare brought on by the negative reviews of Batman Vs Superman, and before all the reshoots. It fills in the blanks rather nicely. To be honest, all the reediting and the add ons had made the movie really jumbled. Red Letter Media did a great review of it, do check it out.
I loved the Joker factory scene in the novelization, the one where he threw Harley off into the chemicals. The movie had rendered that scene completely nonsensical, here it actually made sense and all had a history in the comics. It was pretty sleek.
Addendum: brain candy? What am I even talking about? Anyway..
So I saw the 2015 movie Focus, with Will Smith and Margot Robbie. Because Them. It gives a whole new meaning to the Suicide Squad movie. It was so nice to see Deadshot and Harley Quinn somewhere else. Their chemistry is so palpable, it makes them not only believable characters but people you can believe in. But here I mean Smith and Robbie.
Focus came out before Squad is what makes this so delicious. Here's another lovely trivia; Will Smith quipped something about Australians in the movie, the tired old joke about Aussies being descendants of convicted felons, and some such, the fact that Margot Robbie had sneaked in that Joke makes it all the more delightful.
You know what? It was so much fun watching Harleen Quinzel and Floyd Lawton doing something else, elsewhere. Though they were doing mostly each other in Focus.
August 22, 2016
Yup! Just as bad as the movie, without the soundtrack to make up for it. A few interesting insights into the Joker and Harley's relationship that were worth reading anecdotally -- which is what I was really interested in. Otherwise, the writing is not particularly grand, and the dialogue is particularly horrible.
August 29, 2016
If you liked the movie, you'll enjoy this book. If you liked the movie but felt a bit ripped off by the deleted scenes, you should definitely read this book.
It features more in-depth relationships than the movie, and of course, internalization you can't get from a film. It delivers more in terms of Harley and Joker. Harley's character is delightful. A few of her moments had me laughing aloud. A lot of plot points are also done more satisfactorily, like June / the Enchantress' backstory, and a nice arc as the Squad grows and comes together as a team.
That said, the plot is still pretty weak, and the movie actually did some parts better. The 4 stars I'm awarding the book are for fan reasons, not because it's quality literature. Like I think the book could really use an edit for "show don't tell." It's full of overexplanatory gems like:
Harley yawned, stood, and stretched sensuously. "Yeah. Yeah. Whatever." The guys watched appreciatively. She may have been every kind of crazy, but man was she hot.
Ok ok, we KNOW she is hot, you don't need to tell us 3 times in 1 paragraph.
The book really does justice to The Joker though. e.g. "He was in a helicopter with a madman. No. The madman." Oh, Mister J, you wonderful lunatic, you.
It features more in-depth relationships than the movie, and of course, internalization you can't get from a film. It delivers more in terms of Harley and Joker. Harley's character is delightful. A few of her moments had me laughing aloud. A lot of plot points are also done more satisfactorily, like June / the Enchantress' backstory, and a nice arc as the Squad grows and comes together as a team.
That said, the plot is still pretty weak, and the movie actually did some parts better. The 4 stars I'm awarding the book are for fan reasons, not because it's quality literature. Like I think the book could really use an edit for "show don't tell." It's full of overexplanatory gems like:
Harley yawned, stood, and stretched sensuously. "Yeah. Yeah. Whatever." The guys watched appreciatively. She may have been every kind of crazy, but man was she hot.
Ok ok, we KNOW she is hot, you don't need to tell us 3 times in 1 paragraph.
The book really does justice to The Joker though. e.g. "He was in a helicopter with a madman. No. The madman." Oh, Mister J, you wonderful lunatic, you.
February 21, 2017
I read this in part because I have great respect for Marv Wolfman, the author, and in part because I wondered if it would clear up any of the problems with the recent movie. I thought the movie could have been better, but wasn't quite as bad as everyone seemed to be saying it was. My hope was that a writer who is known for his careful detail and character development would manage to improve the story.
Nope.
The holes are all still there. In fact, some are worse. I don't know if Wolfman was writing under constraints, or if he basically didn't care about this one, but it was by no means up to his usual standards. The Suicide Squad is a great concept, and the 80's run of the book under John Ostrander was amazing. Both this novel and the movie don't come close to that level.
A lot of the time, a novel can spend time on detail that won't work in a movie. Not this time.
Pains me to say it, but unless you're a hardcore completist, you can skip this one. Sorry, Marv.
Nope.
The holes are all still there. In fact, some are worse. I don't know if Wolfman was writing under constraints, or if he basically didn't care about this one, but it was by no means up to his usual standards. The Suicide Squad is a great concept, and the 80's run of the book under John Ostrander was amazing. Both this novel and the movie don't come close to that level.
A lot of the time, a novel can spend time on detail that won't work in a movie. Not this time.
Pains me to say it, but unless you're a hardcore completist, you can skip this one. Sorry, Marv.
August 28, 2016
বইটা হাতে নিসিলাম সুইসাইড স্কোয়াডের সবার কিছু ব্যাকস্টোরি থাকবে ভেবে। তেমন বেশি এক্সপেক্টেশন ছিলো না, মুভি দেখার পরে অনেকটাই কমে গেসিলো আগ্রহ।
সারপ্রাইজিংলি, বইটা বেশ ভালো ছিলো!
মুভি যারা দেখসেন তারা তো জানেনই, এই মুভির কাহিনীতে তেমন টুইস্ট বলতে কিচ্ছু নাই, স্ট্রেটফরওয়ার্ড কাহিনী। বইয়েও তাই। মুভি-বেসড আর ১০টা বইয়ের মতই খালি মুভির কাহিনী লাইন টু লাইন ফলো করে গেসে, কিছু জায়গায় চেঞ্জ আসছে আরকি।
জোকার আর হার্লির রিলেশনশীপের দিকটা আনা হইসে অন্যরকম করে। কেমন পাগলা একটা ব্যাপার ওদের। যতক্ষণ হার্লি আটক আছে, জোকার বসে আছে থম মেরে, কানতেসে ও পারলে, কিন্তু যেই হার্লিকে মুক্ত করে সামনে নিয়ে আসতেসে তখনি ওর সাথে আবার গালাগালি করতেসে। দুর্বলতা বুঝতে দিতে চায় না আরকি। সাইকো বলে কথা!
কিলার ক্রকের পুরোপুরি আলাদা পার্সোনালিটি নিয়ে আসা হইসে বইয়ে, যেখানে মুভিতে ওর ডায়লগই ছিলো মাত্র তিনটা। এখানে সে অন্যরকম, বেশ কথা বার্তা বলে, ইভেন কিছু সোলজারের সাথে ফ্রেন্ডশিপ ও করে ফেলে। রিক ফ্ল্যাগ আর জুন মুনের কাহিনীর একটু এক্সপ্যানশন আসছে কেবল। তাদের সম্পর্কটা আরো ক্লিয়ারলি বুঝা যায়, বুঝা যায় ফ্ল্যাগের এই সুইসাইডে স্কোয়াডে যোগ দেয়ার মোটিভেশন।
আর বাকি সব ক্যারেক্টার মোর ওর লেস সেমই ছিলো। মুভিতে যারা নেগলেক্টেড, বইয়েও তাদের দাম নাই। কয়দিন আগে যে একটা গুজব বের হলো, ওয়ার্নার ব্রাদারস মুভিতে অনেক কাটছাট করেছে, সেই কাটছাট করা সীনের প্রায় সবগুলোই আছে এখানে। যেগুলো নাই, বুঝতেই পারবেন সেগুলো পিউর গুজব ছিলো।
লেখার গুনগত মানের এনালাইসিসে গেলাম না। মুভি বেসড বই, স্ট্রেইট কাহিনী ফলো করসে, ডানে বামে তাকায় নাই। এমন এক্সট্রাওর্ডিনারি কিছু নাই এখানে। মুভিটা ভালো লাগলে পড়ে দেখতে পারেন। না পড়লেও কিছু মিস করবেন না। পুরান কমিক ফ্যানরা বই পড়লে বুঝবেন জায়গায় জায়গায় ডিসির নানা লেজেন্ডারি রাইটারের নামে বিভিন্ন বিল্ডিং বা মানুষের নাম দেয়া হইসে, ইস্টার এগ বা আকর্ষণ বলতে এইটুকই।
মোটকথা, যেটা ছিলো ব্যাটম্যান ভার্সাস সুপারম্যানের এক্সটেন্ডেড এডিশন, এই মুভির এক্সটেন্ডেড এডিশন হলো এই বইটা।
হ্যাপি রিডিং!
সারপ্রাইজিংলি, বইটা বেশ ভালো ছিলো!
মুভি যারা দেখসেন তারা তো জানেনই, এই মুভির কাহিনীতে তেমন টুইস্ট বলতে কিচ্ছু নাই, স্ট্রেটফরওয়ার্ড কাহিনী। বইয়েও তাই। মুভি-বেসড আর ১০টা বইয়ের মতই খালি মুভির কাহিনী লাইন টু লাইন ফলো করে গেসে, কিছু জায়গায় চেঞ্জ আসছে আরকি।
জোকার আর হার্লির রিলেশনশীপের দিকটা আনা হইসে অন্যরকম করে। কেমন পাগলা একটা ব্যাপার ওদের। যতক্ষণ হার্লি আটক আছে, জোকার বসে আছে থম মেরে, কানতেসে ও পারলে, কিন্তু যেই হার্লিকে মুক্ত করে সামনে নিয়ে আসতেসে তখনি ওর সাথে আবার গালাগালি করতেসে। দুর্বলতা বুঝতে দিতে চায় না আরকি। সাইকো বলে কথা!
কিলার ক্রকের পুরোপুরি আলাদা পার্সোনালিটি নিয়ে আসা হইসে বইয়ে, যেখানে মুভিতে ওর ডায়লগই ছিলো মাত্র তিনটা। এখানে সে অন্যরকম, বেশ কথা বার্তা বলে, ইভেন কিছু সোলজারের সাথে ফ্রেন্ডশিপ ও করে ফেলে। রিক ফ্ল্যাগ আর জুন মুনের কাহিনীর একটু এক্সপ্যানশন আসছে কেবল। তাদের সম্পর্কটা আরো ক্লিয়ারলি বুঝা যায়, বুঝা যায় ফ্ল্যাগের এই সুইসাইডে স্কোয়াডে যোগ দেয়ার মোটিভেশন।
আর বাকি সব ক্যারেক্টার মোর ওর লেস সেমই ছিলো। মুভিতে যারা নেগলেক্টেড, বইয়েও তাদের দাম নাই। কয়দিন আগে যে একটা গুজব বের হলো, ওয়ার্নার ব্রাদারস মুভিতে অনেক কাটছাট করেছে, সেই কাটছাট করা সীনের প্রায় সবগুলোই আছে এখানে। যেগুলো নাই, বুঝতেই পারবেন সেগুলো পিউর গুজব ছিলো।
লেখার গুনগত মানের এনালাইসিসে গেলাম না। মুভি বেসড বই, স্ট্রেইট কাহিনী ফলো করসে, ডানে বামে তাকায় নাই। এমন এক্সট্রাওর্ডিনারি কিছু নাই এখানে। মুভিটা ভালো লাগলে পড়ে দেখতে পারেন। না পড়লেও কিছু মিস করবেন না। পুরান কমিক ফ্যানরা বই পড়লে বুঝবেন জায়গায় জায়গায় ডিসির নানা লেজেন্ডারি রাইটারের নামে বিভিন্ন বিল্ডিং বা মানুষের নাম দেয়া হইসে, ইস্টার এগ বা আকর্ষণ বলতে এইটুকই।
মোটকথা, যেটা ছিলো ব্যাটম্যান ভার্সাস সুপারম্যানের এক্সটেন্ডেড এডিশন, এই মুভির এক্সটেন্ডেড এডিশন হলো এই বইটা।
হ্যাপি রিডিং!
September 9, 2016
"If you're not Dr. Harleen, then who are you? She looked up at the Joker and grinned. I'm Harley Quinn, she said. You're my puddin'. Joker moved in and kissed her hard on the lips while she began gnawing on his. When they came up for air, she added, you're my Mister J."
My main goal in life was to find a soulmate who will love me like the Joker does Harley. Do anything for her, even murder and I'm glad to say... Bang!!! Ha ha hahaha!!
I'm really not sure that this is going to be a review or me just gushing over the made love you see between two beautiful evil people.
On another note, I must be the only person on the planet who has not seen the new movie yet. I read the comic book and currently finished the novelization of the movie, but this weirdo still hasn't seen any scenes of the new movie. People love it and then a lot hate it. What's a sad girl to do?
From what I hear, the deleted scenes are in full detail into this book. I'm not sure which ones they were, but I'm sure they are quite disappointing.
What I really enjoyed about the book was the Harley & Joker situations- madness enjoys madness company, Croc getting some and the hate that pours off of these incredible monsters.
Some of these scenes are way obvious and I laughed at some points.
At times I felt that this was some kind of Arnold Schwarzenegger movie and he kicks all the doors down... screaming "Come with me if you want to live" Bam!! Come with me if you want to live!! Bam! and on it goes.
Of course, they all agree, come on! Chip in the neck makes they do whatever you command.
also, I felt that most of these scenes would have been better actually viewing them on the screen and not with words on pages. You know, this magical thing they call picture shows.
My main goal in life was to find a soulmate who will love me like the Joker does Harley. Do anything for her, even murder and I'm glad to say... Bang!!! Ha ha hahaha!!
I'm really not sure that this is going to be a review or me just gushing over the made love you see between two beautiful evil people.
On another note, I must be the only person on the planet who has not seen the new movie yet. I read the comic book and currently finished the novelization of the movie, but this weirdo still hasn't seen any scenes of the new movie. People love it and then a lot hate it. What's a sad girl to do?
From what I hear, the deleted scenes are in full detail into this book. I'm not sure which ones they were, but I'm sure they are quite disappointing.
What I really enjoyed about the book was the Harley & Joker situations- madness enjoys madness company, Croc getting some and the hate that pours off of these incredible monsters.
Some of these scenes are way obvious and I laughed at some points.
At times I felt that this was some kind of Arnold Schwarzenegger movie and he kicks all the doors down... screaming "Come with me if you want to live" Bam!! Come with me if you want to live!! Bam! and on it goes.
Of course, they all agree, come on! Chip in the neck makes they do whatever you command.
also, I felt that most of these scenes would have been better actually viewing them on the screen and not with words on pages. You know, this magical thing they call picture shows.
January 4, 2020
Thought I would start out the year with an easy read. The Novelization has lots of action and fun characters and banter! I enjoyed it for a quick read!
August 29, 2016
This book is perfect for anyone who wants to read the extended scenes or deleted scenes that weren't shown in the movie. It goes into so much more detail for the characters! Absolutely loved it
August 22, 2016
Significantly better then the movie. The movie got about 2 out of 5 stars for me, while this movie novilization gets 4 stars. And you would think that being a movie novilization wouldn't be possible but it is. And that because the book does what the movie could achieve in its 2hour run time. And that making you feel an attachment for the characters and what happens to the despite being the villan. While the movie failed on this point with all the characters. Then their the fact that the book offer sigificantly more background info and history to every character and why the have become the person they are. Then their the fact that the book keep truer to the character voice nd nature through out the book even as the characters motives change they still stay them. Where the movie lacks this effect. So the book makes the movie plot points and scenes but adds more on every point and better relay that info and makes you more connected to these Band of characters. And that goes for the main Squad to the second their of characters and down. A great book that a movie novilization that does better then the movie itself and redeams the movie and makes me feel more effection for the Squcide Squad and its band of characters. Don't bother with the movie read this novilization and fall more in love with the characters then you ever will with the subpare movie.
August 23, 2016
a lot more detail then the movie :)
January 24, 2017
If you were expecting too much more than the movie you are out of luck but this book does fill in some plot holes, restores some deleted scenes and gives you a peak into the minds of the characters that can't be shown on film. It's as enjoyable as the movie (which I quite enjoyed) with, perhaps, a slightly more serious edge. There are certain lines, words, etc that change between mediums but it's nothing substantial enough to comment on. The big difference is Boomerang. The movie took far more liberties with his character and the book is more in line with his comic book appearance. All in all if you liked the movie this is great supplemental reading. If you didn't maybe try a comic book.
September 29, 2016
Pretty much exactly the same, beat for beat, as the film. But there were a couple of things I liked better, such as when Deadshot is apprehended by Batman, and the Bat waits for Zoe's Mom to pick her up before taking down her Dad. In the film that was one of the few things that was truly jarring to me as a viewer familiar with comics. Just another way to make Bat-fleck dark and edgy, when in reality Batman would never do that!!!
Also, I actually liked the relationship between June and Flag better in the film. Their time-frame of being together isn't specified in the film, but in the book they've known each other for like a day or two before they start screwing each other -- and then the whole conflict with Enchantress is less than a month later from what I can gather. That just made it less emotionally impactful to me, whereas in the film it just seemed like they'd been together much longer, at least a year. That made Flag's actions & emotions seem a helluva a lot more believable. Yeah, it's great that we got more Boomer and I liked seeing everyone's thoughts/motivations from the inside. But I think all said and done, I preferred the film.
Also, I actually liked the relationship between June and Flag better in the film. Their time-frame of being together isn't specified in the film, but in the book they've known each other for like a day or two before they start screwing each other -- and then the whole conflict with Enchantress is less than a month later from what I can gather. That just made it less emotionally impactful to me, whereas in the film it just seemed like they'd been together much longer, at least a year. That made Flag's actions & emotions seem a helluva a lot more believable. Yeah, it's great that we got more Boomer and I liked seeing everyone's thoughts/motivations from the inside. But I think all said and done, I preferred the film.
March 22, 2017
I'm going to start off by saying that I am going to compare the book and the movie a lot in this review.
I love Suicide Squad but I gave the movie two out of five stars or one and a half out of five stars.
Even though I didn't 100% love everything in the book I still gave it five out of five because I believe the book is EXTREMELY better than the movie.
I want to quickly say that I believe this book has a lot of the original movie script in. I don't believe the movie we were shown was David Ayer's original movie that he attend to give us. I think Warner Brothers cut the movie up...like really cut it up.
Anyway...
Starting with characters.
George "Digger" Harkness. Better known as Captain Boomerang.
"It's all a con and I'm the king of cons."
If the movie did not make me love him a 100% than the book made sure I did.
He does get very little screen time in the movie but he gets a lot more in the book. He interacts with characters a lot better and it's more realistic. I love the relationship between him Harley. We actually get to see his dream sequence and it's not a funny one as you might think. His dreams sequence actually tells us something about him. It tells us who he actually wants to be and left me wondering why he's not that man and why he is the way he is.
In the book we get to know that he has Pinky since he was a child.
At the end, this book made me want to know every little detail about Captain Boomerang. He's more than just some funny Aussie prick.
Rick Flag
"I love June and hate everyone on his team."
He didn't actually say those words in that order but when I saw him that's what came to mind because he kept repeating it over and over how he loved her and hated them.
I got to say that I still don't feel the June and Rick love relationship. Just like in the movie it felt forced.
His interactions towards the team is better and more real in the book.
I do like Rick better in the book but not by much. The only difference I saw is that in the book you see his thoughts on the bad guys more. He keeps thinking about how bad they are and how he wishes he was somewhere else and that he loves June and he can't believe that he actually fell in love.
That's pretty much it for Rick.
June Moon and Enchantress
"Enchantress"
I really don't have much to say about June. We get to see her travel through the cave where she finds Enchantress. With June the movie and book are kind of the same.
However, Enchantress does have more lines but not much. Don't know want else there is to say other than Enchantress does and tries more to kiss Rick in the book.
Harley Quinn. The one and only.
"I love my Puddin!"
I believe she is A LOT more of herself in the book. She's defiantly in the book a lot more. I think the book shows her crazy side more and It defiantly shows Joker's abuse towards her better. Even though in the comics he's a lot worse. A LOT WORSE.
I have to end this with... I wish people would not admire her abusive relationship with Joker.
The Joker
"HAHAHA"
All I'll say is that he is in the book more but maybe not as much as some people would like/hoping for.
Slipknot
"...."
........................................................................................................................................................................................................................... Let's just move on to the next character.
Killer Croc
"I'm Beautiful"
I love this character. Just like with Boomberang, If the movie didn't make me 100% love him than the book sure did. I love how he acts towards the other members so much more than the movie. He talks SO much more. We get to know a little bit more about his past. I feel like he's an actual character in the book to where the movie kind of made me feel like he was just there.
Katana
"..."
Why is she even in the movie or book? I do like this character but she doesn't really do anything. In the movie and book she barley interact with anyone. I feel like I can't really write a review on her. Hell, when I was reading the book I kept forgetting about her. Like when she showed up I was like "Oh, yeah, She's in the story."
Diablo
"I was born with devil's gift."
I feel like you see his true character in the book better. In the movie you barley hear him talk about doing the right thing and not being evil.
The only thing I don't like is when he says "I lost one family, I'm not losing another." To me, that just makes no since. He's known these people for how long?
Anyway I really like him better in the book and if your a fan of him than you should read it.
Deadshot
"Zoe."
I like him a lot more in the book. Him and Flag have had it a lot more. I love how he just can't get his daughter of his mind and it really shows in the book. I don't have much to say on him really.
Amanda Waller
"Do your worse bitch."
I like her but she is a bitch. End of story.
There's actually a lot more characters. Very small roles but enjoyable.
The plot.
I would say the plot is better in the book. Might not be perfect but better.
Positive review.
The monsters the witch creates... A lot better in the book. In the book the characters can sometimes tell if the monster were was once a man, woman, solider or police officer. I just love that because it makes me feel more sorry for the people they once were.
Relationships/interactions. They are 100% better in the book than the movie. I love how Harley and Boomerang act towards one another. They are so funny together. Just like how Harley and Croc are more fun together. Deadshot and Croc, Deadshot and Rick, Boomerang to Diablo. Diablo to Harley. It just actually feels real. They actual talk to each other in the book. I mean the bar scene...the bar scene was sooo PERFECT! I reread it like seven times. I just couldn't let it go.
By the way, I didn't include Katana because like I said she barley talks to anyone and has like 6 VERY small scenes.
Negative.
They were times where I wasn't sure who was talking. Took a little bit time to figure out who was who.
Well that's it!
I love Suicide Squad but I gave the movie two out of five stars or one and a half out of five stars.
Even though I didn't 100% love everything in the book I still gave it five out of five because I believe the book is EXTREMELY better than the movie.
I want to quickly say that I believe this book has a lot of the original movie script in. I don't believe the movie we were shown was David Ayer's original movie that he attend to give us. I think Warner Brothers cut the movie up...like really cut it up.
Anyway...
Starting with characters.
George "Digger" Harkness. Better known as Captain Boomerang.
"It's all a con and I'm the king of cons."
If the movie did not make me love him a 100% than the book made sure I did.
He does get very little screen time in the movie but he gets a lot more in the book. He interacts with characters a lot better and it's more realistic. I love the relationship between him Harley. We actually get to see his dream sequence and it's not a funny one as you might think. His dreams sequence actually tells us something about him. It tells us who he actually wants to be and left me wondering why he's not that man and why he is the way he is.
In the book we get to know that he has Pinky since he was a child.
At the end, this book made me want to know every little detail about Captain Boomerang. He's more than just some funny Aussie prick.
Rick Flag
"I love June and hate everyone on his team."
He didn't actually say those words in that order but when I saw him that's what came to mind because he kept repeating it over and over how he loved her and hated them.
I got to say that I still don't feel the June and Rick love relationship. Just like in the movie it felt forced.
His interactions towards the team is better and more real in the book.
I do like Rick better in the book but not by much. The only difference I saw is that in the book you see his thoughts on the bad guys more. He keeps thinking about how bad they are and how he wishes he was somewhere else and that he loves June and he can't believe that he actually fell in love.
That's pretty much it for Rick.
June Moon and Enchantress
"Enchantress"
I really don't have much to say about June. We get to see her travel through the cave where she finds Enchantress. With June the movie and book are kind of the same.
However, Enchantress does have more lines but not much. Don't know want else there is to say other than Enchantress does and tries more to kiss Rick in the book.
Harley Quinn. The one and only.
"I love my Puddin!"
I believe she is A LOT more of herself in the book. She's defiantly in the book a lot more. I think the book shows her crazy side more and It defiantly shows Joker's abuse towards her better. Even though in the comics he's a lot worse. A LOT WORSE.
I have to end this with... I wish people would not admire her abusive relationship with Joker.
The Joker
"HAHAHA"
All I'll say is that he is in the book more but maybe not as much as some people would like/hoping for.
Slipknot
"...."
........................................................................................................................................................................................................................... Let's just move on to the next character.
Killer Croc
"I'm Beautiful"
I love this character. Just like with Boomberang, If the movie didn't make me 100% love him than the book sure did. I love how he acts towards the other members so much more than the movie. He talks SO much more. We get to know a little bit more about his past. I feel like he's an actual character in the book to where the movie kind of made me feel like he was just there.
Katana
"..."
Why is she even in the movie or book? I do like this character but she doesn't really do anything. In the movie and book she barley interact with anyone. I feel like I can't really write a review on her. Hell, when I was reading the book I kept forgetting about her. Like when she showed up I was like "Oh, yeah, She's in the story."
Diablo
"I was born with devil's gift."
I feel like you see his true character in the book better. In the movie you barley hear him talk about doing the right thing and not being evil.
The only thing I don't like is when he says "I lost one family, I'm not losing another." To me, that just makes no since. He's known these people for how long?
Anyway I really like him better in the book and if your a fan of him than you should read it.
Deadshot
"Zoe."
I like him a lot more in the book. Him and Flag have had it a lot more. I love how he just can't get his daughter of his mind and it really shows in the book. I don't have much to say on him really.
Amanda Waller
"Do your worse bitch."
I like her but she is a bitch. End of story.
There's actually a lot more characters. Very small roles but enjoyable.
The plot.
I would say the plot is better in the book. Might not be perfect but better.
Positive review.
The monsters the witch creates... A lot better in the book. In the book the characters can sometimes tell if the monster were was once a man, woman, solider or police officer. I just love that because it makes me feel more sorry for the people they once were.
Relationships/interactions. They are 100% better in the book than the movie. I love how Harley and Boomerang act towards one another. They are so funny together. Just like how Harley and Croc are more fun together. Deadshot and Croc, Deadshot and Rick, Boomerang to Diablo. Diablo to Harley. It just actually feels real. They actual talk to each other in the book. I mean the bar scene...the bar scene was sooo PERFECT! I reread it like seven times. I just couldn't let it go.
By the way, I didn't include Katana because like I said she barley talks to anyone and has like 6 VERY small scenes.
Negative.
They were times where I wasn't sure who was talking. Took a little bit time to figure out who was who.
Well that's it!
September 3, 2016
Done! Kinda like Joker abd Harley's POV in this book. The deleted scenes are also here and I had a good time reading it, as always the book is always better than the movie :)
March 19, 2017
Loved it
I got most of what I was missing from the movie. Very enjoyable read! Couldn't put it down until I finished.
I got most of what I was missing from the movie. Very enjoyable read! Couldn't put it down until I finished.
March 30, 2024
3.6/5 stars
I'm not quite sure where to rate this book, hence it's odd rating.
It's based on a not-very-good movie, but then it fixes a lot of the problems that movie faced. The characters are written out in far more depth, the found family relationship between them is much more naturally approached, and there's actual danger and consequences to them fighting old God's instead of just constantly kicking butt and being okay.
The fights aren't written just to be cool and for the sake of there being a fight like they appear in the movie, every fight scene feels exciting and very intentional, so with all this said, this book is absolutely I think worth a read.
Where the review then falls slightly short, which isn't entirely the fault of the book since its adapting the movie, is keeping in and extending various scenes from the movie that already weren't good. There's one scene in particular that I think of when I think of the movie that already isn't great between Harley and Joker, and this book just drags it out even longer with the same tone of writing as that scene and it's cringey and weird and frankly feels almost out of place compared to the better written parts of the book, but I suppose that's the difference between Wolfman's writing vs Wolfman trying to emulate Ayer's writing in those scenes.
For that the rating drops slightly, but overall if you enjoy DC, this book is a much better story than the 2016 movie we got and is a fun read!
I'm not quite sure where to rate this book, hence it's odd rating.
It's based on a not-very-good movie, but then it fixes a lot of the problems that movie faced. The characters are written out in far more depth, the found family relationship between them is much more naturally approached, and there's actual danger and consequences to them fighting old God's instead of just constantly kicking butt and being okay.
The fights aren't written just to be cool and for the sake of there being a fight like they appear in the movie, every fight scene feels exciting and very intentional, so with all this said, this book is absolutely I think worth a read.
Where the review then falls slightly short, which isn't entirely the fault of the book since its adapting the movie, is keeping in and extending various scenes from the movie that already weren't good. There's one scene in particular that I think of when I think of the movie that already isn't great between Harley and Joker, and this book just drags it out even longer with the same tone of writing as that scene and it's cringey and weird and frankly feels almost out of place compared to the better written parts of the book, but I suppose that's the difference between Wolfman's writing vs Wolfman trying to emulate Ayer's writing in those scenes.
For that the rating drops slightly, but overall if you enjoy DC, this book is a much better story than the 2016 movie we got and is a fun read!
February 2, 2017
10 Reasons The Suicide Squad Movie Novel May Be Better Than The Movie
1. The further character development of June Moone, who was completely short-changed in the movie. In this novel, she gets more nuance and more backbone. I was really interested in her part of the story.
2. The fact that Deadshot doesn't keep having fantasies of killing Batman and instead just wants to be with his daughter.
3. Harley Quinn and the Joker's relationship is actually expanded on and fleshed out and somewhat depicted as an abusive relationship.
4. Harley Quinn gets more screen time and one-liners. I'm sold.
5. All of the Suicide Squad members get more character development and backstory. I found myself having a stronger affection for Croc and Diablo than I did in the movies because I got to know more about them.
6. I got to actually see June Moone and Rick Flag fall in love. It was a mini romance story inside of my movie novel, and I loved it.
7. The slight Quinnshot moments that I maybe read a little too much into. What can I say? It's my DC Comics ship.
8. Floyd Lawton. Enough said. We just get so much more of him in this book.
9. All the Suicide Squad family feels. It's just much more present in the book. They're a demented little family, and I love it very much.
10. For some reason, the Enchantress's plot line makes a little more sense in novel form.
1. The further character development of June Moone, who was completely short-changed in the movie. In this novel, she gets more nuance and more backbone. I was really interested in her part of the story.
2. The fact that Deadshot doesn't keep having fantasies of killing Batman and instead just wants to be with his daughter.
3. Harley Quinn and the Joker's relationship is actually expanded on and fleshed out and somewhat depicted as an abusive relationship.
4. Harley Quinn gets more screen time and one-liners. I'm sold.
5. All of the Suicide Squad members get more character development and backstory. I found myself having a stronger affection for Croc and Diablo than I did in the movies because I got to know more about them.
6. I got to actually see June Moone and Rick Flag fall in love. It was a mini romance story inside of my movie novel, and I loved it.
7. The slight Quinnshot moments that I maybe read a little too much into. What can I say? It's my DC Comics ship.
8. Floyd Lawton. Enough said. We just get so much more of him in this book.
9. All the Suicide Squad family feels. It's just much more present in the book. They're a demented little family, and I love it very much.
10. For some reason, the Enchantress's plot line makes a little more sense in novel form.
May 15, 2021
Fun, but really choppy and all over the place, with characters constantly looping back to the same arguments and discussions in bits that felt grafted onto situations instead of naturally emerging from them. I don't blame Marv Wolfman for any of it, as it's likely due to the heavy reshoots and the sloppy editorial that affected other DC novelizations from this late period before they stopped producing them. Marv still feels fully committed, getting into the characters well, and the punk energy of their action. But on top of the above, he's stuck with a poor script that sets up a great cast, then doesn't know what to do with them, sticking them on a weak and repetitive zombie plot that wipes out thousands of people with zero weight to the implications, then doesn't stage much in the way of interesting set pieces to carry us along. Shoot some zombies, the same banter. Shoot some zombies, the same banter. Over and over. There was no momentum, no sense of direction, nor a reason why this style of squad is the right choice for this situation. It's a sloppy novel because the movie is sloppy.
April 3, 2019
I got this book as a gift. And even though I enjoyed reading it and loved the movie I'm not really thrilled by it.
Yes, it gives the Suicide Squad characters a bit more personality and it does add to the story as was told by the movie. But it wasn't exciting, thrilling. It missed the atmosphere which I did feel in the movie.
Yes, it gives the Suicide Squad characters a bit more personality and it does add to the story as was told by the movie. But it wasn't exciting, thrilling. It missed the atmosphere which I did feel in the movie.
December 29, 2017
I am feeling kind of meh about this book. Yes it is based on the actual movie, and so does follow that story line pretty okay. The dialogue is far more juvenile than the movie. Plus, the characters are honestly more fleshed out in the movie than they are in the book. It does have a couple of scenes that did get cut out of the movie, which I do think is pretty neat. All in all not actually that impressed with this novelization.
March 10, 2018
Review to come. In the meantime, just watch the film, y'all. It's good and presented so much better than this.
March 24, 2017
Meh the book.
August 3, 2017
this book was exactly what the movie should have been. it was in-depth and gave clear motives and full descriptions.
September 21, 2016
There are two or three additional parts of Joker in the book but all the parts with the SEALs where horrifically boring. Wish there was more to this version.
December 3, 2016
A good, fun read. Marv Wolfman works a miracle. Definitely worth it if you want clarification on the sadly lacking movie. Choppy, convoluted scenes from the film are better explained here; there`s adequate pacing (except for the "Midway City" part- I`m increasingly led to believe that was a script problem), and even an extra tidbit from Joker`s point of view! (You will finally learn just how he made that escape from the plane). Despite the improved writing quality, dialogue still suffers, in fact, it`s somewhat cheesier than the film. Harley`s lines, in particular, are reduced to stale, childish one-liners that, if anything, prove she`s more ditzy than crazy. Again, this appears to be a bad script issue, and Marv does what he can- fleshing out Harley by revealing the thought pattern behind some of her antics, as well as diving deeply into her obsession with the Joker. Speaking of Joker, he makes much more sense as an antagonist in the book. You can almost clearly see that he was written as the original villain, before production issues happened. More time is given to his sequences with Harley, including in that pitiful club scene, so we better understand the dynamics of their truly strange relationship. We also get the special treat of being inside his head just before he jumps into chemicals to rescue Harley. Also highlighted here is how much time was woefully cut from supporting characters, including Diablo, Katana, Killer Croc, and Boomerang. These small, varied sequences may have seemed unimportant when it came time for editing, but they are truly gems that would have made the most of a tightly-knit cast. Audience members would have connected more with each character, thus turning a forgettable film into a much more charming experience. Hopefully the execs at Warner Bros. will realize that next time around.
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