Independence Day was a real treat for DC fans. Aside from blowing off fingers with M80s and inhaling burnt sulfur, those who got an early start on the day were treated to a surprising trailer for DC’s next animated project: specifically, DC’s next anime project. Suicide Squad ISEKAI practically went viral the moment it was announced to the public, showcasing not only a brilliantly vibrant interpretation of DC’s Clown Prince and Princess of Crime but one with a bizarre twist: our villainous anti-heroes are leaving the dark streets of Gotham for a bright and shiny fantasy world.
No, that’s not an exaggeration, nor is it a figure of speech. Those familiar with the current anime landscape will recognize the “isekai” in Suicide Squad ISEKAI to be DC’s attempt at incorporating the popular fantasy sub-genre into their animated universe.
Is this a good idea? On paper, probably not. But, seeing as how James Gunn’s The Suicide Squad made Starro the Conquerer into a genuinely threatening villain, practically anything is possible. Here are just a few reasons why you ought to get hyped for Suicide Squad ISEKAI – you may change your tune once you see who is attached to the project.
What Makes Suicide Squad Isekai Different?
Suicide Squad ISEKAI may strike a familiar chord for DC fans, especially those who keep up with the franchise’s various animated offerings. Specifically, it harkens back to an incredibly bizarre experiment with a somewhat similar premise: Batman Ninja.
If you need a brief refresher, Batman Ninja was a similarly Japanese-themed take on the DC universe, specifically the denizens of Gotham. When Gorilla Grodd’s time displacement machine sends Batman and his rogues’ gallery back to feudal Japan, the two groups find themselves embroiled in an era-appropriate conflict complete with over-the-top duels, sword fights, and a general sense of absurdity.
The film would see mixed reviews due to its out-of-this-world elements and some technical short-falls, but most would appreciate Batman Ninja for being a bold experiment. It’d even be appropriate to assume that Batman Ninja set the stage for this brand-new anime series.
Suicide Squad ISEKAI seems to be following a similar, albeit markedly different path. The isekai sub-genre, which typically follows the adventure of a displaced person in a world that is foreign to theirs, implies that Harley Quinn and others will have to survive a traditional fantasy setting in lieu of historical Japan.
A brief shot of Amanda Waller, the “handler” of the Suicide Squad across multiple variations of the group, also implies that the involvement of this world may be a bit more purposeful instead of accidental. The change in format, being a series instead of a standalone film, also facilitates the potential for it to explore Harley Quinn and the Suicide Squad further, alongside Max’s Harley Quinn and the colorful James Gunn movie.
Who Is Making Suicide Squad Isekai?
Of course, if you’re more interested in the “anime” side of Suicide Squad ISEKAI, you may be shocked to see just how much high-profile talent is attached to the series. The series will be produced by both Warner Bros. Japan and WIT Studio, the latter of which is responsible for some of the most beautiful-looking anime of the past decade.
Attack on Titan, Vinland Saga, The Ancient Magus’ Bride, Great Pretender, the ongoing Spy x Family series, and Ranking of Kings have all garnered rave reviews for their plotting, their characterization – and most importantly, their animation.
Those in the know may also recognize the names outside of WIT Studio. Eri Osada (Jujutsu Kaisen) will be directing the series. Character designs were handled by Naoto Hosada and Akira Amano, the former having previously directed Mirai Nikki and the latter being creatively involved with just about everything to do with Psycho Pass. The delightfully upbeat soundtrack teased in the trailer was also composed by Kenichiro Suehiro, who previously composed for Girls’ Last Tour, Cells at Work!, Shadows House, Goblin Slayer, and Fire Force.
Why You Should Get Hyped
Suicide Squad ISEKAI is an opportunity, above all else. While Marvel holds a tighter grip on mainstream audiences through both the MCU and its associated films, DC’s extensive animated projects have taken everyone’s favorite heroes and villains into some incredibly strange places.
Batman: Gotham by Gaslight took the world of Gotham back to the Victorian era, with Batman taking on Jack the Ripper. Justice Society: World War II sees classic heroes like The Flash and Wonder Woman taking on Nazis. Even Reign of the Supermen, adapted from the storyline of the same name, features Superboy, Steel, Cyborg Superman, and the real Man of Steel throwing down in Metropolis.
Handing off a set of beloved characters and ideas to someone else sounds negative at first. But it’s an opportunity to have a fresh set of eyes take what works, trim what doesn’t, and inject some new ideas into a property that may otherwise be facing creative stagnation. The Suicide Squad, in particular, has been the subject of multiple different adaptations, featuring variations on group members, new threats to tackle, new character interactions, or all three. Why not try something like Batman Ninja again?
Amid returning discussions of superhero fatigue, why not do something wild like Suicide Squad ISEKAI? Even if you’re not entirely on board with the idea, wouldn’t it be fun to see for the novelty of it? To see something genuinely adventurous, both in its content and in its premise? We certainly think so, and given how Suicide Squad ISEKAI exploded in popularity shortly after its announcement, we bet many other people are also genuinely hyped by the idea.
