The latest Suicide Squad anime series from DC is essentially the improved version of the 2016 film fans have been waiting for. The very first Suicide Squad film, directed by David Ayer, has been considered by many fans as a disappointment. Despite being a financial success, multiple elements such as its casting choices and nonsensical editing turned it into one of the DCEU's most maligned entries. Now, a new Suicide Squad series has arrived, and it's actually improving upon the film as a pseudo-remake.

Suicide Squad Isekai, at first glance, looks like a completely different project from the 2016 film. Its story tackles the Squad being dropped into a new fantasy world of magic and monsters as they work to give Waller control of the environment while also helping the land's princess stop a war in the region. However, there are multiple story beats that are eerily similar to David Ayer's film. The first episode features Harley being taken in after a major heist with Joker, as well as featuring a supposedly two-way romance between the two. Amanda Waller sends the Squad in to take over an unfamiliar territory dominated by fantastical creatures. Deadshot even says his infamous meme-worthy line: "We're some kind of suicide squad."

There's just way too many coincidences that suggest Suicide Squad Isekai is a very light remake of the 2016 film. However, what sets it apart is its heavily-improved execution.

Isekai's Editing Is a Much-Needed Improvement Over 2016's Suicide Squad

Its Cuts Make for a Far More Coherent Version of the First Live-Action Film

The thing that stands out the most about Suicide Squad Isekai is its editing. Every bit of the narrative flows much smoother than the 2016 film as its action sequences and narrative become easier to follow. The problem with the DCEU film was its quick shift in editors to the same people that made its popular trailer, leading to a hodgepodge of hard-to-follow action sequences mixed with random soundtrack choices. It made for an incredibly unenjoyable viewing experience, especially after multiple rewatches. Isekai, on the other hand, flows a lot smoother with tight animation and well-orchestrated action sequences that are very fun to watch.

There's Less Reliance on Things Fans Already Knew About the Squad, Making It More Accessible for Newcomers

"These takes on Clayface, King Shark, Harley Quinn and more feel completely unique to the Isekai storyline"

Isekai also benefits from taking its time with its writing. Rather than throw out quick facts and tidbits about the Squad that only fans would understand, it builds up these versions of the characters carefully to make them more compelling. The first two episodes have a bit of a slower pace than the action-packed third episode, which is necessary for a story to properly establish its characters, and it works tremendously here. These takes on Clayface, King Shark, Harley Quinn and more feel completely unique to the Isekai storyline, creating a far more compelling narrative for both fans and newcomers alike.

While Suicide Squad Isekai certainly isn't a one-to-one remake of the David Ayer film from 2016, it's still clear that the creators took that film into consideration when creating the anime. There are countless references to the Ayer film that utilize some of the script's ideas for its own story. However, by being more cautious with its editing and putting its characters first over references, this new Suicide Squad series is the long-awaited improvement over the 2016 film fans have been waiting for, making it essential viewing for fans of the comics and its characters.

Suicide Squad Isekai is available to watch now on Max.