Review: ‘Task Force Z’ #1 Is A Zany Adventure You Could Only Get In Gotham

2021’s DC Comics mega story started with the Joker attacking Arkham Asylum and slaughtering Batman’s entire rogues gallery. Though we’re still learning who survived and who didn’t, Task Force Z gave us an unexpected twist as we meet the cast of Gotham’s scariest black ops kill team.

Matthew Rosenberg, Eddy Barrows, Eber Ferreria, Adriano Lucas, and Rob Leigh jump into this new series with one of DC’s most bonkers concepts. Then it just gets crazier from there.

Jason Todd has discovered a new level of his personal hell — babysitting a group of zombified villains in a war to clean up the streets of Gotham. He has no choice but to help, or he’s doomed to be stuck in prison. His mission might not last long though, as their earliest mission is up against one of Gotham’s deadliest villains!

Rosenberg has already proven that he gets what makes Gotham’s heroes tick. Now, he applies that to one of the most out-there concepts possible. Mixing the Suicide Squad with zombie horror is a surprisingly great fit, and it turns out to be just plain fun. He quickly does some interesting world-building, a few solid character beats, and some central tension — giving it more depth than the concept alone provides. It’s not the most profound series to come to Gotham, but it’s a hell of a lot of fun.

On the art side, this series just shines. Barrows has established himself as one of DC’s best line artists, and he ups the creep factor here, while still showing his excellent action and character chops. Ferreria’s inks gives the book some deep shadows, and adds just a little bit of grime to Barrows’ pencils. Lucas established a great palette with his colors which gives the issue a visual throughline. When taken all together, this is a great looking book, with interesting action throughout.

This means the launch issue as an overall fun package. It’s silly horror action with a concept that would only happen in Gotham City. I’m excited to check out more.

Task Force Z #1 is available now from DC Comics.