The Influence of JLA: Tower of Babel on Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League

Exploring the Impact of Justice League Comics on the Narrative of Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League
The Influence of JLA: Tower of Babel on Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League

Highlights

  • The Enduring Legacy of Justice League Comics
  • JLA: Tower of Babel as a Source of Inspiration
  • The Intriguing Connection Unveiled in Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League

Since its inception in 1960, the Justice League has been a cornerstone of the comic world, offering a rich tapestry of storylines. While a faithful live-action adaptation may still be in the works, the wealth of exceptional comic narratives remains unparalleled. From grand crossovers like Crisis on Infinite Earths to more contained series such as Justice League International, the Justice League comics have served as fertile ground for inspiration, including for games like Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League.

While Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League boasts an original plotline featuring Task Force X's efforts to neutralize brainwashed versions of the world's most renowned heroes, it undoubtedly draws from the 64-year legacy of Justice League comics. While many allusions to Justice League comics are subtly woven into Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League through Easter eggs, map locations, and overall story concepts, one specific Justice League comic series directly influences the narrative of Suicide Squad.

The Impact of JLA: Tower of Babel on Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League

Unveiling the Connection Between Suicide Squad and JLA: Tower of Babel

Published in 2000, JLA: Tower of Babel significantly informs the storyline of Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League. Penned by Mark Waid, acclaimed for his contributions to various Justice League members, the Fantastic Four, and Daredevil, JLA: Tower of Babel depicts Ra's al Ghul pilfering Batman's files and utilizing them to disrupt the Justice League of America.

These files, far from ordinary, contain contingency plans for incapacitating each Justice League member in the event of their betrayal. For instance, Plastic Man is to be immobilized with liquid nitrogen, Martian Manhunter is to be engulfed in flames, Aquaman is to be rendered aquaphobic using Scarecrow's fear toxin, and Superman is to endure excruciating pain by exposure to Red Kryptonite. Although the Justice League eventually recuperates, they come perilously close to death. Following Ra's arrest, the League expels Batman from their ranks, citing newfound distrust in the Dark Knight.

Long before the release of Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League, many fans speculated that the plot might reference this iconic Justice League comic arc. With the game now available, it's evident that this theory holds true. In the latter part of Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League, players enter the Batcave and discover a holographic recording of Batman addressing Robin and the rest of the Bat-Family. After bidding an emotional farewell to his found family, Batman reveals a set of fail-safes tailored for each Justice League member, referred to as the