Beastars creator Paru Itagaki has made a new poster for the Japanese release of James Gunn’s The Suicide Squad. As the standalone follow up to David Ayer’s Suicide Squad (2016), Gunn's Task Force X brings back characters like Amanda Waller, Rick Flag, and Harley Quinn while introducing newcomers including Bloodsport, Peacemaker, Ratcatcher 2, Polka-Dot Man, King Shark, and a slew of hilariously disposal oddballs. Since its release on HBO Max and in theaters, the movie has achieved a strong Rotten Tomatoes score, earning a 91% from critics and 83% from audiences.
Having been released under unique conditions, The Suicide Squad disappointed at the box office with just $26. 5 million in its opening weekend. 2.8 million households reportedly streamed the film on HBO Max its first weekend rather than go to the theater amid COVID-19 and the Delta variant. The Suicide Squad opened in Japan on August 13 and has since made 390 million yen in the region compared to the first Suicide Squad’s 1.76 billion (overall) earning. Again, that dip in revenue is likely due to the pandemic deterring people from traveling to the cinema. What this means for Warner Bros./DC Films’ release strategy and the future of the DC Extended Universe is anyone’s guess. Regardless, the outrageous and R-rated The Suicide Squad has captivated many.
Japanese manga artist Itagaki created a promo illustration for the Japanese release of The Suicide Squad (via Manga Mogura RE). Itagaki has said she was “captivated by the [film’s] unique villains” and loved seeing them go on a rampage. Her poster sees both Harley Quinn and King Shark in their element. Check it out below:
Click Here to View the Original Post
With Guardians of the Galaxy’s Groot and Rocket and The Suicide Squad’s King Shark, Gunn has established a penchant for adapting endearing anthropomorphic characters. That said, it’s no surprise WB would reach out to Itagaki, who also has an affinity for creatures some might call monsters. Itagaki created, wrote, and illustrated the mangas Beastars and Beast Complex, exploring a world populated by anthropomorphic animals with tensions running high between the carnivores and herbivores. Beast Complex first ran in Weekly Shōnen Champion from 2016 to 2019 before serializing Akita Shoten's Weekly Shōnen Champion from September 2016 to October 2020. The Beastars series was recently licensed by Netflix, has received positive reviews, and is now entering its third season.
Itagaki’s style suits The Suicide Squad. As Itagaki’s illustration continues to go viral, WB could turn to her for future DCEU promotional material. Gunn’s foray in the universe is far from over as The Suicide Squad’s post-credits scene set up his Peacemaker HBO Max show that’s set to arrive in 2022. The writer/director has also teased more spin-offs that may or may not be in development. Gunn’s next project is Marvel Studios’ Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, which could certainly use its own Itagaki illustration down the road.
Source: Manga Mogura RE
