One of the big problems with the Marvel Cinematic Universe is one inherited from the sort of superhero comics that DC are also working from: nobody ever really dies. The concept of comic book death has saved no less than twin titans Batman and Superman from an early grave, with both being killed off in big storylines multiple times, only to be resurrected through magic or science or reboots. Similarly, the threat of death is totally absent from these new superhero films, since huge actors are signed onto multi-film deals. You know theyre never in peril, because theyre due to appear in more movies still. Thats what could make Suicide Squad such a refreshing change, because the prospect of characters getting killed off is baked into the concept. Seriously, the comics are second only to Game Of Thrones in terms of how it revels in killing off beloved characters out of nowhere, conjuring up a sense that anybody could be next. Obviously the likes of The Joker and Harley Quinn are off-limits, but some of the goofier members of the team - like Captain Boomerang or KGBeast - could kick the bucket, setting up a universe where people actually do die.
Tom Baker is the Comics Editor at WhatCulture! He's heard all the Doctor Who jokes, but not many about Randall and Hopkirk. He also blogs at http://communibearsilostate.wordpress.com/
