Aside from reading an occasional issue and picking up the "Search for Oracle," I've never really read much BoP. However, I picked up the first issue featuring the new writer and new artist Ed Benes. I was impressed. The art was nice (which I expected after seeing Ed's work on Supergirl), and the storyline looks promising as well. If the quality keeps up as its started, then I'll be getting this title every month.

Who knows, maybe they'll even make me like the "new" Huntress

Benes is good, though for this first issue didn't look as good as his Supergirl stuff (maybe the coloring?).

I just hope that the Huntress' inclusion might mean a guest shot by The Question (maybe even alongside Blue Beetle for old times sake)

Doubt Beetle will show up for a while...he's in Formerly Known as the Justice League.

Yep, BoP is getting the injection its needed since Butch guice left...

I've liked Benes' work since he was on Gen13, so I've got to say I'm happy to see him on BoP. I think he's probably my favorite BoP artist since Greg Land left. Never really cared much for Guice.

Is the inclusion of Huntress in the book temporary, or she going to be a permanent member of the team? I don't mind Huntress, but if she stays I hope they'll do something about that god-awful new costume of hers. I liked her old look much better. The new bare-midriff "cheesecake" look just doesn't seem to fit her attitude.

I'd like to see something of a revolving cast of guest stars, obviously keeping Black Canary in a pivotal role, but with help from time to time. There are dozens of good female characters lingering around in comics-limbo that could be called in cases.

I'd also like to see Ted Kord (not Blue Beetle) return to the supporting cast (after the FKAJL mini, that is). He and Barbara seemed to hit it off, and I like the idea of her having another former hero to consult with.

i've started buying 'BOP' because of ED BENES !!!

i would probably read this comic before, but just never got round to buying it, at the time of it's introduction !!!

i saw an episode of the TV series [ for the first time tonight ] i liked the little flashback/intro in the titles !!!

i would have liked to have seen the pilot episode ....

Matthew.

As a longtime BoP fan, I have to say I was a bit... taken aback by Benes' first issue.

It's been stated by previous editors and Chuck Dixon himself, the father of the Birds, that this title would never resort to cheesecake, T&A artwork. Now, we've got crotch, butt and cleavage shots peppered thru an otherwise wonderful scene scripted superbly by Gail...

I'll give Ed a few issues to settle in before I call for the torches. I seem to remember the first couple of SUPERGIRL issues had a bunch of upskirt and panty shots I thought were in questionable taste, especially with PAD's writing Kara Z with a Silver Age, gee-whiz style, but Mr. B settled down a bit by the final three issues there. I hope this is just temporary while he's getting a feel for the book.

I liked Benes more in "Supergirl" -- maybe it's becaue of the tone of the series. BoP is more "adult" in tone and Benes doesn't convey that as well as Land or Guice. And I don't know whether it was Benes' fault or the way they put the book together, but that whole "shrimp" sequence between the leads fell FLAT because the art didn't match at all what the ladies were saying -- if it were a film, I'd say it was bd acting based on their facial expressions.

I'll give it a few more issues to see if I like it (though the whole "Black Canary gets whupped by people she should be mopping the floor with and gets tortured" routine isn't winning me over).

This book has more pussy than the community litter box!!!

Highly recommended!
lil'rhino

Read issue 58 last night. I'm a bit concerned that Dinah is going to lose her canary cry again, which I think would be a terrible mistake.

Other than that bit of suspense, I'm enjoying the arc. I can't *wait* for Savant to get his!

The art is once again EXCELLENT!

And I personally love the Huntress' new look! She's tres ginchy!

I also want Canary to keep her sonic cry!!!!

it does seem like this is gonna happen !!??

i hope it doesn't either ......

Matthew.

i do, too !!!

her look has created alot of "talk" hasn't it !!!

althought, i think Helena's gonna change it again [ pretty soon ??? ] i think Gail mentioned this [ somewhere .... although i may be wrong !!?? ]

Matthew.

I'm really not too into Lee's design with the short-shorts and the belly window (that just seems odd to me).

Anyone else shocked at the last page?

Well I was!!!!

Don't read the title. So, what happened?

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Oracle fires Black Canary!!!

Sounds quite drastic. Was it called for?

Ole says she is tired of her friends getting hurt!!! Scott this is a great book if you send me an address I'll send you some issues!!!

That's a very gracious offer icey. Maybe I'll take you up on it. Heaven knows I need another good title to read.

I used to run a comic store I have thousands of comics so I'll send you some BoP issues!!!!

I really do appreciate that. And I never knew you used to run a store. Its always been a dream of mine to be able to have a comics/game store big enough for Caroline to have space for a scrapbook store.

Thats a good idea Sott. Scrapbooking is very popular now!!!!

Especially here in Utah. If you are female and don't scrapbook they treat you like a Stepford wife!

Actually, there was a great place that used to be a carlot that had a perfect building and tons of parking that I kept looking at on the way home from work. Day in and day out I'd tell myself what a great store it would make. Of course it sold to another carlot. With the house there is no way I could have swung it. But it would have been fun. Especially since SLC has only 2 comicbook stores left.

Tennessee is also a hot-bed for scrapbooking!

Caroline probably has as much scrapbooking stuff as I have comics. In fact she's got a card table set up in the living room right now (I haven't set up our shared office downstairs yet) with tons and tons of pictures of the house in various stages of construction and she's working on the book for that.

We must have taken a minimum of 20 rolls of film during the construction just so she could scrapbook it.

Cool maybe you could post a few pics of the new house!!!!

Will do as soon as I get my scanner up and running. Probably will just use the pages Caroline has put together for her scrapbook so you get the full story.

Wow Icey, my dream job has always been to work in a comics store!

I also recommend BoP! Especially now with the uber-HOT art of Ed Benes and the witty yet exciting writing of Gail Simone!

i'd like to own a comic/art gallery store .... like the one in the film "Unbreakable" !!!

that looked really good !!! and it had a great name "Limited Edition" !!!

Matthew.

getting back to the issue .... i suppose it was a bit harsh of Bab's !!!

and how gay was the guy getting the info from Savant !!??

Matthew.

I would really like to see Vixen, Gypsy, Katanna or Looker in this book!!!!!

I didn't know scrapbooking was so popular these days... are there already scrapbooking stores out there?

yES!!!!

Hey Matt,

He was very International Male wasn't he.

Hmm if "everybody" is scrapbooking, would the people scrapbooking be the Stepford Wives?

Matt, to be honest, I kept waiting to see if there was going to be a rape scene in the issue. The only thing just seemed really eerie and disturbing to me with the Savant stuff.

I recommend this title to anyone not reading it, and like Lash said, the art is one of the major reasons. Huntress is sure looking hot these days!

A 4 page preview of #61 (due next week) is out at PopCultureShock . Here's a direct link .

These pages look Awesome!!!!

just to nick pick a little ....

DINAH still wears a WIG, doesn't she ???

well it must be a damn good one to be able to be pulled that tight, into a pony tail !!!

without anyone being able to see her real hair ......

cool pages, btw !!!

Matthew.

no sir...dinah drop the wig a number of years ago. actually it was waaaaay back when _birds of prey_ was just a one-shot.

she's blond-in-a-bottle now.

thanks for the info !!!

i wondered how she managed to get a wig to go like that !!!

Matthew.

New interview by Arune with Gail Simone over at CBR about her thoughts on Birds of Prey.

I'm a little torn about my feelings on BoP. I mean, I remember when Black Canary was one of DC's biggest hand-to-hand combatants, and now she's been getting training from the new Batgirl?

And I don't really care for the way she was handled during that whole Savant storyline.

I dunno. Admittedly, I didnt start reading BoP regularly until Gail and Ed came on board, but I did pick up some sporadic issues previously. It seems to me like the characters are being handled quite a bit differently from how the previous team handled them. I just haven't decided if I feel that's good or bad yet.

Hey, speaking of which... does Arune (a.k.a. Rune-El) lurk 'round these parts?

I think he signed up but has never posted. Does he even hang around the DCMB anymore?

the latest issue has such a cool cover, don't you think !!!???

just love the MOVIE poster styling .....

Matthew.

I got the last couple of issues based on some reviews from you guys and it looks like I have a new regular book. The art is GREAT. Benes' art is looking more and more like Maduriera's, and since Maduriera can't be bothered to pick up a pencil any more... that's a good thing.

Nice writing also. I really liked Canary and Shiva's storyline.

Glad you liked the book Ger!!!

You poor thing.

I pity you.

You'll never know the orgasmic sensation as your eyes scan the UBER-hot artwork of Ed Benes and his blistering renditions of Oracle, Black Canary, Huntress, Cheshire and Lady Shiva...

You'll never feel the afterglow as you place the book aside after greedily devouring every page of Gail Simone's excellent scripts, a cigarette dangling from your lips...

You'll never know, that is, UNLESS YOU BUY THE BOOK! Get a clue, already!

I buy it! I love it! Stop shouting at me!

But you're not buying TWO copies of BoP a month, are you?

I pity you.

*tee hee!*

Lash is cute when he's impossible!

And sweetie, smoke figuratively, not literally, huh?

I buy BoP, and believe me...I LOVE IT!

Buy it! Huntress? Yum! Oracle? YUM! Dinah? OO LA LA!

I last got it -- even then, only on occasion -- when Power Girl guest starred. When did Gail Simone start writing it?

The new Huntress doesn't match up to the pre-Crisis one ... but then again, as Portfolio Boy suggested, who does? *sigh*

I bought the first issues when they collected them in Trade form... I got half way through it before I realized that it was boring me to tears. You're going to have to try the "hard" sale on me before I shuck out anymore change on BoP.

i the last issue !!! just read it today !!!

i thought the interaction between Dinah, Shiva and Cheshire was great !!! i thought the "false-nail" was really funny !!!

as LASH said .... go buy it !!!

Matthew.

btw .... i would be so great if Ed was doing Gail's upcoming "LEGION" arc !!!!

Matthew.

I pity you.

I pity you.

One of my favorite titles!!!!!!

Fine, pity me. Just tell me when Gail Simone started writing it, already, so I'll have a place to start picking up back issues.

Back issues, you say? You are pitiable no longer!

Begin your search with BoP issue # 56, which is the start of the Simone/Benes reign!

And if you like those, go and pick up TPB's of the early Dixon/Land issues... the first two trades, I think...?

BIRD'S THE WORD!

Land as in ... Greg Land? Before he went to CrossGen with his stellar technique? Now, that would be a budget-buster.

Yeah Grey, Greg Land! His first comic art that I know of was a nice run on Birds of Prey, and what a great looking run! He's the reason the series really took off IMO, and he drew an amazing Black Canary (and Oracle!). You should really check it out, there's some beautiful art in there. (I think Butch Guice was the next to have a good run, which was also beautiful).

As to recent issues: HOLEY MOLEY! Wow, Cheshire is a freakin' hottie! Dinah has never looked hotter! Shiva can kick my ass so hard that I'm really in love! And Huntress is my new favorite Super-Heroine in any universe! She's the hottest, and has the best attitude (although her best line was in Outsiders where she told Black Lightning "No offense, but get the hell out of here").

The humor is great too, I liked the scene earlier in the series when the parking garage cop makes Huntress promise to take him out on a date. And I really like the relationship being developed between Shiva and Dinah. The fact that Shiva will kill Cheshire if she does something to Dinah is a cool way of looking at how the three of them are working together in this arc.

Ummm... Pity as a hard sell technique... Ahh...

Nope doesn't work. Not unless you got a whole lot more pity. And maybe some pity in pretty colors too.

Minesurfer, would you buy 2 issues just because I asked you to?

I pity the foolish mortal not reading BIRDS OF PREY!!!

Lash you are to cool for words!!!!!

My only problem with BoP right now is that Gail and Devin G from NIGHTWING have conspired to keep Dick out of the book --- which means we don't get to see Benes draw him anywhere near enough!

[Mr. T] I pity the fool! [/Mr. T]

I pity me.

After the good buzz, its receiving here, I may pick up the latest Trade and give it another try. I was in Richmond a few weeks back on an action figure/fodder run and my wife saw the book and asked me if I was reading it. She doesn't read comics, so if it caught her eye there must be something going on.

I love BoP one of my faves I would rally like to see Vixen in the book!!!!


Lash are you reading the new Rose and Thorn mini???

Ah ha! A fine eye the lass has!
Pick up some back-issues of Gail & Ed's run-- you'll like 'em and I betya SHE'LL read 'em too!

Icey, I flipped through R&T # 1 at the store; didn't see anything that caught my interest on the flip-through so I put it back...

I bought the first issue Lash and it was good so I'm goona buy the whole series. I'll let you know how it turns out!!!!!

I just started reading BoP with this story arc. Can someone tell me who Savant is?

Savant is the BASTARD villain featured in Gail's first storyarc on BoP.

He put Babs and Dinah through sheer hell before they (with help from the Huntress) took him down.

Looks like Gail's setting him up to be BoP's primary nemesis.

Grey, drop me a line and I'll set you up with a CD full of the issues if you'd like. Cheaper than digging through the back issue bins. They you can decide to continue or not.

Thanks, Lash.

Arachne, he's also very brillant and physically strong. But his one major weakness is that he has a terrible memory (I'm not sure if it's long-term, short-term or both), a medical condition.

Since he figured out who Oracle was, it's up in the air as to if he can remember it. Which is why he remembers that what she looks like, but not her name.

Interesting. Does he remember what he did to Canary? (I'm assuming he's the guy that held her hostage and broke her arm.)

I'm pretty sure he does, since he's never mentioned that he doesn't. So I'm going on the assumption that he remembers the whole thing, just not the minute details like Dinah's real name (although he very well may remember that).

Another interesting point- the person that Savant refers to as his only true friend ever that is stuck in prison, is his partner in crime that Canary, Huntress and Babs put away. What Savant doesn't realize is that this long time friend is really gay and is in love with Savant!

But if he doesn't remember it then he's not going to know enough to mention it.

Ah, I love a good twisty villain.

I picked up the Trade: Of Like Minds (reprinting BoP 56-61) over the weekend and read it. Not bad... overall I think Gail writes comic books very well. Her Agent X stuff was pretty good too, I just wasn't interested in doing the it's really Deadpool... or isn't it, plot again.

I like the way she handles the interactions between characters. I am really looking forward to her Legion arc and seeing how she handles the interactions of the team in so few pages.

I'm not sure (this is remembering off the top of my head) but i think Savant actually has an OK memory but no actual perception of time passing in a linear fashion. Basically that means he's not sure what he has or hasn't actually done and has difficulty differentiating real life from his own imagination. I'm pretty sure that in one of the first issues he's in he actually explains it fairly fully. He's not an Idiot Savant (ie: a genius at one specific thing but very mentally challeneged in almost every other area) but I think it's related to that. He is a genius but he can't funstion in society like a normal person. So I guess that makes him not quite a psycho in the same way that most Bat villains are but still a big threat.

I have to say I'm loving BoP under Gail's control. Ed Benes I sometimes really like (he's got a very good sense of visual humour and some really great facial expressions) and others times don't like at all. He is still a bit too cheesecake for a title which is pretty much the only DC one that is clearly aimed at girls as well as boys. I guess by having cheesecake art DC think that they'll get both the boys and the girls. Not sure that's a good idea. But in the meantime I think he's a good artist, consistent and seems to be good at keeping to deadlines (I think we've had a sort of half fill-in issue so far and he's been on the book a while) so I'm certainly not asking for someone new on the title, maybe just a wee bit less cheesecake.

Yeah, Bevis, you just summed up Savant's memory thing pretty well. I couldn't remember exactly what it was. So that's it, everyone!

Benes is a bit cheesecake in his art, but goddamn, I'm in love with the Huntress! And I've never seen a sexier Cheshire or Shiva (especially Cheshire) not to mention Dinah and Babs! He does draw attractive men too though, Gail said in an interview that she specifically told him to!

I really like where Gail is going with Dinah and Lady Shiva. Maybe we'll get to see her hand Batman his head eventually...

We're losing that outfit!



Thanks!

Gail

This is a pretty dang cool thread.

Guys, thank you so much. It means a LOT to me that people are buying my stuff, but it means ten times more when they're enjoying it!

Yay!

Some REALLY cool stuff is coming up. Hope you guys stick around...I think we're doing things pretty rare in the DCU. Hope you like, but let me know either way, okay?

Best,

Gail

But... but... then she'll be NEKkid...

(Seriously, though, that's great to hear. That outfit wasn't one of Jim Lee's better moments... :rolleyes: )

Yay!

Listen, this coming year of Bop has CRAZY cool guest stars and villains, and we move the whole thing into overdrive. I'm having a blast, and I think you guys will, too. You'd better, or I'm going to take all your flight rings.

THANK YOU SO MUCH for the kind words!

Gail

Thank you, thank you, thank you!

The belly window looks so stupid

I had been thinking of dropping Birds of Prey, but the latest storyline with Shiva-Black Canary-Cheshire and Babs being captured has been real good. Writing like this will keep me reading the book

Thanks for stopping by Gail!

As you can see, the majority of us love Birds of Prey, to the point that we're trying to get others to pick it up!

As I've said in this thread and others, I love what you've done with the title. My favorite aspect, though, by far, is the way you've written Huntress! In only a few issues, you've made her my new favorite heroine of the DCU. I just can't get enough of her--that she kicks ass, has no qualms about saying what she feels, but also has a good sense of humor (and is a hottie ).

Dinah and Babs, I've always liked, and I like the way you're writing them. And I love, love, love what you're doing with Lady Shiva, particularly her friendship with Dinah. Her punching Cheshire in the face was priceless! (And I really like how you write Cheshire too!)

Oh, and tell Ed Benes that his art is some of the best in comics right now! Beautiful people all around (men and women) and dynamic fight scenes.

I think you guys are forgetting one important thing: she looks pretty damn hot in that outfit! And...it works well...in fights...I guess...

The latest storyline is the best so far IMO, and that's saying something!

I'm excited by this little preview: more guest stars and villians? Bring 'em on! BoP is also one of the best paced books on the market, and by that I mean costantly moving along with action while also allowing for good character time and chances to show that our heroines are thinkers.

As long as we are keeping the Huntress I don't care what she wears!!!!!

I also would love to see Vixen in this series!!!!! or Gypsy or Katana or Looker or Onyx!!!

icefire, ummmm...

I can't say nuffing. But I think you'll be happy.



Gail

I'll echo Cobie there on the writing of Huntress. Because I only got back into comics a few years back I completely missed the old Huntress (as in the pre-crisi version) and the current version was well established when I first found out about her. But there's something about her that I love and I don't give two hoots if she's not the daughter of Batman and Catwoman. She does get shafted quite a lot by Bat writers but what with the Greg Rucka mini of a while back (just a great read) and now how she's being writen in BoP I just love her even more.

I have to admit I was kinda worried that with her in the title as well as Babs and Dinah my two fave ladies (well, two of my three fave along with Wonder Woman) would get less screen time but I think Gail has the balance just right. The way all three are written means that they play off each other really well. You've got a good mix of characters (and I've never seen Dinah get embaressed or shocked by someone else's sexual whiles before. ) and abilities and the tension between all three works really nicely. I'm also glad the use of guest stars is still being done so well. When the book first started that was one of the main appeals to me. You had a core cast of just two characters but pretty much every story arc featured someone else as well. Gail's got that mix just right as well and even in the current arc with the three main cast members as well as two other kick arse ladies there isn't a sense of anyone getting squeezed out because there isn't room for anyone else.

OK, just gushing a bit now but when you read a book and love it it's nice to let the creators know that you appreciate what they're doing.

Skipping the obvious nudity joke that Pov's already made, does that mean she's going to be back in her pre-Hush outfit (please say yes), or something new/a varient of the Hush outfit?

I always liked the costume she wore in Morrison's JLA. Howard Porter never draws an unatractive lady. Plus it's just a classic.

Although her current togs are a nod to the costume the original Huntress from Earth 2 wore back in the pre-crisis days.

But I like that outfit!!! It's ginchy, I tells ya!

I also love Huntress's current outfit! I've never even liked the Huntress before and I think the reason I'm starting to actually like her now is *because* of this outfit! What's wrong with me?

But the outfit that really needs to go is Dinah's! I can't stand it! It is just so BORING! Please tell us you're going to change that one too Gail?

I wouldn't object to seeing Dinah back in the grey & green...

Me too. Not that there's anything wrong with scantily clad females, but the green and grey full body suit did look both nice and practical.

Plus she wore it when she was in the JSA, wheich means Sadowski drew her in it. Bonus marks already.

Is anyone else into this book. Simone & Benes rock. The last 2 issues were amazing, beautiful. #67 saw Oracle, Black Canary, Huntress, Catwoman, Shiva, Cheshire, Katana and Gypsy. It's becoming what I've always wanted to see in comics, a femme force to be reckoned with. I think Vixen is slated to appear in the future too. It seems Huntress has officially been brought on as a regular, thus completing DC's "Charlie's Angels".

Owl Lad, a whole bunch of us are into this! I love this title, it's definately one of DC's best right now. Gail's stories and dialogue are really good--I don't think I've enjoyed Dinah this much in awhile. And the art is gorgeous.

And b/c of her appearances in BoP (and recently in the Outsiders), Huntress may now be my favorite DCU female character. I can't get enough of her!

just bought two issues of BOP. I have to admit it was the covers that attracted me to start with. That Land draws some hellofa sexy women.

But once i had got past the covers I really enjoyed these two stories. Makes me happy for the next few issues of the legion.

Cobie, why is Huntress in bed with a man and her mask on?

My absolute favorite title right now!!!!

She went on a date with that guy as part of an agreement to get info from him. She didn't want to give away her secret ID so she wore her mask on the date. Personally I think Simone did a disservice to the character by having her live up to her 'ho rep (that Dinah was busting on her for) and sleeping with that jerk-off on the first date (unless the fact that his face was covered is meant to leave open the possibility that it was some other guy she F-ed).

Birds of Prey, since Simone took over, has never failed to be one of my best reads every month!

She crafts an excellent story, and ties her ends at the end of an arc well. Everything seems to have its place and despite the predicaments the characters get into, there's always a nice resolution be it happy or not.

Not to mention, there's this thing called characterization that I am positively in love with. I really like the interaction between Dinah and Babs, as well as Huntress' interactions with basically any human being. Gail's always eloquent dialogue is really what brings these gals so alive!

Havent read it, but this might be one thing i don't agree with. Seems like they are trying to turn Huntress into 'Ho-tress. And too think, she used to be one of the classiest characters in the DCU. Well, before the crisis anyway.

It seems like Huntress is more "lonely and damaged" than a straight up 'ho bag, which might not be a lot better but I think Simone brought it up as a precursor to having her change. It's still a well written issue and I'm enjoying having Huntress brought into the mix. Something else else about the "ego/superego/id" trios always make for good stories (Kirk/Bones/Spock, Robin/Superboy/Impulse, Larry/Mo/Curly etc...). I just hope that by the end of it, Selena's growth will stick by the time she's brought back into the Bat family - it seems almost every arc is about her being a screwup then finding growth. She needs a new schtick.

The Canary/Wonder Woman sparring session was also great -- one of the best depictions/descriptions of Wonder Woman's nature I've seen. Benes is absent this issue, but Bennett is more than adequate here. I think I might actually prefer him.

Bah! If men score on the first date, they're studs. If women score, they're ho's. I for one was surprised but no less tickled to see that Huntress decided to give the li'l guy a go-round. And as cute as LAND had him depicted on the cover, I don't blame her!

BOP has a lot of fans here, and is possibly the comic with the MOST separate threads devoted to it here in the CULTURAL RARITIES forum.

Cant wait for Gail's LEGION issues.

And BOP is going bi-weekly for the summer-- YEAH!

Another *huge* BoP fan here. As others have said if anything the book has got immeasurably better since Gail took over, and it was one of the best books out there even before that (excepting the last few Dixon issues and some of the crappy fill in issues after). I wasn't a huge fan of Benes at first simply because of his extreme T&A (I had the same problem with him on Supergirl) but he's grown on me hugely and is excellent at doing emotion as well as action so I can forgive some of the more cheesecakey moments.

As for the latest issue... I tend to agree with Drake with regards to Helena. She is a little man hungry, but that's always been a complaint that's been leveled at Dinah as well and I think it's no more true of her than it is of Dinah. As Lash says there does seem to be double standards for men and women. Nightwing has hardly been averese to jumping into bed with the ladies at a moments notice and that seems to be OK with everyone. Helena is a bit screwed up though and I think her sexual escapades are a vent for that. It's a shame no-one really picked up on Greg Rucka's characterisation of her in his mini from a couple of years back but Gail seems to be going much more from that as a starting point and sort of ignoring the intervening psycho-batgirl-No-Man's-Land characterisation of her, which I think is a very good thing. Gail has managed to make her fit well into the group and balanced the three ladies against each other brilliantly.

Also I *loved* Dinah sparring with Diana. It was established post crisis that Dinah was the first heroine that Diana met once she came to Man's World and occassionaly it's been mentioned that they're friends but this is probably the first time I've ever really seen anyone do anything with it (apart from the really nice little bit in Phil Jimenez's run on WW where Oracle told Diana that Dinah said hello). It shows just how capable Dinah is, and how respected she is by her peers (sp?) while not getting away from the fact that Dinah is her biggest critic and has a big issue with self-doubt. Gail really seems to have been playing on that what with her relationship with Shiva the last few issues and is taking her (as well as Babs and Helena) on a journey of growth. The ways she's going Gail could well establish these three women as the preminent female crime fighters in the DCU, only just behind Wondy.

also did anyone else get the little in-joke at the end of the issue? Someone over at the GLA yahoo group mentioned it and I hadn't seen it at first. Look at the second to last panel with the kids that Helena is teaching. Remind you of anyone? And if not bear in mind that Gail used to write the Simpsons comic. He he.

I missed the injoke! Who is she teaching? Harry, Ron and Hermoine ?

Loved the Dinah/Diana sparring match. Diana needs a woman friend in the super-hero community very badly, and Dinah is perfect for the role. They're the true 'icon heroines' of the DCU.

Like I said, I love the Huntress. Nightwing and Arsenal are man-whores anyway! Poor Helena just needs a life and a nice guy to remind her that she is loved! Good comments all around on her though. I have the feeling that there is at least a starting point being established for Gail to show some character growth for Helena.

Maybe if "Lisa" wasn't miscolored...

My disappointment with her going to bed with that guy was that he was a pompous jerk the whole time and Helena showed nothing but contempt for him until the end of the date where she softened, but nothing indicated actual attraction. I get that he's a "good guy" underneath and that she saw a similarity between them in terms of people who put on a tough exterior, but I don't think Simone meant for it to have been a positive thing either -- just an example of how lonely and kinda lost she is. It's believable, but I thought she had grown more than that. To me, it'd be the same if a male hero slept with a young (barely legal) fan or some skank. The fact that she didn't take off her mask meant that this wasn't about really connecting to someone, and Simone didn't really create a likable character that you'd want to see paired with *any* female you respected (not me anyway).

Actually, all of them are miscolored since they're supposed to be yellow...!

Since Dianh is referred to as Ms. Lance, is she then the daughter of Dinah Drake and Larry Lance? What happened to the original Black Canary anyway?

Just wanna say thanks on behalf of the whole bop team. I'm really, REALLY happy to hear people are having fun, because we're working our hearts out. So, good stuff.

However, I will say, Helena makes a poor role model, and she does stumble. But we're going to see another side of her, very soon.



Gail

Alright! Thanks for stopping by again Gail!

And great to hear about Helena, who, as you can tell, is a big favorite around here. I especially enjoy her in your hands, so as long as I know she's in the book for the forseeable future, I'm happy.

Well her front side looks pretty good so does that mean we are going to see more of her back....



Sorry very un PC joke there.


on a more series note I rather hope Helena is allowed to explore this aspect of the flawed role model and we get to see her grow, make mistakes, fall and scuff her knees and all that stuff, as long as she gets the support of her surrogate family in picking her up dusting her down and helping her to get on again.

Hey, Gail, tell Judd to leave Huntress alone! She was totally out of character in her last OUTSIDERS appearance.

The last time I cringed so badly at a poorly-interpreted character was McFarlane's Wolverine early in his epynomous Spider-Man launch... Her dialogue was atrocious!

I rather enjoyed her stint in OUTSIDERS.

I enjoyed seeing her elsewhere in the DCU, but she was totally miswritten! Her dialogue in issue 12 (I think) was stilted and sounded nothing like Huntress... actually, she sounded more like a nympho Jubilee...!

It was especially jarring given my monthly doses of Gail's Huntress.

After reading everyone's reactions to Huntress' sleeping around, I take it her Catholic convictions are no longer an issue for her character?

Just read BoP #69. Huntress continues to impress. It is so encouraging to see her step out from the shadow of the Earth-2 Huntress.

The "back-up" agent revealed by the end was a welcome sight, a character who deserves to be at the forefront of DC's characters.

I tried BoP since so many here are hyping it, and Simone is writing the current Legion arc. #68 was my first issue. I'm sorry, but I just can't get the idea of a teacher being a superhero. It just cannot be done. Especially on an elementary level, and espcially when you have Bart and Nelson in your class! When is she going to find the time to grade all the kids homework, prepare lessons, fight supervillains and sleep with men to get information? Bleh. I don't like the Ho'Tress at all.

Thankfully I got the next issue which was the beginning of the next arc. Looks like fun. I'll be sticking around to see how this one turns out for sure.

Ok, now I'm REALLY glad i didn't base my complete opinion on the first issue I bought. I just got #70 and I am really getting a kick out this series. The story has me hooked. Since I'm dumping Aquaman and Firestorm, I should have plenty of room for BoP. Thanks for all the hype, guys! Just please! No more Ho'Tress stories!

Some questions for regular readers -

Who are the two guys at the beginning of the story? Obviously, they're from a previous arc, but can anyone summarize their story in a sentence or two?

I understand who the three main stars ae. Does Oracle often recruit other heroes (i.e. Vixen)?

There's nothing to say, that she isn't supply teaching and hence, not having the regular workload as a full time teacher.

I must be missing something from Helena's past because I had no idea she had teaching aspirations. Did the Earth 2 Huntress ever teach?

One of the more interesting pieces of this arc is the Savant sidestory. Oracle's challenge was interesting and interesting that Savant was interested in taking it on -- it'll be fun to see how he does it and how long this fragile alliance will last.

One-night stand aside, I'm really liking the Huntress' role in this book. Her dialogue with the local cops was a hoot, though I hope she doesn't end up with all the good lines and that her attitude won't push Canary into the role of "stiff", or "the sensible one". She's got some attitude on her as well.

I beleive she became a teacher and gave up being Huntress (for a time) at the end of her debut series - post-Crisis.

Y'know, I have been re-reading some old Wonder Woman comics (pre-crisis) and the Huntress back-up stories were written by Levitz for some time. These are the best pre-crisis Huntress stories I have encountered, far outshining the Amazon in her own comic.

The Post Crisis Huntress has, I think, always been a teacher. It's actually been a key character thing in some of the Bat books a while back that she simply couldn't do both the teacher job and the superhero one, and had to give up being a teacher. I think it might have been during the 'Contagion' event thingy that it all transpired, but it was certainly also a point in Greg Rucka's 'Huntress: Cry For Blood' as well, whihc I think is when she finally got sacked for missing too much time off work. I think it's a very nice side to her character, it shows that while she may be tough as nails and have some emotional problems (something else that came up in Rucka's mini) she also has a very caring, nuturing side to her. She was always shown to love her job and think it was at least as important as being a superhero. I'm glad Gail is bringing it back into her character and having her just as a substitute rather than a full time teacher means that it's far more likely that she could fit it in with her other life.

Super Lad Kid, as for Oracle's other operatives, yes she does call in a fair number of people. When the book started it was just Oracle and Canary but even from the get go it was clear that while Dinah was the one that the book focussed on Babs also had other operatives all over the place. It's made it possible to have a lot of guest stars (Catwoman and Power Girl, who was Oracle's main operative before Dinah, being the two that have appeared most) and while Helena has now also been added as a main star they're not the only people Babs works with. With all her conections she can pull in favours from all over the place, but I think the way it's usually been viewed is that she actually has a fair few operatives working for her (I'm sure Vixen had been mentioned previously to this arc as well), it's just that we don't get to see their stories, if you see what I mean.

Babs is JLA, so she can call on pretty much anyone, but as Bevis stated, the other non-Dinah operative most often featured prior to Huntress was Power Girl. Catwoman also made some early-on appearances. I'm thrilled to see Vixen!

I'll defend Huntress' right to sleep with anyone she wants. You GO, girlfriend!

Loved the cover by TEX! Where's he BEEN, anyway? I don't think I've seen his art since he did a GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY fill-in years ago!

I remember Huntress mentioning being a teacher back the JLI issues in which she appeared. I don't think that was too much after her initial post-Crisis appearance.

-- Agent Liberty (who?), Air Wave (Hal Jordan!), Bumblebee (there's a current incarnation?), Claw (cool guy - I've wondered where he's been), Flamebird, Geo-Force, Plasmus and Plastique. It'll be really cool if we get to see them in action before this arc is over -- even if it's a brief "big finale battle" kind of thing. I wouldn't mind if one or two of them became occassional Oracle agents as well (let it be Claw!).
-- Since Gail drops by, I gotta ask -- are we gonna see Vic Sage aka The Question at all?? Or at least some mention of the relationship she and Huntress have (whatever it be). I'd also love to see Dr. Mid-nite again since Dinah and Ollie are (currently) kaput.

Yeah, Question and Doc Midnight would be cool. There's something about Connor Hawke that makes him seem to fit with the ideals of the book as well, so I'd quite like him to put in an appearance. I think the only danger with guest stars on a title like Birds Of prey is that you might end up with too many characters and the main stars (Dinah, Babs and now Helena) will lose out. Gail managed to avoid that in the last arc despite having Shiva, Cheshire, Catwoman, Gypsy and Katanna all turning up but I'd rather have big casts like that as an occasional thing rather than the norm.

That being said if anyone can pull of a big cast, still keep the focus on the main three and still have character development, characterisation *and* good plots then I think it's probably Gail.

I will constantly say this: I love Huntress in this series, and now consider her my favorite non-Legion DCU heroine! And Dinah is a close second!

I can't get enough of this book! I agree about the Savant story too, Drake. It's been very interesting so far, and shows a deeper side of Babs.

And since we're talking about Oracle's operatives: Blue Beetle was showing up consistently for a bit, before moving on. And Superman was revealed to be her operative in issue #12, since Oracle was a member of the JLA. However, this was meant to show that while Supes and others are not really 'operatives', they can be called on in emergencies.

I hope those heroes that DrakeB3003 listed get a line or two of dialogue before they recede back into limbo...

...is Vixen gonna stick around? 'Cause she's gonna need some *serious* hand-holding.

Really enjoying this series.

Todd

I wonder if Gail is a fan of the SUPER STALAG OF SPACE?

If this cult is into fat-assing people, that could explain the suicides...

Imagine Nardo as a cult-leader...

Todd

The Birds are going to be on "Justice League Unlimited" this season! (well, two-thirds of them) Black Canary and Green Arrow will team up with Huntress as The Question in a kind of "double-date" episode written by Gail Simone! Too bad they couldn't fit in Batgirl...(not that I know of)

Drake, that's terrific news about the Birds being on the show! Especially with Gail doing writing/scripting chores! I can't wait.

Ah, the joys of a new story arc AND a bi-weekly schedule! I can't get enough of Huntress. Always the wild card.

I like the current situation Savant is in, I'm intrigued by Vixen's new 'allegiance', and as always, I can't wait for everything to tie together. The cult, the suicides, the captive heroes, and Babs' mystery assailant. So much goes on in every issue! With one-liners, too!

I have nothing else to add that can't be summed up in four words: I LOVE THIS BOOK.

I'm really enjoying the Savant story line. He's got almost the same skills as Oracle, but where she's crippled physically; he's crippled mentally. Where she has Dinah to act as her legs; he has Reese to act as his memory. It's all so very yin-yang.

Ok, so I just read on ComicsContinuum that Canary won't be featured til next season (though she appears in "Initiation").

Just read the latest issue and absolutely loved it. I'm still not sure what's going on (the ending is a little scary) but there are just so many things to enjoy here. Four women (Dinah, Babs, Helena and Vixen) all being fabulous without having to lose their femininity or conversly have to rely on men to help them (nice cameo from Superman though and it makes perfect sense). I also have to say i think the Savant subplot is pretty interesting. Some of the funniest dialogue in the whole issue was in there ("Hello! We wish to purchase illegal drugs, please" and "you have a shuriken in your shoulder") but Dinah and Supes made me snigger muchly too (BC having dirty thoughts about the Man of Steel? Whodathunk it? ). The humour was really nicely counterbalanced by the action and the intrigue and it's especially worth noting that even though lots happens in the issue Gail manages to leave as much hidden as she answers but doesn't leave you feeling like you're in the dark. r, well, she does only it's a good thing that you still don't know what's going on. Sort of puts you in the same position as the Birds I guess.

The art was nice (Superman did look quite sexy actually in a bog standard hansdsome way. Hmm, that sounds a bit like damning with faint praise, it's not really) with some really nice visual story telling going on and very good facial expressions. Still a little too much perfect big round bazonkas going on all over the place, but I've sort of come to expect and excuse that. The writing of the women makes up for almost any failings in the way that they're drawn visually (I've no objections to cheesecake, I'd just like to see a little less of it and more variety in female shapes. That's something that Land was always very good at without losing any of the sexiness of his Birds). Also a very clean fill-in for Benes' work. I know that Adrian is Benes' assistant so it makes sense that he has a similar style, but it's especially nice to see two artists working on one arc and the art still remaining visually consistent.

Basically an all round pretty near perfect issue. There are things about the art that i could ideally stand to see done differently but none of it's actually bad, if you get what I mean (a personal taste thing rather than a quality one) and the writing is so darn good that I can't really complain.

Actually the only other comic I got this week was Queen & Country which is another fine example of a lead female character. Quite nice to see the other parallel in the two titles that they have gay male supporting cast members who's sexuality doesn't really seem to be an issue. Speaking of which though, does Savant actually realise that his muscle (I forget his name darn it) is in love with him? And would it make any difference if it did? It'd be nice to see a gay couple doing the whole villain to hero thing, especially if written by Gail. I just hope one of them doesn't end up getting killed as per usual.

I have always liked Vixen. Cool name and powers. Hope she gets to stick around for awhile longer.

I doubt Helena's gonna volunteer...

Birds of Prey is the BEST monthly ongoing series out there. Gail Simone has crafted a remarkable set of bonds, tensions and schemes that push the Birds of Prey.

I gave the first arc to my 10 y.o niece and she LOVED it, took it to school and showed all the kids some kick-ass smart comics. BOP impressed the mostly manga crowd at her school. (Due to the sex in the Huntress date issue, I'm not forwarding that to her.)

While I think the artist is talented, his cityscapes are lacking. Gail has a great sense of who the women are and the world they operate in. The cities - primarily Hong Kong and Gotham thus far - are known for their personalities. I don't think Benes has captured that life yet in his cities. As a result, some of the 'reveals' have been lacking, at least for me.

I love how Gail incorporates the rest of the DCU effortlessly and smoothly into each arc. A competent Vixen? Shiva as a complicated & dangerous combat artist/legend? Katana disarming a battallion of soldiers by meditating? Cheshire as a beautiful manipulative psychotic? I don't know how long Simone plans on keeping these characters around, but so far, her characterization and use are right on. Even if they're just rotated in for specific stories and not kept beyond that arc (allowing for Oracle, Black Canary and Huntress to fill up the transition issues), Simone's doing a great job at maintaining and growing the DCU.

I agree that Birds of Prey is one of the best comic books on the market. And like Andy just said, it's the characterization does it for me. She made me really like the Huntress, something I thought was impossible, and has written Babs extremely well.

As I just said in another thread, seeing Vixen is a big plus too, I hope we see more of her. Savant is interesting, Shiva was shown as very complex but still the most bad-ass martial artist alive, and Dinah written by Gail is the most likeable female heroine in comics today (wow, that's a bold statement ).

Wow-- I was *surprised* by the villain who appeared towards the end of the most recent issue!

Any comments? Oracle looks to be facing ch-ch-changes!

I was focused almost completely on Huntress and Vixen... wasn't expecting *this*.

Seeing Geo-Force in action (even while mind-controlled) makes me wish he'd get a berth in the JLA or the OUTSIDERS or something.

Todd

The villian was a huge surprise! I didn't see it coming at all, and I loved it! Talk about the big time!

I just read the last two issues, and loved them both. I can't praise this book enough. Dinah, Babs, and the Huntress are too likeable for words. The writing/pacing/dialogue is top notch and the art is unbelievable.

The Huntress/Vixen scenes were great, and the surprise villian really was a big surprise. I can't wait to see what happens next.

nice issue. Bit unsure about the "deamon seed, saturn 5" plot line. A sentient computer trying to get born as a living thing by taking over a female/. And on a side note is that rape?

But i agree Des, the writing here is top notch. the artwork is stunning and i want to see more.

I still adore this book. I read the two latest issues together last week and found them a nice, concrete read. The new fill-in artist compliments Benes style very well! I'm loving any scene with Huntress & Vixen together, and like how their cult mission seems to finally be coming together.

Dinah's loyalty to Babs is great and her diffusion of the potential suicide jumper has all the qualities of a heroic woman who refuses to sink to using weapons or sometimes even her own power!

Very intrigued by what Oracle is going through. She seems to be more 'in-control' in the cyberspace of her mind than she is in reality at the moment. The new villain definitely will be interesting to see how he can be overtaken. I can't wait to see how the two gals back in Oregon manage to hold back Geo-Force and the others....let alone save the hundreds of suiciders. Something else else tells me things will tie in a lot closer (and faster) than we think.

BoP is NOVA-hot lately. Here's a vote for VIXEN to be a permanent addition to the cast.

Oh, and I can no longer tell the difference between Benes and the new fill-in guy... EXcellent!

Just bumping this thread again because of #74.

He he he he, oh Gail, you spoil us you really do. I have to say that this issue in particular is one of the most enjoyable comics I've read in a good long while. More a character piece than a plot one, but that's not a complaint at all. Dinah and Helena both come across as being the formidable fighters that we both know they are but also as fully rounded, believable women too. Their banter is fantastic. Dinah's actions and her reasons for them this issue make perfect sense, even if they might come back to bite her on the arse in the future, and I just love her all the more.

Plus Savant. OK, he's twisted but ya know, his logic does make sense in a way. He he he.

Nice art as well. OK so the girls do appear to be nothing but leg in a couple of places, but the facial expressions and the sense of action mean that the shortcomings are more than made up for in the good points. Plus, a *fabulous* cover. Could have so easily just been a cheesecake shot but in the hands of Greg Land it isn't.

Isn't this another case of everyone getting their pants in a frenzy just coz Gail's posting here?

Huntress's costume is crap and so is Vixen's. And Geo Force's powers were written wrong. But at least I understood thsi issue. The last BOP I read was the end of some 5 part story and I couldn't understand what was going on. What happended to the maxim that "every issue is someone's first issue"? Eh? Pah!

Oh gods, I completely agree about Huntress' outfit. Lee shouldn't be allowed to redesign anything ever again. But Gail has said that that's going to be fixed soon. Can't bloody wait.

As for whether it's a Gail-love-fest because she posts here... nah, I don't think so. Certainly not on my part or Lash's since we've both been raving about how good Gail's run has been since she came on bpoard, which is way before she started posting here. There porbably is a bit of a tendency to be more lenient with crits of issues since she does, but honestly her stories have been some of the most enjoyable in this or any other title. Not to say there haven't been flaw (some aspects of #73 left me going 'huh?' but not drastically so) but compared to the stories Dixon was churning out at the end of his run on BoP and some of the other pish that is being flung at comics readers at the minute Gail writes stories that are fun, engaging and believable (or as believable as any superhero comic can be). And that's all I ask for in my comics. If they have that bit extra (which I think BoP does at the moment) then it makes me all the more happy.

BOP #74
Writing - consistent, satisfying to get some resolution to a couple issues that have emerged since Simone began (Savant and things related to him mostly), funny at times, definitely enough action in the script

Pencils - guest penciler, totally unfamiliar with his work, not sure how much time he had for this but it doesn't look like much, TOO cartoony (a couple eye-crossing 'U SO CRAZY LUCY' faces when there should've been grit), pencils don't convey suitable amounts of action IMO for when it explodes on the script, backgrounds get progressively spottier as issue progresses until it's just color washes by the end

Also, there's some weird process done on the art making it less-sharp and more-cartoony all the way around. Someone more familiar with inking/penciling/coloring differences could describe it better.

All in all... first time in a long time, this book has been ugly. Usually, I re-read BOP issues all the time (leaving them well-used and wonderfully bent from being such world travellers). This one is painful to look at. For me anyway.

I agree that the art in this issue isn't up to the high standard we're used to Andy - but 'painful'? It was extremely mediocre, yes, but not 'painful' IMO. Do you remember Bill Jaaska on the New Teen Titans post-#100 - *that* was painful!

Re: Huntress' outfit - I LOVE IT! I have no idea why everyone hates it so much. Is it just because her stomach is exposed? Is that really that big a deal? I love the pre-Crisis look to the mask especially but am also very fond of the white trim and the bike-shorts pants too. As well as the cape and belts and well, basically everything. Its probably my favourite new costume in ages. And this is from someone who's never even liked (the post-Crisis) Huntress before Gail got her hands on her.

If you want to talk about bad outfits though - let's start with Dinah's non-costume! Its a blue swimsuit with fishnet stockings... and thats it. UGH! Gail wants to make Dinah DC's #2 heroine - well its NEVER gonna happen in that outfit. She needs to go back to her 'Satellite' days threads. Then she can still have the stockings which people seem to love so much but since they'll be shaded blue she won't look so much like a street-walker. And she'll also get back that little jacket to make her top half more visually interesting. That costume is a classic!

Ouch! Why'd you have to go and poke my eye with that memory? That was very mean and I could have gone for the rest of my life never remembering those issues of Titans. Why do you hurt me like this?

And the BOP issue was painful - when you compare to what I'm used to. It doesn't draw me into the book, it pushes me away pretty effectively. Unfortunately, cuz I definitely been enjoying Ms. Simone's orchestrations with those crazy birds.

(no i don't know what tacky club jazz singer spirit has possessed me)

well, it's not the most practical version of her costume, but we grew up with hot pants/fairy shoes Robin as a guide

also, i like it A LOT better than Huntress's last outfit - the one where every inch of her Catholic is covered in shame and purple kevlar

Why stop at #2?
If she's thinking of sales, Wonder Woman ain't so hard to beat.

If she's thinking of fighting rank, Shiva is that hard to beat (Batgirl got easy solutions by a creative team that rigged it for her).

If Simone's thinking of pattern recognition in public - forget about it. The last good chance for BOP making the mainstream eye limped pathetically into a gutter drain and began rotting, laying claim to the title BIRDS OF PREY on primetime television (UGH).
Wonder Woman got Linda Carter (amongst others) for 3(?) madcap fashion-frenzy popular seasons of Amazon action and beauty queen smiles on primetime. Birds of Prey got "what if Marvel's Merry Mutants and the Mutant X production team created the WB's Birds Of Prey?". Even the presence of Shemar Moore - topless most episodes - couldn't save it (and probably would have confused people before long about which one was Black Canary).

Newsarama has just announced that Ed Benes is off to be the artist for one of the Superman titles which obviously means he's not doing BoP any more. Instead BoP is going to get Joe Bennett as it's artist. He's the new artist on Hawkman and if his first issue is anything to go by he should work very well on BoP too. Very sexy men and women and really good visual storytelling. Surprisingly he's also going to carry on as the regular penciller on Hawkman too, but apparently he's very quick, which sort of surprises me since his work is also very detailed.

As I say, if his first Hawkman issue is anything to go by I think we're in for a treat.

Oh, and he did BoP #68, the issue with Dinah training with Wonder Woman and Helena going on her date with the geeky parking attendent dude, plus the Huntress/Black anary story from the Secrte Files with Penguin in it.

I read both books, and I'm looking forward to his work. Bennett is a great artist. I do worry about his detail, but I can't imagine him wanting to do the books simultaneously if he didn't think he could do it.

Loved Bennet's debut on HAWKMAN, so this pleases me when normally news of Benes leaving would make me livid.

*dreamy sigh* This kinda reminds me of the glory days of multiple-title George Perez artwork!

What's next-- ULTIMATES 2 coming out SEVEN times a year instead of four?!?!?!

When I first saw this thread, I thought it said "Jon Benet to be the new Birds of Prey artist."

Anyway, I am looking forward to Joe Bennett's run.

i was sad to hear ED leaving "BOP" but it'll be cool to see him do SUPERMAN again, and his SUPERBOY was hot !!! love to see his version of MIKE MCKONE's version of SB !!!

and i too loved Joe Benett's first issue of "HAWKMAN" !!! the Hawks looked fit, loved those new battle costumes !!!

Matthew.

In a perfect world, BoP would be a Top 10 selling book. I've tried and tried to get my comic reading friends into it, but so far, no dice. Their wives like it, though. :-)

Sometimes that's all that counts. Did you sugest a TP for Christmas?

I guess I need to re-buy the BoP TPs. I've loaned mine out and I can't remember where...I also think some people are prejuidiced against it because they associate it with the God-awful TV show.

# 82 SPOILERS!!!!!!


More hot Bennett art here. Between this and HAWKMAN, HAWKMAN looks better. The difference an inker makes? Not that BOP looks bad by any means, quite the contrary.

The Helena/Savant/guy who loves Savant plot is pretty exciting! Huntress' red-headed boody-buddy is in on it too! So kewl!

Here's hoping Dinah and Ted get out of this relatively unscathed...

Can't WAIT to see what happens with Oracle...

Good stuff.

#83

A *tad* rushed, but loads of fun. I'm warming up to Lady Blackhawk (there were so many characters I wanted to see featured in her stead-- but I shouldn't hold that against her!)

One *major* meeting-of-plots that has me eager for the next issue...

... y'know a BLACK CANARY-centric BRAVE AND THE BOLD miniseries would be cool. Remember how she assessed WONDER WOMAN awhile back? Her teaming with WILDCAT here reminded me of that-- I'd like to read her impressions of many DC characters. She's really the perfect DC-universe spanning heroine.

I loved the latest issue. It really had me liking Huntress. Not that I hated her before or anything but I wasn't as attached to her as I am now.

Still loving this series, and Huntress is still my favorite new heroine in comics! That of course, doesn't change the fact that Dinah continually blows me away.

This series is so good that I can't just focus on one thing...*everything* about it is good. Can't wait for more.

Just an odd tidbit to file under "Why people should read more comics". A woman writing about government control of data who obviously never heard of Oracle!

Asking people what superhero power they would want is so early 20th century. These days, it's all about emulating omniscience by having the biggest, coolest, and most hackable data set. Imagine knowing everything about, um, something. And then using that knowledge to save the world! It could happen. Unlike gaining the ability to fly or become invisible, info-omniscience is physically possible. The only thing stopping you is access to information.

And, perhaps, your conscience.

Analee Newitz on government control of data sets

I'm still trying to decide whether to e-mail her about BoP, or just leave her in ignorance....

I haven't been reading the series but I read the Infinite Crisis tie-in and I was wondering... what's the deal with Babs and Brainiac or... whatever. I'm kind of confuzzled... help!!

Not sure, Cal - I just started reading the series with the trade "Student & Sensei", then jumped in at #81. Oracle seems to have been infected with some virus that makes her super-smart or able to deal with computers very efficiently - but makes her sick, based on what we saw in the last issue. So count me confuzzled, too - not that that's a big deal with comics....

Hmm, I'm not the best person to answer this (mind like a sieve), but I think Oracles powers are all natural. IIRC, Brainiac tried to take over her mind a few issues back, and there seems to be something left over.

Hmm... I guess that makes sense... kinda...

Thanks for the attempted help guys!!

Longtime BoPper here. Barbara's naturally gifted with computers, but not a meta. Until recently. She "fought" a simulacrum of Brainiac in cyberspace; I can't remember if she was physically drawn online, but the confrontation ended with her being physically infected. She's been depicted with cybernetics growing on her. Since her infection, she's been able to interface directly with programs and other machines through her terminal. Which brings us to the present, where she's sick, I'm assuming from trying to fight off Brainiac's infection.

Not sure where Gail's going with this, but there's been some speculation Babs will come out of this walking...

Thanks Pov!!

Sounds like something out of a William Gibson novel, which isn't at all bad.

I rather hope she doesn't come out of it walking, just for the sake of having a character who's a bit different from others in the DCU. Although I'm struck by the number of team leaders confined to wheelchairs - Doom Patrol's Chief, Professor Xavier, Oracle.....

Comments on BoP #84
-- I like how Bennet depicts Dr Mid-Nite and Wildcat. Less so with Batman - that brow looks weird.
-- Regarding Huntress' putdown of Josh: Ouch!
-- I wish we had a little more Dinah/ Pieter interaction, but their little "Doc -- Pieter" moment is at least an acknowledgment. And who is she calling at the end? I don't think she'd be asking for Ollie's "fists" -- could it be Power Girl?
-- Nice nod to "Batgirl: Year One". Now I have to look back and see if there was some hint that she had a crush on Killer Moth.

I read # 84.

Bennett's art here is good, as
is his HAWKMAN.

I was glad to see Babs & Helena at least communicate with each other.

I kinda felt sorry for Josh, but he should have played it cooler than he did. Sure, he bagged the hottie once but his lack of coolness has blown the potential for future bagging!

I know I'm in the minority but I won't mind at all if Babs comes out of this walking.

# 85 should be an issue to watch.

i too love JOE BENNETT's artwork !! but his 'BOP' issues just don't compare to his 'HAWKMAN' ones !!

i'm not saying his 'BOP' are bad, it's just that the 'HAWKMAN' ones look amazing !! although i think the INKER on both books place a massive part !!

so unless JOE doesn't spend quite as long on his 'BOP' pages or RUY JOSE's inks really enhance his pencils on 'HAWKMAN' !!

just take another look at that splash page in the MIDWAY museum featuring ADAM STRANGE, CARTER & CHARLIE !! the artwork is simply stunning and so sharp !!

in fact i'd to see these 2 do a fill-in issue of the 'LEGION' !!

Matthew.

I agree that the HAWKMAN issues look better-- take the final page of HAWMAN # 43, for instance-- that is one HELL of a piece of artwork!

My thoery is that doing both titles a month is stretching him a bit, so we are really starting to notice the inker's influence more. Ruy Jose (HAWKMAN) seems to have a more detailed inking style than the smooth clean lines of Jack Jadson (BoP).

So give the interiors on BoP to the cover team!!!

#85's out-- with a corker of a last page! I'm *really* curious to see where this is going... though I have a bit of a theory.

The fight scene was fun... but I would've liked to see more of the 'guests'... ditto for those at the 'hospital'.

Since Ted Kord won't be available for BOP supporting cast (sniff)-- maybe Dr. Pieter Cross could join the cast? I liked his appearance here-- and the mystery surrounding his patient.

Makes the whole Supergirl team up seem a bit more likely, doesn't it?

Jamie

#85 was a difficult balancing act, between the operation and the fight
i was hoping for a slightly different open-hand team ... anyone wanna bet that Gail had to change the roster a few times in these crossover days?

regardless, gail easily handles guests - always giving them a decent moment (or 3) in the book - each arc has had some impressive appearances

the BOP appearance in Batgirl #67 (also this week) was pretty good - i liked seeing the fallout between Babs & Batgirl, and also Black Canary & Batgirl ... cool to see some followup to Student & Sensei - wonder how much Gail got to inform that

BOP started hot and grew tepid under Dixon (sorry to say - but IMO, a lot of his books lost their OOMPH about the same time) ... Gail just keeps getting stronger with each arc - makes BOP a delight to pick up

can't wait to see what she does with her Rose & Thorn partner next issue

and when is Manhunter gonna meet BOP? Or Vixen sign on for a regular stint? Or Gypsy?

i've not read this issue yet !! but i did have a little flick through it !! i love DINAH in that white outfit !!

i saw the end page, too !! can't say that it's a big surprise but i guess we'll have to see where it goes .....

Matthew.

About Black Canary,

Why don't they bring back the other costume she wore? Those fishnets (she wears at present) and the costume in general is so..so Fifties!!!

Regarding the 80s shoulder pad costume for Dinah...


NNOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!


That change would crack the internet in half.

I forgot the shoulder pad look went out after "Dynasty" finished, Tamper Lad LOL

I love this series because Gail Simone writes the characters great. But a little cheesecake is also a huge element of the appeal of this book.

Bennett's art is good but Ed Benes actually put a little too much in it but I wasn't complaining. I'm glad that Helena has her tummy covered now, the Lee costume didn't fit.

I'm wondering what that last page of 85 means beyond the next few stories.

It wasn't so much the shoulder pads for me as it was the headband....

We can never know about the days to come
But we think about them anyway, yay
And I wonder if I'm really with you now
Or just chasin' after some finer day

Anticipation, anticipation
Is makin' me late
Is keepin' me waitin'

And I tell you how easy it feels to be with you
And how right your arms feel around me
But I, I rehearsed those lines just late last night
When I was thinkin' about how right tonight might be

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...Wow.

It was worth the wait. Nice to see Gail wrap up several of her major plotlines in this issue. That was one bad@$$ team Dinah had put together, huh? And they -still- borderline LOST the fight!

And Babs. The rumors were true. I don't know how I really feel about that yet, but when I got to that last page, the emotions I was hit with rivaled Dinah's...

So what does this mean for her? As much as I love the classic Batgirl, I really don't want that for Babs any longer. But a further development of her role as Oracle would be awesome... I'd love to see her in action alongside Canary and Huntress. And some of my favorite Nightwing stories had Dick and Tim working together, with a great brother/mentor dynamic. It'd be nice to see something similar for Babs and Cassandra Cain.

And maybe DC Direct will update the Birds of Prey set...

It was nice to see that even though they obviously weren't in the spotlight, Richard Dragon and Connor Hawke got treated well and the respect the enemy showed them is in keeping with how they're supposedly ranked in the DCU.

Agreed Drake!! I finally got my hands on a copy and I have to say, I was really pleased overall. I Dr. Mid-Nite, first of all. Seriously. I want to have his babies. And I've really enjoyed seeing him do his thing. The bits with Batman were intense but I really enjoyed them, as well. I wish Dick... well, we don't always get what we wish for, do we?

I'm not really sure how I feel about the last page... I remember the arc where that girl cured Babs or whatever and... yeah. Dunno what I think. I trust Gail, though, so we'll see where she takes it. I just really hope Babs doesn't become the new Xavier, gaining and losing use of his legs every so often when it's convenient to the story...

...yeah.

Anyway, all-in-all, I really enjoyed how everything ended up. Richard Dragon was so cool in the Cry for Blood mini (which, incidently, is the only time I remember seeing him) and I Conner to death -- I think he's the man. ^_^ Huntress and Wildcat made me giggle too. Just 'cause they're them.

Additionally, the Birds of Prey made an appearance in Batgirl this week. I don't know if any of you've read it but... it was kind of cool watching the Shiva storyline that's going on in that series now tie-in to when Shiva and Cheshire guested in BoP. And it was great to see Babs and Cassie together again. I really miss them living in the clocktower together...

...anyway, that's enough rambling on the Birds and Batgirls by me. I'm just lovin' both series so much right now... *happy sigh* It's good times.

I got BATGIRL, still need to read it. Thanks for reminding me!

Anytime!!

I also love the new Doc Mid-nite. Wagner did an awesome job establishing him as a character. However, I hope that he isn't used solely for his medical expertise -- he wears that costume for a reason. And honestly, the owl on his shoulder? Looks kinda stupid.

The owl is weird, I'll give you that. Just like when he and the owl watched Dinah go... creepy.

But I still love the new Dr. Mid-Nite like nobody's business. Seriously, he's the man. What he does in Portsmouth is amazing... and, though he is a plot device at times, he's still an awesome possum.

(He's like the DCU Forge -- plot device but loveable and still pretty skilled~ )

BOP is a series that keeps on giving. Gail rocks!
I am also interested on where this will go from here.

Just read BoP and the first thing I thought of was Pov.

Knowing your love of Batgirl made this issue more worthwhile for me to read, Bri!

Totally agree. I remember putting that mini down and thinking 'wow, they really, really need to use this Peter Cross character more. And using the three animal-face Silver Age Batman villains in it was a stroke of genius.

Dr. Mid-Nite might just be my favorite new JSAer.

Aaw... Thanks Des.

There's an interview with Gail regarding #85 and what's next for the Birds up over at Newsarama.

SPOILERS AHOY!!!!!

I read that earlier Pov....let the speculations begin!!!

Jamie

I have never bought BoP because I have a very hard time seeing Babs as Oracle instead of Batgirl. I grew up with Barbara Gordon teamed with Bats & Robin; flirting with Dick; somewhat friends with Kara; and totally kick ass. She was (is) my favorite female hero by far.

Yes, I know she has been heroic and extremely integral to the DCU as Oracle. Much more so, perhaps, than if she had remained Batgirl. But I just didn't like seeing her like that, even if she could still take out a bunch of baddies from her wheelchair.

But now, if she maybe...possibly...

I may have to pick this up just to see what Gail does with her from here on out. I could see her remaining as Oracle 99% of the time since she's so good at what she does in tying every hero in the DCU together and ferreting out all sorts of information for them but every once in a while, just maybe, when the situation called for it, she could pull on the old tights and re-emerge as Batwoman! And really kick some baddie booty!

That would be too cool for words!

Maybe somebody else could take over the mantle of Batgirl...or to be PC...Batwoman?

Well Cass Cain is Batgirl right now. Barbara is Oracle. She's so much more now than she was in the old stories.

I don't want her to put on spandex, that's in the past. I wouldn't mind her as an un-costumed adventurer though. Sort of a Charlie's Angels/Spy type, Birds of Prey has that kind of vibe already so it's a good extension.

Well a crisis is comming. Could Cassandra be knocked off and Barbara take her place??

Noooo!!

I Cassie.

And her and Babs have such a special relationship... it'd be heartbreaking to destroy it. And I think it'd be wrong to push Barbara backwards like that. Batgirl is only part of what she can be.

#86's out...

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...and it's three stories-in-one. With wildly different artists. I don't mind that, when the 'boundaries' are distinct-- and they are fairly distinct, here.

Really, it feels like the concluding story might've been better presented in the next issue and the party scene expanded (Zinda and Creote? Hee-hee... needed follow-up!). The bestowing-of-the-jackets and Huntress' response at the end of *that* scene and her change-of-mind in her issue-concluding portion are a bit too close together.

Still, it's good fun. The middle scene with Black Canary facing The Prankster in Mayan/Aztec/Inca drag was silly and diverting. The artist, Bruce Timm, was the perfect choice for this section. If you enjoy his work, you'll like these pages. If not, you probably won't.

I didn't realize the characters had never called themselves 'Birds of Prey' until now. Interesting.

Can't help but think that the one character who *should* have gotten one of those jackets, sooner or later, has been rendered ineligible in one of the pre-INFINITE CRISIS miniseries. Sigh.

Oh, and the Nightwing appearing in the party scene seems *very* different than the one appearing in his own title or in the Titans/Outsiders books.

underwhelming follow-up to the big battles (which were, on their own, a little truncated - most of their action occurring between the panels, really)

i liked Timm's work here ... very tight and simple

the huntress piece felt rushed

and i just picked up the latest issue of Nightwing and this can't be the same person
very strange characterizations

I have to echo those same sentiments. This really felt like a fill-in issue, to allow for the timing of up-coming issues with the IC cross-over. My biggest problem was when the gals decided to call themselves the Birds of Prey. They are a team now, tho', so I guess I will have to accept it.

Nightwing at the party and making nice with Babs doesn't jive with the Nightwing in his own title, or the Nightwing interacting with the Outsiders. Different uniforms, different relationships, different temperaments.

I liked the idea of the stories, and the artwork with them, they just felt off-the cuff. I like Zinda, and her spunk; she's much different than the angry Helena and the cynical Dinah or intense Babs. I'm liking this collection of women, and I too am sorry to see a certain someone won't be joining the team.

Ummm.... she wigled toes in the last issue and not one thing is mentioned in the new issue.
What the heck!

Do you think Barbara could be regaining the use of her legs?

Sure wouldny know by the latest issue.

Umm, am I missing something here? Who is this "certain someone" who won't be joining the team?

The way you categorize these ladies' personalities make Zinda sound more appealing. I just wish they'd make her look more distinct. I often mistake her for Dinah in some panels until she opens her mouth.

There's a certain female character that a few fans of BOP have been clamouring for, since the early mini-series. She's a BOP in every way but appearing in this book. Recent developments have brought about her death, and I am very said to see her go.

A couple of us have been vague so as not to spoil any other titles; but it has been about a month so...

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for The Rann-Thanager War issue #5


Hawmkwoman, Shayera Thal.

During the Thanagarian Hawkman saga, Shayera Thal became one of DC's most distinguished heroines, with a firey side that set her apart from other wonderful women. Right after Zero Hour, when the Hawk mythos was really mucked up, Shayera even scored a spotlight issue that demonstrated what a great character she is, even without the wings (thank you, Messner-Loebs!)

When the last Hawkman series was cancelled she was without a home, without a partner, without an identity, and without a book. Rumour has it, when Dixon first worked on the title, he wanted to bring in Shayera, but DC wanted to leave the Hawkmess buried for a while.

Honestly, I'd rather have Shayera than Helena, but Gail has done a great job witing all of the characters (male and female.) She's done a great job with this title. Here's to her on it for another 20yrs

BIRDS OF PREY #87

I never thought I'd like Lady Blackhawk this much. I came to like Huntress in this title, too. So, I shouldn't be surprised. I'm kind of tired of the mafioso stories. But developments concerning Babs and co. keep me reading.

and another female character that many of us have been asking for a while bit the dust in Infinite Crisis.

Birds of Prey #88...

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... and it features a prominent guest star in Green Arrow. Guess who he's teamed with. Their interaction is welcome, as it serves to clear the air on a number of issues without returning the characters to their nostalgic romantic pairing. It does leave some hope for those who'd like to see that happen.

Huntress advances her bid to take over the Gotham City mafia. The Calculator initiates torture of Savant (who thinks he'll tell the Calc what he wants to know?).

Good issue.

I can't see Savant giving in.

Enjoyed seeing Dinah use her Canary cry, too; its sparing use makes it all the cooler when she does use it. I kinda like that she relies mostly on her martial arts skills.

Green Arrow is SUCH a dawg, though. (his book is currently SCORCHING hot; Dr. Light has a vendetta against the entire Arrowclan).

I really liked Canary's costume this issue. It was great the way it flowed. Not so crazy about the cowl though.

I don't think Savant will talk. I do like the poetic justice of the situation. I think this or something like this had to happen to make his redemption believable.

Okay, I really like this book. I do. And this issue. But...

OMG PLEASE LET THERE BE CONTINUITY!!!!!!!!!

*breathes*

Seriously, how is this the first time Dinah's talked to Ollie since they called it quits?? There was Identity Crisis and now the current arc in JLA... yeah. Seriously. I need continuity. I'm greedy like that. ><

I think it meant that this was the first time they had a serious talk about the changes in their relationship. I think it's nice that they can still work together platonically.

So, does anyone know when the badness with GA happened? With whom did he cheat, and why? In what issues was this story told?

GA was involved with Joanna Pierce (Black Lightning's niece) in/around GA #28 . She was killed by one of his enemies sometime shortly after that.

Canary found out about Ollie's cheating in GA #40 and left him.

Savant won't crack. He's in a position to see what he put Canary through and will come out of it respecting her even more. I've never been more excited about a BOP story (well, maybe the Hunt for Oracle, and these two stories are very similar.)

Oh no!

But I like Savant.

It's going to be a long wait till the next issue.

Newsarama interviewed Gail on her plans for the Birds' OYL storyline post-IC. I can't wait!

Funny, I have no interest in reading that. I guess it's because I trust Gail as a writer, I don't need to be teased. I'm willing to let things play out slowly.

That said, it's still going to be a long wait for next issue.

Another good issue yesterday. Just out of curiosity, how many "capes" has Deathstroke killed, anyway?

I don't know, but it was a great issue. I was afraid Savant's fate was going to be more permenent.

imo, the art in the latest ish was pretty weak - it hurt my enjoyment of the story.

And between Batman and Deathstroke's appearances, it seemed a little too much like a "here's where the girls show they're as good as the guys" issue.

BIRDS OF PREY #90

Whew. I'm glad Savant survived his torture party. Too bad he and Creote are taking off. Maybe they'll turn up again soon. The Huntress/Batman and especially Black Canary/Batman scenes were strong-- though having both in the same issue seemed a bit rushed. Canary + Deathstroke = a good fight scene.

Yeah, the art was the weak point. That picture of Huntress smiling after the compliment was horrendous.

However, that kiss is going to go down as one of the all time comic book classics.

Oooh yeah. It was hot stuff. Reminds me of this fan fic series I skimmed once where Dinah and Bruce were together. Maybe even married, I forget. But... yeah. It was nice to see the dream realized.

As for the rest of it-- all good fun. I really did enjoy this issue. It tied everything up nicely, even if it was a bit disappointing to see Savant and Creote go. All in all, I enjoyed it. Especially Zinda... Love, love, love her!

Maybe Savant and Creote will only be gone for the one year leap. I'd really like to know more about Savant. He's got such a weird mind.

And ya gotta love Zinda.

Read the fight scene again. Canary is telling us she extends finger on her right hand, we see her left. To be fair, Gail called their helicopter Aerie One.

I saw that too, but to me its a very minor quibble. I really liked the issue. And i like that Nightwings main foe is considered a major powerhouse in the DCU.

I just wish that they would make Nightwing a major powerhouse. After the last three years, it sure would be nice.

another great issue IMO !!

but as someone that only came on board half way through the series when ED BENES was doing the art [ was that GAIL's debut also ? ]

is there a reason why DINAH doesn't just use her canary cry all the time !!??

Matthew.

BIRDS OF PREY #95

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All in all, I'm glad this storyline is ending. The Shiva/Canary role-playing switch was a good idea, and has yielded a couple of plot points for the future. How long till we get to see Sin meet her 'cousin' ('niece'?), Lian?

Nice art, but I didn't care for the cover at all.

I'm kind of sorry that the Crime Doctor is dead. He made a good second-rank bad guy-- a supporting player for the villain's side that could pop up anywhere the more traditional villains do. Maybe a replacement will fill his role. Hmmm-- how about a doctor from India? That'd satisfy the DC push for diversity. Or- wait- does that apply to villains, too?

Not a bad start OYL. Babs has got herself one heck of a team now. Part of me wants to see Gail tackle a long, complicated storyline, ala Morrison. With these gals, you know it would be intense and exciting and worth the long read.

I just wish they 'd do something to distinguish Gypsy and Huntress' looks when they're out of costume. They look too much the same.

Lovin' all the girl power! Gypsy adds a unique power to the team, but I still want to see Vixen add some diversity. Please bring her back on board. Now that Gypsy is, maybe Mari won't be far behind?

BATGIRL!?

BIRDS OF PREY 96

Fun, fun, fun conversations between the reunited Birds. Their out-of-uniform scenes made the issue for me. But then, I don't really have a feeling for Black Alice. If I did, I'd probably think much more of the 'meat' of the book- which involves some villains and the Birds squaring off over/against the angst-ridden magically-powered teen. Oh, yeah-- there's a bit of a cliffhanger involving a red-headed gal with a pointy mask who *doesn't* look like Kate Kane swinging around the rooftops of Gotham City.

I'm torn about the Batgirl thing myself. I just... yeah. I dunno.

Black Alice is a character that... I liked her when she was first introduced, but I'm not really a fan of her evolution. As a character, I mean. Her powers are still kick arse.

I'm still really enjoying this book, though. I just hope that things pick up and go from status quo back to WOW soon. I have faith in Gail, though. She'll get us there.

For some reason I haven't been into this book anymore since 1YL. I don't know why, it's just not doing it for me.

It's still a well-done title-- but I agree, the spark isn't there. Or, at least, the spark's that there isn't one that I'm seeing. Maybe it's lighting someone else's fire, though.

The Batgirl subplot is definitely intriguing.

Recent solicits hint at lots of change in the Birds lineup-- that sort gives the next couple of issues 'lame duck syndrome'.

I think the main problem with this title is the inclusion of the other Birds. Before, we (usually) had three of them that allowed for tightly focused stories. Now, we have twice as many and it's diluted the book somewhat.

Jamie

I hate to agree with you, because I do LIKE the newer characters, but I really feel like Barbara, Helena, and Dinah are the most interesting and fully developed characters, and I would really like to focus more on them.

I do miss the Dinah/Babs focus. Huntress has always worked better for me as a Batfoil. Now more than ever she's Batgirl-like.

It sounds like we're getting a new cast for Oracle's crew. Seeing Dinah leave will be a shame, but the others can go and I wouldn't mind at all. Gail hasn't really developed them like the original two.

The series has also stumbled for me because it's strayed from characterization and been more plot oriented. Helena seems to have settled down, so what's there to do with her? Gypsy's been with the team for months now, but I feel like she's "just there" - I haven no sense of who she is and she doesn't bring any kind of character arc to the series (nor does Zinda, but she didn't need to before when the Big3 dynamic was on full steam).

I've been out of the loop for awhile, is there any Birds news I should know about? I'm looking forward to the 100th issue coming out on Wednesday.

Where are you up to date with Arachne? (SPOILERS AFTER THIS POINT) Basic rundown of the plots since the OYG issues started (off the top of my head...) goes something like: during the OYG Dinah left the Birds to go and train with Shiva's old mistress so as to take her taringing to the next step while Shiva took her place in the Birds (as Jade Canary). While she was there she took a little girl under her wing who was being trained as the next Shiva. Dinah left and took the girl with her (I'm blanking on the girls name though) and rejoined the Birds. Shiva left the Birds on bad terms (it was odd that she ever joined to be honest though) but took the Crime Doctor's rather twisted daughter with her to train her up as an assassin. Neither have been seen since but you know they'll turn up again at some point. Various fighting went on with the Secret Society and Deathstroke and such, both the Birds and the Secret Society went after Black Alice to try and get her on their side but Alice was having none of it and banned all superpowered peeps from her home town and left them in no doubt that if anyone tried to come for her (good or bad) then it'd not go well for them. In the most recent issues Dinah decided to leave BoP (and returned to her mother's costume) so that she could look after her newly adopted daughter (the proto-Shiva girl), but also presumably so that she could be in JLA although that was never mentioned explicitly in BoP. As of #99 BoP consists of Oracle, Huntress, Gypsy (although as Drake says she hasn't really done much) and Zinda. With #100 we're getting a recuitment drive and Babs is going to be looking to have a network of agents that she can fit to each mission rather than just a couple. Sounds like a big change in the dynamic of the title but also sounds like it could be very good. Savant and his bodyguard guy also left the group a while back but could be brought back fairly easily.

That's the main points I think, although obviously I've missed out a lot of the rest of the stories. #100 sounds like it'll probably be a good point to restart with the book and if the preview pages are anything to go by the new art team looks pretty bloody good.

Thanks. I've got the back issues now. I was more afraid that I'd find out Gail was quiting or something. I hope Savant comes back some time. He's kind of the anti-Oracle when you think about it. Babs has Batman skills but she's crippled physicaly. Savant has Batman skills but crippled mentally. It'd be interesting to see that played up more.

And we've got #100!

First off, big hugs props/kudos/whathaveya to the art here. Gail's has a lot of artists since she took over, but Nicola Scott really makes this a good looking issue.

And with Oracle going all "Big Three" on her choice of operatives, I'm seeing s common theme in the DCU. Babs is looking to beef up her team, making it more of an organization. Gail does a fine job of picking agents suited to the mission at hand too. I'd like to see her take on a lot of these characters.

I really lliked it, too. I would've prefered it if it was the whole issue, though. Not that there was anything wrong with the Canary back up, I'd just rather see what happend next.

Speaking of the back-up, does Green Arrow still have his own book? If so, will Canary be going over too it? The ending kind of hinted at that.

Black Canary is in the new JLA book (with no mentions of Sin) as, I believe, a member of the team.

That's cool. I hope the writer's been reading BoP, though. Whoever it is probably didn't have the latest news on her when he started. Peter David was talking about that in a recent issue of X-Factor. He said that he didn't know about Banshee's death until after that issue came out like everyone else.

I don't know how I feel about a rotating cast (even with a core group). I prefer to stay with a fixed team and see them develop. And if Nicola Scott is the new regular artist, I don't see myself picking up another issue - I really don't like her style. I waited around for the #100 issue to see if I wanted to continue this book and I don't think I will. I also feel there needs to be a reason why Oracle seems to be interestd in using only female agents. It's a cool theme for a book, but I don't understand the internal logic at this point.

I'm not sure what the purpose of the backup was exactly - final closure to her leaving? It seemed pretty clear already why she was leaving and if anything, makes it more confusing why she would join the League. I hope Meltzer or someone makes sense of Canary's motivation and can reconcile the two.

The ladies only club might get old fast. When it was Dinah and Babs, they were friends. If it's going to be a rotating cast, Babs knows better than to limit her options.

I don't have any problem with the ladies only concept. Boys are stupid, superpowered boys are more stupider. If I had a superteam, it would be only women also. Maybe not for the same reasons...

They've had boys guesting before namely, JAson Bard, Metamorpho, Nightwing, Robin even deathstroke

Picked up #100 to see what all the hype was about. It was an okay read but not one that would likely pull me in as a regular, though I might pick up an occasional issue depending on the cast.

One question I have that hopefully regular readers can answer. When the invitations went out, Power Girl is portrayed as if she has a grudge against Babs (or was it Huntress...I'll have to go back and double check). What's this about?

I believe PG was Babs first choice as a field op even before Canary but there was a falling out between them on the first mission and PG has not wanted anything to do with BoP since.

BoP 1-3(?)

As for Huntress, who DOESN'T have some issue with her. (that's why I like her so much)

The story explaining why PG hates Babs so much was from about #20 I think. Basically without spoiling anything (because it's a very good arc if you can find it) PG was Oracle's first operative (before she hooked up with Canary) and she was sent on a mission that went horribly wrong. PG blames Babs, Babs blames PG for not trusting her. Lots of bad feeling left.

What do people think of the new direction for the Brids without Dinah? I'm a little confused. If she left to focus on raising Sin, why is she in the thick of things with the new JLA? Did I miss something? All I know is that without Black Canary, the book feels like it's flying low. Is this new lineup here to stay or is Barbara going to use a rotating roster? I'm up for the latter, as I have always been a proponent for a multi-female team of operatives. I'm not sure what I think of this Misfit character who certainly is living up to her name in the world of full-figured crime fighting femmes.

Hmmm... although Black Canary's absence will be felt, I think it's a little too early to decide on the new direction. But I do trust Gail Simone's ability to write something I want to read.

With that said, I also don't buy the stated reason for Dinah leaving if she is only going straight into JLA and her own book (not sure if her own book has been officially confirmed, it may be just a rumor... if she does have her own book, I wonder if Sin plays a role?). To me, someone has to get rid of Sin sooner or later... I'm not sure how well the Black Canary character works if she is saddled with parenting... something we are also learning over in Catwoman.

Sorry, I didn't answer your question... I like the idea of a few core characters (Barbara & Helena & Lady Blackhawk) and a supporting cast of rotating heroes... I think that can work just fine.

(Don't we have another thread for this?)

I've got to wonder if Gail had any say in Dinah leaving or if orders just came down from on high. The story kind of floundered for a bit like it was a last minute plot change.

I was disapointed with #100 and begining of the latest issue, but I thought it really picked up pace at the end. I love that getting the girl out of the prison was just a cover for the real mission and Spy Smasher feels like a real threat to Oracle. I think the current set up can work and I think the book will be back to the quality we're used to soon.

You're right, Arachne. We did have another thread which I also started way back when I thought there was a lot of WOW. I think I'm having a change of heart, hence the new thread title.

You reminded me of a couple of excellent points in storytelling and characterization that were good. I'm sticking with the book so long as Gail is on it. I do wonder if this new group is the core team and if so, temporarily?

So how'd you like the new issue? The Lois Lane part was a bit predictable, although now we know what Babs knows, but I thought the rest of it was great. I didn't see any of the Manhunter stuff coming.

The new direction didn't interest me since it was the characterisation the kept me interested before. I also don't like the new artist.

Did I miss something when Babs moved to that house? Where did it come from? Did she use her own money? How did she staff that butler guy? Does he know who she really is? It's been a while since I read that latest issue with Lois appearing, but I feel out of joint with the book since she left the clock tower.

I think she moved in in #100 and it's not a hose it's a hotel, I think. The butler-guy's the manager. I don't think he knows who she is.

Check out this interview with Gail Simone about t he direction of the book and Dinah leaving. It's totally reassured me that things are all well. Her enthusiasm for the Birds is infectious.

http://forum.newsarama.com/showthread.php?t=98825

Me, I'm loving having a regular outlet for my Big Barda affection!

I think the new artist makes Barda quite magnificent. Really makes her look like a New Godess.

You're tight about that interview, Owl Lad. I can't wait for the next issue now.

Here's the WOW! Nicola Scott is a wonderful artist, she makes this book look pretty and energetic. Gail has thrown in some exciting stuff, mixing our heroes' personalities quite well. I can't wait for the Bard/Peacemaker face off. (The new Peacemaker might want to reconsider calling Barda a lummox if she wants to live up to her codename.)

From Comics Continuum

Manhunter and Barda, while characters I like, are not my favorites, but I'm going to allow Gail to change that.

I'm really enjoying Babs vs. Spy Smasher and the build-up we're getting. I also loved Lois Lane's appearance. Lois is as much a big gun as Wonder Woman IMO in regards to female leads in the DCU, so I liked that.

Looking forward to more Gypsy, Huntress and Lady Blackhawk.

Hey Everyone! Didja read that latest BoP?

<span class="spoiler_containter"><span class="spoiler_wording">Click Here For A Spoiler</span><span class="spoiler_text"> Its the return of ICE!</span></span>

And Gail is writing Hawkgirl in this arc. Here's hoping for Kendra keeping a new lease on life.

And the Secret Six, sort of...

I'm happy to hear it but just tell me if there's a logical explanation given.

Not yet but you can read the latest Gail interview on Newsarama. She said that she talked to Keith Giffen and Mark Waid to get their blessings. And both are happy to see where this is headed.

Can't wait!

Nice, my girl is back. Seems like chicks with white hair on the last page was the shocks of the month.

I'm more eager to see the new member of the Secret Six.

Ice! Yay!! I didn't read any of the spoilers, so it was a great surprise turning that last page.

Same here. I've avoided all BoP threads b/c of it. If she's really back, I guess that means there could be some really great Fire/Ice scenes in store for the future.

BoP is still less BoP without Canary, but I do find Spy-Smasher interesting, and Oracle and Huntress are as kick-ass as usual. Don't mind seeing Hawkgirl or Manhunter if it gives them more exposure, but I'd really like to see more Lady Blackhawk and Gypsy than them or Barda.

All in all though, with the Secret Six, I'm probably more excited about this story-arc than any other in BoP in some time, so I'm looking forward to it!

Cobie, I think Gail even said it feels off writing the book with Dinah. that she includes it in the writing is great for long time fans. I think the adjustment period for the fans is going to be mirrored in the book. Watching them slowly adjust helps me adjust.

oh I wish we can see Silver Sorceress back alive somehow.

I think the most recent issue... the first of the SECRET SIX guest-starring turn... is the answer to the question of this thread.

And that's without the spoiler everyone's talking about.

This is the best writing I've ever seen featuring Barda. That scene on the plane with the bullet holes in her leg? Golden.

Huntress and Catman? Terrific. Loved it.

The return of Creote? Great, though a bit lost amidst everything else.

Spy-smasher sort of leaves me cold. I like the idea of an 'anti-Barbara' (though I thought we already had one in The Calculator). I guess the distinction is that the new one works for the government. ('Bad' government guys are getting more than a little overused, though.)

I don't know much about the original Spy-Smasher. Would he appreciate this new character using his name and ID? If he were alive? If not, then I'm against it.

I just didn't like the lame excuse Babs had for Black Canary returning to active superhero duty only to join the JLA: "just needed a change of scenery"?

Could a Fire and Ice addition to the Birds be far behind?

Read this week's DC Nation article for a real WOW!

Say it isn\'t so!! Gail leaving BoP?!

Nooooooooooooooooooo!!!!

What she's getting next better be good. Any chance it's Legion?

Hmmmm, the timing would work, giving her time to get ahead while Tony scribes his arc. And she mentioned she loved the Legion back when she wrote post-DNA.

And her skill with multiple characters in BOP and Secret Six would come in handy here.

Thanks A, for giving me some silver with this cloud.

I think it was said that she'd be writing a prominent female hero.

I've heard Wonder Woman suggested.

Hmmm now where have I heard that before...

Yeah not too many other "prominent" female series in the DC pantheon. Black Canary but Tony Bedard is writing that mini.

The novelist Picoult is only on for 5 or 6 issues so WW would be possible.

Something else else spinning out of the crossovers is my only other guess. Batwoman maybe?

Maybe Hawkgirl.

Don't toy with me...

So, I enjoyed # 105, as usual!

And can we go ahead and have an ongoing SECRET SIX series now, please Gail, with a rotating sixth member?

But if Gail had to give up BOP for WW, what would she give up to write a SECRET SIX series? I do like the rotating 6th member bit, it adds something.

What'd y'all think of the newest Sixth?

I would've been more interested if one of the previous (sort of) holders of the name, initials M.C. or M.M.S, had popped up.

Love the character, but I hope it's temporary-- and that Gail explains her presence. She doesn't feel right without her "clingy" travel partner.

I like the addition, if only to see the interaction with Ragdoll. She doesn't seem like a long term member, but there's certainly some story potential for a few good tales.

Rich Johnston's greenlighted this tidbit in his Lying in the Gutters column for this week--

So what's this mean for BoP, if true? And you -know- between Heinberg and Dodson, it's going to come out every 3-4 months anyway... don't know how to get excited for this.

BIRDS OF PREY #109
Written by Tony Bedard
Art by Nicola Scott & Doug Hazlewood
Cover by Stephane Roux
When word reaches Oracle that Black Canary is considering a marriage proposal from Green Arrow, Barbara decides she must play devil’s advocate to ensure Dinah doesn’t make the biggest mistake of her life. Plus…a New God dies!
On sale August 22 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US
---------------------------------------------

So somebody tell me it isn't going to be Scott or Barda so I can sleep the next few months. Because if Tony Bedard kills off my favorite power couple I may need to drop birds and legion.

Tony is all over the place at DC now.

come on people just one person tell me it's going to be one of the forever people.

I'm probably kidding myself but I can't beleive they would destroy an icon like the Frees especially after what they did to the Dibneys

It may not have been instant classic, but Big Barda VS. Knockout was all kinds of fun. I hope the creator shift doesn't see Barda's exit from the cast, as this is the most enjoyable I've ever found her.

Cat-man and Huntress make a good couple, IMO. I hope that gets follow-up.

Spy-smasher does nothing for me, so far. Hawkgirl's presence is sort of a waste. Same for Harley Quinn, unfortunately. Maybe the'll make more of an impact in this storyline's final issue...

...which is preceded by a sudden, er, shift in Ice's demeanor that has me curious, if a bit dubious.

I miss Canary.

Simone writing BoP is the best idea since Dixon first paired Babs and Dinah. The Villains United mini was the highlight of the whole Infinite Crisis story.

The Birds facing off against the Secret Six has been an okay read. I don't think Gail has really grabbed anyone but Barda (I don't like Helena as the good girl)on this new team yet. And since we haven't had the Six be more than some mercenary thugs, there's no wow factor coming from them either.

Nicola Scott draws a very pretty book. She can stay here for a good long while. The only thing I didn't like was the splash page. Pull back a bit, and Scott's figures take a simpler, more generic feel to them.

I miss Canary.

I think the latest arc with the Secret Six has been Gail's weakest work on the series. The new team doesn't seem to mesh as well.

I miss Canary.

The fight could've been better. Deadshot should've taken that pony tailed lass easily. Barda should've taken KO easier as well.

But it still was fun.

Ditto. She needs to leave and raise Sin, but has time to lead the JLA?! I call "Bull$#!t". They gutted the BoP, and for what? I hope Bedard's Canary mini makes sense of how her life with Sin is coming along.

That said, I am LOVing Kate-hunter and Barda's presence here, and Kendra's a no-brainer... DUH. "BIRDS of PREY"??? I mean, heLLOoo, c'mon! If she wants her own space from Hawkman, she should quit the JSA/JLA/whatever, and join BoP permanently.

Hmmm... well, MAYBE I'm easy to please, but I've really enjoyed this Secret 6 arc, and haven't enjoyed a battle scene so much in I can't tell you when.

Barda rocks hearty!

That was a quick month! We got a new issue with a damn fine cover. And the resurrection wasn't undone.

I love Ice, she's so different from most heroines. I hope we get to see her in action soon.

What's Guy Gardner doing these days? I always hated them together, but I'm wondering what his reaction will be.

He's in outer space full-time, over in the (excellent) Green Lantern Corps book. Even when he vacations, it's not on Earth. I don't think it's likely those two will encounter each other anytime soon.

I just checked him out at Wikipedia. He's a lot more complicated than I thought from reading JLI. But that hair! It's horrible. He's in serious need of a makeover. Maybe Gail Simone could get a hold of him for a little while... I always liked the Green Lantern Corps back in the 80's, for the same reasons I like LSH, a expect. Maybe I'll check it out.

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Originally posted by Arachne:
<strong>That hair! It's horrible.

A Queer Eye for Guy issue would be the funniest thing EVER! The Pied Piper and recently outed G'nort will make him over? LOL.

G'nort's been outed?

Gnort's gay?!? riiight! you are kidding us, right?

He's an equal-leghump offender, male OR female!

Now that Ice is no longer on ice (ugh!), is she bound to become another bird of prey on Oracle's team or will she find her way back to JLA or to wherever Fire is. Where IS Fire anyway?

I don't quite understand the logic of her resurrection. Maybe I have to reread it. Could someone sum it up for my sleep deprived mind?

My favourite part of this latest issue was the Huntress/Catman repartee.

This version of Birds sans Black Canary is hard to get into. I thought I would enjoy the carousel of strong female heroes, but I miss the dynamics between Babs, Helena and Dinah that Gail took so long to build.

Last I knew, she was in Checkmate.

Birds of Prey #108 - possible spoiler

I loved this issue.

I particularly liked the spread of Barbara's friends. Although I was surprized to see Power Girl there.

Now I am showing my age in that I didn't recognize three of the people there. (actually four, but then through context, I recognized Shiva)

Who were the guy in the X mask and the woman in white next to him and who was the red-head behind Misfit?

I don't know the first two you mentioned, but I'm pretty sure the red head behind misfit is Rose (of Rose and Thorn). She was in a Birds adventure not too long ago.

I'd love to know who the other two are, as well.

Oh, can anyone explain exactly why Babs and Power Girl don't get along? I must have missed this somewhere.

Babs tried her Birds thing with PG, but she sent her on a mission that Kara kinda failed at. Kara didn't forgive her for it so easily. (It's a bit more complicated but that's the gist.) I think it was seen around the 50s of the BoP series. PG tells Ted about it while he's recovering from his heart attack.

And, I'm with you, Quis. I don't recognize those same people. I did like the rallying forces, though. And I kinda thought Power Girl might show as a sign of faith. Or maybe out of solidarity with her chairperson counterpart in the JLA.

Personally, I was just thrilled that <span class="spoiler_containter"><span class="spoiler_wording">Click Here For A Spoiler</span><span class="spoiler_text">Babs kicked ass, Nightwing and Catwoman showed-- the Green Arrows too, Shiva came of her own accord and Helena dropped Blake that note.</span></span> I felt like it did a great job tying up the loose ends and it felt really... full. Very enjoyable for me.

One thing that was a bummer, though, was that <span class="spoiler_containter"><span class="spoiler_wording">Click Here For A Spoiler</span><span class="spoiler_text">Spy Smasher was gone so quick. I can understand wanting to go back to the former status quo for the new writer but... it seems like so much more could've been done with her.</span></span> Anyway. Mostly good. I quite enjoyed it.

I enjoyed the issue, much like Cali. Seeing Babs engender such loyalty, even from PG, was awesome. And Dinah made it back for a bit.

The Spy Smasher plot ran it's full course I thought. One mission and already Huntress was fed up- sounds about right for her.

Gail did a great job with this book, as did Chuck before here. Sean McKeever has some big shoes to fill, but I've no doubt he can pull it off. Let's just hope DC editorial let's him write his book.

So that "Death of a New God" was a bit of a stretch, but Bedard delivered. DAMN HIM!

And Gail's fine work on the Secret Six is over. Catman will be lost to limbo after becoming such a great character.

As for the Birds in BOP, Dinah's back and arguing with Babs. This time it's a little more emotional, but not out of character for the ladies. I'm liking Tony's work.

Nicola drew another fine full page shot. She really is a great fit for this book.

Re: #109
-- Ummm, Ollie fathered Connor with Shado?!? That's not right is it?

One would hope not, since Shado & Conner were gettin' it on in his recent mini.

http://dcboards.warnerbros.com/web/thread.jspa?threadID=2000127097&tstart=0

TB owned up to the gaffe, but isn't that the editor's JOB to catch that??? <incredulous > :rolleyes:

Why do the male Arrow-heads find asian women so appealing that none of them can resist them? Even when the women are so clearly villainous (or should that be villainess?

It's still creepy to me that Shado would go near Connor since she was already with his father...granted, not as creepy as if she had been his mother. EEEEWWWWW!!!

A good issue, but I'm really disappointed that this is the end of the SECRET SIX. I guess I'll move the VILLAINS UNITED and SECRET SIX minis out of my ongoing comic boxes (I kept hoping for a regular series or another mini) and into my "keepers" boxes.

Aren't they ALL?

...Finally got this today. Connor's parentage aside, I really liked it. Barda and Sin... ! And Knockout clearly recognized her attacker... and attempted to run away?! Not that it did her any good... Gotta feel bad for Scandal. Nobody wants their last words to be a spat...

Babs and the Huntress review some of the recent BOP try outs.

It was a solid done in one issue- we get an idea of the people Oracle has connections with, and the rebel streak the Huntress brings with her. Not a lot of follow up on last month's surprise ending tho'.

A great done-in-1 issue indeed, I can see a first-time reader becoming a fan based on this issue. I loved the flashbacks with Phantom Lady, Black Orchid, etc.

I was disappointed in seeing the naked, floatie hair Black Orchid. I vastly prefer the lovely costume from the 1970's.

I enjoyed how Huntress echoed moments in the flashbacks, though I *didn't* particularly like how those flashbacks made those heroines look less effective than regular BOP characters.

I'd like to see those gals get a second chance, though why *they'd* choose to take opportunity of that chance would be beyond me.

On the other hand, given Barbara's standard in choosing her agents ('helping' them-- and by help I mean running their lives), maybe her criticizing Orchid, etc. is a *good* thing.

A done in one tale- featuring Oracle facing off against the Calculator, literally. And Tony Bedard made it fun and exciting, even giving the Calculator a little humanity.


Oh, and Barda fans should probably check out Countdown this week for some craptastic news.

You're right about giving Calculator some humanity - I am actually starting to like the guy. I really enjoyed this issue, although I still want Dinah back.

McKeever has two issues in now. the first one was okay, but this follow up was much better. He's not abandoning Misfit, and Black Alice is back.

McKeever\'s off BoP , Bedard\'s back as regular writer.

I'm fine with Bedard writing the book. His fill in issues on BOP and LSH were impressive. I enjoyed them more than McKeever's BOP work.

And to see them both running with Misfit instead of ditching fills me with all kinds of gooey feelings.

#122- I liked the Manhunter memory-restoration scene. Particularly, I liked Zatanna's bow before she disappeared. The more Zatanna's stage magician persona is utilized, the better I like the character.

Love Zinda, kind of annoyed by Misfit and I can never remember Grey Girl's name. Oh, yeah- Infinity. How do you feel about this new character? Gotta confess, I forget she's there from month to month. At least I remember Misfit.

The last page is quite a visual. Joker in a cop's uniform. Now that's scary.

I'm not a Joker fan by any stretch of the imagination, but a face-off with Barbara *is* a story that needs to happen.

Isn't he driving R.I.P.? Or am I confused (I'm not a bat-title reader).

I'm not loving this since Gail left, even less so since she took Nicola Scott for the new Secret Six series. (Though I AM really excited for that book...)

I liked Kate having a home while her book was "on hiatus", and she's a pretty good fit here. I'm preordered up through 124 or 5, so it's got a little longer to grab me. A different art team would help.

Bedard gives us a tail of Dinah and Babs on the road, while Huntress and Infinity handle a rescue operation. It's not a great story, it feels exactly like it is, a story written to make the cover work.

VanHook Talks Oracle Mini at CBR.

He's got the Nightwing art team of Kramer & Leisten and it's only a 3-issue mini, but that cover's awful purdy.

Gotta agree, hot redheads..love'em. Even married one.

Calculator gets an upgrade. He's not just your average hack any more. Bedard isn't letting this book wind down

BATTLE OF THE COWL: THE ORACLE: THE CURE #1 (enough of a title for you?)... a decent reintroduction to the character for those that didn't follow her in BIRDS OF PREY. She's back in Gotham City, ensconced in an apartment building with 'normal' neighbors (why do I think that's a huge mistake? Just give her a corner of the Batcave, already...), readjusting to life post-Batman, reconnecting with her father, maintaining a network of hackers- one of which meets a grisly end in a puzzling online/real-life murder?

The Calculator's involved, after his own unexplained power-up. Wendy, the one from the Teen Titans who was mauled by a dog from Hades, is in a coma and now in Gotham. Calcie's vowed to help her.

Fulfilling the 'Cure' in the title, perhaps? One Barbara will share?

#2-- I get the feeling this might not have started life as an idea for a mini-series.

Barbara and The Calculator seem out of character to me. I'm reading this story and linking it with WHATEVER HAPPENED TO THE CAPED CRUSADER. Here, reality isn't supposed to be splintered. I don't think.

The hacker gang was sort of fun, in a geek-frat boy kind of way.

Oracle and the anti-life equation is a really strange combination. Maybe that's why I mentally 'disconnect'.

Well, some damn good news today: Birds of Prey is back !! And by Gail and Benes!

Well DC, you screwed up pretty bad but seems like you woke up and realized it. Time to get this train back on track.

I hope its Babs & Dinah--anyone else is icing on the cake.

Doing the happy dance right now.

This was my first news of the day, and boy was it great!

It is suppose to be Babs, Dinah, Helena, and more. I've been giddy all morning!

This is honestly the comic Gail was born to write. Hopefully she realizes that now, and plans a 300-issue arc that commits her to it for the next 25 years.

So what's she dropping? She let BoP go to work on WW, a run I'm still not enjoying after every effort to give it a chance. Much rather see her off WW if anything... Secret Six is too awesome for her to let go of!

Hell yeah she's back on BoP. And i hope she runs, not walks, away from WW. Let those whinny, neurotic idiots over there have the lesser female DC star. Sorry, but the very good work she's been doing over there receives nothing but bitching and kvetching.

We got BoP back, now, lets work on Nightwing!

Definitely squee worthy news.

Also, an interview! And Gail mentions Savant! And how well Benes draws him.

Lady Blackhawk!! yipeee!!! Creote and Savant!! yessss!!!

can't wait to see Misfit, Vixen, Batgirl, and many other female guest stars!! Black Alice! I wonder if we will see Big Barda? hmmm...

hope so.

Pov, please dont' take what I said the wrong way. Nothing wrong with not liking it. I was refering to the rather assanine and vile little creeps that turned not liking the direction into a personal vendetta over on the DC boards. Not you.

So the new BOP hit stands this week. The art is beautiful, but that's no surprise. I like Dinah's cape/coat look. I don't like Helena's hot pants, but ok. The bitty bios summing up our cast (that seem to be all the rage at DC) are a nice treat.

Black Canary is back and beating bad guys senseless. Zinda as her sidekick? Love that idea.

Oracle is getting the band back together. (Loved the reference,a nd even more, Zinda's ingorance of it!!)

Huntress is here. Her little breakdown, mirroring Dinah's, was almost a reflection of my own. I'm glad this book is back. (By the by, the description of her as an exxcellent marksman- don't know why, but it really tickled my fancy.)

Hawk and Dove waste no time making themselves part of the cotry. And I'm already intrigued.

Add to that callbacks to Spymaster and Savant, throw in a White (Jade?) Canary and I'm hooked.

I don't get my comics fix till next Friday (end of the work week before the long weekend-yep, we get Victoria Holiday). Looking forward to the return of The Birds and Legion #1!!!
Will I be at a disadvantage because I haven't picked up any of the Song of New Krypton, Action or Adventure Legion tie-ins?

This was a good issue and I'll be back for #2 but is anyone else as tired as I am of children being kidnapped and children about to be raped and children about to be murdered and children forced to work as prostitutes and children being abused and so on in their comics?

'Harming children' seems to be the new 'robbing banks'! Why do writers think it's something we readers want to read about? I certainly don't.

Fortunately, that element was only a small part of this issue, but added to all the other comics I've read it in recently it was enough to annoy me.

Benes' art was a lot better than I remembered it being too. Seems like he's toned down the T&A a bit which is a great relief. The inker and colourist did a great job too.

The other year, I wrote a story involving some "children". 2 brothers were trying to start a gang, and tried to beat up 2 other brothers who tried to stop them. It led to all sort of frightful complications for the parents later on. And, later on, one of the "good" kids had a run-in with an "indestructible serial killer" armed with a machete. Luckily he'd been taught by his Dad how to use an automatic pistol. Just like The Lone Ranger, SHOT the knife right out of the killer's hand!

I may have been inspired in part by Mick Dundee's young son in CROCODILE DUNDEE IN L.A. That kid was not only cute and smart, he was also fearless!

I keep finding a lot of what I write is in "answer" to other writers' awful stories...

Sadly, I've dropped Birds of Prey.

Well, I'm glad to say it: It's good to be home.

Whoever thought it was a smart move to cancel BOP in the first place should be sterilized or at the very least have their eyes plucked out. BOP is perhaps the greatest contribution of the 90's to the overall DCU, and has given the company that sometimes feels like it has no room left for anyone something that it always needed even though we might not have realized it. And it was Gail who came in and really took it to the next level, making the Huntress part of it, and making a great spy/adventure series become a tight-knit family series as well.

I thought #1 was an excellent start and it immediately brought us back to the glory days of BOP. Gail's tight script, excitingly paced with character bits and interactions between the Birds, great humor and an overall sense of fun without taking away from the tension. Ed Benes' incredible art, doing the series he was born to do; he sure draws some great Birds, and as Gail tells it, he draws great men too I guess.

Dinah at long last at long last acting like DC's *other* great iconic female again--which she hasn't since Gail last wrote her. Zinda being one of the most fun characters on the page anywhere. Babs & the Huntress too, and I'm sure we'll get more of them shortly. The scene with the three main Birds getting a little emotional was great: quickly done and effective.

Hawk & Dove joining the cast suddenly seems very interesting to me. I have to say I wasn't exactly thrilled about it but already in one issue Gail has me intrigued.

I know you're avoiding all Brightest Day stuff but honestly Birds of Prey is beyond all that marketing stuff. It was beyond the stupid change in status quo to the Bat-books and its beyond this here. I'm glad its back and I'm thrilled its by its best creative team.

And the final pages, leading to the (not quite) surprise villain? Perfect. She is not only the very best villain for the Birds, she's also one of the best, scariest and most awesome villains in all of the DCU. She's really the only other member of the DC that can fight Batman (Bruce) and maybe win. Love it.

People who never collected BOP before: do yourself a favor. Jump on now.

Well, I have a question. Isn't this, like, the second time Gail Simone used a villain who knows "everything"? Like Junior from Secret Six.

That and I am still reading them, just not buying them.

Has the villain been confirmed to be who you think she is CK? I got the impression that there was some misdirection going on there. I've seen theories elsewhere that she's actually the looooooonnng-thought dead sister of you-know-who, which would be a pretty cool development if so.

As for Lady Blackhawk. She's the weak link in this book IMO. I want to like her but under Gail's pen I really don't. She is so insufferably one-note. Her whole personality consists of drinking and fighting and being surly. I can't think of one plot point she's ever been given that wasn't one of those three. Maybe if I wasn't a non-drinking gay man I'd appreciate her character more but as she is - she needs a LOT of work.

You know, I was so certain the villain was

<span class="spoiler_containter"><span class="spoiler_wording">Click Here For A Spoiler</span><span class="spoiler_text">Lady Shiva--there, I said it </span></span>

that I never considered it wasn't her. I do hope it is her though, as she is just such a dynamic and awesome ass-kicking character. She's probably the only character in the DCU that could kick the crap out of Dinah and the Huntress at once.

As for Lady Blackhawk, I love her! I wonder if as a drinking, strait man, I'm loving every aspetc of her? I'll admit though that I like her as more of a supporting character than a lead. She's a bit one-note but with flashes of depth, and I don't mind her in that role. There was a pretty good Killer Shark arc in the last BOP run that focused more on her. I'd really love to see Gail do a Blackhawks story with the originals and Zinda, with Blackhawk himself being the icon he is but all those quirky other Blackhawks being gruff and cool. I think she could pull it off.

Got the first issue cause it was there, and I had a few extra bucks. Now I'll be getting issue #2,, cause I like it a lot so far.

Between this and Secret Six you're going to end up being a big Gail Simone fan, Dev--I can feel it.

Lady Blackhawk kind of occupies the same role that Ragdoll does in Secret Six. A firm member of the family but less super-serious and good for humor and tension relief. She rocks.

(Dinah is the Catman here, as the heart of the book, Huntress is the Scandal as the one most screwed up and Oracle is definitely the Deadshot.)

The comparison to the S6 is natural, and a little spot on. Gail's writing the same book, from different angles. The 6 are about a dysfunctional group doing their own thing to stay alive. The Birds are a group of capable confident people, trying to make the world a better place.

Count me in as a fan of Lady Blackhawk. She isn't as developed as Dinah or Babs, but she's a good Alfred/Jarvis for this group.

I love Lady Blackhawk.

Rather enjoyed BoP's return too. I'm thinking this will make the price-increase cut along with Gail's Secret 6 and Welcome to Tranquility.

The Benes art sure didn't hurt either.

Does she call Dinah "Siu Jerk Jai" (Little Bird)? I was thinking someone else entirely.

Love having this series back.

Yes, she does call her "Little Bird" which would naturally lead me to believe this is Shiva, but why a different code name? Has to be someone else who has ties to Dinah's past.
The Birds look awesome again. I wonder how long it'll be before Stephanie Brown as Batgirl shows up in this book. So many blond powerhouses running around DC. I sometimes confuse Zinda and Dinah when each are not in uniform.

I've got a horrible feeling White Canary is Sin. I've gotta be wrong, though.

New BoP on Wednesday!

Real reason I'm posting:

Does anyone know anything about Helena Bertinelli's altered origin? (See Wikipedia) Was there an in comic explanation for the reboot? What do you guys think of it? I've got mixed feelings. On the one hand, it takes her off the Women (Children?) in the Refrigerator list, but on the other hand, it kind of seems cowardly to just change things like that.

I don't read a lot of Huntress so I wouldn't know.

I'm not familiar with an altered origin for Helena. Is she still not the daughter of a mob family?

I take it her post-Crisis origin has seen some alteration from the context of these posts? My first thought was altered from being Batman of Earth-2's daughter (which it's been for a long while), but that's clearly not what we're talking about. Any clue as to what's different?

Sorry, I tried to put a link to her bio at Wikipedia, but it didn't work, something about brackets. Here\'s the ComicVine bio.

In her first origin after Crisis, she was kidnapped and assaulted, probably sexually, when she was six. When she was nineteen her family was massacred. (All of this was because her father was a mafia don.) Helena survived, but was still a target, so her bodyguard taught her how to fight (she was already an Olympic level gymnast), and she took on the identity of the Huntress. I don't think it ever said which city this took place in.

Later they rewrote her origin and changed it so there was, apparently, no kidnapping and her family (also a mafia family) was massacred when she was eight. She then went overseas to live with cousins who raised her to fight. This time the city she was from was definitely Gotham.

Here's the lowdown on the hodown. <span class="spoiler_containter"><span class="spoiler_wording">Click Here For A Spoiler</span><span class="spoiler_text">Fight between the Birds and the White Canary. Throughout the whole fight White Canary has got Dinah seriously freaked out.

Someone, however, leaks enough info on Dinah to the press. Her identity is exposed and a news network is doing an expose on how she "abandoned" Sin.

White Canary already delivers on her throat that those associated with the Birds, well, how one will die every hour for the next six hours.

Babs gets a call from Creote, horribly distressed, who tells her that White Canary killed his lover Savant, because they were guilty of association. Creote then kills himself.

The Birds try to deal with the cops swarming in on them.

Babs decides to step up to plate after realizing she's become complacent with the machines to do her work.

...

Well, two more characters dead. Two GAY characters. I know there's no agenda at DC, but I wonder if they're gonna be in for it.</span></span>

One of my favourite bad boys -- gone!

I'm sorry, I didn't know you liked them so much.

aw no.....another gay characters killed! groan....Tasmanian Devil....now this. grrr... Gail !!!!!!!

Um, actually, Tasmanian Devil, Monsieur Mallah, Brain, and I think Anima was an LGBT heroine.

LOL Yep. Savant was cool. Kind of the anti-Oracle. Where she has Batman like skills but is limited by physical disabilities, Savant had Batman like skills but was limited by mental disabilities.

And he had great hair.

Alas, I'll just have to focus on Catman. (If my trades ever arrive.)

BTW, for those upset about another LGBT character death, Gail revealed a couple of days ago, in her CBR forum, that one of the male Secret Sixers is bi. She hasn't revealed who, though.

Don't forget Dwarfstar and King Shark are now interim Sixers.

I don't know who they are. Wait, King Shark??? Kidnapper of Zinda?! Should be good.

I'm kind of trying to avoid S6 spoilers. Sort of. At least till my trades come. I haven't actually read any S6 but their appearance in BoP and some previews.

Dwarfstar's this psychotic nutjob who is, was, Ryan Choi's archenemy. A complete psycho with a shrinking belt who leaves poems for those he kills. He was the one who paid Deathstroke and his team to kill Ryan.

King Shark's not the one you're thinking off. This one has had run-ins with Superboy during his Hawaii days and the second Aquaman. Son of a shark god.

Ah.

oh boy...still....too many gay characters are being shafted...look at Obsidian in JSA (as a black egg?!?!), none in Titans, none in Legion, Starman in JLA who is gonna have a "crush" or "relationship" with Jade (huh? yuck), none in Freedom Fighters, none in many books. Manhunter was the great book and too bad it no longer appeared as a back up in Gotham Streets. so the visibility on gay/Lesbians is ZILCH! not good news for Gay/Lesbian community. and to make this matter worse, this month of June is the PRIDE month awareness. geez.

Technically I understand Mikaal was bisexual. He was married to a woman before he came to Earth.

Okay, Gail Simone's dropped some hints on various message board, one of which involves Creote and Savant. I'll put them in spoilers, just in case.

<span class="spoiler_containter"><span class="spoiler_wording">Click Here For A Spoiler</span><span class="spoiler_text">
Simone said on one of the forums that we shouldn't judge Creote's and Savant's deaths for another two issues. So maybe things aren't what they seem.

She also mentioned a betrayal somewhere. She's said that Oracle, Canary and Huntress are the heart of the team, so it's likely not one of them. I'm afraid it might be Zinda. It could be Creote and Savant. Maybe they faked their deaths.
</span></span>

Creote's death was offscreen- a gunshot over the phone. So yeah, it's not all that certain yet. Ditto Savant, we saw he's body in a pool of blood and only have Creote's word.

Creote had confirmed his sexuality with Canary, who confirmed it to Zinda. But Savant was never confirmed. I'll have to re-read the issue, but Creote never referred to Savant as his lover.

Either way- Gail created both characters. If she chose to kill them off, it's unlikely she had any more intentions beyond killing Creote and Savant, as opposed to killing gay characters.

Yeah, I think Simone's pretty LGBT friendly, overall. She's introduced homosexual characters in Secret Six and Wonder Woman, too. Also, I think she really likes Creote and Savant. If they're dead, I'm sure it wasn't done lightly.

^ Well, Gail Simone did kill (allegedly, I haven't read the issue myself) two of DC's very few other gay villains over in Secret Six - the Privateer and Captain Stingaree - so take that for what you will about her LGBT friendliness.

As for Birds of Prey #2 - man, Gail Simone is one of the most Jekyll and Hyde writers out there for me. Some times I think her writing is excellent. Other times, abysmal. This issue leaned toward the latter I'm afraid.

First of all, almost nothing happened. The characters spent the ENTIRE ISSUE having a not very interesting fight with yet another ultimate/supreme/unstoppable/the-best-they've-ever-seen/yawn martial artist and then some police (for the most forced and contrived reasons possible) in one location (a boring alley) while Oracle sat at her computer freaking out. That. was. it. And someone complained that LoSH #2 was decompressed!?!

So story-wise, this issue was an EPIC FAIL. But what about characterisation? That can sometimes save a bad story right? And Gail Simone is known as a 'character' writer isn't she? Well, not in my opinion. Why does Simone write everyone in this book as so insufferably *smug*? It's a wonder these characters ever get to do any heroing with the amount of time they put into congratulating themselves or being so constantly self-focused. If Gail Simone's Birds of Prey were in high school they wouldn't be the 'Mean Girls', they'd be the judgemental bitches sitting in the corner who think they're so above everyone else.

I've already complained in this thread about Lady Blackhawk under Gail but I think her biggest crime is Black Canary. I think Gail Simone is the only writer who makes me actively dislike Dinah - formerly my #1 DC femme.

The one saving grace about this issue was Ed Benes' artwork which has just come along so far since he was last on this book. (I just wish he would stop drawing Black Canary's costume with such a narrow, high crotch though. His unwillingness to leave the porno/cheesecake-inspired elements of his style behind is the only thing keeping him from being the truly great artist he should be.)

What an unpleasant shock then when the book suddenly shifted to a different (and far, FAR inferior) artist half-way through. There was no credit on the cover about Melo being the co-artist (which, as much as I disliked his/her work, think was totally disrespectful to do) and some of their art was so amateur IMO I wonder how they even got a gig in comics, let alone on a new, high-profile book like this one? The panel where Dinah sinks to her knees after seeing the news report about Sin and the last page spread of Oracle in her weird Sarah Palin-esque beehive hair-do both had me laughing out loud.

The switch in artists did make me finally realise one thing though - good art *can* elevate poor writing, whereas bad art just brings it into painful relief.

I did quite like the previous issue though so who knows which Gail Simone will be writing the next one - Jekyll or Hyde? I'll give this book until the end of this storyline (#4) but if these characters are still as smug, the story-telling as slow and sloppy and Benes still sharing art duties with Melo by then, then it's definitely being dropped.

I agree, Blacula. BoP #2 was quite underwhelming!

Well, I'm actually going to start buying again.

Sin? are you really sure that it's her as White Canary..if so, then she must have grown up so faster - faster than Lian....and others....from a girl to a young teenager/woman...so I think it cannot be Sin. Either Lady Shiva or Cassandra Cain...oh well. I will have keep reading to find out.

Well the White Canary isn't Sin. Nor Shiva. Nor Cassandra Cain.

We get her identity, and it's a call back from an older BOP story Gail wrote before leaving the original title.

Dinah has some great moments, using her skills and her canary cry both, in her duel with the White Canary.

Ditto Babs in her face off against Savant and Creote. Both birds use their individual strengths in their confrontations, and we get strong solid moments defining these two women. Huntress, and Dove, also get a chance to show just who they are at heart.

Issue #4 really demonstrated Gail's understanding of the main cast. The art looks great, beautiful, colourful, vibrant, sexy, energetic- everything this team/book is. Benes does give us a few cheesecake bits, but nothing to detract from the story.

I just finshed BoP 2-3 and am SO GLAD to hear White Canary isn't Sin.

Okay I'll be back in a week or 2 after I've bought and read # 4...

Oracle's scenes with Savant and Creole made the issue, for me. I'm sure I still would've enjoyed the Black Canary/White Canary fight scene, but Barbara's physical and emotional courage were quite impressive.

And I just like those disfunctional boys, too.

There's some murky motives at work there- just what was Savant's plan and why?

How long till White Canary gets some kind of sonic power/gadget? Maybe she'll kidnap Piper and force him to rig her up... at least he'd get an appearance out of it...

I'd like Dinah to get some rogues of her own that *aren't* martial arts related.

Loved the glimpse of preteen Dinah palling around with her 'uncles'. I'd love an issue or three or six of just that. Work in a Molly Mayne-Scott FBI story laying the groundwork for a team-up with the Birds and Flash's your uncle.

so who is White Canary? opposite or long lost sister of Dinah?

<span class="spoiler_containter"><span class="spoiler_wording">Click Here For A Spoiler</span><span class="spoiler_text"> She's the one sister of the Twelve Brothers in Silk. </span></span>

I haven't read #4 yet, but felt that after a pretty good but not great start in #1 and #2, it was #3 that really took this title to the next level and is making me confident that Gail is on the verge of hitting her stride once again.

At first I had just assumed White Canary was Shiva but I'm pleasantly surprised it's not Shiva, Cassandra Cain and especially not Sin.

I'm actually enjoying Gail's usage of Hawk & Dove here. Their more in the same role as Lady Blackhawk (not main BoPers but secondary ones), and they add different personality sets to the Birds.

Really pleased with the Savant and Creote developments.

So I read # 5. I'm already over White Canary and her uncanny sway over Dinah.

And WTF is wrong with Benes? He rarely missed an issue on his first run.

Despite my tone, I still enjoy BoP.

I've got mixed feelings ... started off great, but last issue was pretty weak... also, White Canary is not very interesting ... her intro felt too drawn out ... I'd like BoP to move on already ...

Gotta fill the first trade, donchaknow... ;-P

The musical number from the upcoming Brave and the Bold episode featuring the Birds!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4N3CxtKAQSY

The latest issues have me feeling underwhelmed so far. I want to LOVE this series like I used to--c'mon Gail, take me there!

After issue #6, I'm out... I'm tempted to stick around for the "Death of Oracle" storyline, but I disliked the last two issues so much that I doubt I will...

I'm out too. I feel bad because I love Gail, but this book's just not holding my interest.

I dropped it. And the only reason why is because Black Canary continues to just... tick me off.

I was out before it became fashionable.

Whellp, guess I'm still in the closet, lol. Cu'z I'm lovin it. Huntress used her brains and stood her ground, and actually earned Shiva's respect as a fighter in that she knew she would take a beating, but still stood in against a superior opponent.

The Birds kick ass. Love it.

I read 6 and 7. Will be fine if I never read another White Canary/Lady Shiva story again in BoP.

The biggest reason is, I'm quite sick of how those two tend to send our Birds straight to Defeatist-ville: "Oh, it's Shiva... well, we're all dead. Been nice knowing you.", and stuff like that. WTF? I'm tired of reading the Birds talk about themselves like that, even if they do end up winning or just coming up a draw.

Also, I signed up for a Simone/Benes reunion on BoP, not the musical artistic chairs this has become since Benes mysteriously disappeared. Losing Benes took a lot of joy out of the book for me. He drew such hot gals and guys.

I'll have decide wether I buy the next issue or put it back on the rack from my pull and drop it. Right now I won't miss BoP.

I think BoP is getting Ardian Syaf (late of GLC), hopefully as the new regular artist and not just a fill-in. If that's the case I think BoP will be in good hands, Lash. Hang in there!

Lashickle, stick it out. The writing has got to have a bit of drama, build dynamic.......tension.

And Syaf is doing great. Things'll settle down. Good storytellin' will out.

I'll give it another issue-- but if my girls act like even once, "Oh Dear-- we're such losers and we're going to die this time for reals because this enemy is so much better than we are..." I am outta here.

I prefer my ass-kicking chicks with utmost confidence.

New full time artist with #12.... Jesus Saiz.

the cover to 12 is up at comic book resources and it's great. I've loved his stuff since I saw it on Fallen Angel and its only getting better. The latest stuff I've seen it on is the Aborted Hawkeye and Mockingbird ongoing.

His women are cool, sexy and damn fine. Love his stuff and look forward to this greatly.

Are you confusing Saiz with David Lopez, Rick? Lopez, not Saiz, was the artist on H&M and, IIRC, a run on Fallen Angel. Funny because I don't think their styles are all that similar.

Saiz, some of us know for his run on Brave & the Bold with JMS. IMO, his work there was absolutely stunning! Looks like BoP is in terrific artistic hands!

Lardy, you are completely correct. they have very similar styles to my eye and I do it all the time. Thanks for the correction. But yeah, his stuff is gorgeous.

Lash, if you haven't seen his art, check it out.

http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=30302

Catching up on the latest issue, I thought they were an improvement from the first few...but honestly, I still feel like something is missing. I can't put my finger on it, but I'm just not loving BoP like I did during Gail's first run.

Maybe a little of it was Dinah’s willingness to submit to events in the last arc (and even Shiva’s), which I found annoying. I did like that Huntress stepped up to the plate. I also found the girls all out at the strip club to actually a bit of a parody rather than being funny. I usually find these scenes to be pretty entertaining—yet, here, I felt like Gail was trying to give the fans what they expect rather than naturally showing the girls have fun. I don’t know…maybe I’m just disheartened by the first few issues and not getting into it.

I think Gail is nailing Huntress and Lady Blackhawk (who I love) really well. It’s her usage of Black Canary and Oracle that needs to get back on track. Gail may be a little overwhelmed at what’s happened to Dinah between her first BoP run and now (could a character be more under-utilized and treated like she didn’t matter?), and I don’t blame her.

The latest arc is the “Death of Oracle” and the first part makes me think this means it won’t actually Barbara’s death but rather the end of every single DC superhero using Oracle as a tool and everyone basically knowing who she is. I really hope that’s the case because wow, talk about taking a good idea and dragging it through the mud. Every DC superhero should NOT be using Oracle—she basically was becoming DC’s Wolverine, appearing in so many titles. I’d love for her to curb her connections and add back some of the mystique to the character. It may be just what is needed to get Babs back on track.

What is needed at this point IMO is an adventure with some completely new characters & settings to kind of get things moving again.

I don’t dislike the series—after all, I love the characters, premise and writer. But I feel like it should be better than it is. When Gail was first on BoP, it was a contender for Top 5 best comics in the industry. Now it doesn’t even come close to that.

Review: Birds of Prey #7

This issue began the "Death of Oracle" storyline in this title. I, for one, am glad to see the prolonged White Canary arc over and the title focusing on something else. The bad thing is that instead of going into new territory, Gail has opted to find some resolution to the rivalry between Oracle and her opposite number, the Calculator. In a way that's almost exactly what happened between Dinah and the White Canary in her last arc, though those two didn't have the history built up that Oracle and Calculator do. Especially if you've been reading Batgirl, then it's only been 2 or 3 months since the last confrontation.

Anyhow, as Cobie suggests, it looks like "Oracle" will be going away as Babs is looking to change her operating choice in some unknown manner. Part of that involves Savant approaching calculator and playing double-agent in order for Babs to manipulate Calculator in a game of chess with the criminal mastermind. there's some question as to whether Savant is actually on Oracle's side. Hopefully, that's just for Calculator's benefit because I felt things were resolved nicely between savant and Barbara a coupla issues ago. After all, it was Calculator who was directly responsible for torturing Savant. It's hard to believe Calculator wouldn't take that into account, so there could be layers upon layers to this battle of wits that could prove interesting.

There are some nice scenes of the other Birds having some down time at a men's strip club with Dove's reactions being particularly amusing. Meanwhile, Bruce and Barbara have some nice scenes reaquainting with each other and setting up the scenario. Calculator recruits some nasty baddies to take down the other Birds. They ambush them at the strip club and end with a cliffhanger.

This storyline has potential but will ultimately succeed or fail by how it unfolds. Cobie's right that BoP hasn't been as good as it could be. I suspect that it may not quite get there until after this arc when there's a cleaner slate, but that doesn't mean this won't be a satisfying arc. New villainess Mortis shows promise with some of those trademark Simone idiosyncracies.

One definite plus is the art of Ardian Syaf, whose stuff I enjoyed most recently on Green Lantern Corps. Ardian has a detailed style that evokes Nicola Scott a little in places. He's here for the next couple of issues and is a welcome change from the inconsistency we've had so far in this series. I'm also enthused about the upcoming arrival of Jesus Saiz as regular artist. His stuff on JMS's B&B was really great, so I hope he'll be here for the long haul.

BoP is still a good book but needs to nail what it does best. I felt Secret Six had a bit of a slow start as well, but as it went on Gail really knocked it out of the park. Hopefully, BoP is just getting warmed up, too!

Lardy's rating for Birds of Prey #7: 3 Donuts (out of five)!

So "Death of Oracle", the second story-arc, was MUCH better than the first story-arc IMO. It totally got the title back on track, after I almost stopped reading. In fact, I had let the last three issues pile up before finally finishing the arc.

I really enjoyed all the different Birds working together, as well as the supporting role Batman played. Gail finally seems to have a handle on Hawk & Dove where I'm enjoying their presence.

Oracle no longer helping other heroes besides the Birds & Bats is a much needed and long overdue development. She had basically become DC's Wolverine by appearing in so many comics. It had gotten to where all the heroes were almost cheating...like they didn't have to use their brains and figure stuff out on their own anymore. I hope this development sticks.

It's too bad the artist wasn't consistent throughout the story but the final two issue's artist, Inaki Miranda, was really fantastic IMO! I hope we see more of him!

I'm glad to see the series finally back on track.

Having her still accessible to Bat-characters barely cuts down on her Wolverine-like omnipresence. Have you seen how big a chunk of DC's monthly output is Bat-related?

I was initally off-put by this direction. It just didn't seem like somthing Barbara Gordon would do. I didn't consider the aspect of various heroes not using their own brains/resources, though. That's a good point. Too bad she didn't make it.

I do think she'd stick with JLA member access, perhaps. I guess since Dick, and presumably always since there'll more than likely always be a Batman in the JL, is a JLAer- *he'd* have access. But Babs wouldn't help Donna Troy if she called?

That doesn't make sense. It's arbitrary and selfish.

I'm back to being put off.

I dropped this awhile ago, but with Jesus Saiz coming on board, I'm gonna have to check it out again. J'adore his art!

God how I love this wonderful, twisted woman and how she manages to rip the rug right out from under you. Gail Simone for President 2012!

The Huntress / Catman "date" issue was pretty good, but I expected something completely different. So in a way, I was a bit let-down by the lack of chemistry and the revelation at the story's end.

Still, my girl Huntress was badass as always and I like seeing that.

I read 11-12. I am very grateful that the musical artists problem has been fixed, and am VERY pleased that Saiz has the permanent slot!

Issue 12 was a beauty to behold. (11 was good too)!

With EVS as her running mate! Political polar opposites, coming together to fix everything... I can dig it!

So...who are the new BoP?

link

That's Poison Ivy up top and presumably Dinah to the left. (Not feeling the new costume! )

To the right, is that Katana, maybe? Any other ideas?

In the middle and background with the arm tat? No clue. Maybe a female version oof the Tatooed Man that I may vaguely recall reading about?

I love Jesus Saiz as artist, and Swierczynski
did some solid work writing Iron Fist after Brubaker and Fraction left. But I'm not sure I wanna read a BoP book potentially without Babs or Helena in it.

At the moment I think I'll pass.

I think it might be Rose & Thorn.

That thought occurred to me as well. The hairstyle seems to fit the Thorn. Would seem strange to have both her and Ivy on the team, though. The Thorn doesn't have plant powers, but they have had similar looks over the years.

nope


<span class="spoiler_containter"><span class="spoiler_wording">Click Here For A Spoiler</span><span class="spoiler_text">someone, in Bleeding Cool, that this girl is a new character named Ev (Starling?)...........that she and Black Canary are working together to recruit....let me get back to you soon with the quote. </span></span>

here i'm back....here it is....
<span class="spoiler_containter"><span class="spoiler_wording">Click Here For A Spoiler</span><span class="spoiler_text">BIRDS OF PREY #1

Written by DUANE SWIERCZYNSKI

Art and cover by JESUS SAIZ

On sale SEPTEMBER 21 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

One is wanted for a murder she didn’t commit. The other is on the run because she knows too much. They are Dinah Laurel Lance and Ev Crawford – a.k.a. Black Canary and Starling – and together, as Gotham City’s covert ops team, they’re taking down the villains other heroes can’t touch. But now they’ve attracted the attention of a grizzled newspaper reporter who wants to expose them, as well as a creepy, chameleon-like strike team that’s out to kill them.

Don’t miss the start of this hard-hitting new series from mystery novelist/comics writer Duane Swierczynski (Expiration Date, Cable).</span></span>

I'm on the fence on this leaning towards a pass. No Oracle is feeling more and more like a deal-breaker.

I do love Saiz's art though, so there's always the chance I'll pick it up off the rack. But I know my CBS will be looking to pull lists to help get a sense of what to order with 52 #1's, and in BoP's case, I won't be helping.

I also really haven't been enjoying Poison Ivy's use over recent years as a quasi-protagonist. I'm not against reforming villains, but nothing they've done with Ivy has worked for me. Saiz has done a terrific job on his issues with Gail. That and his phenomenal work on B&B are the biggest temptation for me.

I figure it won't be on my pull. But I'll watch the reviews. If they're glowing, I'll buy it off the rack.

Why is Black Canary in the DCnU? Mr. Terrific, at least the 'third smartest man in the world' version, was never an Earth 2 character... Hawkman's origins don't even matter anymore... but Dinah's pretty rooted in WW2 origins- even if it they are, retroactively, a generation removed.

It's those origins that make her such a 'well-connected' bridge-building type character that functions in almost every corner of the old DCU. I can't really imagine her without those associations. And don't really want to.

Lardy, agree 100% on Ivy's usage these last few years.

(I feel like I've been saying that a lot lately with your thoughts on comics and music! Which means you really have great taste! )

Broke my comics lovin' heart to leave this book off my new september pull.

Broke my LCS's heart too.

The relaunched BoP is over.

I had ups and downs with this run-- mainly the revolving artists-- but I'm glad I read it.

I wasn't expecting much from a Simone-less final 2 issues but they turned out to be an enjoyable "done-in-2" mixing up the past with the present.

And I love Sandra from way back in the FREEDOM FIGHTERS days, so yay that!!

The all-new all-now BOP is here...

And it did not suck.

Katana looked GREAT on the cover!!

I think I am unfamiliar with Starling.

I'm in for # 2.

One of the hardest DCnU relaunches for me to accept is Birds of Prey. Of all the series, I feel that one got the shaft the most (perhaps Wally West being equal, though the lack of mention of him leaves the door open for some sort of saving grace). But Birds has lost Barbara—and #1 confirms that completely—and it also loses the chemistry between Babs and Dinah. And on top of all that, its lost Huntress and Lady Blackhawk, both of whom I loved. It seems very unfair.

That being said, I was delighted to find Birds of Prey #1 to be quite good. Duane Swierczynski is a great writer with female street level heroes and it shows here; and artist Jesus Saiz is utterly fantastic (as proven by his Brave & Bold run with JMS) so his artwork here is just killer. It was a well paced issue that did a good job introducing Black Canary & Starling, gave some ass-kicking action (a BOP *MUST*) and then a great cliffhanger ending.

The issue was good enough, in fact, to keep me around for the next several. I’m not thrilled about Poison Ivy being a member, but Kitana is a good fit. Starling was actually quite likable and interesting thus far. And of course, Black Canary is a longtime favorite. Here, she is written as formidable and competent as she’s always been and that’s welcome.

But I have to just gripe one more time. Barbara was clearly never Oracle in the sense that she formed the BOP and had that relationship with Dinah. And that’s perhaps the biggest single loss to the entire DCnU. It is *not* worth having Batgirl for that. There was no BOP prior to this it looks like, so Huntress’ relationship with them both also looks like its out. And Lady Blackhawk may not even be around anymore after the 1950’s (if the original Blackhawks still even exist—I haven’t gotten to their title yet). That’s a tough loss.

Cobie Comparison: did I enjoy BoP #1 more than JL #1? Yes, it was a bit better overall. I’ll definitely keep reading but the sting of it all will take quite awhile to go away.

CK, you couldn't have said it better. Reading that scene between Dinah and Babs was a bitter pill to swallow.

I guess I didn't read too much into the Dinah / Babs scene, other than that their relationship SEEMED strained, emphasis on seemed, because for some reason it kind of felt like an act. I completely understand how hard it is to read a book like this, when you feel like the previous regime did it so perfectly, and now it seems to be starting over (see Blue Beetle). To Duane's credit, he seems to be trying to give the book a new motivation that can distinguish itself and stand on it's own. Maybe I read too much into that, since I didn't really follow the original BoP, given my preference for Batgirl and dislike of the Oracle identity. Sorry. I have to say I really enjoyed Starling. Is this a completely new character? Her voice was quite interesting and distinctive, on the one hand, a total bada$$ with great sexual banter, on the other, genuinely upset about demolishing a nice old church. Maybe it's just my fondness for Victorian corsets warn as body armor, but I liked her.

Birds of Prey #2 cemented the series status of being among the very best of the DCnU. In fact, after only two issues, the series is clearly better than it's been since Gail's first run (her second being mediocre and McKeever's being outright weak).

Swierczynski writes one hell of a Black Canary, showing her as a capable, intelligent leader. And Starling continues to be a likable welcome addition. Saiz's art is crisp and gorgeous with fantastic superhero energy.

The intro to Kitana joining was fantastic. Tatsu is appropriately a major badass and this is captured wonderfully. Love the talking to her dead husband quirk and her not hesitating to slice & dice the bad guys. It sucks that there is no Oracle (or Huntress and Lady Blackhawk) but at least they are moving on full steam to build a different team.

I'm not so thrilled about Poison Ivy showing up and hope it's temporary but I'm willing to give it a shot since the series has been so good so far.

For BoP fans attending SDCC this weekend, Gayle Simone posted the following on FB:
"2:00-3:00 PANEL: 20TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE BIRDS OF PREY (Room 28DE):
I am SO EXCITED for this panel. Both of the co-creators of the series plus a bunch of key writers, talking about my favorite book ever. DON’T MISS THIS ONE!"

BIRD IS THE WORD!!

That sounds awesome.
I am SOOOO eagerly awaiting the new BOP tomorrow!

So my thoughts on B & BOP can be summed up as:

- I'm loving the interplay between Babs, Dinah and Helena here. Not the same dynamic as the old universe, but this Helena Bertilini Huntress interacting with the other Birds has been gold so far.

- I'm also loving the story too, and think so far its been a really good superhero mystery that presents the Birds as an ass-kicking fighting force while not trying to beat you over the head with it.

- The only thing I don't love is the art. In so many places it seems a bit ugly. All of the characters, the men included, have moments of just looking muddled or sloppy. I wish they could tighten that up, or find someone with a more pleasant style.

Overall though, I'm enjoying this series!

Helena has been surprisingly good in this launch. I was DREADING her interactions with the BoP team yet it's so good

The art is a disaster

I'm getting an AEON FLUX vibe to the art... that's not a good thing. Same way I feel reading my buddy Mike's FLASH comics. Too... European?

Still loving the story and the characters.

I feel the exact same way on Flash: wonderful story, excellent characters and characterization, but the art is terribly scratchy.

So one of the best things of the last few months has been this latest story in Birds of Prey, which is only 2 issues in. All the men in Gotham are sick / under attack so the Birds have to save them--only this time with an extended cast to help! It's the ultimate team-up / snapshot of today's DC superheroines and also features Wonder Woman, Lois Lane, Batwonan, the various Bat-related girls, Harley & Ivy, Catwoman, Montoya and others. All of them have been used perfectly, and seeing them all interact like this is a treat. Plus we get Green Arrow in a supporting role (while most of the Gotham centric men are sick and in peril, including Bats and Nightwing).

BOP has been great but this story feels extra special. Writing and art are point, and it feels like a "mini-Crisis" featuring an all women team (without being overly obvious about it).

Highly, highly recommended. They're all shining, especially the Birds, but I think Lois and Batwoman especially shine too.

It's good to hear that BoP is still going strong, Cobie! That first Rebirth BoP trade (the second hasn't been released yet) was one of the most pleasant surprises of the whole initiative. The dialogue, characterization and interaction were all delightful and on-point. I'd recommend it to anyone who wants to read good comics, not just good female-starring and -written comics (which it also is)!

Brian Azzarello is getting his hands on the BOP and it's only gonna have Dinah, Helena, and Harley Quinn

I'm so sorry

Is Suicide Squad gone, or is Harley on two teams now?

BoP has just been relaunched, and the writer is my girl Kelly Thompson!

I''ve never been a fan of BoP, but I will definitely check out the first issue.

Okay. I thought I might like it, but I never expected to LOVE it!

It's Dinah without Barbara, but with Cassandra, Big Barda, and Zealot...and Harley Quinn (but Kelly makes it work, honest!)

I had never heard of Leonardo Romero, but he has exactly the kind of solid, versatile, unpretentious style that I favor.

Yeah, I'm in!

I just got my September books and I also loved BoP. It definitely was the most enjoyable read in the stack. Fun, good grasp of the characters, left me wanting more. The surprise consultant. Romero's art was really clean and easy to "read" with a lot of great acting.

Glad to hear that, Rob. Thanks for the post -- I was getting worried that no one else liked Kelly's take on the Birds. LOL

Seriously, though, thanks.

Question: based on BoP 1, do you think Kelly would write the Legion well? She's been my dream Legion writer going on 10 years now (starting with the Jem and the Holograms comic.)

Based on that one issue, for sure. She handled the group dynamic well while giving each character a moment to show who they are. That puts her two ahead of Bendis already. And there seems to be an actual plot. And each character felt like an individual. So I guess that's two more.

Awesome!

I read issue 3 over the weekend, and while I still find Kelly's storyline engaging, I'm starting to feel that Leonardo Romero is not a good artistic match for her wild, semi-comedic style of writing. It's certainly tasteful (Romero cites old masters Alex Toth and Wallace Wood as influences,) but it's overly polite to the point of dullness. The dreary coloring makes it even duller.

I'll keep buying it as long as Kelly is the writer, but without a more fitting artist, it's in danger of ending up in the sitting-around-unread-for-months-on-end pile.

I'm still in. I liked issue 3 - less than issue 1 but much more than issue 2, which was oddly difficult for me to keep track of the scene transitions. I liked where issue 2 ended (clever solution for getting them secretly on Themyscira) but it was awkward getting there. I like Romero a bit more than you but issue 3 felt... rushed, maybe? The art could stand for a bit more boldness.

Nowbthat you mention it, Romero does look more rushed on issue 3 than on the first two. Hopefully issue 4, which I probably won't get to until after the Holidays, will be better-drawn.

Kelly Thompson's first BoP arc (issues 1 through 6) has wrapped up. I didn't do individual reviews of 5 and 6 -- in brief, I liked 5, felt the guest artist (who also did the coloring) was a colorful and dynamic change of pace (though I can see what people might dislike about their style;) and I loved 6, found it a hugely satisfying resolution which also sets the direction for Kelly's next few arcs.

I finally got my shipment of comics for February/March and I reread the whole first arc.
Overall, I enjoyed it enough to ignore its flaws and to want to read more.
But if I were to pick nits:
There were some narrative flow glitches - not with the plot, which I felt had an internal logic and interesting developments that hit at the right times - but with the sequential part. There were a few moments, especially in issue 2, where the action was obscured or transitions were abrupt. I don't know if this is art, script or a combination (because there was at least one moment for me in 5, which was drawn by a guest artist).
Positives:
It was fun.
It was at the top of my to-read list each month.
I like the idea of a core group with guests on a per-mission basis.
Characterization.