This title changes quite a bit in the relaunch. It’s still a group of female characters, but the roster and purpose have changed significantly.
General Information
Title: Birds of Prey #1
Author: Duane Swierczynski
Illustrator(s): Jesus Saiz (art) and Nei Ruffino (colours)
Cover Date: November 2011
Cover Price: $2.99
Buy the digital edition.
Premise
Black Canary is recruiting. Barbara Gordon has turned her down, but Ev “Starling” Crawford has joined her cause, and Charlie Keen is a reporter who was tipped off to investigate who they are and what they’re doing.
High Point
There’s a bit of a spy feel to the book as far as the level of machinations are concerned, and I’m a sucker for spy books. Had DC launched a “Checkmate” series, I’d have been on the guaranteed buyer list.
Low Point
Once again, the team is under construction, so a good portion of the cover characters are nowhere to be seen.
The Scores
The first few pages feel more original than the last few. It looks at first like the connections to the previous incarnations were minimal, but the lines are soon pulled together a bit more. I give it 4 out of 6.
The artwork is great. I’ve really enjoyed Jesus Saiz since I first saw his stuff on JMS’ “Brave and the Bold,” and he continues to deliver here. I give it 5 out of 6.
The story moves quickly and sets things up well. The scale of the threat is clear, even if the identity and purpose is a deliberate mystery at this point. I give it 5 out of 6.
The characterization of the two present female leads is very clear, though the others aren’t as well defined. I give it 4 out of 6.
The emotional response was a bit of a let down. I was expecting, and hoping for, something more distinct than the previous incarnation(s) of the title. I give it 3 out of 6.
The flow is smooth. This is a very fast paced story, even with the flashbacks. I give it 5 out of 6.
Overall, it’s an enjoyable title that I’m sure many will love, but it’s not my cup of tea. I give it 4 out of 6.
In total, Birds of Prey receives 30 out of 42.
The New 52
Here are handy links for the reviews of all 52 new #1 issues:
- Action Comics
- All-Star Western
- Animal Man
- Aquaman
- Batgirl
- Batman
- Batman and Robin
- Batman: The Dark Knight
- Batwing
- Batwoman
- Birds of Prey
- Blackhawks
- Blue Beetle
- Captain Atom
- Catwoman
- DC Universe Presents
- Deathstroke
- Demon Knights
- Detective Comics
- The Flash
- Frankenstein, Agent of S.H.A.D.E.
- The Fury of Firestorm
- Green Arrow
- Green Lantern
- Green Lantern Corps
- Green Lantern: New Guardians
- Grifter
- Hawk and Dove
- I, Vampire
- Justice League
- Justice League Dark
- Justice League International
- Legion Lost
- Legion of Super-Heroes
- Men of War
- Mister Terrific
- Nightwing
- O.M.A.C.
- Red Hood and the Outlaws
- Red Lanterns
- Resurrection Man
- The Savage Hawkman
- Static Shock
- Stormwatch
- Suicide Squad
- Superboy
- Supergirl
- Superman
- Swamp Thing
- Teen Titans
- Voodoo
- Wonder Woman