Written by Gail Simone
Art by Paulo Sequeira; Robin Riggs; Hi-Fi Design; & Pat Brosseau
Cover Art by Jerry Ordway & Brian Miller
SUMMARY:
Entitled “Headhunt, Part Two: The Piper Must Be Paid,” it was published by DC Comics for October 2006. In suburban Dayton, Ohio, the Birds (Black Canary, Huntress, Blackhawk Zinda, & Gypsy) contend with the Secret Society’s Talia Al Ghul, Felix Faust, & Cheetah re: the teenage Black Alice’s future. With Black Alice’s bewildered father in the middle, the two factions bid for her faith.
Urged to flee, Alice is pursued to U.S. Air Force’s National Museum. The outmatched Birds must survive battling the Society’s magical forces. Tempted by the Secret Society’s recruitment, Black Alice makes a startling decision. Meanwhile, in Gotham City, a mysterious Batgirl resembling Barbara Gordon takes flight.
REVIEW:
Capably supported by the art team’s visuals (i.e. an accurate cover image), writer Gail Simone puts forth a strong effort establishing Black Alice as the DC Universe’s most powerful teen sorceress. Pitting Black Canary vs. Talia & Cheetah is a terrific idea, as is Zinda’s explosive usage of an antique WWII bomber. Including the ending’s macabre twist, Simone’s classy writing hits all the necessary marks. The tantalizing Batgirl sub-plot offers an additional asset. Aside from Dinah’s implausibly fast recuperation from a near-fatal lynching, Birds of Prey # 97 proves a well-played read for fans.
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
Dan DiDio’s DC Nation column plugs Teen Titans-related projects and Darwyn Cooke’s take on The Spirit. Thumbnail cover reveals are for Birds of Prey # 98; Justice League of America # 1; Flash # 3; and Manhunter # 25.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8 Stars
