Written by Gail Simone
Art by Ed Benes; Alex Lei; Hi-Fi Design; & Jared K. Fletcher
Cover Art by Greg Land; Jay Leisten; & Justin Ponsor
SUMMARY:
Published by DC Comics for May 2004, it’s entitled “Sensei & Student, Part Four: Power & Permanence.” Mid-flight to Gotham City with Shiva & Cheshire, Dinah “Black Canary” Lance contemplates Shiva’s extraordinary offer. In Gotham City, an imprisoned Barbara “Oracle” Gordon faces some violent retaliation, as she desperately makes a call for help.
The Huntress battles Savant with Barbara’s fate as the prize. Possessing Cheshire’s blackmail info, a suspicious Dinah confronts Senator Pullman’s family. The sensei’s assassin is revealed, as the next victim may well be Shiva herself.
REVIEW:
Like the issue before, Birds of Prey # 65 is dynamite storytelling. Continuing their exceptional run together, Gail Simone and Ed Benes’s teamwork persuasively argues they were DC’s finest writer/artist duo of that era. Not only is the storyline one of Simone’s best in her career, but Benes is very much at the top of his game.
This issue frankly makes intelligent action-adventure storytelling with top-caliber female characters seem easy to do. The flashy cover image is also among the best-ever for this series. Rewarding its fans, Birds of Prey # 65 combines action, suspense, and well-constructed dialogue for a sensational read.
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
There is a full-page posthumous tribute to DC legend Julius Schwartz.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 9 Stars
