Written by Gail Simone
Art by Adriana Melo; Will Conrad; Bruce Timm; David Lopez; Fernando Blanco; Hi-Fi Design; & Jared K. Fletcher
Cover Art by Adriana Melo & Will Conrad
SUMMARY:
Published by DC Comics for November 2005, this stand-alone issue divides into three segments entitled “A Wakeful Time.” The Birds are moving into their new Metropolis digs. Dinah “Black Canary” Lance and Zinda host a ‘Get Well Soon’ party for a recuperating Barbara. The guests include Helena “Huntress” Bertinelli; Dick Grayson; Renee Montoya; Creote; Savant; and her doting father, Commissioner Gordon.
Zinda reveals the Birds’ newest aerial acquisition (plus some Blackhawk-style black leather jackets). Dinah decides she needs to do some last-minute shopping. Later that night, Black Canary substitutes for Superman thwarting the Prankster’s murderous, ‘Aztec-themed’ media ploy in Metropolis. Barbara proudly senses that ‘The Birds’ are officially back in business.
In Gotham City, despite her efforts to protect young student Corey Campbell and his family from local thugs, Huntress realizes that she needs Barbara’s Oracle-style advice. Contemplating a return to the Birds, Helena pulls an ingenious power play on mobster boss Don Sigiorello.
REVIEW:
Well-played! Displaying impressive versatility, writer Gail Simone pens a three-part tale that inspires three different artistic styles that adeptly match each segment’s tone. Capably supported by Adriana Melo & Will Conrad’s party sequence, Simone smartly conveys the Birds’ in-flux status moving to Metropolis.
Part 1’s varying character interactions are absolutely spot-on. Zinda’s likably buoyant personality, for instance, seems reminiscent of bubbly blonde drummer Melody from Josie & the Pussycats. Also, Simone nicely portrays a low-key moment re: Barbara’s history with Dick. Dinah and Barbara’s gal-pal banter is also wonderful.
Part 2’s sitcom is a welcome treat, as Black Canary (with artist Bruce Timm’s cartoony help) trounces the Prankster’s sacrificial-burning scheme. It’s a hilarious sequence, as Simone’s dialogue delights in playing up the Prankster and his henchwomen’s clueless stupidity. Notably, Dinah doesn’t even need to resort to her sonic powers to prevail. The only thing missing is perhaps a quick Lois Lane cameo.
The somber Part 3 (courtesy of David Lopez & Fernando Blanco) is a vintage look at Helena Bertinelli’s Huntress, as she exploits her mob-related history. The compassion she displays for her young students and their welfare solidly blends with Helena’s methods for pursuing justice. Though there aren’t surprises, Simone spells out Helena’s personality well.
The cover image hardly makes sense, but it’s still a fun way to advertise the Birds’ currently chaotic situation. Ultimately, Birds of Prey # 86 is really an underrated gem worth reading.
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
The single-page “DC in Demand” column hypes current DC projects, as well as a cover reveal for Birds of Prey # 87.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8 Stars
