Written by Gail Simone
Art by Joe Prado; Dick Giordano; Hi-Fi Design; & Pat Brosseau
Cover Art by Brian Hurtt & Brian Miller
SUMMARY:
Entitled “Progeny – Finale: A Cup of Kindness Yet,” DC Comics published this issue for August 2006. The Crime Doctor’s murderous origin is briefly seen in flashback. With the lives of the homicidal ex-surgeon and his young daughter, Bethany, at risk, the outmatched Birds (Huntress; Zinda; Gypsy; & a downed Lady Shiva) face off vs. Prometheus.
In Southeast Asia, a troubled Dinah’s brutal training regime is impacted by a young girl, Sin. While Oracle’s effort to sabotage Prometheus’ electronics backfires, the Crime Doctor shocks the Birds. With discreet help from Oliver Queen, Dinah & Shiva’s lifestyle swap ends. As the Birds pack up their wrecked base, Dinah reveals the team’s newest addition. An ominously ironic twist awaits the Crime Doctor’s daughter.
REVIEW:
It’s definitely well-played! Consistently supported by the art team’s visuals, writer Gail Simone delivers a knockout tale. Beyond the Birds vs. Prometheus slugfest, the Crime Doctor’s fate ensures that this tale isn’t for kids. More so, Simone ingeniously parallels the eye-for-an-eye concept in multiple ways amidst both the Dinah/Shiva sub-plot and the Crime Doctor’s rift from the nefarious Secret Society.
Tinged with the right elements of poignancy offsetting its considerable violence quotient, Birds of Prey # 95 is a high-caliber read for fans.
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
Besides a plug for the Superman Returns movie, Dan DiDio’s “DC Nation” column advises that fan pressure ensured the Manhunter title a temporary reprieve from cancellation. Thumbnail cover reveals are for: Birds of Prey # 96; Superman/Batman # 27; Manhunter # 23; and Flash: The Fastest Man Alive # 1.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 9 Stars
