Lead Story Written by Gail Simone. Art by Nicola Scott; Doug Hazlewood; Hi-Fi Design; & Travis Lanham.
Back-Up Story Written by Tony Bedard. Back-Up Art by Paulo Sequiera; Robin Riggs; Hi-Fi; Travis Lanham.
Cover Art by Jerry Ordway.
SUMMARY:
Entitled “Blood & Circuits, Part One: A Chance to Do Good,” this 56-page issue was released by DC Comics for January 2007. In the 34-page lead segment, Barbara “Oracle” Gordon and Zinda “Lady Blackhawk” Blake extend invitations to a potential new flock of Birds after Black Canary’s departure.
Once assembled, the undercover Birds (now including Manhunter; Big Barda; Judomaster; and Huntress) controversially cross the U.S. border to retrieve a mobster’s captive daughter from a Mexican penitentiary in exchange for his insider testimony against a West Coast syndicate. Further complicating their clandestine operation is Katarina “Spy Smasher” Armstrong’s government-sanctioned intent to shoot down the Birds.
In a 21-page tale entitled “Keepsakes,” it’s moving day out of Metropolis for Dinah “Black Canary” Lance and her young surrogate daughter, Sin. To satisfy her daughter’s curiosity, Dinah sentimentally describes what her life (from age fourteen on) was like before she met Sin, particularly the parallels with her late mother.
REVIEW:
It’s no surprise that writer Gail Simone concocts a terrific opener for this new generation of Birds. Giving the team a fresh and possibly rotating influx of talent/muscle makes good storytelling sense, as does the onset of a feud with Oracle’s rival, Spy Smasher.
As solid as this lead story is, Tony Bedard complements the Birds’ milestone issue with an endearing Dinah & Sin tale furthering Dinah’s embrace of instant motherhood. While it doesn’t necessarily make sense, continuity-wise, that the original Black Canary would still be full-time active in Dinah’s early teens, Bedard’s take on Dinah & Sin’s new civilian life is well-played.
Speaking of well-played, the interior visuals are consistently high-caliber making an ideal match to both Simone and Bedard. As the fine cover image implies, Birds of Prey # 100 is a treat for fans, and DC Comics doesn’t skimp on celebrating it.
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
DC Coordinating Editor Jann Jones pens a “DC Nation” column. Included are thumbnail cover reveals for Checkmate # 8; Shadowpact # 7; and Birds of Prey # 101.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8 Stars
