Written by Gail Simone & Issue # 91 only: Jim Alexander.
Art by Joe Bennett; Eddy Barrows; Paulo Siqueira; Adriana Melo; Adam DeKraker; David Lopez; Bruce Timm; Brad Walker; Robin Riggs; Fernando Blanco; Will Conrad; Jimmy Palmiotti; Hi-Fi; Jared K. Fletcher; & Rob Leigh.
Collection Cover Art by Adriana Melo & Will Conrad.
SUMMARY:
In 2021, DC Comics released this 272-page trade paperback reprinting 2005-2006’s Birds of Prey # 81-91. In Singapore, Dinah Lance’s Black Canary brings her surrogate uncle, Ted Grant’s Wildcat, on an undercover mission infiltrating an ultra-dangerous drug trafficking ring. While an ailing Barbara Gordon’s Oracle and Blackhawk Zinda try to provide them remote back-up, an estranged Helena Bertinelli’s Huntress has initiated her own solo operation vs. Gotham City’s mob factions.
Ultimately, both sides of this volatile equation collide in Gotham, as the Birds must rely on some new allies, such as Savant, and others (i.e., Connor Hawke’s Green Arrow) for help.
Amidst Countdown to Infinite Crisis, Booster Gold pleads with an overworked Oracle for help searching for a M.I.A. Blue Beetle (aka Ted Kord). With her life threatened by an invasive metallic parasite, Barbara faces emergency surgery. Guest stars include Dr. Mid-Nite, Batman, Dick Grayson, Superman, and Cyborg.
Leaving Gotham City, the reunited Birds set up a new base in Metropolis where the Prankster, Calculator, and Deathstroke are among their initial adversaries. A subsequent Birds mission to Istanbul is also in the cards. At a celebration in her honor, a recuperating Barbara reunites with Dick Grayson. Filling in for Superman, Dinah and Blackhawk Zinda must resolve a high-profile hostage crisis covered on live TV.
Alerted by her day job as a school teacher, Helena takes personal action protecting a young student’s family threatened by drug dealers. Extensively tortured, a captive Savant is pressured by Calculator’s mercenaries (among them are Hellhound and Black Spider) to divulge Oracle’s elusive identity. On a nocturnal Star City raid, Black Canary tries closing old emotional wounds by teaming up with her ex-fiancé, Green Arrow.
While feuding with the Calculator, Barbara decides if it is finally time to reveal her secret life to her worried father, Commissioner Gordon. The Birds risk Batman’s wrath by backing Helena’s endgame in her Gotham mob sting. Huntress and an injured Black Canary are confronted by a peeved Dark Knight.
Prior to the last panel alluding to Helena’s role in Infinite Crisis, the team tangles itself up re: terminally ill mobster Joseph Bull. Awaiting the Birds are two villains-for-hire on loan from the Royal Flush Gang.
REVIEW:
Backed by this art squad’s excellent visuals, writer Gail Simone delivers all the necessary goods for long-time Bird watchers. Case in point: Simone’s cartoony Black Canary caper with guest artist Bruce Timm is a comedic treat! Birds of Prey: Fighters by Trade, suffice to say, is a top-flight and remarkably coherent read. Recommended!
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
In a full-page format, the original cover (followed by a single-color version) precedes each issue. The cover artists are: Adriana Melo and Will Conrad. The sole exception is Jesus Saiz, who handles Issue # 91.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8 Stars
