Comic News And Reviews

By Gail Simone (writer), Alvin Lee and Adriana Melo (pencils), Jack Purcell and JP Mayer (inks), Nei Ruffino (letters)

The Story: Black Canary is forced to issue a challenge to Shiva, a fight Dinah is almost certain she won’t be able to survive. This crisis is replaced by another equally vexing one when Huntress steps in and makes the challenge in her stead.

What’s Good: First, let me say how refreshing it is to have a small, two-issue arc like this. Not that epic five and six issue arcs are bad, but it seems like every book I read lately is going that route, so a nice, simple short story (albeit one that I’m sure leads into bigger things) is very much appreciated.

I really enjoyed the way Simone handled Huntress in this issue. The way she sees herself vs. Black Canary is unexpectedly moving (although I really wish they had used a line other than the overly blatant, “you have people who love and need you…I don’t.” Wee bit oversimplified and emotionally manipulative for my taste), and it also nails Huntress’ protective and impulsive nature very well.

The climactic fight between Huntress and Shiva is quite good and very well scripted; it’s a great example of a comic book fight scene done right. Simone and Lee/Melo make sure that the reader knows where all participants are at all times, and that each panel flows logically from one to the next. That’s starting to feel like a lost art, and I’m glad to see it well executed here. Clearly, Simone and her art team are on the same page.

What’s Not So Good: Not many; this was a very solid and exciting issue. I have to say though, Huntress ordering, “go get me my work clothes,” followed by a panel of her zipping herself into her hilariously tight and skimpy costume had me rolling on the floor. Only in the comics do “work clothes” involve putting on less than what you are currently wearing. Batman can get away with a line like that; Huntress, not so much.

Conclusion: While it still doesn’t reach the heights of Secret Six or Simone’s early Wonder Woman issues, this is still a very well executed book filled with great character moments and an excellent fight scene. Despite the fact that this issue closes a story arc, it’s not a bad place to go if you aren’t familiar with the Birds of Prey; this issue is a better introduction to them and their various quirks than #1 was.

Grade: B-

-SoldierHawk

Filed under: DC Comics Tagged: | Gail Simone, Adriana Melo, Comic Book Reviews, Weekly Comic Book Review, Nei Ruffino, Jack Purcell, Birds of Prey, Alvin Lee, JP Mayer, Birds of Prey #6 review, Birds of Prey #6

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