Reviewer: Andy Campbell
Story Title: The Battle Within: Part Two
Writer: Gail Simone
Pencils: Joe Bennett
Inks: Jack Jadson
Colors: Hi-Fi
Letters: Jared K. Fletcher
Assistant Editor: Rachel Gluckstern
Editor: Joan Hilty
Publisher: DC Comics
If there is one character I become a drooling fanboy over, it’s Black Canary (emphasis on the “drooling”). I don’t make a habit of being attracted to two-dimensional, fictional women, but in Canary’s case, I’ll make an exception. It’s no surprise, then, that Birds of Prey is one of my favourite books, and one I look forward to every month.
Gail Simone was born to write this book. She has such a handle on the characters, that it’s just a joy to read. She also writes this story arc’s special guest, Wildcat, very well. I’d really like to see Gail Simone tackle the JSA sometime, because I think she would do an awesome job. Anyway, the word of the month is “infiltrate,” as Black Canary & Wildcat are infiltrating an Asian drug ring, while Huntress is infiltrating the Gotham Mafia in her secret identity of Helena Bertinelli (heiress apparent of the Bertinelli crime family). The dialogue is great, as always, and really moves the story along. However, the bulk of this issue is an amazing fight between Black Canary and a deadly martial artist who goes by the codename Rabbit. Big props go to Joe Bennett for capturing this fight so wonderfully. You can totally feel the intensity popping off the page with each blow and counter-blow.
Not to mention that Joe Bennett’s rendering of Black Canary is one of the best I’ve ever seen. :-D
Here’s the deal: if you’re not reading Birds of Prey…for the love of all that is holy, READ THIS BOOK! It has never let me down!
