Comic book reviews for Birds of Prey #1, Birds of Prey #2, and Birds of Prey #3 by Duane Swierczynski
Average rating: 3.6/5 stars
Birds of Prey #1 by Duane Swierczynski
Art: Jesus Saiz
For a first issue, this was really fun. I loved that Swierczynski put Dinah and Ev right in the middle of the action as they try to save Charlie Keen. I also like that how under Dinah’s leadership, BoP is less sneaky. I mean, they have a reporter on their tail and they busted through the church with their car. Not exactly stealthy, ladies.
The scene in the hotel where Dinah tries to recruit Babs is just heartbreaking. I’m glad that Swierczynski put it in for BoP fans, but at the same time, it tugs the heart strings at how wonderful Babs’ and Dinah’s friendship was in the old universe.
Ev, so far, is reminding me a lot of Zinda. I’m very interested to see where this book goes.
Birds of Prey #2 by Duane Swierczynski
Art: Jesus Saiz
This book continues to feel like it’s missing something. (And I don’t mean Babs and Helena.) I do think that Saiz’s art, while a style I like, needs more details. The lack of details make the book feel rushed through and light. Light in the missing content way.
I liked that Dinah cares about Charlie Keen and his story. It’s not just about taking down the bad guys anymore; it’s always about avenging Charlie’s killers.
I’m glad that Swierczynski put in the scene where Dinah and Ev flee from the airport that’s under lock down. It’s nice to see Ev’s skills in action compared to just having heard about them from Babs. Though I’m not quite buying Dinah’s good friendship with Ev since in the past, she’s always been leery of people with Ev’s rogue attitude. I suppose since Dinah’s wanted and not part of the JLA, there could be some breakdown of her identity as a squeaky-clean good gal.
Katana’s introduction felt just right, and I’m interested to see where her story goes. Poison Ivy, on the other hand, I felt much more like “finally, she’s shown up.” I can respect that there’s a ton of set-up in this book with a new team (both the BoP line-up and the creative team) and there’s trust to be built, but when one’s expecting a character to show up… Though I’m not sure I can really buy Ivy in a team environment. We’ll see.
Birds of Prey #3 by Duane Swierczynski
Art: Jesus Saiz
Stupid cover with bad boobie aside, I just really wasn’t feeling this issue. I think I was expecting more with the addition of Poison Ivy. But instead, she felt rather useless here.
These invisible villains seem to have a little too much information on what the Birds are up to. I mean, seriously, why are they so easily led into a trap? Not a single one of them even had a tingle of spidey-sense that someone might be out to harm them, not just their target?
I am so not down with a bomb being put in Dinah’s head. I call bullshit on this one.