Review: Batgirl and the Birds of Prey #22
“1 am Sparticus!”
After 22 issues, the latest incarnation of the Birds of Prey has final been put out of its misery.  It’s obvious that DC have a lot of faith in this team, especially when you consider the fate of the book that followed Brightest Day; which was written by superstar writer Gail Simone; and the fate of the New 52 version that was reportedly besieged by editorial control. Still, not having learnt from their mistakes DC tried again, this time with the revitalized versions of Black Canary, Huntress and, perhaps showing the biggest character departure, an even younger Batgirl. In doing so, I fear that Dc missed the point of the teams existence in the first place.
This issue gives Huntress some closure on her own tragic origin as well as seeing the end of the Calculator and the raft of no name villains that populated the teams earliest threats. As a send off for Helena Bertinelli, it’s not a bad one to be honest, going someway to match one of her many origins from long ago, coupled with her time as Matron. For Canary it’s pretty much as you were and Batgirl, well once again it is as you were.
Julie Benson and Shawna Benson mange to give the book a real feel, at least during the first few pages, before the out of character Catwoman and Ivy turn up. I didn’t even look for a box to advise when in continuity this was because, frankly I don’t care. Neither character is who they are in other books and feels more like DC Superhero Girls rather than an actual superhero book. The “secret” at the end is great for a massive recharging of the characters souls, but it does beg the question, how did Gus manage to get all their original stuff?
The art by Roge Antonio has been solid recently, even if the faces lack a certain level of detail and some of the action poses are a little perspective shy. When the action does kick in, there is a level of movement on show that does stabalise the book, the pace is good and there are funny moments to enjoy; Huntress’s reaction to the batarang being probably my favourite. Colors are provided by Marcelo Maiolo who does well within the dark environments. Finally, at least art wise, there are a couple of covers to pick from; the standard one by Terry Dodson and Rachel Dodson and a variant by Yasmine Putri. Both covers look great, but you know about what they say about judging books by them, right?
Looking over the final issue, all I can think of is missed opportunities. This book, with theses characters should work and work well! Thinking back to this book in its heyday, it was the relationships between the characters that made it work. My opinion is that by making Batgirl younger, DC have destabilized the team; how can a younger Batgirl understand the Huntress’s need for revenge? How can Canary, relate to her partners when she herself has not gone through any real loss since Rebirth? This may be the final book of this run and I would like to say I will miss the Birds. Problem is, I have been missing them for so long already!
Writing -2.5 Stars
Art -3 Stars
Colors -3.5 Stars
[yasr_overall_rating size=”large”]
Written by; Julie Benson & Shawna Benson
Art by; Roge Antonio
Colors by; MArcelo Maiolo
Covers by; Terry Dodson with Rachel Dodson and Yasmine Putri
Published by; DC Comics
Author Profile
- I am a long time comic book fan, being first introduced to Batman in the mid to late 70's. This led to a appreciation of classic artists like Neal Adams and Jim Aparo. Moving through the decades that followed, I have a working knowledge of a huge raft of characters with a fondness for old school characters like JSA and The Shadow
Currently reading a slew of Bat Books, enjoying a mini Marvel revival, and the host of The Definative Crusade and Outside the Panels whilst also appearing on No-Prize Podcast on the Undercover Capes Podcast Network
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