Damned Tattoos & Blue Fishnets
Overview
Ornithologists beware, the Birds.. are back.. and they are... back.. and stuff. This is another one of the DCnU 52 books, that has characters on the cover that do not actually appear in the book, but that's okay. Book starts fast and that pace is keep at such for most of the issue. Most of the issue focuses on Black Canary and my totally favorite new character of right now, Starling. (its the tattoos, sass factor and the hair) but one very famous and popular Bird of Prey character from its past also appears, just not in an acting capacity as a Birds of Prey member, which is one thing I am still not really use to, but I'll have to get over it.
Solid fun issue, that wastes no time with bothersome introductions and gets to plenty of action, but the type that allows Dinah's (Black Canary) and Ev (Starling's) personalities to shine though, and also pays respect to Canary's badass fighting skills. We get bits and pieces that show the details and nuisances of how the team formed, and by who, and why and how the opening action scene got initiated. Issue ends on what starts to seem as a quiet, peaceful ending, but it has a twist.
Writing & Plot
Duane Swierczynski does a solid job here, and I really, really have to learn to maybe try not compare this Birds of Prey and future issues, to the issues written by Gail Simone, its just really hard to as a fan of her epic sized run. There were some nice plot twists that make me reminisce of earlier Birds of Prey arc Blood and Circuits. I miss certain characters, but this was a fun book that had two tough kick-ass characters with different personalities and attitudes that mesh really well so far. Was also incredibly accessible, which is pretty important considering this is a new number one issue. Sort of felt maybe a bit too light for my personal taste? I do hope that more depth and complexity is added as story progresses. Plus that should come organically with the addition of the other characters advertised on the cover. Art & Visuals
Jesus Saiz also, does a very solid job on art. I have been a bit apprehensive about Black Canary's new design, it seems... a tab bit too complex, and the yellow seemed... but now i have the issue and have read the story, I find myself being fond of the design. It works in sequence and page after page. I don't find it as iconic as her former outfit, but it might have the potential to get there. Designs aside, artistically book has lots of cool moments and panels. I was especially fond of the transparent ninja assassins.
Moment of Damnation
Damned Girls are the best. (love the Tattoos too)
Liked the blur effect in the first panel, and yes the kiss killed her. I think would have been much better if it was Rogue...
Who Should Read This?
Anyone who is attempting to buy all of the DCnU 52? Fans of tough female characters? Regular Birds of Prey fans? (its a bit different granted) Some cool, tough, fun, sassy action here too, so if that sounds like your thing, by all means. Overall I give this issue a 3.5/5
