Good At Their Job
SPOILERS AHEAD
Introduction
When I read a comic book I obviously want an enjoyable story but I also pay attention to the presence (or absence) of ethnic minorities, the roles of women, and the world created in the comic book. Quite a number of comic books are an enjoyable read but repeat the old formula of basically being about white guys. I would give a comic like this (such as the recent Justice League of America #1) a three out of five. Some comic books (like the current Batwing series) break the typical pattern in one way or another but, in my opinion, don't quite go far enough (Batwing has one female character who may be in danger of becoming The Chick). I would give a comic book like this a four out of five. A five out of five is a book that is everything I think a comic book should be.
The Good: Why a Five Out of Five
The main thing that strikes me about the Birds of Prey is how good they are at what they're doing (lots of fighting and investigating. Often in comic books the action is happening because someone made a mistake they really shouldn't have (forgetting to lock the Joker's cell at Arkham). The Birds did fail to anticipate the reporter's death but I don't really expect them to anticipate a brain chemical as bomb scenario. The second thing I like about the Birds is the fact that, while the book is about a team of female superheroes, they seem more like a team of superheroes that just happens to be female rather than a female team for the sake of having one. The final thing I like about the Birds is their costumes. Female superheroes are inevitably going to be sexy. Often a female superhero is seen as sexy because she is essentially a pinup (Power Girl). Alternatively, a female character can be sexy in spite of being strong, smart, etc. (Barbara Gordon) The problem with this line of thought is the implication that strength or intelligence are not by themselves sexy qualities in a woman. The Birds are sexy precisely because they are strong, smart, and appropriately dressed for their work.
The Bad
Even though I don’t know a whole lot about most of the characters, the lack of backstory didn’t really bother me. On a different note, I actually think other characters in the DCU could learn a few things from the Birds. First, they are a team of heroes not just a duo or solo act. Second, they kill when facing opponents who use lethal force. Third, as I already mentioned, they dress like they are going into battle. I am not against scantily clad, or naked, women in comic books but everything has its time and place. I really wish almost every other female superhero in the DCU would call the Birds’ tailor to have a more practical costume made.
