Birds of Prey #4

Ever since I read the new volume of Birds of Prey, from its first issue, I have been thoroughly impressed with Gail Simone's storytelling. It's been a constant edge-of-your-seat read, made even more impressive with Ed Benes' wonderful interior art. But this issue in particular, whatever high standards it raised before, it shattered them completely. Simply put, it's a crime not to pick up this issue. Join me as I review Birds of Prey #4 where I'll explain why.
 

The Good

While the fight between Black Canary and White Canary has been the main story plot, Gail Simone manages to carefully embed the sub-plots in this issue in such an effortless manner, immediately noticeable in the dialogues. Despite its overuse, it doesn't manages to feel repeated or old. She even managed to sneak in the origin of White Canary, just to give a little more clarity to an already mysterious character. Another attribute of this issue that demands to be immediately appreciated is the fight scene between both Black Canary and White Canary, where it feels like watching a kung-fu flick. Ed Benes has mesmerized this issue with his continuing unparalleled interior drawing, that is also easy to see the emotion behind every panel.

I can make a never-ending series of praises to Gail Simone for writing such a culminating issue, how she was able to put in a Brightest Day reference in the midst of such a powerful narrative, how she gave a new, bold angle to the normally timid, reserved, and pacifistic Dove, and it still won't be able to match the quality of this issue. It's a magnanimous tour de force, elaborated and drawn beautifully, akin to a labor of love. If I didn't know any better, this has the same kind of respectable, esteemed quality as a anniversary issue would have. It's that good, no doubt about it.
 

The Bad

In all sincere honesty, there's nothing bad about this issue. The origin story of White Canary, which at first, feels a little disorienting, becomes easier to understand, and it becomes a easily reliable reference for the dialogue between Black Canary and White Canary. The references to its previous run, when Savant and Creote are being brought up, do become a little alienating, but not problematic enough to derail the story's subplot. 
 

The Verdict

I haven't been constantly amazed at one particular issue that's part of a ongoing series, until now. The level of craftsmanship in this issue is so highly rewarding, that words fail to do justice in its description. Great fights, gripping storytelling, emotion shown through every panel, it truly is a work of art that deserves to be mentioned in high regard. And for a $2.99 price, it's practically a steal to get such a high quality story for such a cheap price. Get this issue, you'll enjoy the hell out of it. 4.5/5 GREAT BUY