Comics / Comic Reviews / DC Comics

Batgirl and the Birds of Prey #4

By Hervé St-Louis
December 13, 2016 - 10:28

Last issue explored the new origin of Black Canary. This one explores that of the Huntress. The Huntress is the daughter and last survivor of a mobster family in Gotham that was exterminated by their arch enemies. Growing into adulthood, she vowed revenge on the man who had her family killed. While even as she mistrusts the Birds of Prey, the Huntress may have no choice but to collaborate with her to being her family’s killer in.

This issue was quite good. I don’t know why but Birds of Prey, in this incarnation is one series that I always dump for last. It does not deserve this treatment. I know that I was not pleased with the new foster child origin of Black Canary last issue. Well, I’m pleased with Helena Bertinelli’s origin in this issue. It’s the way good origins are retold. The same frame and references stay the same. However, new layers are added to the basic core story giving the characters more dimensions history.

This story was also rooted in the history of Italians in America, albeit a skewed one. The writers did their research well. But all of that history would be pointless if not put as the background of a good story with lots of action. Well, there is action here and also more than enough information to reveal who the Fenice is. I’ve figured it out. It’s pretty obvious from looking at the artwork.

The artwork is good but there are a few pet peeves. There is a shot of Huntress swimming underwater with her hood still on in the water. As she pulls from the water, the hood nor any other part of her uniform look wet. She hood just fits on her and feels as puffy as it did before she jumped in the river. It’s an amazing material that just looks great and dry at all times. Granted Roge Antonio is not drawing Aquaman but really?

Rating: 8.5 /10

Last Updated: August 31, 2023 - 08:12