DCU Comic Book Reviews

BIRDS OF PREY #92

Progeny, Part 1:  Inseparable

May 2006

Written by Gail Simone

Pencils by Paulo Siqueira

Inks by Robin Riggs

Cover by Rachel & Terry Dodson

Synopsis

One year later…Matt Thorne (aka Crime Doctor) has been shot in the gut and has called Oracle for help.  She sends in Huntress to get him to a hospital, but she is attacked by Clayface, Killer Croc, and Arnold Weskler (aka Ventriloquist).  Huntress takes care of Clayface, before she receives help in the form of Jade Canary (aka Lady Shiva) who easily takes down Killer Croc and then tosses Scarface over the side of the building.  Meanwhile, somewhere in Asia, Dianah Lance is taken to a military camp where she is given a new name (tag) and then is blindfolded and forced to fight against several men.  She beaten and bloodied and tossed aside, where a small girl named Sin provides some comfort.  At the hospital, Oracle tells Shiva and Huntress that they are going to need some help in case the Society comes looking for the Crime Doctor.  So, she reveals that a new member has been with them and slowly she becomes visible….

Review by Binkley (e-mail)

“Are they mad?”

“They are exhibiting symptoms of a surly disposition, yes.”

This was a great kick-off for the Birds and I can’t wait to see what happens next.  I suppose it should be expected that the writer of Villains United would include the Society in the one year later issue of Birds Of Prey.  It should be interested to see how this continues play out and whether members of the Secret Six (a mini-series Simone is writing as well) will also make an appearance.  The hope is that this will actually lead somewhere and not just fizzle.  Oracle is always portrayed as an extremely intelligent person, so I would like to see her match wits the Society. 

At one point Lady Shiva makes a remark about keeping her promise to Canary.  I would assume she means Dinah.  But, what exactly, is she referring to?  Is there a connection with Cassandra Cain somewhere in there?   Is this why Dinah is in Asia and getting her ass kicked?  Or am I reaching for it?  Hopefully this will be explored later.  Shiva was by far the most interesting character.  Her disdain for everything shone through and made her seem like the most original character there.  I mean, here is the most deadly assassin in the world and she is fixing her make-up and wants to change her clothes?  Ya gotta love it.  I especially liked her threat to Weskler regarding the dummy which she then tossed over the edge of the building.  I am constantly amused that no one has ever thought to just destroy the doll (unless he has extras).

Going back to Dinah for a moment, it is interesting to note that Oracle tells Huntress she does not have an operative by the name of Canary anymore (technically not true if Shiva is going by the name of Jade Canary and why isn’t Shiva wearing green? But I digress).  So, is Canary in Asia on her own or is that just a cover for a truly deep, deep undercover mission?  I’m sure all will be revealed later, but these are questions to keep in mind. 

The most interesting aspect of the story is the invisible character who appears in the hospital at the end of the story.  I am new to the DCU so I am not sure who this might have been if it is an old character or something new, but I like the idea of Birds Of prey expanding their role.  It is fitting that if Oracle and gang are going to get more involved with the society (and by extension the DCU) then the team should continue to grow.

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