DCU Comic Book Reviews

BIRDS OF PREY #106

Whitewater, Part Three:  Storm Front

July 2007

Written by Gail Simone

Pencils by Nicola Scott

Inks by Doug Hazelwood

Cover by Stephane Roux

Synopsis

Feodor Kerimov, a Russian drug lord, is looking to recapture Russia’s glorious past.  However, the Birds of Prey who have taken the key to Kerimov’s plan:  a Rocket Red suit with Tora Olafsdotter (aka Ice) trapped inside.  The Secret Six, Kerimov’s hired mercenaries, are on the hunt after the Birds of Prey to return Ice to Kerimov.  After Spy Smasher alters Oracles plan, the Birds are trapped in a remote safehouse.  When the Secret Six arrive on their doorstep, Oracle’s only plan of action is to attack.  In the midst of the battle, Oracle tries to get Ice away.  When she is awaken, however, she is angry.  She creates a giant snow monster and threatens to kill the one who attempted to murder her. 

Review by Binkley (e-mail)

Who can argue with any issue that offers the equivalent of a pier six brawl?  Moreover, how can argue with said issue that also delivers fantastic banter during the fight than actually illuminates the character’s personalties rather than just seeking the cheap one-liners.  I know I can’t.  Simone delivers with an issue that really does little to advance the plot, but manages to make it entertaining and exciting.  Plus, Scott does a fantastic job with the art, including the great two-page spread in the middle. 

I have a few minor quibbles with some of the action, such as Deadshot coming across as a rather poor fighter and an even worse shooter.  Since Simone had the teams fighting hand-to-hand, I guess she needed to remove Deadshot as a threat.  All it managed to do was make Deadshot seem like a moron.  I also was a little disappointed in the use of Misfit.  Simone keeps characterizing her as the world’s best teleporter so I was expecting Oracle top use her a little more ingeniously then just simply adding her to the battle.  Conversely, I liked the flirting interlude between Huntress and Catman and the eventual outcome.  And I liked Ragdoll’s witticisms. 

It is interesting to note that Ice was revealed to be alive several issues ago but we won’t get to her story until the next issue (maybe).  It is a testament to Simone’s writing that she is able to keep away from this particular plot point without me getting frustrated that we aren’t getting answers.

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