DCU Comic Book Reviews

BIRDS OF PREY #119

Welcome To Platinum Flats

August 2008

Written by Tony Bedard

Pencils by Nicola Scott

Inks by Doug Hazelwood

Cover by Stephane Roux

Synopsis

In Platinum Flats, Huntress defeats and captures Carface, but finds the police are not too happy too see a “cape” in town because it means the costume “villains” will not be far behind.  Elsewhere, Visionary lets millionaire Ram Chaudry know who runs the town of Platinum Flats.  Meanwhile, Barbara Gordon and the gang settle into their new headquarters as Oracle talks to the Calculator to get info on Visionary.  .  Elsewhere, Manhunter is working surveillance duty, watching Green Arrow and Black Canary.  In Star City, Manhunter is watching Green Arrow, when Black Canary attacks from behind, thinking Manhunter is someone else.  However, Manhunter doesn’t like getting sucker punched, so she attacks.

Review by Binkley (e-mail)

This was largely a set-up issue as Bedard finally gets to settle in to start his run on this book with the new location of Platinum Falls.  Even as a set-up, this issue works wonderfully due to the great character moments (Zinda’s talk with Helena, Misfit’s moping, Oracle talking to Calculator) in the center of the issue surrounded by two good action pieces.  Toss in a little bit of mystery (why is Manhunter watching Black Canary?) and intrigue (Visionary has shadowy backers) and it all works.  Bedard does a great job of juggling all the bits and pieces to create a cohesive whole. 

I liked the flashback bit with Calculator.  The editors at DC have consistently tried to strive to convince readers that the universe is shared, with events in one book having an impact in other books, if they so desired.  So, to see the reference to Salvation Run (regardless of the quality of the book) and how it impacts the storyline in this book was a nice touch.  I do, however, have one question.  The issue mentions stolen tech, which I assume made its way to Visionary (since that makes sense in terms of the plot), but there is also the matter of the villain and hero weapons that the Penguin got a hold of in Gotham Underground.  Is what Calculator stumbled upon part of Penguin’s plans as well Visionary or just Visionary altogether? 

It may just be me, but two of the shadowy figures behind Visionary on page 8 look awfully familiar.  One (short one in the middle) looks like Dr. Sivana, who is mentioned later in this issue as one of the villains Calculator was trying to steal from.  If true, it might make sense that one of the other figures would be Professor Ivo.  However, the second recognizable face (far left of the second panel) has the hair to possibly be the Joker, which is possible since Bedard apparently has stated Oracle and Joker will meet face-to-face in the near future.  As for the other three, the features are not distinct enough to tell for certain although the woman with the bun seems familiar, but I just can’t place it.

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