Birds of Prey #1: Every Team Needs a Wild Card

Birds of Prey #1 is an entertaining entry into this revived comic series. As a first issue, it’s exciting and is sure to get DC fans pumped for what will likely be one of the best team up comics on shelves today.

The issue kicks off with Dinah and Oliver discussing a plan to save Dinah’s sister, Sin, and how it’s unlikely to be successful. After committing to the rescue attempt, Dinah heads out to form her team and the issue really sets its stride.

Fans of heist movies will likely see similarities between this issue and other similar stories. There’s the charismatic lead, the right hand in command, and the journey recruiting unique characters to join the team. This isn’t a bad thing—in fact it works incredibly well and makes for some enjoyable banter between the characters as the team begins to take shape.

Who is tasked to save Sin? This Birds of Prey team consists of Black Canary, Batgirl, Big Barda, Zealot, and Harley Quinn. For the average comic book reader, it’s very clear how this team has a lot of range in skills and most importantly, personality.

As a kick-off issue, Birds of Prey #1 is well-done. Writer Kelly Thompson’s DC debut is off to a great start, which is no surprise as the skilled writer has written amazing stories with an emphasis on honing in on what makes characters tick. Because of this, I couldn’t think of a better writer to take on characters from the DC Universe and create an entertaining and action filled story. Additionally, the range of characters are balanced in their banter giving each of them their own personality—a testament to Thompson’s style as it can be easy to mismatch tones of legacy characters such as Big Barda.

One minor complaint has to do with the pacing. There is a lot packed into this premier issue and this makes for some jarring shifts and head scratching moments. For example, a team member is introduced fighting off bad guys, the recruiter arrives, and they talk casually while still in the same location. It’s such a small critique and if that’s the only thing to complain about, then clearly this issue is worth your time. (Spoiler, it totally is!)

Additional members of the creative team include Leonardo Romero (art), Jordie Bellaire (colors), and Clayton Cowles (letters). The entire art style and lettering is well done and the character designs and artistic style of line and colors create almost a timeless style. This is a great addition to the story because in my opinion, some of the best story arcs I’ve read have art style and storytelling that could be almost anywhere in continuity of DC canon.