Black Canary’s solo title is part of DC Comics’ mid-summer mini-relaunch. The book spins out of the Batgirl title and is written by Brendan Fletcher who also writes Batgirl. The stellar art is provided by Annie Wu with a poppingly pinktastic color palette provided by Lee Loughridge and fun letters by Steve Wands.
I’ve always loved Black Canary, so I thought I’d give her solo series a shot, and I’m glad I did, although it’s more of an ensemble book with a fairly large supporting cast. After a falling out with Batgirl, Black Canary becomes the front woman for a band and goes on the road with them touring. Sure, why not? At first, I thought it was really dumb, but it’s totally awesome!
It’s like Scooby Doo meets ’80s movies about irresponsible adults leading children through endless, life-threatening scenarios. Trouble finds them. They find trouble. So, they have no other choice but to stick together to fulfill their musical contract and protect mysterious, obligatory mute, prodigal child, “Ditto.” (I suspect she was named after Gossip lead singer Beth Ditto? Nice touch.) So, rather than leave them to their own wits when that next life-threatening scenario comes a calling, Black Canary takes them under her wing.
Hahahahahahaha!
And, teaches them how to beat up and shoot people. Give a man a fish . . . Teach a man to fish . . . There must be some logic somewhere.
It’s good to see Black Canary stand on her own without Oracle. What? Too soon? I loved Birds of Prey as much as the next guy, but enough lesbian subtext angst in a wheelchair. She doesn’t need Babs or Ollie to rock the mic like a vandal. I haven’t been this excited about a singing blonde superhero comic book since Dazzler! Oh, wait . . . Well, either way, I welcome the new direction of these books.
I think they bring a lot of fun back to comics and a very refreshing new take. Annie Wu’s art is truly a joy to look at. She is part of the “art revolution” going on at DC along with Babs Tarr who provides a sweet variant cover for Black Canary #2.
Brendan Fletcher told USA Today that Black Canary was his love letter to his days of being a singer in a rock band. There are aspects of it that remind me of going to my brother’s gigs when he was in a punk band, so that’s fun for me.
It’ll be interesting to see the relationships develop as Dinah mentors her band. I also am curious to find out what Ditto’s damage is, but, honestly, I’d stick around for the art alone. It’s definitely worth checking out.
I almost forgot the best part! She has fishnets! Worth the price of admission alone!
Black Canary is on sale now from DC Comics.
