BIRDS OF PREY #43
"Blind Spot"
Neutral (4/10)
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DC Comics
Writer: Chuck Dixon
Pencils: Dave Ross
Inks: Andrew Pepoy
Colors: Wildstorm FX
Letters: Albert T. DeGuzman
Editor: Matt Idelson
Price: $2.50 US/$4.25 CAN |
This title, the runt of the Batman Family litter, has suddenly found itself with a huge spotlight shone upon it. Not only has demand for the book increased thanks to the "Bruce Wayne: Fugitive" crossover storyline, but also due to the addition of Birds of Prey to the fall television lineup on the WB. Unfortunately, it doesn't really deserve the spotlight this month, as the crossover elements go nowhere, and Dixon's new storyline looks as though it's going to be a bit on the convoluted side.
Oracle gets together with Robin and Nightwing to pore over all of the clues and theories they've developed concerning who could have possibly framed Bruce Wayne for murder. Meanwhile, Black Canary sends the Spoiler on her way, and is contacted by S.T.A.R. Labs for an unusual mission. What she doesn't know is that she has a deadly rival who will be seeking out the same prize.
Ross's art tells the story clearly and effectively, but it doesn't really stand out beyond that. There's a nice use of perspective, but the tone of the super-hero art is rather ordinary. Mind you, the colors by Wildstorm FX are quite strong. Deep, dark colors are employed to generate a foreboding, even depressing tone.
Those who have been following the "Fugitive" storyline will find this issue to be redundant. Those who haven't will get filled in on all of the relevant details spelled out thus far, but they'll find no forward movement in the plot. Either there was a pacing problem with the crossover, the folks at DC desperately wanted Birds of Prey to be an integral part of the storyline, or maybe the flimsy link to the storyline is just there to suck in readers. Ultimately, it doesn't matter; it's just not all that interesting. The bloom is off this particular rose.
The non-crossover plotline is much more interesting, but the execution leaves a bit to be desired. I just don't buy into S.T.A.R. having Canary on speed dial without having any idea of who she is. Bringing the second Green Arrow doesn't make a lot of sense to me either. It's bound to confuse readers unfamiliar with Dixon's work on Green Arrow. The only reason I can see for Connor and Eddie's inclusion in this story is that perhaps Dixon wants to play around with some characters near and dear to him before his tenure at DC comes to an end.
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