REVIEW: ‘Birds of Prey’ Issue #2

Birds of Prey #2 is published by DC Comics, written by Kelly Thompson, art by Leonardo Romero, colors by Jordie Bellaire, and letters by Clayton Cowles. The new team starts working on a plan to retrieve Black Canary’s sister from Themyscira. 

The structure of this issue is interesting, focusing on creating chemistry within the group. Half of the book talks about the setup of the plan, with difficulties starting to arise early. This Birds of Prey team barely know each other and certainly don’t trust each other. It leads to the pace of the issue slowing down, but it expands the character development. It also increases the danger and dread of the destination. Themyscira has built up a reputation as one of the most fearsome places in the DC Universe, and it is rightfully respected. Thompson also laces the story within ongoing events in other comics, but not so much that it derails what can happen in this series.

The transition in the comic cleverly sets it out into a similar structure to the first issue, as the heroes start to act on favors and gather what they need for the adventures. It leads to a brilliant guest star and adventures in avenues that were definitely not expected. The fight scene displays how this group is going to battle together. The second half has the intrigue and the energy to offset the heavy exposition of the first, and both are needed in what has transformed into a heist comic. 

Thompson’s script is fantastic, able to explore the various relationships that are being collected. There is, of course, a wonderful wit with some hysterical lines. Whilst many of the characters are deadpan and the humor comes from serious lines in comical situations, there is the remedy of Harley. She has been reined in, less bonkers than she is in her own comic, but that enthusiasm and constant positivity are delightful. But there are those moments when Harley gets serious, and it is at those moments where attention is drawn the most. At the center of the book is Dinah, and all of the relationships initially stem from her. But as the comic progresses, more are being stitched together. The lesser-known characters, such as Meridian and Zannah, start showing intriguing parts of their personalities whilst remaining enigmatic. 

The art is terrific. Romero is fantastic at denoting the passage of time and movement. This is first noticed when Harley is counting on her fingers, and an individual panel is used for each count. The characters move in and out of panel borders, with a really clever technique used for the body part that leaves the outline of the page. It gives the book’s latter half a great sense of travel, moving from one location to the next and gathering the group back together after a separation.

Even when the comic and the characters are stationary, tension is built within the group in their opening conversations through determined, fearsome expressions. What also becomes clear through the fight scene at the end of the issue is the fact that this is a physical group. The Birds of Prey are martial artists and warriors trained to perfection. That is captured brilliantly by the group battle at the end of the comic, which is the first glimpse of the whole group fighting alongside each other, and it looks amazing under the pen of Romero.

The colors are stunning. It’s a dark but beautiful comic with tones that just aren’t seen in comics regularly. But the little flecks and spots of light show an intricacy to Bellaire’s style. What sticks out in the darkness is the blonde hair of Black Canary. In the battle at the end of the comic, the enemies are striking to look at with an incredibly bold color choice that covers their whole body. The lettering is clear and easy to read.

Birds of Prey #2 is a brilliant mix of dialogue and action. Thompson is the perfect fit for this book; he is superb at creating connections between the characters. The large cast has time to build relationships and show some tension already brewing early in the series. The guest stars and the adventures make the comic extremely fun, but the core group is also golden. It’s early, but in two issues, the book has traveled across America and is already venturing outside of it, varying in locations and settings. It’s an expansive and inclusive comic, making it a fun read.

Birds of Prey #2 is available where comics are sold.