Tag Archives: batgirl and the birds of prey

Preview: Batgirl and the Birds of Prey #5

Batgirl and the Birds of Prey #5

(W) Julie Benson, Shawna Benson (A) Roge Antonia (CA) Yanick Paquette
In Shops: Dec 14, 2016
SRP: $2.99

“WHO IS ORACLE?” part five! The new Oracle has led the Birds of Prey all around Gotham City, forcing them to deal with the worst of what the city has to offer. Now Batgirl, Black Canary and Huntress will learn the reason when this impostor’s secrets are revealed! But Oracle isn’t the only one with a secret past…where did the mysterious Fenice come from, anyway?

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Preview: Batgirl and the Birds of Prey #4

Batgirl and the Birds of Prey #4

Written by: Shawna Benson, Julie Benson
Art by: Roge Antonio
Cover by: Yanick Paquette
Variant cover by: Kamome Shirahama

“Who Is Oracle” part five! Batgirl, Black Canary, and Huntress come face-to-face at last with the new Oracle…and unlock a mystery they never saw coming!

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Graphic Policy’s Top Comic Picks this Week!

all-star-batman-3Wednesdays are new comic book day! Each week hundreds of comics are released, and that can be pretty daunting to go over and choose what to buy. That’s where we come in!

We’re bringing back something we haven’t done for a while, what the team thinks. Our contributors are choosing up to five books each week and why they’re choosing the books.

Find out what folks think below, and what comics you should be looking out for this Wednesday.

Alex

It was stupidly difficult to choose a top pick this week, between both Valiant books, All-Star Batman and Kill Or Be Killed. Any one of these books could have easily found themselves atop the list; the only reason behind the the top pick is because it was the last one I wrote…

Top Pick: Wrath Of The Eternal Warrior #12 (Valiant) – I heard a rumour that I haven’t verified yet that this series will be ending soon. That’s an incredible shame, because the past eleven issues have combined to form one of the best consecutive runs from any publisher over the past year. If this is the last, or second to last issue, then I’ll be sad to see this go. If not, then my favourite ongoing comic will continue and I’ll be happy.

All-Star Batman #3 (DC Comics) – This has been such a brilliant series so far (yes, I know we’re only two issues in), and getting to watch how Scott Snyder is treating two face is fantastic. I’ve never been happier to see Batman be this resourceful before. It’s a brilliant dose of the Dark Knight out of his element: the countryside in the day.

Britannia #2 (Valiant) – Valiant’s prestige style miniseries are often printed on a higher quality paper, which gives the pages a nice glossy feeling, which is in total juxtaposition to the story itself. Britannia is a bloody, no holds barred tale set in a violent time in Rome, and Britain’s, history. Peter Milligan and Juan Jose Ryp gave us a brilliant first issue, so I’m looking forward to the second quite a bit.

Hal Jordan and the Green Lantern Corps #6 (DC Comics) – Both Green Lantern titles have been excellent since Rebirth, but it’s this one that’s taken me by surprise most of all: normally stories set in space aren’t my forte, but for some reason I can’t get enough of this story.

Howard The Duck #11 (Marvel) – The final issue in the current run may (or may not) be bigger than a normal issue, and may (or may not) have a guest appearance from Spider-Man. It’ll be a shame to see this series go, but the ride was a fantastic one while it lasted. Here’s hoping it goes out with a bang.

Kill Or Be Killed #3 (Image Comics) – Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips reunite for this story about a man who must kill bad people, or his life will take a drastic turn for the worse. It’s a gripping story, and one that delves deeper than the typical superhero/vigilante fare. Highly recommended.

Honourable mentions: Action Comics #965, Old Man Logan #12, Red Hood and the Outlaws #3, and Revolution #3

 

Mr. H

Top Pick: All-Star Batman # 3 (DC Comics) – I have enjoyed this title far beyond what I thought I would. The mix of Grindhouse and Gotham story telling has me on the edge of my seat. I think JR JR is turning in some of his best work in a high octane environment. Scott Snyder has officially taking the top of the mountain as the all time greatest Batman scribe. No only is the main story a joy but the back up tale by Snyder and Shevley is a thrill as well. I’m loving the development of Duke Thomas. This title can do no wrong in my eyes.

The Clone Conspiracy # 1 (Marvel Comics) – Well though this subject matter could be an absolute disaster I have more than enough faith that Dan Slott can make this a must see comic. I’m loving the rebirth of The Jackal under this Annubis motif and he’s not coming across truly evil. (Well not yet) Spidey has been so fun the past couple years and I don’t expect the party to stop here.

 

Shay

Top Pick: The Lost Boys #1 (DC Comics) – The hunt for Star is on as her “sisters” the Blood Belles search for her and the Frog Brothers & the Emerson Brothers try and keep the blood suckers at bay. I like throwbacks and a good horror comic and , it can’t be any worse than those gawd awful sequels.

Black Monday Murders #1, #2 & #3 (Image Comics) – This week you can get all caught up with the series thanks to the reprinting. Who doens’t like a tale of dirty money, corporate badies & the rebels who try and keep them at bay?

Belladonna #1 (Boundless) – A woman leading a troop of Warrior women. Sounds like all the girl power and I want to dig right in!

Batgirl & The Birls of Prey #3 (DC Comics) – The new Oracle is a superior bad ass and Gothams normal badies aren’t up to the task of running defense. in this next installment of the “Who is Oracle” the ladies face off against some of the most dangerous villains yet.

 

Brett

Top Pick: Sheriff of Babylon #11 (Vertigo) – Seriously, this is one of, if not THE, best comic on the market right now. It’s absolutely gripping and there’s one more issue to go in this story arc. We’re about to figure out all of the dirt in what is a murder mystery full of terrorists, crooked US operatives, and taking place in the Iraqi Green Zone.

Mosaic #1 (Marvel) – I’m intrigued, not going to lie. I want to see what Marvel does with this new character and to see how it all plays out.

Solarman #2 (Scout Comics) – The first issue was solid and I can’t wait to sit down and read the second. The classic character has been updated for modern times and it’s something that’s needed more of in comics.

Warhammer 40,000: Will of Iron #1 (Titan Comics) – I’ve been a Games Workshop and 40K fan for over 20 years at this point. So, a new comic having me excited is not a shock.

Warlords of Appalachia #1 (BOOM! Studios) – I’ve read the first issue and it’s solid with a solid premise, great art, and enough of a hook that I want to see what happens next. I think what impressed me most was that the first issue is a well thought out world with tons of small details including actual music you can play.

 

Anthony

Top Pick: Monstress #7 (Image Comics) – Marjorie Liu and Sana Takeda’s Monstress is a stunningly gorgeous series, rich in both art (with an aesthetic that combines traditional Japanese woodblock prints and a art-deco style) and the world being created. This new arc follows a violent clash with Maika’s captors as she and her companions Kippa and Master Ren, continue their journey to discover the true nature of the discovery that Maika’s mother made in the distant past.

The Fix #6 (Image Comics) – Roy and Mac are just two awful individuals living in a world surrounded by debauchery, lies and mindless violence. There is something about The Fix that makes it one of the best titles out there, combining this anti-hero dynamic with buckets of laughter each and every issue. With every new push in the story and characters introduced, it feels like the creative team still has plenty of potential ideas to work with, which is definitely a very, very good thing.

The Fade Out Deluxe Hardcover (Image Comics) – Collected here in one large tome is the excellent, Golden Age of Hollywood, alcohol infused, Eisner award winning noir series from the same team of Kill or Be Killed, Ed Brubaker, Sean Phillips and Elizabeth Breitweiser. If you missed the series, this looks to be the best bet collection wise as it contains all the back matter from the single issues and a ton of extra material.

Glitterbomb #2 (Image Comics) – Speaking of Hollywood, the first issue of Glitterbomb introduced us to Farrah and the harsh reality she faces trying to make a living as an actress in the sleazy, male-ego driven world. Jim Zub’s scripts are consistently packed with surprises, introducing a supernatural twist to Farrah. Djibirl Morisette-Phan and K. Michael Russell bring the scripts to life through some confident line work and dreamy use of colours, enhancing the emotion and dread especially when there aren’t any words on the page.

Kill or Be Killed #3 (Image Comics) – Dylan has just killed the first person he has deemed justifiable in the act. Ed Brubaker, Sean Phillips and Elizabeth Breitweiser have been crafting a fantastic tale, challenging the notions of morality, how our past shapes who we are and whether we can truly change as time passes by.

Preview: Batgirl and the Birds of Prey #2

Batgirl and the Birds of Prey #2

Written by: Shawna Benson, Julie Benson
Art by: Claire Roe
Cover by: Yanick Paquette
Variant cover by: Kamome Shirahama

“WHO IS ORACLE?” part 3! Batgirl, Black Canary, and Huntress must team up with the GCPD to protect a mafia capo from an attack by his one-time friends! He’s the only man with a lead on the nefarious new Oracle…but dead men tell no tales! Of course, it’s hard to make a team-up work when the team’s ready to tear itself apart on its first mission!

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Around the Tubes

asbm_cv2_jock_varIt was new comic book day yesterday! What did everyone get? Were there comics that stood out? Was there anything you disliked? Sound off in comments below!

While you decide on that, here’s some comic news and reviews from around the web.

Around the Tubes

The Beat – The state of the industry  – A must read from Heidi!

The Hollywood Reporter – The Sign Said “No Jews or Dogs”: How ‘G.I. Joe’ Creator Responded to Prejudice with Inspiring Work – Some interesting history.

 

Around the Tubes Reviews

Newsarama – All-Star Batman #1

The Beat – All-Star Batman #1

Newsarama – Batgirl and the Birds of Prey #2

Newsarama – Black Panther #6

Comic Vine – Detective Comics #940

Newsarama – Detective Comics #940

Newsarama – Doom Patrol #1

The Beat – Doom Patrol #1

Newsarama – The Flash #6

Talking Comic Books – Nightwing #4

Comic Attack – The Strain: Mister Quinlan – Vampire Hunter #1

Graphic Policy’s Top Comic Picks this Week!

doom-patrol-1Wednesdays are new comic book day! Each week hundreds of comics are released, and that can be pretty daunting to go over and choose what to buy. That’s where we come in!

We’re bringing back something we haven’t done for a while, what the team thinks. Our contributors are choosing up to five books each week and why they’re choosing the books.

Find out what folks think below, and what comics you should be looking out for this Wednesday.

Alex

Top Pick: Faith #3 (Valiant) – I love this series. There’s a fun, infectious energy here that just grabs you and pulls you in for one fantastically uplifting ride. Plus, Faith heads to a comicon with Archer – and that’s going to be fantastic.

Action Comics #963 (DC Comics) – It’s a Superman comic, and the Man Of Steel has grown on me considerably since Rebirth. I’m looking forward to finding out who the depowered Clark Kent is, and how Metropolis reacts to a different Superman. Should be fun.

All-Star Batman #2 (DC Comics) – Scott Snyder is, at least for me, one of the best writers to take on the Dark Knight in some time. Any time I see his name attached to a bat-project I’ll be reading it.

Dark Souls: Legends Of The Flame #1 (Titan Comics) – I am a huge fan of the Dark Soulsworld and it’s incredibly deep lore (especially because it’s not spoon fed to you throughout the games), so getting a chance to explore that world’s stories through this two part story makes me a little excited.

Old Man Logan #11 (Marvel) – Old Man Logan is the tormented Wolverine that comic fans remember, without the near immortality his healing factor had become. It’s that vulnerability that makes the promised scrap between Logan and a whole whack of ninjas so enticing – Jeff Lemire hasn’t been shy about the old man having his hairy arse handed to to him, so there’s a legitimate chance that Logan will loose the fight this issue (well…maybe). Either way, it’s gonna be bloody.

 

Shay

Top Pick: Suicide Squad Most Wanted: Katana (DC Comics) – Katana was underused in the movie and she’s really an interesting character with a really dope backstory. So, here’s a chance to get to know almost everything you’ve ever wanted to know about Katana but, the movie refused to show.

Black Monday Murders #1 – 2nd Printing (Image Comics) This reprint is coming out the same day as Issue #2 which means you can play catch up and see what you missed before going in for round 2. There’s occultism, money cartels and,  evil magical banks that might be running things shadow government style. Who doesn’t like a good conspiracy theory?

Lady Killer 2 #2 (Dark Horse) – Hit squads, hitman mash-ups and lady hitwomen. Making murder for hire as normal as ordering a pizza or going grocery shopping.

Batgirl & The Birds of Prey #2 (DC Comics) – The “Who is Oracle” Story arc is almost over and you don’t want to miss a thing!

Throwaways #3 (Image) – I’ve got some high hopes for this issue of Throwaways. When I reviewed issue #2 last month I was like warm on it, mostly because I expected more. It looks like this issue is going to deliver and give a bit more the the story itself, the Abby & Dean and the plot is going to get thick and juicy enough to make it feel like you’re reading through split pea soup.

 

Brett

Top Pick: Detective Comics #940 (DC Comics) – Something major is happening… is this the end of Tim Drake!? DC has been tight lipped with this one, and teasing out something major will happen, so get this issue and the Teen Titans.

Doom Patrol #1 (DC’s Young Animal/DC Comics) – So much hype and I’m beyond intrigued to see what this new imprint within DC is like. I checked out the panel at San Diego Comic-Con and they sold me with what’s planned and the look of it all. The vibe I’m getting is superhero meets Vertigo, something I’m totally on board with.

Hadrian’s Wall #1 (Image Comics) – A murder mystery in space! I’ve read the first four issues of the series and it’s really good.

NVRLND #2 (451 Media Group) – A spin on the story of Peter Pan, but the comic takes place in modern LA and Peter’s the head of a rock band and Hook is a drug dealer. The two issues have been solid and well worth checking out if you want a more adult take on Pan.

Raina Telgemeier’s Ghosts (Graphix) – A family moves due to the illness of a daughter and wind up in an area with lots of ghosts. The concept sounds touching and fun, but really it’s Raina Telgemeier and this will be one of the top-selling comics and graphic novels of the year. Find out why Telgemeier’s graphic novels crush the competition and outsells the spandex crowd!

Around the Tubes

BGBOP_Cv1_dsIt’s a new day! Yesterday was comic book day and there was lots of cool comics released. What’d you get? What’d you like? What’d you dislike? Sound off in the comments below!

While you decide on that, here’s some comic news and reviews from around the web in our morning roundup.

Around the Tubes

The Mary Sue – Diverse Characters Need Diverse Writers: Why Brian Michael Bendis Needs to Let Other Kids Play With His Toys – Sharing is caring.

The Beat – Creator Derf posts photos from the ‘My Friend Dahmer’ movie set – Can’t wait for this film. The graphic novel is fantastic.

Previews World – Batman #1 Special Edition for Batman Day 2016 – Look forward to it.

CBR- “Agents of SHIELD” Casts AIDA, Gives JARVIS Some Competition – Cool.

 

Around the Tubes Reviews

Talking Comics – The Backstagers #1

Newsarama – Batgirl and the Birds of Prey #1

The Beat – Batman #5

Newsarama – Batman #5

Comic Vine – Black Widow #6

Newsarama – Captain America: Sam Wilson #12

The Beat – Suicide Squad #1

Newsarama – Suicide Squad #1

Comic Vine – Suicide Squad #1

The Beat – Supergirl: Rebirth #1

Newsarama – Supergirl: Rebirth #1

Comic Vine – Supergirl: Rebirth #1

Newsarama – Superman #5

Review: Batgirl and the Birds of Prey #1

BGBOP_Cv1_dsSomeone has stolen the name Oracle right out of Barbara Gordon’s past! Hot on this false Oracle’s trail, Batgirl, Black Canary, and Huntress are all tracking the same mafia capo…so it makes sense to team up, right? Problem is, Barbara and Dinah need the secrets locked up in Oracle’s brain…and Helena Bertinelli would rather put a crossbow bolt right through it!

While Batgirl and the Birds of Prey #1 is good, the comic written by Shawna Benson and Julie Benson feels very paint by numbers in how it plays out storywise. The story follows that rather common trope of superheroes fighting each other before teaming up to stop the real bad guy (in fact it’s so common another DC comics has this same trope this week, but recognizes it and skips the fight). In this issue, which continues the Rebirth launch, we see Batgirl and Dinah trying to figure out who Oracle is while Huntress is hunting down the individuals who murdered her family. Of course their paths cross and they battle a bit until they are forced to team up. It’s very predictable in that way.

But what Benson and Benson get down really well is the interaction through all of that. The back and forth between Barbara and Dinah is really good. Barbara’s reactions at time gives the comic some humor in between the action. It reminds me a little of the previous Batgirl volume, though her reactions at time have her working at some points on emotion rather than her logic, a bit of a switch.

The art by Claire Roe is pretty good and there’s some fun expressions by Barbara and good action sequences. I think there’s a slight issue with the art showing off a more comedic vibe, but most of the comic is not. There’s definitely a mix of tone throughout the comic, and maybe that’s just first issue jitters by the team that’ll get worked out over time.

The first issue isn’t bad in any way, it just is a bit predictable and the tone and interaction between the characters is a bit uneven. There’s potential with these three characters, so we’ll see where it all goes, but the first issue doesn’t knock it out of the park unfortunately.

Story: Shawna Benson, Julie Benson Art: Claire Roe Colors: Allen Passalaqua
Story: 6.95 Art: 7.3 Overall: 7.15 Recommendation: Read

DC Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Preview: Batgirl and the Birds of Prey #1

Batgirl and the Birds of Prey #1

Written by: Shawna Benson, Julie Benson
Art by: Claire Roe
Cover by: Yanick Paquette
Variant cover by: Kamome Shirahama

“Who Is Oracle?” part one! Someone has stolen the name Oracle right out of Barbara Gordon’s past! Hot on this false Oracle’s trail, Batgirl, Black Canary, and Huntress are all tracking the same mafia capo…so it makes sense to team up, right? Problem is, Barbara and Dinah need the secrets locked up in Oracle’s brain…and Helena Bertinelli would rather put a crossbow bolt right through it!

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Graphic Policy’s Top Comic Picks this Week!

Batman #5Wednesdays are new comic book day! Each week hundreds of comics are released, and that can be pretty daunting to go over and choose what to buy. That’s where we come in!

We’re bringing back something we haven’t done for a while, what the team thinks. Our contributors are choosing up to five books each week and why they’re choosing the books.

Find out what folks think below, and what comics you should be looking out for this Wednesday.

Shay

Top Pick: Batgirl and the Birds of Prey #1 (DC Comics) – I have long held the belief that for a very long time Birds of Prey is the one of the only DC comics that I religiously read. They’re like an all female Avengers , the story arcs are killer and it oozes girl power on every page. My deep connection with the comic made me watch every episode of that gawd awful TV show on the WB in the hopes that it would be less campy and get renewed. This new issue ushers in the Shawna & Julie Benson era and I’m excited to read it. There hasn’t been a women at the helm of these crime-fighting ladies since 2010 when Gail Simone was running the show. This story arc focuses on Oracle and her stolen identity. It gets bonus points because the women at the helm are TV writers who’ve written for The CW, where most of the DC Universe lives on the small screen, and this brings out all the hope I have for a TV reboot that is worth watching. It’s my top pick of the week because TV show or not, it’s good to get in on the ground floor of what I’m sure will be an interesting story arc.

Amelia Cole Versus The End of Everything (IDW Publishing) – Amelia Cole has an existence that straddles the line between Magic & Tech. There’s something pretty rad about having a woman being a total bad ass using her mind & strength over sex appeal to save the day and make a change. If you aren’t all caught up on the story , this is the last one so it’s a good gateway graphic novel to get you hooked enough to go back and read the whole story from the very beginning. We all need a little intrigue in our lives and there’s something kind of awesome about adding monsters to a story about fighting the power.

Black Widow #6 (Marvel) – The art is wicked good in this issue following the Black Widow in her Civil War II adventures and, the story is nothing to scoff at. Secrets are going to be tumbling out of her closet and there’s a possible Invincible Iron Man showdown in the mix. I can’t wait to see how this all plays out on the pages and on the screen. Grab some popcorn and brace yourself for what I’m sure will be an exciting read.

 

Alex

Top Pick: Wrath Of The Eternal Warrior #10 (Valiant) – As the fantastic Labyrinth comes to a close with what promises to be a bloody conclusion, I’m already looking ahead and wondering what seeds Robert Venditti has already planted for the future. This is easily one of my favourite series on the racks every week, and a large part of that is because of the way Venditti has carefully crafted the story over the past ten issues to culminate here (at least in part, I’m sure). I’ll have more to say in my review, but me expectations are pretty high at this point.

Batman #5 (DC Comics) – Speaking of high expectations: Tom King and David Finch’s Batman is one of the many great things coming from DC post Rebirth, and the tale of the rise and fall of two young heroes has me thoroughly enraptured.

Jim Butcher’s Dresden Files: Wild Card #5 (Dynamite Entertainment) – I gotta say that this miniseries has surprised me. I never expect to enjoy the Dresden comics a much as I do – I still prefer the books, but the comics aren’t far off.

Klaus #7 (BOOM! Studios) – Seems a little odd reading about Santa in August, but at this point his yearly visit is only four months away.  Grant Morrison’s origin story is coming to a close, which is bittersweet, but I’m looking forward to finally getting to finish the story.

Superman #5 (DC Comics) – Apparently, I’m a Superman fan post-Rebirth. Who knew?

 

Anthony

Top Pick: Black Hammer #2 (Dark Horse Comics) – The first issue of Black Hammer was a strong beginning to an intriguing premise that, though this is a story with superheroes, is more about dealing with the glory of fame being a thing of the past. It will be really interesting to see what Lemire, Ormston and Stewart do with these characters whom bask in the nothingness of the present or remain stuck in their own ‘golden days’.

Descender #14 (Image Comics) – This current arc has progressed the plot in a slower pace but has been a treat so far. Lemire with Nguyen’s gorgeous artwork, have been diving into the backstory of a couple different characters. Each of the covers reveals whom is to be of focus for that issue and from the looks of this issue, Bandit, the loveable pet-bot will be front and center.

The Wicked + The Divine #22 (Image Comics) – The finale to the current arc arrives and there is sure to be blood shed and tears wept by fans. This arc has been particularly brutal, upping the violence as the Gods continue to duke it out with Minerva being the focus for both sides.

Black Widow #6 (Marvel) – Thankfully, Black Widow is one of the few titles not really affected or tied-in to the Civil War II event (at least yet). It has been a continuously fun, emotional, and adventurous ride so far with the creative team having yet to really falter at all. The Weeping Lion has finally shown his cards and revealed a myriad of still unknown but potentially dangerous information with Black Widow being heavily involved.

 

Brett

Top Pick: Batman #5 (DC Comics) – I’ve read this issue already and holy crap is it amazing. This doesn’t feel like a Batman issue. This feels like the finale to an epic DC event. It’s that grand in scope and just fantastic from beginning to end. I actually wish there was more to the issue it’s that cinematic and such a good read.

Briggs Land #1 (Dark Horse Comics) – A solid debut issue that introduces us to a family that resembles a certain Bundy family.

Garth Ennis’ Red Team: Double Tap, Center Mass #2 (Dynamite Entertainment) – I love noir/crime/cop stories and this series which focuses on crooked cops by Garth Ennis should scratch that itch for folks. The first volume was fantastic and this second one kicked off in a good way.

Horizon #2 (Image Comics) – The first issue of this series was really intriguing. The concept is aliens retaliating against Earth for Earth’s aggressions towards them. Great concept. Solid execution so far.

Polar Vol. 3 No Mercy For Sister Maria (Dark Horse Comics) – If you’ve read the first two volumes, you know why this is on my list. Victor Santos’ series is pure action full of hit-men and mercenaries and femme fatales. It also looks amazing. A must get for folks, you won’t be disappointed.

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