BIRDS OF PREY #4 (DC COMICS)

Welcome to an all-new edition of Parlay Points, the comic book review blog to the ODPH Podcast!

For this entry, the simple rescue mission to Themyscira for one of DC Comics’ most famous teams hits a major road block via the Amazing Amazon. The combustible line-up has barely been holding it together. Now saving the world might have to be the second priority as it appears leaving the island could be nothing more than a dream.

BIRDS OF PREY #4 by Kelly Thompson, Leonardo Romero, Jordie Bellaire and Clayton Cowles sets up a collision course between Black Canary’s team and WONDER WOMAN! Let’s not delay any longer and jump right into the action, shall we!

BIRDS OF PREY #4 by Kelly Thompson, Leonardo Romero, Jordie Bellaire and Clayton Cowles (Credit: DC Comics)

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

When Sin (Black Canary’s “sister”) is taken by the Amazons to the Island of Themyscira, this isn’t going to sit well with Dinah Lance! Black Canary brings back the Birds of Prey with Zealot, Big Bartha, Batgirl (Cassandra Cain) and Harley Quinn. Their mission: rescue Sin and leave undetected. Sounds easy enough, right? Wrong.

While trying to leave, Wonder Woman gets wind of the disturbance on the Island. Even with Green Arrow trying to buy time, it’s not enough. The Birds are ready to fly but now stand face to face with one of DC’s most powerful beings: Dinah Prince aka Wonder Woman!

This issue kicks off with the few moments before Wonder Woman arrives. As the team plans, Zealot interrupts them and says she has arrived. Zealot tries buying time but after a short skirmish, Dinah leaves her to the Amazons to continuing to pursuit.

The issue takes off from here as its’ a HUGE fight between the Birds and Wonder Woman. Who is left standing when the smoke clears? Readers see how things play out as the fate of the world hangs in the balance. As events move forward, Dinah and her team will be challenged like never before. Will they handle it or break under pressure? If the final page is any indication, don’t expect the Birds to go quietly into that gentle night!

BIRDS OF PREY #4 by Kelly Thompson, Leonardo Romero, Jordie Bellaire and Clayton Cowles (Credit: DC Comics - cover: Chris Bachalo)

Thompson delivers a knockout combo on the writing for this issue. As previously stated, Zealot is quickly becoming the break-out character of this series. The interaction between her and Wonder Woman is a solid point of this story.

Another element of this story is the banter between Harley and the team. Seeing how her conversations are reflecting on Dinah Lance is a great break in all the action. Pacing does a great presentation to where all the action is without missing the drama. The final act sets up for a huge showdown while raising the tension and importance of their mission tenfold.

Romero and Bellaire don’t pause before igniting the action powder keg within these pages. There is an excellent two page full spread of the Birds fighting the Amazons. This shows why this team was put together by Dinah in issue #1. The fighting panels with Wonder Woman pop right off the pages. Cowles’ lettering adds the final touches on making this images feel THAT much bigger to the overall story.

In between the action, the art team captures and highlights the banter between the team. Seeing Dinah start to come around to Harley is a great piece to the overall picture. The lead-in to the big showdown adds a great layer to the story. The closing act instantly connects with readers the danger that is now involved on the mission. This caps off with a strong final page, and great final panel to send readers onward.

BIRDS OF PREY #4 by Kelly Thompson, Leonardo Romero, Jordie Bellaire and Clayton Cowles (Credit: DC Comics - cover: Joshua Swaby)

FINAL POINT: 8.5 OUT OF 10

If you’re looking for non-stop action, this issue is going to be YOUR book! Thompson architects the big action with great writing. Romero, Bellaire and Cowles present stunning visual after stunning visual to showcase the magnitude of the battles. This series continues to impress and you won’t want to miss this on New Comic Book Day.

Hit me up on ODPH social media and let me know your thoughts on Birds Of Prey #4. Thanks for reading!

BIRDS OF PREY #1 (DC COMICS)

Welcome to an all-new edition of Parlay Points, the comic book review blog to the ODPH Podcast!

For this entry, we are checking out the latest incarnation of a popular team amongst DC Comics fans! Ever since its’ debut with BLACK CANARY/ORACLE: BIRDS OF PREY #1 in 1995, BIRDS OF PREY has continuously made its mark being one of DC’s best teams. With a primarily female-led line-up, the team has created quite a legacy now over 28 years! Now with the “Dawn Of DC” back in full swing after “Knight Terrors”, a new team has formed taking the mantle into the next chapter of their history.

Birds Of Prey #1 by Kelly Thompson (CAPTAIN MARVEL, BLACK CLOAK), Leonardo Romero, Jordie Bellaire and Clayton Cowles welcome fans to a new era of the team. It also ushers in Thompson’s DC Comics debut! Let’s not wait another second and see what this all-star line-up brings for this explosive team, shall we?

Birds Of Prey #1 by Kelly Thompson, Leonardo Romero, Jordie Bellaire and Clayton Cowles (Credit: DC Comics)

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

The story begins in Star City. Oliver Queen and Dinah Lance are having a discussion about Dinah’s latest mission. The details are vague, but the stakes seem to have Dinah anxious about what she’s about to do. Readers witness that Barbara Gordon (Longtime Birds Of Prey member) has been kept out of the loop. With all this tension, what could be the cause? It is revealed that something has happened to Sin, Dinah’s sister.

The search for team members begin with Dinah stopping by Gotham City. A certain caped fighter is holding her own against the League of Assassins: Batgirl (Cassandra Cain)! Dinah jumps in the fray and business is handled. Readers witness Dinah’s pitch to join on this mission and a somewhat surprise reaction from Batgirl.

From here, readers settle in for the ride as Dinah and Cassandra go back recruiting for their mission, adding two dangerous fighters to the team” Zealot and Big Barda! Just as it seems the team is ready, a decision is made for a fifth member. It’s one that could make or break this team before they even start. The fifth choice is Harley Quinn!

Does Harley accept? How will his team work together? Get ready as the key players appear to be lined up. The final moments drop a bombshell on what is happening here which can only guarantee that readers will be counting down the days until issue #2!

Birds Of Prey #1 by Kelly Thompson, Leonardo Romero, Jordie Bellaire and Clayton Cowles (Credit: DC Comics - Cover: Chris Bachalo)

Thompson makes a huge splash that fans new and old will can’t wait to see play out. Opening with her struggles braking away from Oracle, Thompson shows a sense of doubt in Dinah that is rarely seen. Once the reason behind the danger is reveal, it’s an instant connection with readers.

The recruitment stories play out well, building up the hype for the new team. The banter between Big Barda and Batgirl will make for a great pairing between the heroes in future issues. The addition of Zealot could prove to be the real wild-card of the team. The Harley Quinnn factor is a great shake-up to how the team is coming together. Thompson sets up the reasoning why in a unique way that makes the choice easier to break down. The line-up is a great one and for what lies ahead, there’s much to enjoy.

Romero and Bellaire balance the action and drama out evenly through the entire issue. Form the beginning, the art reflects how Dinah is preparing for the upcoming mission. The reactions in the conversation with Oliver connect with readers as how the stakes are high with no room for error. The panels also showcase how Barbara not being involved is playing a big part into the overall feel of the book. This quickly shifts into the stop by Gotham and an incredible two page full spread of Dinah and Cassandra teaming up.

This is matched with a great “flashback” sequence where the coloring is flipped lighter, adding a distinct look to the mini-story break here. Solid final page reveal imagery to set the course on what is sure to be an instant hit with fans.

Birds Of Prey #1 by Kelly Thompson, Leonardo Romero, Jordie Bellaire and Clayton Cowles (Credit: DC Comics - Cover - Stanley Artgerm Lau)

FINAL POINT: 9 OUT OF 10

The line-up put together is going to be one of legend in the hands of Thompson, Romero and the team. Superb writing sets the stage for an explosive mission while the art keeps leveling off the high paced action with the emotions fueling this very personal assignment. You absolutely don’t want to miss checking this book out on New Comic Book Day!

Hit me up on ODPH social media and let me know your thoughts on Birds Of Prey #1. Thanks for reading.

HARLEY QUINN: BLACK, WHITE AND REDDER #2 (DC COMICS)

Welcome to an all-new edition of Parlay Points, the comic book review blog for the ODPH Podcast!

For this entry, we’re checking out a DC Comics Series that presents one of its’ superstar characters in a different space. The “Black & White” brand is a unique format where creators can tell short stories that fit outside the normal continuity with primarily black and white coloring.

Originally, this format made it’s debut in 1996 with “Batman: Black and White”. From it’s popularity, it has grown into a creator’s playground to share stories that feature the lead in a different perspective.

Harley Quinn: Black, White and Red made its debut in 2020. Fans raved about the fresh takes on one of the most popular DCU characters. With that success, a new series made it’s debut in July 2023. Coming off the heels of a strong debut, issue #2 looks to leave a lasting impression.

Harley Quinn: Black White and Redder #2 by Kelly Thompson, Annie Wu, Clayton Cowles, Ro Stein & Ted Brandt, Andrea Shea, Ryan Parrott, Luana Vecchio, Becca Carey, and Matthew Levine delivers three great stories for readers to check out. Let’s take a closer look at what is unfolding here, shall we?

Harley Quinn: Black White and Redder #2 by Kelly Thompson, Annie Wu, Clayton Cowles, Ro Stein & Ted Brandt, Andrea Shea, Ryan Parrott, Luana Vecchio, Becca Carey, and Matthew Levine (Cover - Chris Samnee - Credit: DC Comics)

*** POTENTIAL SPOILER WARNING ***

Due to the lengths of stories, the overview of each tale will be shorter than usual reviews.

Thompson and Wu’s story opens the issue. Zatanna has been kidnapped by Harley. She’s brought to the penthouse home shared by Quinn and Poison Ivy. After some convincing buy Ivy, Harley frees Zatanna and explains her reasoning for kidnapping. Harley wants Zatanna to use her powers to give her a new origin.

Next up is Brandt & Steins turn. At Gotham’s Pet Club annual show, The League of Super-Pets are being awarded with a prestigious honor. Representing them is Robin. However, someone disputes their claim to the award. Harley arrives with her hyenas along with…THE LEGION OF DOOMINALS! The competition is on for who is the best in show amongst DC’s super-powered animals!

Closing this issue out is Parrott and Vecchio. Jim Gordon and Harley are sitting in a diner. The place has been wrecked. Harley is in handcuffs. Gordon is letting her have some pie and a discussion is sparked that readers will not want to miss.

Harley Quinn: Black White and Redder #2 by Kelly Thompson, Annie Wu, Clayton Cowles, Ro Stein & Ted Brandt, Andrea Shea, Ryan Parrott, Luana Vecchio, Becca Carey, and Matthew Levine (Cover - Joëlle Jones - Credit: DC Comics)

Each story stands on its’ own and exemplifies why this series is such a hit with fans and creators equally.

Thompson and Wu’s tale is one that plays into a factor which has followed Harley no matter where she goes. The sense of identity crisis is a major factor in Harley’s daily life. Thompson poses this theme with an entertaining backdrop. The various origin stories are brought to life with Wu’s fantastic art. There are two full page “transformation sequences that make an impact of how things begin in Harley’s quest for self-independence. The ending leaves readers with a fitting ending that is 100% all Harley. Seeing Thompson’s take here should get fans more excited for the new Birds Of Prey series coming in the fall. FINAL POINT: 9

Brandt and Stein dive into the more over-the-top side of Harley’s world with their take. The setting is centered around fun with the pets stealing the spotlight. Having the “friendly competition” go off the path is everything readers want and expect when Harley’s leading the charge. The art is excellent and pair with great moments like stolen bank accounts and a rescue gone awry. There’s a great near-full page shot of all hell breaking loose that is a crowd-pleaser. Great closing moment to cap things off. FINAL POINT: 8

The story with Parrott and Vecchio might be the show-stealer for this issue. Parrott gives readers an in-depth moment between the uneasy acquaintances. What would normally be an open and shut case turns into a odyssey into what’s the motives on why Harley and Gordon do what they do. Parrott touches upon Harley’s psychology background in a stand-out moment that brings a new look to the image of Commissioner Gordon. Vecchio’s art captures the reactions and emotions of the conversation perfectly. The panels are very grounded in their reflections but pay off huge when readers arrive at the conclusion. FINAL POINT: 10

Harley Quinn: Black White and Redder #2 by Kelly Thompson, Annie Wu, Clayton Cowles, Ro Stein & Ted Brandt, Andrea Shea, Ryan Parrott, Luana Vecchio, Becca Carey, and Matthew Levine (Cover - Annie Wu - Credit: DC Comics)

OVERALL ISSUE FINAL POINT: 9 OUT OF 10

The world of DC’s Miscreant of Mayhem is spotlighted with three incredible stories that will not escape readers after reading. Each one dives into a differing element of what makes Harley Quinn such a fascinating character. This issue needs to be added into your comic collection on New Comic Book Day without question.

Hit me up on ODPH social media and let me know what you thought of Harley Quinn: Black, White and Redder #2. Thanks for reading.