Solicits for BoP #100

[TCJohnson]

http://www.newsarama.com/dcnew/Nov06/BOP_Cv100_solicit.jpg

BIRDS OF PREY #100
Written by Gail Simone
Art by Nicola Scott & Doug Hazlewood and Paulo Sequiera & Robin Riggs
Cover by Jerry Ordway
It’s time to bring in new blood! Who will be asked to join Oracle in her all-new Birds Of Prey? Who will refuse, and who will fly the coop for good? Plus, a backup story following Black Canary and her new role in the DCU!
On sale November 15 • 48 pg, FC, $3.99 US

Ugh, I hope the new Birds of Prey are characters besides those on the covers. None of them seem interested or are all overdone.

[TCJohnson]

I wonder if BoP lost Black Canary because Meltzer wanted her for the JLA?

[Lester C.]

I wonder if BoP lost Black Canary because Meltzer wanted her for the JLA?
I don't think you can have Birds fo Prey without Black Canary and Oracle.

[Arawn]

Actually I find the cover really intriguing. My only concern is that BoP not become a JLA or XMen type of book, where the cast comes and goes like they are in a revolving door.

[Charles RB]

It should be Hawkgirl, just so Birds of Prey has an actual bird of prey in it. ;)

[MrSuslov]

Losing Dinah Lance would be unwelcome. I prefer her in the Birds, not with any other bunch. Bother, I suppose this means I might have to get used to yet another book and less fun-to-read for my favorite DC character. !@#$

[foxfire]

It should be Hawkgirl, just so Birds of Prey has an actual bird of prey in it. ;)
A canary is a bird! :)

Edit: oh, you said bird of prey. sorry!

[Cam63]

My favourite BoP line up is Babs, Dinah, Helena, Shiva....and JOSH !

[MrSuslov]

I'd have to go with Babs, Dinah, Zinda, and...uh...whoever else, so long as that core team is maintained.

[Lester C.]

I'd have to go with Babs, Dinah, Zinda, and...uh...whoever else, so long as that core team is maintained.
Is there a reason why Huntress is not on your list? I'm just curious.

[Matt Algren]

Interesting cover. But what the hell is up with Babs's's wheelchair? It's huge! She looks like Edith Ann.
http://www.lilytomlin.com/charns/edithann/images/ea_book1.jpg

[Night Swordsman]

I will be VERY sad to see Black Canary LEAVE HER OWN BOOK!

For ME,BoP has always been Dinah/Babs book,one that i have learned to live with being a Helena/Dianah/Babs book.

All the others in the book? Background characters,most of which i have enjoyed,but i am pissed that Dinah had to LEAVE HER OWN book because she was going to be a member of the JLA again.
If Supes/WW/Bats/Flash/GL/Hawkgirl can be in it,and have their own books,WHY NOT DINAH?

I am still hopeful Dinah and Babs will both stay in the book. But it looks grim...

[Corrina]

Um.....feeling stupid here, but could someone fill me in on the people under Hawkgirl? I think one is the new Phantom Lady and I recognize the people on the right side of Babs' chair but the left side...not so much.

[Cayman]

Um.....feeling stupid here, but could someone fill me in on the people under Hawkgirl? I think one is the new Phantom Lady and I recognize the people on the right side of Babs' chair but the left side...not so much.

Phantom Lady

Judomaster(?)

Grace Choi from The Outsiders

Mia/Speedy from Teen Titans and Green Lantern.

Cay

[DubipR]

For the love of God, please put Barda on the damn team!
I love all New God characters and I'd love to see some New Genesis representation!

[Cayman]

There's no-one from the cover I really care to see on the team at this point. This could be a good jumping off point.

Cay

[Riker Omega Three]

Very surprised, but pleasantly so, to see Nicola Scott on this issue. I've seen some of her Wonder Woman illustrations on the web, she's definitely a talented artist. I'm looking forward to seeing her work on Birds of Prey. Is she the new artist on the book, or is this a one-time thing?

[Beacon]

I don't think you can have Birds fo Prey without Black Canary and Oracle.
Yeah, but it would go a long way toward proving my theory about DC and Marvel just not wanting my money.

I like Blackhawk and Gypsy but I don’t think either could carry the series. The only reason I put up with Huntress is because Gail is the one writer who makes her halfway interesting (but I still don’t particularly care for the character). I love Canary, Vixen, and Hawkgirl but all three are rumored to be part of Meltzer’s crappy new JLoA book so I doubt they’ll make it out alive and/or with their personalities intact. Spoiler and Batgirl (both of whom were being set up as Birds of Prey by Dixon until the editors killed the idea) are dead and evil respectively. Fire is already on the receiving end of a massive character assassination in Checkmate. The new Batwoman doesn’t seem to have much going for her other than her sexuality and why would you have her just for the sake of having a lesbian when you could have the new Catwoman and get a lesbian with a personality? Power Girl has already shown us that she’s a bad fit for the team. I HATE the new Paris Hilton-inspired Supergirl. I like Barda (and I like her husband even more) but I worry that the two would bring too much unnecessary Fourth World baggage. Most everyone else I can think of (well, everyone who is alive, a good fit for the book, and without a penis) is shown in the cover (along with some that just wouldn’t work and some I’m just not really very familiar with) and most of those are pretty underwhelming (especially Phantom Lady who has been rendered redundant by Gypsy).

If Oracle and Canary leave you might as well just turn the book over to Savant, Creote, and Josh.

[TCJohnson]

Very surprised, but pleasantly so, to see Nicola Scott on this issue. I've seen some of her Wonder Woman illustrations on the web, she's definitely a talented artist. I'm looking forward to seeing her work on Birds of Prey. Is she the new artist on the book, or is this a one-time thing?

Oh, wait, is she the one who does those illustrations of Wonder Woman that give her strong greek features instead of standard american?

If so, then I agree, I am glad she is being given a shot at the big two.

[Corrina]

Very surprised, but pleasantly so, to see Nicola Scott on this issue. I've seen some of her Wonder Woman illustrations on the web, she's definitely a talented artist. I'm looking forward to seeing her work on Birds of Prey. Is she the new artist on the book, or is this a one-time thing?

Nicola Scott did amazing work on an indy book called "Nocturnal Essence" at www.powerfulpress.com. It's worth looking at--beautiful stuff and I really enjoyed the story as well.

edit: just checked and her work is in the gallery, unfortunately the art isn't showing up. Sorry.

[Francis]

For the love of God, please put Barda on the damn team!
I love all New God characters and I'd love to see some New Genesis representation!

Agghhh! No! I like Barda - but she's overpowered for the Birds. They have always been low level powers, martial arts, infiltration, and brains. Barda's too big to infiltrate anywhere (or rather really can't blend in), is ridiculously strong and tough compared to any of the existing birds, and otherwise breaks the feel. The only one I know who I think would do well on the team (as opposed to a recurring cameo like catwoman) is Mia/Speedy.

Of course, trying to second-guess Gail isn't always a good idea.

Who's the bullet head, and who carries the lightsaber? (My only guess at the latter is Empress)

[TCJohnson]

For the love of God, please put Barda on the damn team!
I love all New God characters and I'd love to see some New Genesis representation!


They are going with the Morrison Seven Soldiers version of the new gods.

Besides, she was a member of the JLI at one point. Rucka, Waid, Morrison and Johns are probably saving her to be a crack-whore before killing her off.

[MrSuslov]

Is there a reason why Huntress is not on your list? I'm just curious.
The mask!

In actuality, I don't know. For whatever reason, I've just never taken to the the Huntress. It may be that in a team where I like three of the characters, she just has the misfortune of being fourth. The character concept seems at least potentially interesting and its execution is competent. She may just suffer by comparison to Dinah Lance, the only comic book character who can compete with Jean Grey for my 'favorite' status. (And vice versa; don't ask me to choose between them...)

I can't say that I'm enthusiastic about the Black Canary going from one of three to four lead characters to ensemble status. Likewise, none of the potential replacements look very interesting. Figures. I get back into comics just in time to watch my favorite character depart to a lesser group. !@#$

[heystacy]

I would hate to see Canary leave BoP, if she is indeed leaving. I hope she doesn't. She's such a badass, and I think some writers don't get that.

[Josh S]

Who's the bullet head, and who carries the lightsaber? (My only guess at the latter is Empress)

I believe the bullet head is Bulleteer from Morrison's SEVEN SOLDIERS. No clue on the other.

[TCJohnson]

I am afraid that Manhunter is going to be on the team. It would be the perfect place to put her if her title was cancelled. Which is unfortunate for me because I can't stand the character.

[TCJohnson]

Who's the bullet head, and who carries the lightsaber? (My only guess at the latter is Empress)

That one is Manhunter.

[TCJohnson]

Figures. I get back into comics just in time to watch my favorite character depart to a lesser group. !@#$

Think how I feel. Formerly Known as the Justice League was what brought me back into comics only to see my two favorite characters, Blue Beetle and Booster Gold, get killed of and editorial and several arogant writers promise that they will not return as long as they work for DC.

[NickThompson]

Manhunter and Huntress would be a cool team.

[Lester C.]

Yeah, but it would go a long way toward proving my theory about DC and Marvel just not wanting my money.

I like Blackhawk and Gypsy but I don’t think either could carry the series. The only reason I put up with Huntress is because Gail is the one writer who makes her halfway interesting (but I still don’t particularly care for the character). I love Canary, Vixen, and Hawkgirl but all three are rumored to be part of Meltzer’s crappy new JLoA book so I doubt they’ll make it out alive and/or with their personalities intact. Spoiler and Batgirl (both of whom were being set up as Birds of Prey by Dixon until the editors killed the idea) are dead and evil respectively. Fire is already on the receiving end of a massive character assassination in Checkmate. The new Batwoman doesn’t seem to have much going for her other than her sexuality and why would you have her just for the sake of having a lesbian when you could have the new Catwoman and get a lesbian with a personality? Power Girl has already shown us that she’s a bad fit for the team. I HATE the new Paris Hilton-inspired Supergirl. I like Barda (and I like her husband even more) but I worry that the two would bring too much unnecessary Fourth World baggage. Most everyone else I can think of (well, everyone who is alive, a good fit for the book, and without a penis) is shown in the cover (along with some that just wouldn’t work and some I’m just not really very familiar with) and most of those are pretty underwhelming (especially Phantom Lady who has been rendered redundant by Gypsy).

If Oracle and Canary leave you might as well just turn the book over to Savant, Creote, and Josh.
It'd be the best selling comic book of all time!

[Josh S]

i Don't Know Why We're Yelling!!!

[Josh S]

I also don't know how I ended up with that bizarre capitalization scheme.

[Lester C.]

i Don't Know Why We're Yelling!!!
That's how I roll!:cool:

[Josh S]

Afternoon delight!

[DuelaDent]

Yeah, but it would go a long way toward proving my theory about DC and Marvel just not wanting my money.

I like Blackhawk and Gypsy but I don’t think either could carry the series. The only reason I put up with Huntress is because Gail is the one writer who makes her halfway interesting (but I still don’t particularly care for the character). I love Canary, Vixen, and Hawkgirl but all three are rumored to be part of Meltzer’s crappy new JLoA book so I doubt they’ll make it out alive and/or with their personalities intact. Spoiler and Batgirl (both of whom were being set up as Birds of Prey by Dixon until the editors killed the idea) are dead and evil respectively. Fire is already on the receiving end of a massive character assassination in Checkmate. The new Batwoman doesn’t seem to have much going for her other than her sexuality and why would you have her just for the sake of having a lesbian when you could have the new Catwoman and get a lesbian with a personality? Power Girl has already shown us that she’s a bad fit for the team. I HATE the new Paris Hilton-inspired Supergirl. I like Barda (and I like her husband even more) but I worry that the two would bring too much unnecessary Fourth World baggage. Most everyone else I can think of (well, everyone who is alive, a good fit for the book, and without a penis) is shown in the cover (along with some that just wouldn’t work and some I’m just not really very familiar with) and most of those are pretty underwhelming (especially Phantom Lady who has been rendered redundant by Gypsy).

If Oracle and Canary leave you might as well just turn the book over to Savant, Creote, and Josh.

Rag Doll doesn't have a penis. He could join! :D

[Riker Omega Three]

Oh, wait, is she the one who does those illustrations of Wonder Woman that give her strong greek features instead of standard american?

If so, then I agree, I am glad she is being given a shot at the big two.

I didn't notice any strong Greek features in her art, but that could just be me. If it isn't Nicola, I'd be interested to know the artist you're thinking of.

[Riker Omega Three]

Nicola Scott did amazing work on an indy book called "Nocturnal Essence" at www.powerfulpress.com. It's worth looking at--beautiful stuff and I really enjoyed the story as well.

edit: just checked and her work is in the gallery, unfortunately the art isn't showing up. Sorry.

Yeah, it's not working for me, either. I did a quick Google Image search of her name, and found some other stuff, including a nice picture of the current Supergirl.

[Drumore]

"Plus, a backup story following Black Canary and her new role in the DCU!"

"I will be VERY sad to see Black Canary LEAVE HER OWN BOOK!"

Unless... is there a chance Black Canary could be getting a new solo series?
I'd like to see it, but prefer to have Gail write it. With 4 ongoing monthlies, I don't know if she can handle another one. You don't need more than 2 hours of sleep a night, do you Gail??? But Canary joining the JLA is more likely.

I think right now, Gail is reading through this thread and has the biggest smirk on her face. :)

[TCJohnson]

I didn't notice any strong Greek features in her art, but that could just be me. If it isn't Nicola, I'd be interested to know the artist you're thinking of.


Yeah, it's her. This was the picture I was thinking of:

http://img53.photobucket.com/albums/v163/samadriel/Nicola-WonderWoman-2.jpg

The features she has in this picture are common around the mediteranian.

[amirab]

Anyone have any idea why Grace is there?

[heystacy]

Red heriing, I guess.

[vanityman]

i seem to recall reading someplace, maybe the newsarama one year later teaser interview with the editor, and she implied that oracle's role was going to change...and the birds were going to become much more proactive with their missions...

mental gymnastics here: oracle creates a team of grace, manhunter and judomaster (but man i hate the costume...)...this new team is agressive and takes point on big missions

canary on the other hand takes on the role of training young heros: ie. speedy, sin, catwoman jr (catgirl?)...much like emma frost over in the marvel verse...she promised she would train spoiler and that fell through, and since shiva/mother trained her maybe she wants to make sure its done for the right reasons in the future.....it would be an interesting extension of the black canary legacy role...

thoughts?

g

[sk716]

I think Gail is the kind of writer that likes to throw out a good red herring now and then. And this cover smells like fish.

I doubt any of the characters on it will end up the new Bird.

[ChthonicSpirit]

I'm having difficulty imagining how any of those people would fit onto the team. Then again, I never imagined how Zinda would fit onto the team, so I'm sure there is something planned.


". . . there's something planned", he said, stating the obvious. :rolleyes:

I don't see Manhunter joining the team permanently, given that she is a confirmed lethal vigilante. The rest I know little about, save Power Girl, who I know has issues with Oracle.

Someone said that they didn't wand BOP to turn into a revolving door. I don't know - I think the only two essential boppers are Oracle and Canary. If other characters came and went I wouldn't object, so long as they didn't always outshine the permanent members.

[Oracle_0128]

I don't think it would matter if Dinah was a JLA'er too. After all, we can have 2 versions of Dick Grayson running around and about 5 people in a version of the nightwing costume.

I'm just really really sad at this solicit. The last remaining book I buy from DC looks like it's gotten touched by Dan DiDio's evil grasp!!!! GAIL!!!! STOP DRINKING THE EVIL DIDIO KOOL-AID!!!!

[Sharpandpointies]

Someone said that they didn't wand BOP to turn into a revolving door. I don't know - I think the only two essential boppers are Oracle and Canary. If other characters came and went I wouldn't object, so long as they didn't always outshine the permanent members.

Agreed. Hopefully the 'Canary leaving' thing will just be another red herring to stir the pot.

...if that mixed metaphor makes any sense.

Oracle and Canary. The rest can come and go as they please.... :)

[Magneto_X]

Batman, Wolverine, Spiderman and Superman all appear in their own titles *plus* mini-series *plus* guest appearances and no-one bats an eye.

Why should it be any different for anyone else?

[Josh S]

Batman, Wolverine, Spiderman and Superman all appear in their own titles *plus* mini-series *plus* guest appearances and no-one bats an eye.

Why should it be any different for anyone else?

Are you kidding?

[K'Nort]

Where did the new Judomaster come from?

Manhunter was getting set up for a team and then the solo title got uncancelled, so I'm not sure where they're putting her now. There were heavy JSA hints too.

Bulleteer's mini was pretty nifty.

[Cayman]

Where did the new Judomaster come from?


Earth Judo!

Cay

[DLH1970]

I don't think it would matter if Dinah was a JLA'er too. After all, we can have 2 versions of Dick Grayson running around and about 5 people in a version of the nightwing costume.

I'm just really really sad at this solicit. The last remaining book I buy from DC looks like it's gotten touched by Dan DiDio's evil grasp!!!! GAIL!!!! STOP DRINKING THE EVIL DIDIO KOOL-AID!!!!

I have to agree with you here. For me, OYL has been a huge disappointment. Now it looks like the one title that hasn't been overly effected by it is going to change for the worse.

[Gail Simone]

This is only HALF the cool news.

No, wait, a THIRD!

Gail

[MrSuslov]

OK, I'm officially worried, where I was previously just irritated. :eek:

Loose lips sink ships; loose thirds sink Birds?

[Drumore]

Gail, that is DOUBLE evil!

No. wait, TRIPLE!

;) :D :eek:

[TCJohnson]

This is only HALF the cool news.

No, wait, a THIRD!

Gail

Please tell me Adrian Paul is joining the cast.

[Gail Simone]

There's no-one from the cover I really care to see on the team at this point. This could be a good jumping off point.

Cay


Seeya!

Gail

[Gail Simone]

La la la, I say nothing.

Also, Nicola was in the Matrix.

Gail

[Nick Kal]

Is this a good jumping on point or should I start with an earlier issue? I have been kind of wanting to read some Barbara lately.

[Gail Simone]

It's a good jumping on point, I promise.

Gail

[Nick Kal]

All right. I'll give the title a try. You get enough praise and I like Secret Six. Thanks for the response.

[heystacy]

It's a good jumping on point, I promise.

Gail


You have way too much fun with us, you cruel, cruel woman. ;) :cool:

[WhiteRose]

NICOLA SCOTT! *Squeeeeeeee!*

After Amanda Conner, she is my favourite lady-artist. HUZ-fucking-ZAH!

Also, I am intrigued as to this new line-up. And I will be especially happy if Manhunter is wandering around in there somewhere.

[TCJohnson]

La la la, I say nothing.

Also, Nicola was in the Matrix.

Gail


Was she really? I never know with you.

[d newton]

Think how I feel. Formerly Known as the Justice League was what brought me back into comics only to see my two favorite characters, Blue Beetle and Booster Gold, get killed of and editorial and several arogant writers promise that they will not return as long as they work for DC.
1: Formely Known As was an out of continuity tale.
2: The 2 characters you've mentioned got ruined during the 90's (Extreme Justice, anyone?).
3: You spelt "arrogant" wrong.

[TCJohnson]

1: Formely Known As was an out of continuity tale.
2: The 2 characters you've mentioned got ruined during the 90's (Extreme Justice, anyone?).
3: You spelt "arrogant" wrong.


1. Didio has been saying it is in continuity.

2. You spelled "Formerly" wrong.

[MrSuslov]

Hopefully the 'Canary leaving' thing will just be another red herring to stir the pot
Thanks for giving me some straw to grasp at, even if only to ward off the slightly sick-to-the-stomach feeling that I've had since reading the first post in this thread. Were I a Roman Catholic, I would probably be lighting candles and researching the appropriate saint for targeted prayer at this point.

Perhaps there is a superheroine salary cap to be worked with. How about trading away Huntress, Gypsy, Lady Shiva, Sin, Josh, Savant, and Creote for cash and players to be named later in order to keep my preferred core together?

[Josh S]

There's an "R" theif among us!

[TCJohnson]

There's an "R" theif among us!


Don't worry, Jorsh, we will find him.

[Kyuubi]

Nicola Scott art is good.


Nicola Scott BoP art is gooder.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v154/nicola_scott/BoP.jpg

[Josh S]

Don't worry, Jorsh, we will find him.

HOLY HELL! Now we've got some mysterious, dirm-witted vigilante returning them.

I'm such a twit.

[Arawn]

It takes a lot of yoga to be able to bend like that.

[TCJohnson]

I used to have a girlfriend who, erm, nevermind. She was into martial arts.

[ChthonicSpirit]

I used to have a girlfriend who, erm, nevermind. She was into martial arts.

Lucky you.

[Arawn]

I used to have a girlfriend who, erm, nevermind. She was into martial arts.

My last girlfriend told me I had to pick her or my comics. I went with comics, they seem to be a lot less maintenance. :D I'm happy with my choice it costs me a lot less per month too.

[The Xenos]

I remember Barda, Powergirl, and Catwoman all being in some of the Dixon issues as guest memebers.

Manhunter.... very interesting. Though I would think she's too involved with her family in Frisco and the DEO to get involved with the Birds.

Speedy may be too involved with Green Arrow and isn't she involved with the Titans?

Supergirl.. hell.. I don't even want to know what's been going on with that character. I was checking it out for a bit and some weird s--- is going on in Kandor with Earth 231 refugees or something.

[Cam63]

There's no-one from the cover I really care to see on the team at this point. This could be a good jumping off point.

Cay

Damn fool kid.

[ChthonicSpirit]

Speedy may be too involved with Green Arrow and isn't she involved with the Titans?

Not OYL, she's not.

She wouldn't have been my first choice, but upon consideration I think she might make a very good addition to the birds. And hell, they would certainly make better role models than Ollie.

One thing, though. I wouldn't want to see Mia and Huntress on the same team, because their trademarks are so similar.

[Brian Cronin]

Clever use of Grace on the cover.

By making her an option, no matter who else is the choice for the new member, if it is not Grace, we'll be happy.

Very clever.

-Brian

[Cayman]

Damn fool kid.

Sorry to offend you, but the line-up of the team is important to me if I'm going to spend my money on the title. If it's no-one I care to read about in this context, then there would be no reason to continue purchasing it.

Cay

[Arawn]

I can understand that, but why decide before issue 100 comes out? Even with a major shake-up, if it is done well who cares? While the team is important, the story being good is more so. I'm here as long as the story entertains.

[Cayman]

I can understand that, but why decide before issue 100 comes out? Even with a major shake-up, if it is done well who cares? While the team is important, the story being good is more so. I'm here as long as the story entertains.

I didn't decide before issue 100. Originally I was planning to read it.

The book's quality had been flagging but the most recent issue was quite good.

Cay

[Arawn]

Ahh ok, I thought you'd already thrown in the towel.

[Cayman]

Ahh ok, I thought you'd already thrown in the towel.

Nope, I'd planned to keep getting the book unless it ditched the characters I enjoyed reading about.

Cay

[Sharpandpointies]

...the line-up of the team is important to me if I'm going to spend my money on the title. If it's no-one I care to read about in this context, then there would be no reason to continue purchasing it.


Makes good sense to me.

I figure this is going to be some reaffirmation thing, where the core Birds leave for a while, new people come in, and things go wrong, and everyone 'remembers why they were in the Birds to begin with'. Etc.

Either that, or Babs just looks over the candidates and, by the end of the issue, pleads with everyone to come back. And they do.

Whatever happens, I think that after only 100 issues, it's doubtful that the Birds lineup is going to lose the other core character for good.

[the4thpip]

Yeah, it's her. This was the picture I was thinking of:



The features she has in this picture are common around the mediteranian.
Yeah, she kind of looks like my brother's Greek ex-girlfriend, just taller and without the mustache.

[The Beast Of Yucca Flats]

I'm intrigued... both by the seeming new developments and also by what Ms. Scott's art'll look like on actual interiors (after we all saw her WW pin-ups last winter).

[Nightwing_0128]

I have to say that the cover for BOP 100 is more then a little disheartening. The fact that the team is both losing and gaining members is not really a good thing. I mean look at books like the X-Men or the Avengers, you can never really get to know the team or feel attached to the characters because they are always changing.

One of the things that drew me to BoP originally was the fact that the great Chuck Dixon actually put Babs Gordon in her own book partnered up with Dinah. Then Gail added Huntress and Zinda and I thought that rocked. It was a small team where you could follow each character easily whether they be team or character centered stories. Sure there were guest members, but that is much different then being part of the actual roster.

Though I do have one question...what earth are the Birds on? I mean we know there are at two earths if not more, so maybe that's why there 's gonna be roster change.

Now just like the rest of DC, they seem to be blowing this up as well. An expanded roster? People leaving for good? Dinah's new role? I just shook my head and sighed when I read that.

[shrike]

Well, I read the book mainly FOR Black canary.

Not for Zinda. Not for Oracle. Not for Huntress.

I do adore Gail's writing, but I will be leaving Birds of Prey as a reader if Dinah is no longer in it. I've stated many times, unlike many other comic readers on here I am not as 'into' comics as most... I buy Birds of Prey and typically one to three other comics a month just to see what is going on in the comics world.

I firmly believe, however, that if Dinah DOES leave, this comes down from editorial, not Gail herself.

I hope that this is some red herring. We'll see, I suppose.

Quick Edit/ Note: I love Jerry Ordway. He is an amazing artist and I still look back on early Infinity Inc with great fondness.... HOWEVER, I do not feel he is a great choice to handle art duties on the cover of Birds of Prey. It seems to be lacking in the 'oomph' factor.

[Corrina]

I'll be in mourning if Gail is no longer writing Black Canary. And I really must protest if DC editorial decided to pull her out of HER OWN BOOK.

However, I really enjoy Gail's writing and I'd certainly stay to read what she does with some other characters. I'd particularly love to see Mia in BoP.

[stealthwise]

What are the trades up to right now? A friend of mine moved LAST YEAR and gave me all of her single issues, and while I enjoyed most of them (up until the end of the Hero Hunters arc... maybe an issue beyond), I've been wanting to get this title in trade, but I think that I'm still waiting.

[Dr Ray Palmer]

What are the trades up to right now? A friend of mine moved LAST YEAR and gave me all of her single issues, and while I enjoyed most of them (up until the end of the Hero Hunters arc... maybe an issue beyond), I've been wanting to get this title in trade, but I think that I'm still waiting.

Between Dark & Dawn is the latest TPB. The Battle Within is due out soon (September, I think?) and will include the "Hero Hunters" and "Battle Within" arcs. Woo-hoo!

[stealthwise]

Between Dark & Dawn is the latest TPB. The Battle Within is due out soon (September, I think?) and will include the "Hero Hunters" and "Battle Within" arcs. Woo-hoo!

Sigh. Well, I get to keep saving money, I guess.

[Crowley]

Nicola and Gail doing a comic is like peanut butter and chocolate, Oreos cookies and Milk, Sushi and wasabi.

it's just fantastic news... Nicola is so deserving and her work keeps getting better. Very happy news indeed.

[Dedagda]

Change the characters you can't change the heart.

Gail is Birds of Prey.

I love Black Canary, but sometimes you have to switch it up a bit.

I read comics for the excellent stories. Nothing is every really permanent in comics. (Which is why I'm not crying over Booster Gold - Dead is never dead - see Hal Jordan.)

The cover had some interesting possibilities.

It might be fun to have Oracle lead the Female Furies for few issues and she could do it all infiltrating Apocalypse from her home.

I'm a little disappointed in the Manhunter (chick with the lightsaber?!? come on people) responses. For anyone reading the book it looks like Kate is going to be busy defending Wonder Woman in the Trial of Wonder Woman for the death of Max Lord.

My two cents is that Oracle work with a non-powered to mid level super powered characters. Plus I'd still like to see Babs regain her role as the information broker to the DCU.

[TCJohnson]

I'm a little disappointed in the Manhunter (chick with the lightsaber?!? come on people) responses. For anyone reading the book it looks like Kate is going to be busy defending Wonder Woman in the Trial of Wonder Woman for the death of Max Lord.


I picked up the series three different times based on people's recommendations but....it never held my attention. I just really don't like that main character.

[blackcanary_416]

This looks really good. I wonder who the new member will be? I would personally like to see Catwoman in there.

[K'Nort]

I'm still not sure I like Kate Spencer. She doesn't irritate me as much as originally, but that was definitely the hard part of keeping with the title. But the plots and the writing and the supporting cast were interesting, so I've stuck with it and been happy to do so.

Getting more overall about the possible changes, the thing about characters, to me, is that they're extremely dependent on the writing. You can really dislike a character based on how they've been portrayed in the past, but once someone new starts writing them, your opinion can totally change. There are very few elements of any character that are guaranteed to stay constant. Especially personality-wise, which is hopefully what you're responding to, rather than hating someone for their costume or backstory.

[trickster]

It takes a lot of yoga to be able to bend like that.

Nah, actually you know why women are better doing that position (I don't know its English name)? Because even a used book opens at the page that's been read the most often. :D

[Night Swordsman]

Change the characters you can't change the heart.

Gail is Birds of Prey.

I love Black Canary, but sometimes you have to switch it up a bit.

I read comics for the excellent stories. Nothing is every really permanent in comics. (Which is why I'm not crying over Booster Gold - Dead is never dead - see Hal Jordan.)

The cover had some interesting possibilities.

It might be fun to have Oracle lead the Female Furies for few issues and she could do it all infiltrating Apocalypse from her home.

I'm a little disappointed in the Manhunter (chick with the lightsaber?!? come on people) responses. For anyone reading the book it looks like Kate is going to be busy defending Wonder Woman in the Trial of Wonder Woman for the death of Max Lord.

My two cents is that Oracle work with a non-powered to mid level super powered characters. Plus I'd still like to see Babs regain her role as the information broker to the DCU.

All i am going to say is BoP is Dinah/Babs OR Dinah/Babs/Helena. You Take Dinah OR Babs OUT of the book,and it is no longer BoP. If your taking Dinah out,you might as well rename the book Oracle and let it go at that.

This is more and more feeling like a funeral than a good thing...i really am scared for this book.

[ElvisGuy]

I think motherhood is Canary's new role in the DC Universe.

[the4thpip]

I think motherhood is Canary's new role in the DC Universe.
Not being Batwoman's Bi Babe?

[DuelaDent]

I don't have any real comments until after I read the issue.

Until then, I can't imagine Birds of Prey without both Black Canary and Oracle. They were the original duo from 1995/1996 who launched the series of one-shots and mini-series that led into the ongoing series.

Even if they are no longer partners, or Canary takes some "personal time" from the team (God, I hope she doesn't become Sin's mom...she's twice as annoying as Lian Harper, and should walk in front of a fast-moving train), I can't imagine either one of them leaving the book. Plus, the book is getting pretty full of "members" now that the original BC/OR duo is a full-fledged team with Huntress, Lady Blackhawk and Gypsy (plus Creote, Savant and that HORRIBLE Josh that everyone seems to love...shoot me now! How about a "very special" issue where Josh AND Sin are playing on the train tracks in front of fast-moving trains?). Any new members could potentially water down the book (which, arguably, has been watered down OYL), and turn away long-standing readers. I hope the influx of new readers will make up for any potentially departing readers.

Now, if Canary does leave the book, then I will have some comments (and so will thousands of other posters)! For now, I will continue to trust Gail as a writer who understands her readers and fan base. :)

Parting words...if it isn't broke, don't fix it.

Oh, and down with DiDio (I am blaming him for every terrible thing that happens in the world from this point forward...and Canary leaving would be a terrible thing). :D

[bfrank]

They are going with the Morrison Seven Soldiers version of the new gods.

Besides, she was a member of the JLI at one point. Rucka, Waid, Morrison and Johns are probably saving her to be a crack-whore before killing her off.
didn't byrne do that?

I'd like to see barda here also....barda and power girl...I like the sound of that...

[Oracle_0128]

Oh, and down with DiDio (I am blaming him for every terrible thing that happens in the world from this point forward...and Canary leaving would be a terrible thing). :D

I couldn't second that quickly enough. I think a lot of fans don't share his personal "VISION" for what he wants the DCU to be. And the fact that he could care less doesn't sit well with me either.

I just hope that his time as EIC is almost up...and he can go back to doing soap operas, or whatever crap he did before screwing up comics.

Maybe then DC will get an editor that will actually do something for the stories and the characters, rather than our man Dan and his personal woody to create DCU in his own image and likeness.

What's next?? 70 porn moustaches on all the male superheroes? Or maybe the old and non-interesting adventures of Bald Man!

Really though....Dan is not the EIC I want making decisions about my favorite characters. He's so bad I'd even kick him off my fan fic site!

[Gingold]

Barda and Bulleteer, please. And keep Dinah. And Helena. And Zinda. That is all.

[Dr Ray Palmer]

I'd love to see some closure with Power Girl and Oracle. Well, actually I'd love to see Peege join the Birds because she's one of my favorite characters and because I'm sure Gail writing her would be beyond awesome, but I kind of doubt that will happen since Peege will be busy over in JSA. So if we can't have that, I'd at least like to see Gail write some Babs/Karen goodness.

No comment on whatever else might be going on lineup-wise.

[TCJohnson]

I'd love to see some closure with Power Girl and Oracle.

PERVERT!!!

[TCJohnson]

Oh, wait, you said closure. Nevermind. :o ;)

I am not thrilled about PG being on the team becasue A) I think she has been a bit overused in the past year and B) I kinda like BoP better with less powered heroes. I think Gail writes best when she is dealing with characters that are more street level like BoP and Villains United.

[jerrymcl89]

I'm sure Gail will make whoever is the team work. Nevertheless, I'm not at all enthused about lineup changes. It's not broke, and doesn't need fixing.

Of the people on the cover, I guess Hawkgirl and maybe Speedy could work pretty well. Catwoman isn't really a team player, Manhunter kills people, and most of the others are too powerful.