R.I.P. B.o.P.

[AndrewCrossett]

So the final issue of Birds of Prey came out last Wednesday. I'm sad to see it go.

It seemed like a pretty abrupt and emotionless ending after 10 years and 127 issues. Especially the part about Helena taking over from Barbara as Charlie's new guardian. Seems like that development could have used a couple panels of character interaction, and maybe a bit of emotion...

But Misfit's a Teen Titan now, right? She should have plenty to keep her busy, especially now that she's taking down supervillains solo.

I think it's time Zinda met Wonder Woman. They both came up as female heroes during WW2, they're both pilots... I'll be they'd have some fine chemistry together.

Barbara seemed to leave the door open to putting the team back together in the future. What I'd love to see in a year or two is an OGN written by Gail, with art by Nicola Scott, giving us a nice big reunion adventure with Oracle, Huntress, Black Canary, Zinda, and Misfit.

[K-DoG7p7]

But Misfit's a Teen Titan now, right? She should have plenty to keep her busy, especially now that she's taking down supervillains solo.
She is not.. just hanging out in the tower for like an issue or two.. shes not on the new team..


shes not on any of the covers for the coming months issues.. and not on the big cover for the deathtrap crossover..

[vanityman]

for years it was my favorite comic

but lately it seems to have been off track--well conceived for sure, but not the same comic i loved

and honestly, i liked the team the best when the core was babs and dinah

this will be for the best in the long run

[Cam63]

DC... you screwed up.

[Corrina]

What Cam said.

[Weetomuncher]

I could see the team at least temporarily reformed at some point in the future, possibly as a mini series but Black Canary NEEDS to be in it.

I lost a lot of interest in BOP when the Canary flew the nest to land on Green Arrow's perch again.

I think Black Canary and Green Arrow should be broken up as Green Arrow is a rather dull character at times and Judd Winick just uses female characters as props in his stories.

Black Canary is a generic 'damsel in distress' in the hands of Winick.

[Hybrid2]

it was'nt that good lately.
and I was gona drop it.

[Weetomuncher]

I didn't realise that Winick had left GA/BC recently.

Silly me!

[joe27]

Now if only The View could get cancelled too.

[Alexx1]

For a book that's been around for so long and broke so much ground, I think DC owed fans more than what they gave with this last issue. I feel really bad for Tony Bedard who I'm sure didn't want to go out like this.

I'm hoping this isn't it for BOP is some form or fashion. I think these characters, Oracle, Huntress, Black Canary, Lady Blawkhawk and Manhunter are terrific all by themselves, but something magical happens when they share panel and book space that's just not replicated in any other book, DC or Marvel. So I hope these characters get in the right hands. I hope they, the team concept, the comradery and friendship these women share stays in the forefront and that they'll fight the good fight again soon and TOGETHER!

[Cayman]

BOP has been effectively dead since Gail left and DC failed to replace her with a writer of similar quality.

This cancellation feels like a mercy killing.

[beetlebum]

It seemed like a pretty abrupt and emotionless ending after 10 years and 127 issues. Especially the part about Helena taking over from Barbara as Charlie's new guardian. Seems like that development could have used a couple panels of character interaction, and maybe a bit of emotion...


I agree, it could have used a few more panels to explain the development of this. But I think it is appropriate, and I rather liked the revelation that Barbara would entrust Charlie to Helena. Helena is great with kids. As Alexx said in another thread:

Would you rather have her back on the street. Huntress is the the ideal choice imo. She's good with teenagers. She'll make sure Misfit gets her education. She has the house space and money to take care of her. She's a great super-hero that Misfit can learn a lot from and she'll look after Misfit and her well being. It adds another element to the devloping mentoring that we've seen in BOP and it feeds into Misfit idolizing Huntress. Plus it adds a wrinkle to Huntress's life which means more story for the character.


She has, on more than one occasion gone above and beyond the call of duty for her students (see Birds Of Prey # 86, and the way she mentors Alejandro in the DC Christmas Special).

And plus, I see the fact that Barbara entrusted Charlie to Huntress as a physical form of contrition, and a testament to how far the two of them have come, in terms of their relationship; a definite far cry from the mental manipulation and how catty they've been towards each other in the past.

As for the issue itself: Well, I didn't think the issue was that bad. Though truth be told, I thought the ultimate climax and payoff were not that satisfying. It felt rather rushed, imo, as if DC wanted to quickly end this chapter and begin anew.

My fav exchange, or piece of dialogue from the book:

"Two on five hardly seems fair".

"If that's all they got, then that's their problem!"

Bedard did put forth a good effort, but in the end, it wasn't enough. I'm sad to see this end, but I look forward to that which is to come.

In the words of one of my fav singers:

"It's like I checked into rehab, and baby you're my disease."

I've got to ween myself off of you, BOP. And I just did.

[AndrewCrossett]

Oh, I have no problem at all with Helena looking after Charlie. I just thought the development warranted a little more coverage.

(By the way, did Calculator *really* not make the connection that Barbara is Oracle? He's gonna have a short supervillain career if he's that slow on the uptake.)

Anyway, I hope Gail gets back to these ladies someday.

[jerrymcl89]

I just found it very disappointing that the book ended on a note of, essentially, "I'm not worth anything if I can't swing on a rope and kick things" from Babs. It's obvious the direction DC wants to take her in, but I think it takes away everything that makes her a good character, and turns her into one of about 17 random non-powered bat-people.

I've always heard good things about Tony Bedard as a writer, and I do think he's been following his editorial marching orders, but I've read a lot of his DC work now, and frankly, all of it has been crap.

[ScottyQuick]

Did you read his run on Supergirl? Or his BoP fill-ins? The poor guy's run on BoP has had so much editorial mandates it shouldn't be held against him.

[Alexx1]

I agree, it could have used a few more panels to explain the development of this. But I think it is appropriate, and I rather liked the revelation that Barbara would entrust Charlie to Helena. Helena is great with kids. As Alexx said in another thread:



And plus, I see the fact that Barbara entrusted Charlie to Oracle as a physical form of contrition, and a testament to how far the two of them have come, in terms of their relationship; a definite far cry from the mental manipulation and how catty they've been towards each other in the past.


.

I actually almost like that that part of it wasn't expounded on. You kind of don't need to. It sorta speak for itself. That's kind of Helena and Barabara for you. You know? Almost this begrudging (although that's probably not the word I'm really looking for) respect and affection for one another. They'd probably never tell each other how much they appreciate or care for the other.

As a reader, I've been disappointed that there has been little to no personal development between the two since Gail left. Tony Bedard seemed to have a good understanding of they work and how they push and pull and bump heads and come out of it with a really cool sense of one another in one of the one-shots he did. Then Sean McKeever came on board and they've seemed rather estranged and annoyed with one another since that whole Metropolis mess and it never got addressed.

But I thought Barbara's gesture was amazing and moving and it is a testament to how much she thinks of Helena as a person. To me this is what BOP has always been about. The small, subtle character moments. There just hasn't been enough of those moments for a while now. My hope is that writer's won't drop the ball on this one act and forget that it happened. I know that Misfit can benefit from it and Helena as well. Oh and can you imagine Misfit teleporting in on Helena and Thomas in a private moment. Priceless?

As for Tony Bedard, I've never seen a more talented writers talent wasted on DC's screw ups. And like who ever said above, I too hope Gail won't let the sun go down on these women. Their a terrific bunch of characters and they belong in her hands!

[jerrymcl89]

Did you read his run on Supergirl? Or his BoP fill-ins? The poor guy's run on BoP has had so much editorial mandates it shouldn't be held against him.

I think other than R.E.B.E.L.S., I've read all his DC stuff. I haven't like much of it, although I would have to admit almost all of it has involved editorial handcuffs.

[AllisterH]

Personally, I think we should celebrate BOP.

127 issues, various tie ins and annuals. is a 10 YEAR RUN!! It starred 2 female characters with minimum ties to established franchises. While I'm still partial to Chuck Dixon's run, I think Gail did an admirable job carrying it on after Dixon and deserves equal credit for BOP's success.

10 YEARS...Seriously, looking historically at other comic titles, how many other pair of characters can claim such an accomplishment...Check out how many other comics have come and gone in those same 10 years?

[Constantine Drakon]

Babs is currently in the hands of a man that rewrote her origin to say she had always specifically wanted to follow in Batman's footsteps, and has been miserable for a long while as Oracle, thinking it was a mistake to create that identity.

Black Canary is in the hands of a man that's retconned Canary into a more "ordinary" teenage, concerned not with trying to become a hero but rather with boys and zits. His new take adds tragedy when she injures (kills?) a friend the first time she uses her powers, but she learns nothing from it, and grows up to be (as of the last three issues) by far the most incompetent of DC's "major" superheroes.

The Birds aren't resting in peace. They're not that lucky.

[Tobias March]

Personally, I think we should celebrate BOP.

127 issues, various tie ins and annuals. is a 10 YEAR RUN!! It starred 2 female characters with minimum ties to established franchises. While I'm still partial to Chuck Dixon's run, I think Gail did an admirable job carrying it on after Dixon and deserves equal credit for BOP's success.

10 YEARS...Seriously, looking historically at other comic titles, how many other pair of characters can claim such an accomplishment...Check out how many other comics have come and gone in those same 10 years?

I prefer this take on the situation. Ten years for an original title in today's market is a fantastic achievement. That one person wrote the book for the majority of its run is also commendable.

Kudos Gail, you did great.

[the4thpip]

I just found it very disappointing that the book ended on a note of, essentially, "I'm not worth anything if I can't swing on a rope and kick things" from Babs. It's obvious the direction DC wants to take her in, but I think it takes away everything that makes her a good character, and turns her into one of about 17 random non-powered bat-people.

I've always heard good things about Tony Bedard as a writer, and I do think he's been following his editorial marching orders, but I've read a lot of his DC work now, and frankly, all of it has been crap.

I agree. I guess it is editorially mandated that Babs is once more devolved to "oh noes! I am worth nothing in this chair!" but still... Big sigh.

[Cam63]

BOP has been effectively dead since Gail left and DC failed to replace her with a writer of similar quality.

This cancellation feels like a mercy killing.

My feelings too.

[Cam63]

I prefer this take on the situation. Ten years for an original title in today's market is a fantastic achievement. That one person wrote the book for the majority of its run is also commendable.

Kudos Gail, you did great.

Yea, verily.

...I'm still siccin' WhiteRose on the bastards.

[DungeonmasterJim]

I'm another fan agreeing with the sentiment that once Gail left the spark that made me read BoP left too. So I really don't care that it's being cancelled now.

DM Jim

[Cam63]

Don't make me get all Blues Brothers on you, Jim.

[Michael P]

I agree. I guess it is editorially mandated that Babs is once more devolved to "oh noes! I am worth nothing in this chair!" but still... Big sigh.

Only for the next couple months. Then she'll get her miracle cure and be back in the tights and fishnets with the cute purse.

It's the "break it so you can fix it" strategy. Worked wonders for Spider-Man.

[Cam63]

...DA BANNNNNND !!!!

[DungeonmasterJim]

Don't make me get all Blues Brothers on you, Jim.

I never got to see that movie in the theaters. :frown:

DM Jim

[Cam63]

I never got to see that movie in the theaters. :frown:

DM Jim

You poor bastard.

[K-DoG7p7]

Personally, I think we should celebrate BOP.

127 issues, various tie ins and annuals. is a 10 YEAR RUN!! It starred 2 female characters with minimum ties to established franchises. While I'm still partial to Chuck Dixon's run, I think Gail did an admirable job carrying it on after Dixon and deserves equal credit for BOP's success.

10 YEARS...Seriously, looking historically at other comic titles, how many other pair of characters can claim such an accomplishment...Check out how many other comics have come and gone in those same 10 years?

also it was not killed due to sales.. so it could have gone on for a looong time still.
also was it "Gotham City Sirens" that would be replacing it?

[Alexx1]

also it was not killed due to sales.. so it could have gone on for a looong time still.
also was it "Gotham City Sirens" that would be replacing it?

Well Sirens will star Catwoman, Harley, and Poison Ivy. I'm not sure that's a replacement but...we do know Huntress (along with Batgirl and Kate Spencer as Gotham's new DA) will star in the new Streets of Gotham book. I don't sense that's a team book, more a Bat-family anthology book.

At the BFTC Panel in NY Tony Daniel mentioned he loved the "Birds of Prey" and they be featured in all three of his issues of BFTC and then some dude (can't remember his name. I'm assuming he was an editor) said to follow BOP to the new Batgirl book in June. So I don't really know what to make of that.

[Tad Sivana]

I'm sorry to see BOP go, having followed it since shortly after the Chuck Dixon run started, through Gail's tenure and on to Tony Bedard....whose writing I liked and who obviously had some big plans for the book which were untimely cut short.
I think some of his recent characters and the 'silicon valley' he created for the DCU are well worth keeping.
I can't think of another comic with a focus on women that has delivered as much character development and depth within the confines of an action comic.
Certainly not books like Wonder Woman, Dazzler, Ms. Marvel, Supergirl, Gotham Girls, The Cat, etc....No, not even Promethea.
At it's best BOP was familial and suspenseful. I think Chuck's initial idea was simply to adopt Black Canary into the Bat-Family, but under Gail, things got a lot more complicated and I always found the book most interesting when it had connections to other parts of the DCU on a personal level; guesting NightWing, Power Girl, Blue Beetle, Robin, etc....so that the BOP could interact.
You always thought "yes, of course these characters know each other privately as well as publicly...of course they look to advice and support with each other...why haven't we seen this before?"
In many ways, the book has reminded me of Marvel's "Master of Kung-Fu", taking what were considered to be secondary characters in a well-known storyline and exploring their lives, making new connections and generally fleshing out what had been a pretty stark mythos to begin with. This not only created a lot of reading pleasure in the BOP and MOKF stories, but it enhanced the larger universe they were set in.
Replacing Birds Of Prey will be hard to do.

[Corrina]

There were two GREAT character arcs through the BoP run.

The first was the focus on Barbara Gordon as Oracle, moving past all her limitations and, more, moving past her personal isolation to open up to friends and family. Dixon probably deserves a ton of the credit for this one, as he tended to focus more on Babs' skills in his run, but Gail certainly continued it.

The second was Gail's character arc on Black Canary--her renewed training, her coming into her own as Oracle's equal on the team, and her creating a new family of her own.

(Generalizing here.)

And at the end of BoP:
Babs is downhearted that she's a failure at Oracle, that she's never lived up to her promise.

Dinah is over in a book where's she's lost much of the character development that made her a joy to read and put her at the top of her game for perhaps the first time in her loong history.

Excuse me while I go be bitter, DC.

[Tobias March]

...DA BANNNNNND !!!!

I have Seeeeeen de LIGHT!