Birds of Prey has consistently been one of the most powerful DC titles, but the audience feels like they have a small reach. This “sleeper hit” status is a concern every time a solicitation comes in, but it also adds to the appeal of the series. Without that much eyes, Kelly Thompson could have actually built his own unique realm of the DC Universe. It’s one of the great superhero action filled with a spy twist that feels like the old Gale Simone series, but still maintains its own style. Birds of Prey #24 continues that trend, rewarding much of what Thompson has done since the start of the series. With all members of the team calling for action in their final desperate rescue mission to free Big Barda from Demon Prime and Shadow Army, it’s an issue that has the ultimate sense of expectation for the final issue, but thankfully more promise.
Barda Rescue Mission covers a ton of issues. But unlike other comics where they can feel like they’re going too far in action, Birds of Prey is extremely satisfying for every hit and moment. The fact that after the birds are about to stay ahead of the shadow army, they eventually start to unleash them is truly cathartic and the various ex-members who come to help are very enjoyable. It’s an explosion to see Harley Quinn bounce off a team member who wasn’t there during his tenure, and John Constantine, who has taken the corner spell, adds a new level of danger to his battle with the inked barda. Naturally, the birds make it, but they end the fight against Barda and with some leads on what the demons are doing, they are not close to defeating him.
It may be a shame that leads to the latest storyline, but Kelly Thompson focuses on the team who will come along for a huge meal to unpack the mission. The birds may not have gained the advantage (except regaining the Barda), but they have each other, and the sense of camaraderie between the heroes feels the narration of the Black Canary from page 1. Member connective tissues feel authentic and authentic even when some are not active. And it’s great to see Barbara enjoying a little time, even if she can’t help herself and plans ahead of time. The theme of “Found Fiond Family” is the biggest strength of Thompson’s running and is one of the reasons why Birds of Prey is one of my favorite superhero books in the stands.
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Sami Basri’s art complements both aspects of Thompson’s script very well. Obviously, the pieces in the opening action set in which the owner-barda slams his former teammates are incredible, but Basri is equally focused on the team enjoying their meal at the noodle bar (Balda absolutely crushes the hilarious effect). There is also a big movement and flow towards Basri’s opening action. You’re drawn to the big throw in front of you, but then looking elsewhere in the panel, there’s a lot of other things going on in the background. It’s a great way to create action sequences and keeps the pace of the book flowing really well. My only wish is that they weren’t fighting in such a boring building, but then again, Demon Prime is probably trying to keep the costs down on interior design.
Birds of Prey #24 feels like the final problem. However, it is not war that the team won the battle, not war, so I am very happy that it is not. It is still unclear who will be joining the team in the next issue, but we hope that the book is already built and will meet the standards set.
“Bird Bird” #24 Review: Always on the phone
Bird of Prey #24
The birds won the battle, but not the war, but Birds of Prey #24 is another fun issue for one of DC’s most consistent and great books.
The Great Behavior of the Birds Against Barda
Thompson’s amazing character work
It’s so much fun to see older members of the team return to action.
Some inactive backgrounds, especially during the battle
Sometimes it feels like it was supposed to be the final problem, but I continued rewrite it.
