Is this a good comic? Ehhhh, yes, in most parts.
Is it a good superhero comic? Again, yes, in most parts.It is a coherent, smooth, flowing and consistent modern DC superhero comic that manages to stand on its own? No, not really. DC may have the worst editorial staff out of any comics company. And keeping track of what's going on with hundreds of characters, spanning decades, and of what continuity to use, can be a colossal headache and arse-ache.
But you know what? I don't care. For I came for butt kicking action and camaraderie starring a roster of superheroines - both the personal and the world saving stakes apply - and that's exactly what I got.
My good goddesses Hera and Hecate (plus Hades, and Hel), is 'Birds of Prey, Vol. 1: Megadeath' a lot of fun. It's funny, dynamic, enjoyable, self-aware, and crazy - with an all-female cast. What more could you want? It's like DC's version of Marvel's cancelled 'The Fearless Defenders' - random kitchen sink nonsense and all! It's what superhero comics is about!
I won't reveal the plot, but in this Birds of Prey team, you have Black Canary (it isn't the Birds without her in it, and as the leader), two Batgirls - Cassandra Cain and Barbara Gordon (who doesn't actually appear until the very end and isn't part of the action, sadly) - Big Barda (yes!), Harley Quinn (yes!!!), Zealot/Zannah, and Maps/Meridian/Mia Mizoguchi.
Who the hell are Zealot and Maps? I don't know, but anyone's lack of knowledge about them doesn't hinder their enjoyment of the comic as a whole.
There's also Sin, Black Canary's adoptive daughter/sister (why call her a sister and not a daughter? Again, I don't know), and, *drum roll* Wonder Woman! She's still dealing with her own next round of a BS current political storyline, but she's not out of character here, and will either help the Birds of Prey or turn against them for understandable reasons (or because she's possessed - it's comic books, it's to be expected).
The list of male sidepieces-- er, side characters, who are given bit parts, half of whom only appearing in one issue, include Green Arrow, Grifter (Zealot's lover, who I don't know, and it looks like it doesn't matter that I don't care), John Constantine, and Nanaue, the King of Sharks.
The sketchy, shadowy, expressive, detailed, gritty and kinetic artwork (except, suddenly, in the fifth issue, which is weird even for big superhero comics) harkens back to the classic eighties and nineties era of comics. 'Watchmen' comes to mind. It's charming and looks awesome.
'Birds of Prey, Vol. 1: Megadeath'. In conclusion:
Yes, it can come across as messy, confused and confusing, especially towards and at the end, with what appear to be missing scenes, rushed scenes, and loose continuity.
Yes, some characters aren't given strong key moments to shine and be badasses with their own badass character arc, such as Cassandra and Harley - a real crime in my book. Harley Quinn should never be treated like an extra or be pushed to the background!
Yes, I expected a bit better from modern female comics writer and legend Kelly Thompson. It seemed fitting that she would eventually be hired, as a sort of spiritual sister successor to Gail Simone and her famous 'Birds of Prey' run.
But it's fun and heartfelt, so I don't care!... much.
The superheroines/antiheroines act like themselves, with their own fully realised and distinct personalities, that bounce off of one another, in banter and in fighting. The Birds of Prey are a team of hard-arse ladies saving the world, and I am here for it!
I'll leave off with a very special message:
Dinah Lance, don't go looking for a new team. Don't keep looking for a new team! Keep the one you've got!
Seriously, yeesh!
Final Score: 3.5/5
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