Black Canary #2 Review

Written by: Brenden Fletcher
Art by: Annie Wu and Lee Loughridge
Cover Price: $2.99
Release Date: July 15, 2015

On a Mission from God

Last month's premier issue of Black Canary was one of the most pleasant surprises I've had in a long time.  It may seem like I am being over dramatic, but I do live a very boring life and Black Canary #1 kicked ass.  Who would have thought that putting Dinah in a touring rock band would result in the best Black Canary book in years?  Brenden Fletcher, that's who.  I can only imagine the looks and snickers he got when pitching the book, but thank the gods DC listened because after one issue, I'm one of the converted.  Throw in Annie Wu's excellent punk rock poster come to life art and this book is climbing the charts that I used to call my pull list.  Of course, one issue does not a series make, so after reading this issue am I still as high on Canary as last month?  Let's find out.



Last issue ended with the awesome promise of Dinah teaching the band all sorts of combat techniques and that's just how this issue begins.  It's obvious that it isn't what Paloma signed up for, but when you have mysterious assassins on your tail, you have to step up your game.  Plus, it's all to protect Ditto.

Brenden Fletcher has a way with characters because my old favorite character is Maps from his "Gotham Academy" book.  I say "old" because Ditto is now in the lead.  How can a character who hasn't spoken a word yet be my favorite?  Beats me, it's a feels thing and I feels like I love Ditto.

My favorite panel of the issue

Even though they are being followed, the band hits the road and rocks the house.  I give props to both Fletcher and Annie Wu here.  Instead of a map with a red dot and line (a la Indiana Jones) to show their travels, we get polaroids and reports from the Burnside Tofu.  It fits the book so well and leads to one of this issue's big surprises and conflicts...the band's ex lead singer, Maeve, pays them a visit.

I know it's no surprise that the Black Canary band is a bit dysfunctional, but this issue shows some real trouble brewing.  Paloma questions Dinah even being in the band while Dinah promises that after the tour, they can all get on with their lives without her.  Say it ain't so.

The issue ends with a knock down drag out fight inside and outside of a music shop and it's awesome. Of course, it's the mysterious assassins again and they know all about Canary and her unique set of skills.  Canary still kicks major ass however and it leads to such a great cliffhanger that it's killing me not to spoil it right here and now.  Shit just got real!

Well, I am still as high on Black Canary as I was last month.  Brenden Fletcher gives this book a sort of energy that pumps me up when I read it.  What little I know about the characters is enough for me to love them, but also makes me want to know so much more.  This issue is still setting up the story itself, but I didn't mind because I was having a ball.  I don't know what other sentences I could throw together to stress how much I'm enjoying this book.  By the way Brenden,  I want the Black Canary E.P. to listen to soon...like right now.

Annie Wu's art is an equal in the storytelling department.  Like I said above, it reminds me of old punk band fliers and I'm sure that's not by mistake.  Plus, Wu's art is what made me fall in love with Ditto.  She makes her so expressive with just a look.  Kudos also go to Lee Loughridge's color work which is great as well.

Bits and Pieces:

This book has risen to the top of my charts in just two issues.  While that may seem too quick, Brenden Fletcher's characters and a thrown together rock band on the run from mysterious assassins has really piqued my interest.  I am still surprised with how much I love this book, but with the great art and exciting story, I shouldn't be.  Highly recommended!

9.3/10