Sin got possessed just as the Birds thought they were close to saving her. Now they have to figure out who it is they're actually saving: the monster, the girl or both? In the conclusion to the first arc of Kelly Thompson's Birds of Prey, the new team has to make some difficult decisions as they fight against their first big enemy.
The resolution of this conflict has lots of little pieces from the previous issues come together in a satisfying way. The strength and abilities of Megaera aren't clearly defined ever but that's also due to the fact that the fight is constantly shifting and changing their powers as the tides turn this way and that. This can make the readers feel two kinds of way in my opinion. Either they think things are a bit too wishy washy and undefined, with things happening that don't really help the reader intuit the gravity of the situation. Or, as I saw it, you get this constant flux of actions and emotions that have just enough backstory for you to be invested and make logical conclusions on your own. 
As for the team dynamics Kelly Thompson continues to make great quippy dialogue that allows for some moments of introspection and lots of character development. I do feel like there's some repetition when it comes to how Black Canary's inner dialogue reacts to situations in a way that I've never really been a fan of. She seems a bit one note in her inner monologue but that's not the end of the world.
Leonardo Romero returns to deliver incredible art in this issue with some double page spreads that leave me breathless. The result is a flashy wonder with gorgeous Megaera moments that creep into the panels and showcase the intensity of the enemy. I love the way that the action is made into this blinding display of power whereas the calmer moments get time to breathe and have the character's reactions come to the forefront.
None of the art's contrast between calm and chaotic would be made possible without the stunning colors of Jordie Bellaire. I love the consistent tones of the comic and how this issue is just a clear continuation of the previous ones in art and style. It's also really cool to see the way that Megaera's color pallet mixes in with the land of Thymescera and is completely different from the flashy powers of the Gods. This creates a clear distinction between the Birds + Wonder Woman and the natural elements of Megaera's earthy vines.
The lettering by Clayton Cowles has me so happy with every element of the comic. I feel like the people involved are all pumped to work on this comic and that the letters reflect this really clearly. The letters add that extra ribbon to tie it all together and gives a unique feel to the landscape, allowing the reader to see how devoted everyone is to making you excited about what's happening. I love the internal monologue distinctions, the BOOM that comes jutting forth from the explosion and the way that dialogue snakes its way through the crazy double page spreads.
Recommended if…
- You love action assembled amazingly
- The team dynamics have you giggly and curious about each character
- You can't wait to find out how this arc finishes?!
Overall
I for one have been a big fan of this series and am happy that we have so many talented people working together! Does that mean the story is without flaws? Of course not. The small things pile up and the art makes up for a lot but this series has to definitely find creative ways to make everything more than a joke. I like how the ending shows a glimmer of hope as it takes things more seriously when appropriate. The issue starts off tense, gets to show off badass beatings
and bold decisions then brings it together with bittersweet beverages. Can't wait for the next arc!
Score: 8/10
DISCLAIMER: DC Comics provided Batman News with a copy of this comic for the purpose of this review.
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