The last issue of Black Canary was pretty much perfect. It pit the titular “Most Dangerous Band in the World” against its former frontwoman’s new band in a battle that had seemingly deadly consequences. The newest issue, #7, is also very good. Though it contains the big fights and revelations typical of the end of an arc, its tone is somewhat more elegiac, like the final concert in a farewell tour. In fact, while the book was built on the concept that Dinah Drake was leaving her crime fighting past behind to become the lead singer of a rock band, this issue seems to suggest that way of life may be coming to an end. Still, that doesn’t mean the issue neglects the music.
It’s hard to overstate artist Annie Wu’s part in making this book such a success. Especially here, her style is so cinematic, so rhythmically constructed that the comic may as well come with a soundtrack. There’s one page in particular in this issue–a battle laid out on sheet music–that is so creative and surprising that it’s easy to forget the weaknesses in storytelling. Writer Brendan Fletcher has mostly done a fantastic job with the rest of the arc, but the revelations and set ups for new storylines come so quickly that the ending can feel rushed. There’s not space for the characters or the reader to react emotionally to what happens.
However, just because it doesn’t quite stick the landing doesn’t mean this first arc of Black Canary wasn’t great. It’s actually one of the best debuts of the last few years. Even if Dinah’s future doesn’t include any more concerts, readers can rest easy knowing that Fletcher and Wu will surely make it worth reading.
Rating: 7.5/10
