Birds of Prey #1

The Comicbook Dispatch

BIRDS OF PREY #1 is an absolute winner as a first issue. Thompson lays out all the groundwork for why Dinah gathers the team and who’s on it. Romero, Bellaire, and Cowles create a particularly distinct visual look for the series. This is a first issue that offers the possibility of an altogether different experience than almost every other team superhero book on the stands.

Geek Dad

This is easily one of the best first issues I remember out of DC in a long time, and it’s clear Thompson already loves and knows this universe. This could be a match made in absolute creative heaven.

ComicBook.com

There are a lot of reasons why Birds of Prey #1 can be dubbed excellent: Kelly Thompson's snappy and heartfelt script, Leonardo Romero and Jordie Bellarie's impossibly-classic and Alex Toth-esque aesthetic, and plot twists that are so genius, you'll find yourself shocked DC hasn't already done them yet. On top of all of that, this first issue gives the mere concept of Birds of Prey the weight it deserves – perfectly bouncing back to the book's impossibly-cool globe-trotting roots while still carrying the history of recent runs for the team. Birds of Prey #1 is a shining example of what makes the "Dawn of DC" initiative work so well, and I am incredibly excited to see where it goes next.

But Why Tho?

Birds of Prey #1 is a wonderful first issue. Thompson is a master at team books, and this opening chapter is another home run. The chemistry between the characters is delightfully funny and heartfelt, with the potential to go dark and menacing at a moment’s notice. This is not the Birds of Prey team of old, but it brings in a group of brilliant characters to fill that void. There’s a whirlwind of action from start to finish, with the promise of more considering their ultimate destination.

Dark Knight News

ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!? This entire issue was outstanding. Everything about it was pure awesomeness. That reveal at the end was genius. My only issue is, now we have to wait a month to read the next one! I can already tell this is going to be one of my favourite runs of Birds Of Prey and we’ve only just started. Seriously, pick up this comic, you do not want to miss out. I’ll be shouting about this one for a while.

Monkeys Fighting Robots

Please stop what you’re doing and immediately pick up this issue; it is BONKERS GOOD! This book has a vibe, and it feels special. The last time I felt this way was watching GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOL. 1 for the first time. With Kelly Thompson, Leonardo Romero, and Jordie Bellaire, you have fantastic writing and artwork; the second issue can’t get here soon enough.

Kabooooom

I know some fans were nervous about this new Birds of Prey, given the absence of Barbara Gordon and Huntress. Trust me, however, when I say that this is explained as part of the story and there is a good, logical reason for their absence. This is, simply put, the best Birds of Prey has been since the days of Gail Simone and Nicola Scott. If you like comics, you will love this book.

Get Your Comic On

Kelly Thompson arrives at DC with a fierce debut for the Birds of Prey. The excellent story of bringing the team together is matched by the outstanding visual aesthetic of Romero and Bellaire. As it says on the cover, a “face-breaking first issue”.

First Comics News

This series has two things that make it likable- One would be Kelly Thompson (Making her DC debut) delivering what could be one of her best scripts to date when it comes to setting up the team while adding some new elements that will excite fans (I thought it’s amazing to see Zealot on the team, which will no doubt have Wildstorm fans jumping for joy, either that or making sure there “WildC.A.T..S.” run is in pristine condition); Yes, I think it’s complete overkill to put Harley Quinn on the team since they’re no Suicide Squad and it seems like the powers to be at DC needs a comic relief for this team but I enjoy how Thompson fleshed out Big Barda, who definitely comes off as the fan favorite. Overall this is an excellent start to a series that has so much history behind it so it’s exciting to see where it goes.

ComicsOnline

In a nutshell: Birds of Prey is good. Like grinning from ear to ear kind of good. Like tell all of your friends to go buy this book kind of good. I have never wanted to own pages from a comic as much as I do with this. This issue is a bold new take on the characters and I am planning to go pre-order the next several issues once I finish writing this review. We are only one issue in, and without any hesitation I can say that DC’s Birds of Prey has Eisner Award level potential.

You Don't Read Comics

Thompson has done a good job of slowly adding layers to the first chapter of the story. She gives away just enough added depth and detail with each scene. The mystery of what it is that's going on is slowly revealed until the big final reveal at the end of the issue. At that stage, there are so many more questions that are brought up that make the second issue feel that much more impressive. It's going to be a fun ride with Thompson.

COMICON

When the Canary cries, the Birds Of Prey answer the call. A stellar debut issue sets the tone for this series revival, tapping into the past while presenting something modern and refreshing. A perfect jumping-on point for fans new and old ready to see these women kick butt and maybe take names later.

AIPT

All in all, I loved Birds of Prey #1. It feels like a triumphant first foray at DC Comics for Thompson with slickly and efficiently staged action with the comic’s great strength in its characters.

Multiversity Comics

All told, this is, perhaps, the best #1 DC has put out in some time and looks to be the best “Birds of Prey” book since its first volume and, perhaps, even the best since Gail Simone left that volume in September of 2007. It may sound hyperbolic to heap such praise on the book after just a single issue and, yes, it could all go sideways next month, but this book has been bad since that first volume. The New 52 version wiped out any charm the series had, and the Rebirth era never clicked. But beyond that, those books felt like perfunctory stabs at giving a DC legacy team a title. This book feels like a Black Canary story that is worthy of the name. That makes all the difference.

Comic Watch

I thoroughly enjoyed this issue and can’t wait for issue two to drop. Fans of Kelly Thompson, DC Comics, or kick ass teams with a creative force behind them, are sure to enjoy this issue. So make a plan, and pick this up at your LCS. You won’t regret it.

The Super Powered Fancast

The Story: Thompson creates a fun, engaging story in this first issue. The story is filled with great action, thrills and mystery. I love the composition of this team and what Dinah is going through to get them together. Everything culminates in a revelation about the stakes of their mission and those stakes have me excited to see what happens next. The Art: I love Romero’s art in the issue. The visual style is perfect for the tone of the story and the characters.

Henchman-4-Hire

This issue has everything you need for a strong relaunch of a comic like this. Great characters, fun introductions, an enticing story and artwork that really sings.

Nerd Initiative

The line-up put together is going to be one of legend in the hands of Thompson, Romero and the team. Superb writing sets the stage for an explosive mission while the art keeps leveling off the high paced action with the emotions fueling this very personal assignment.

Graphic Policy

Birds of Prey #1 is a fun start to the series. It delivers action and laughs in a familiar formula, but it’s one that works and works well. We know what to expect and by the end of the comic, things are very clear with some nice surprises. Overall, it’s a great start that promises a hell of a lot of entertainment to come.

Graham Crackers Comics

I always look forward to a new Birds of Prey title and with a Green Arrow loving Black Canary at the helm, I thought things might be turning in the right direction. But honestly, I’m a bit torn on this one. I was the biggest fan of the 1999 series that went on for 117 issues. And was always amazed at some of the members of the team. Oracle, Thorn, the Kate Spencer Manhunter, and of course, Lady Blackhawk. So after seeing the new lineup, I was a bit disappointed. Cassandra Cain? Harley Quinn? And throw in Zealot so DC can keep copywrite rights to the Wildstorm characters? Sigh, at least we got Big Barda. And while I am not at all a fan of this team, writer Kelly Thompson makes such a good story that I can’t help but turn a partial blind eye to the lineup. Black Canary’s adopted sister, Sin, appears to be in trouble and Dinah has to act. And where Sin is trapped is mind-blowing. Leonardo Romero art talents are up for the job and I can only hope that we’ll be getting more cameos and a rotating roster, just like in the good old days.

Covered Geekly

Birds of Prey #1 is a captivating debut issue of a new comic series that flawlessly introduces the team we will be following and the mission they will embark on. While there are a few characters that may not seem to fit the team or that I am not familiar with enough to make a definitive judgement, only time will tell how I feel about them by the end of the storyline.

Comic Crusaders

The tone of the book is kind of odd. At points, it is quite dark, in others it’s quite fun with a recurring joke running through the book in contrast to the art that lacks seriousness, whilst building on the fun. With so many vibes in play, it will be interesting to see which, if any of them, will become the major focus.

Lyles Movie Files

Thompson has a solid command of the characters’ voices, which should make the book engaging even with some questionable additions to the team dynamic.

Comic Book Revolution

The first issue of the newest Birds of Prey series is all about assembling the team. While we get the team’s first mission introduced it is done in a way that it’ll take the second issue to fully put over its importance. That leaves Birds of Prey #1 being the basic “get the team together” intro that by the end is solid but not game changing.

Razorfine

Birds of Prey #1 gives off your typical thrown together team feels with a mixture of big names, characters recently out of the limelight, and unknowns. Foreshadowing how hard the mission will be throughout, it’s not until the final page with the introduction of Meridian that the where is revealed (although the why and how are still a bit of a mystery). I don’t know that there’s enough to get me to stay with the series more than an issue or two, but the structure (and Barda’s offhand comments about Batgirl) make it an enjoyable read.

AIPT

All in all, your enjoyment of Birds of Prey #1 probably comes down to how much you love the Birds of Prey as a team. For readers who haven't read or have no attachment to the original series or Simone's follow-up run, I can imagine this book will be a lot more enjoyable.

Batman-News

I’m always cautiously optimistic with new DC series and despite really digging this first issue and loving the art I want to wait to see if this can really shine beyond the flashy opener. Notice how I barely have anything to say about the actual story? Hopefully it doesn’t stay that way.

Weird Science DC Comics

Birds of Prey #1 is a mixed bag of a comic with a strong central premise and solid interpretation of the characters' voices. However, Dinah's roster selection lacks sense, especially for Harley Quinn, and the art is serviceable at best.

DC Comics News

This issue is a bit of a mixed bag. The art on Birds of Prey # 1 is great. The plot and focus on Dinah is interesting and engaging. It’s the details that detract from the overall big ideas. The line up of the “team” is obviously the biggest with some of the sub-details that go along with that which logically follow, the inexplicable reasoning for including Harley for example. The line up ends up being confusing instead of exciting. This line up might be interesting if Dinah fell into the situation and had to make do with them to get the job done. This suggests that if this were not called Birds of Prey, it would get a higher rating because it could be viewed as its own thing. Or, if Barbara Gordon (as Oracle OR Batgirl) and Helena (Huntress) Bertinelli were in the line up it would feel like the Birds of Prey and it would’ve been a 9/10.

The Batman Universe

For a setup issue, Birds of Prey #1 is kind of weak both in writing and art, but one hopes it'll pick up with the impending invasion of Themyscira.

Derby Comics DC

I’ve been so excited for this series when it was announced months ago. Then Harley Quinn was revealed as part of the roster and my worries crept up and, unfortunately, those became realized now that we’ve seen the debut issue. I would never bet against Kelly Thompson though, so if she can tone down the use of Harley Quinn and focus on the rest of the team that’s actually present, I will be right back anxiously awaiting this series every issue.