Comics / Comic Reviews / DC Comics

Batgirl & Birds of Prey #5

By Avi Weinryb
December 18, 2016 - 00:09

Batgirl, Huntress and Black Canary finally find out who has assumed the mantle of the Oracle. The three heroines argue with this person, trying to suss out whether the new Oracle is friend or foe and ultimately Batgirl is willing to give the person a chance. That’s essentially this entire issue. If you are an adrenaline junkie, this entry won’t really do much for you. But otherwise, it sets the stage for some interesting tales to come and it contains some fun dialogue (Black Canary’s dated Veronica Mars reference excluded).

Beyond the thin story, the artwork in this issue is serviceable. Roge Antonio is a very competent artist, but he isn’t given much to work with here, leading to mostly a bunch of folks standing around in dimly lit rooms, talking.

This issue felt like semi-necessary filler that will fit well into a trade paperback but falls woefully flat as an example of a monthly offering. Not much here with regard to substance, but enough decent dialogue to keep it popping. One can only hope the surprise new Oracle becomes a fun new addition to the series. That’s the only thing that could make this issue worthwhile.

Last Updated: August 31, 2023 - 08:12