Review: Batgirl and the Birds of Prey #21

By Philip Schweier
April 11, 2018 - 04:52

The Calculator is determined to discover the true identity of Oracle, his crime-fighting counterpart. To do that, he enlisted a handful of criminals to exploit the chinks in the Birds’ collective armor. Among those criminals is Maria Bertinelli, the Huntress’ mom. Cuz who knows us better than our own mother?

But the Birds aren’t afraid of calling in their own allies, including Green Arrow, as well as a few others with whom they’ve fought side-by-side. It becomes a game of the hunter (Calculator) becoming the hunted, in a cycle of “Oracle, Oracle, Who’s Got the Oracle?” Well, the Birds have the identity of Oracle, but are they prepared to surrender it? Doing so would be unthinkable. Or would it?

It’s a complex story, one I think I would enjoy more reading all the chapters in a single sitting. But that’s just me; I’m a man of simple tastes. Single-story issues are what I grew up on, with the occasional two-parter thrown in. I know that’s not the way of contemporary comic book stories, but I can always wait until the conclusion and enjoy. It’s all good.

I also enjoyed Roge Antonio’s artwork in this issue. Granted, he’s done excellent work the past several issues, but this chapter is a stand-out. Perhaps it’s the opportunity to “play with all the toys in the sandbox,” or whatever cliché is making the convention rounds. He’s entitled to all the work the comic book world can offer. I’d be curious to see his versions of other DC properties.

Rating: 8/10

Last Updated: August 31, 2023 - 08:12

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