Black Canary #2
DC Comics
Writer: Tony Bedard
Penciler: Paolo Siqueira
Inker: Amilton Santos
Black Canary #2 is graced by the presence of the series’ catalyst, Green Arrow. The League of Assassins’ golden child, Sin, has been enrolled at a school for violent youth, Green Arrow struggles with will-she-won’t-she stress regarding his marriage proposal, and Black Canary’s around less than you might expect.
What a difference internal monologue makes. Following Black Canary’s thoughts in issue 1 gave her the emphasis she deserved. In #2, Ollie and Sin are the apparent stars. Dinah’s just part of the ensemble. The story is certainly entertaining, and the pace mercifully quickened from last issue, but when a heroine gets top billing, you expect her to be the focus. Instead of focusing on Dinah Lance’s personality or unique position in the DC canon, writer Tony Bedard focuses on the League of Assassins’ rocky politics. Interesting stuff, to be sure, but not necessarily what the title promises.
The lifelessness that plagued issue #1’s art is gone, replaced by lively layout and perspective. These improvements give Paulo Siqueira’s clean, exciting style the frame it deserves.
Worth the money? Despite the story’s problems, the art and fight scenes are sharp and exciting. Action junkies looking for a fix, seek this one out. Casual readers? Pass it up.
