***Contains Spoilers***
The story picks up with Dinah Lance, Black Canary, stepping into the spotlight as a solo hero while Green Arrow is out of the picture. She gets tangled in a basic crime plot involving drugs and corruption, putting her skills to the test in both her civilian and costumed life. The miniseries tries to showcase her as a capable, independent force, but it ultimately stumbles in its execution.
What I did appreciate was how the series maintained the tone and grounded feel of Green Arrow’s adventures. It makes sense that Dinah would be taking on street-level threats in his absence. The setup also highlights her ability to hold her own, which is an important aspect of her character. You get a sense that she’s not just a sidekick or love interest, but a hero in her own right.
Unfortunately, that’s where the positives stop for me. The story feels generic, with a lackluster “drug crime” plot that doesn’t bring anything new to the table. The dialogue is stiff, and there’s very little meaningful character development. Dinah deserves a story that explores her complexity and builds on her unique strengths and struggles, but this just doesn’t deliver. Her voice feels underdeveloped, and the supporting characters don’t leave much of an impression either.
Overall, this was a disappointing 1 star read. While it had the potential to give Black Canary a compelling solo adventure, it misses the mark and there are much better Canary stories. I made it through all four issues, but I wouldn’t recommend it unless you’re a die-hard fan of the Dinah looking to complete your collection.
Feature Image Black Canary #1 cover art by Dick Giordano
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