Amongst all of DC’s badass heroines, Black Canary is definitely up there with the best of them. Appearing in next year’s ‘Birds of Prey’ film, I’m sure that her popularity will only skyrocket. However, in recent times, she’s often been relegated to Team series novels or as a recurring/guest character in some of the solo novels *cough* Green Arrow *cough*. The New 52, however, gave her, her own series!
‘Kicking and Screaming’ begins with Dinah Lance becoming the lead singer of a band that she has aptly named, “Black Canary”. She seems, however, to keep getting into fights and causing an extreme amount of damage. That’s the rock and roll life eh? She then discovers some next-level conspiracy where several mysterious organisations are after their guitarist Ditto. Added to the mix is a vengeful ex-lead singer and you have on your hands a showdown, not to be missed.
This was an interesting novel because it didn’t really seem at any point to be a superhero comic. In fact the entire time, I was getting ‘Scott Pilgrim’ kinda vibes, and I wasn’t particularly hating it. I felt that potentially there could’ve been more character development, but hey, just me.
The artwork style was very edgy, and although it wasn’t really my kinda thing, I have to admit it definitely suited the story and the series. Overall, this was one of the most different novels I’ve read recently!
Favourite Panel:
Ahaha, in the real world, dyeing your hair is majorly scary!
Favourite Character:
Black Canary. She’s a hero. She’s a musician. It’s all going for her!
Rating:
Story Arc: ★★★½
Character Development: ★★½
Artwork: ★★½
Enjoyability: ★★★
Re-readability: ★★½
Level: Beginner