Birds of Prey, Vol. 4: The Battle Within

With their Gotham headquarters destroyed, Black Canary, Oracle, Huntress, and Lady Blackhawk travel to Metropolis and beyond, searching for metahuman vigilantes who have gone too far in their search for justice.

Grade 8 Up–In the collected issues #76-85, the women of Gotham track down vigilantes. Oracle (formally Batgirl) has been confined to a wheelchair, so she sends Black Canary, Huntress, and Lady Blackhawk into the field. In the first story, they take down a witch with a split personality. Next, a particularly creepy spirit, Harvest, avenges the dead by killing their unpunished murderers. Finally, Black Canary heads to Singapore to stop a drug shipment. The characters' personal relationships are strained by Oracle's attempt at controlling the team. Of course, all have troubled pasts. The fact that the Birds are themselves vigilantes is pointed out but not explored. Despite some incredible scenes with Oracle floating in virtual reality, the artwork is disappointing. If it weren't for hair color and eyewear, the well-endowed ladies would be indistinguishable. It's the villains, not the heroes, who make this collection worth reading. It's a good sign for the series that Harvest appears to escape. Purchase only where fan demand calls for it.–Sadie Mattox, DeKalb County Public Library, Decatur, GA
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