DC Comics reviews 2/6/24 – Batman #142, Shazam #8

Birds of Prey #6

The culmination of the Sin/Magaera arc wasn’t as strong as the rest of the series has been, but it neatly concluded one storyline while setting the stage for the next one.

Maybe the biggest issue was Magaera never really came off like a true threat, just a tangle of wires and vague possessions. Writer Kelly Thompson crafted far more success with the team dynamic of the BOPs even reining Harley Quinn back in from being the obnoxious comedic teammate.

Yeah, the resolution to Magaera was weak — it wrapped a little too pat and easy. Fortunately, Thompson used the simple conclusion to spend more time on character development, the early strength of the title. Thompson also established what’s likely the main premise of the series explaining why at least one fan favorite won’t join the team.

Artwork from Leonardo Romero stayed consistent with mostly easy to follow panel layouts. Jordie Bellaire is one of the best colorists in comics, but the color combinations this issue felt somewhat chaotic lacking Bellaire’s usual clear color delineations from one hue to the next.

More surprising was the reveal that this team is not locked in place as characters will rotate in and out. Thompson had a good handle on the cast so it’s a little disappointing they won’t have time to get in to more crazy adventures.

Rating: 7 out of 10