For other meanings of the term, see Birds of Prey (disambiguation).

Birds of Prey
Promotional cover to TPB Birds of Prey: Blood and Circuits. Cover art by Stephane Roux.
Publisher DC Comics First appearance Showcase 96 #3 Mar 1996 ongoing: Jan 1999 Created by Chuck Dixon Gary Frank Base(s) of operations Clocktower; Aerie One
Roster Core members Big Barda Huntress Lady Blackhawk Misfit Oracle Rotating members Black Canary Catwoman Gypsy Hawkgirl Judomaster Lady Shiva Manhunter Power Girl Vixen

Birds of Prey is a comic book published by DC Comics that features the adventures of a group of superheroines who initially are based in Gotham City and later in Metropolis. The series was conceived by Jordan Gorfinkel, originally written by Chuck Dixon, and is presently scripted by Gail Simone, whose first issue was #56. (Sean McKeever will replace Simone as writer of the series after issue #111.^[1][2]) Artists have included Butch Guice,Greg Land,Ed Benes and Joe Bennett; Nicola Scott began a stint as artist with issue #100.

Despite the title of the series being Birds of Prey, the phrase is not mentioned in the book until issue #86, when one of the group's members, Zinda Blake, suggests that it might be a fitting name for the team. However, the other characters get sidetracked and do not respond to her suggestion. Oracle, the team's leader, refers to the group by that name in a conversation with the new Blue Beetle, Jaime Reyes,^[3] and later within the series.^[4]

The team's greatest strength comes from Barbara's connections to other heroes across the DC Universe from her tenure as Batgirl, ranging from Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman to specialized rosters adapted to best suit her present mission. After Black Canary's departure, Huntress remains as the staple member and field leader, alongside new "core members" in Barda and Misfit.^[5] Despite the all-female central roster, male allies of Barbara such as Nightwing, Wildcat, Savant and Creote frequently assist missions.

Publication History

Chuck Dixon era

The title series began with Chuck Dixon's one shot Black Canary/Oracle: Bird's of Prey (1996).

Gail Simone era

Of Like Minds

In Gail Simone's first arc of Birds of Prey entitled Of Like Minds, Oracle sends Black Canary on a mission to catch Andrew Fisher, a man on the verge of committing embezzlement, before he is able to leave the country. Although Fisher claims he is being blackmailed, neither Black Canary nor Oracle can gage whether or not he is telling the truth. The only information Oracle has regarding the proposed fraud is in a letter she retrieved from his computer, written to be delivered in the event he actually does liquidate his company. Since no crime has been committed as of yet, Oracle orders Canary to send him on his way with the warning "Big Sister is watching."^[6]

When Black Canary returns to the Clock Tower, Oracle's base of operations, she questions Barbara on the very nature of their work asking "Do you ever wonder if their right to privacy outweighs our right to know?"^[7] While Oracle admits being a hacker does leave her uneasy at times, she can live with it as long as she is doing it for the greater good.

Later, Oracle is automatically alerted when Fisher begins using his computer again, this time writing a suicide note. Panic stricken, Oracle pleads with Fisher via instant message while dispatching Black Canary to his location to prevent him from killing himself and the members of his family. When Black Canray arrives, she is ambushed by two men- Brian Durlin, known as Savant and his assistant Creote. Fisher's suicide note had been a clever ploy to ensnare Black Canary in order for Savant to blackmail Oracle. With Black Canary now critically injured and chained, Savant begins listing demands, the most significant of which- the true identity of Batman.^[8]

Desperate for assistance when all other agents and allies are unavailable, Oracle contacts The Huntress as a last resort. She agrees to help, mostly out of respect for Black Canary. Oracle succeeds in tracking Savant's location and Huntress arrives shortly after to free Black Canary. Oracle hacks into all of Savant's computer systems, then wipes it clean. Savant had been harboring evidence of hundreds of unsolved cases, blackmailing those involved. Oracle orders Black Canary and Huntress to retrieve Savant's back-up disks, since the evidence would be able to put away a significant amount of criminals. However, Black Canary objects, stating that illegally obtained evidence used to incriminate anyone is wrong regardless of guilt.^[9] Although Oracle agrees the disks should be destroyed, she betrays Black Canary's trust and assimilates Savant's entire database into her own.

Sensei & Student

The Huntress later meets Oracle in person for the first time while rescuing her from a potentially life threatening situation during the Sensei & Student storyline.^[10] The US government had become aware of the existence of Oracle and formatted a list of suspects to interrogate, one of whom was Barbara. Without any form of due process, two federal agents imply they believe she is the Oracle and that if any evidence is brought to light she will be tried for treason against the United States of America.^[11] Once again, Oracle relies on the Huntress when no other allies are available.

Hero Hunters

While Oracle and Huntress share a long history of animosity with one another, Black Canary eventually inspires Oracle to employ her as a full-time agent. The budding friendship between is cut short during the Hero Hunters arc. In the final issue of the storyline, the Huntress realizes Oracle has been manipulating her psychological in order to make her "behave" properly, in the same way a teacher attempts to reform a troubled child.^[12] Despite Oracle’s remorse for her actions, Huntress temporarily departs from the group. She later rejoins the team, once again as s full-time agent along with newcomer Lady Blackhawk. Although the personnel on Oracle's team grows and changes, Huntress and Lady Blackhawk remain core agents.

Membership

Main characters

• Oracle (Barbara Gordon) — formerly known as Batgirl, who was paralyzed below the hips following an attack by the Joker. She is the founder and brains of the team, possessing a massive information network and expert hacking skills. Oracle's identity and appearance are protected by the highest level of secrecy.
• Black Canary (Dinah Lance) — a tough, but good-natured and idealistic streetfighter. Barbara and Dinah are best friends (Barbara having helped Dinah through low periods in Dinah's life) and form the nucleus of the team. In addition to her meta-power, an ultrasonic attack known as the "Canary Cry", she is also a highly skilled martial artist. She officially departed the team in issue #99.
• Huntress (Helena Bertinelli) — avenger-turned-vigilante. Prone to use of excessive force, this former mafia princess was devastated at a young age when her family was killed in a mob hit. Trained by her assassin cousin in the art of violence, she declared war on the mob in the name of justice.
• Lady Blackhawk (Zinda Blake) — time-displaced 1940s character, Zinda serves as the team's aviatrix and pilot of the Aerie One. She is an expert marksman, well trained with handling various types of firearms.
• Big Barda (Barda Free) - a New God from the planet Apokolips and former member of the Female Furies and later member of the Justice League. Her husband is Justice League International member Mister Miracle (Scott Free).
• Misfit (Charlotte Gage-Radcliffe) — teenage orphan with teleportation powers, her persistent appearances are initially is a nuisance to Oracle, although her attitude gradually softens towards her. After Barbara discovers her homelessness and personal tragedy, she formally invites her to become a member of the Birds.

Recurring characters

• Batgirl (Cassandra Cain) — The daughter of assassin David Cain and Lady Shiva, she is her mother's equal as a martial artist. Cassandra has apparently abandoned the role of Batgirl and returned to her life as a wanderer and/or assassin.
• Blue Beetle (Ted Kord) — A former Justice Leaguer with a crush on Barbara. Kord is murdered in Countdown to Infinite Crisis, and the main characters visit his grave in Valhalla Cemetery in Birds of Prey #96.
• Catwoman (Selina Kyle) — A feline-styled anti-heroine, Selina has co-operated with the team on several operations. With Kyle having retired as of One Year Later, it is unknown if the new Catwoman (Holly Robinson) will join in Kyle's place.
• Creote — A former KGB agent, Creote is a devoted servant and only friend to Savant; he is also secretly in love with his master.
• Gypsy (Cindy Reynolds) — Gypsy debuts at the end of Birds of Prey #92. She is a metahuman and her powers include creating illusions, camouflaging herself, and others near her, to blend into any background.
• Hawkgirl (Kendra Saunders) - Oracle first solicits her assistance in issue #104 in dealing with the Secret Six, for which Oracle rewards her with a car. Throughout the Russian arc, Hawkgirl serves as a team member and develops a rivalry with Secret Six member Scandal.
• Jade Canary (Sandra Wu-San) — The assassin more commonly known as Lady Shiva took Dinah's spot on the Birds of Prey team as of One Year Later, calling herself the Jade Canary. After the conditions behind the switch she arranged with the Black Canary had been met, she departed from the team. In a final act, she acquired a new apprentice to train, in the form of Bethany Thorne, Crime Doctor's daughter.
• Josh — A rental car agent who bargained with Huntress — information in exchange for a date. After reluctantly agreeing and (surprisingly) sleeping with him, Huntress has used Josh as an agent in some of her easier tasks against the mob.
• Judomaster - In issue #100, a new female Judomaster joins the Birds of Prey after being invited by Oracle.
• Katana - Katana assists in rescuing Oracle from Senator Pullman. Oracle gave her a card and the promise of a favor if ever required.
• Manhunter (Kate Spencer) - In issue #100, Manhunter joins the Birds of Prey after being invited by Oracle.
• Nightwing (Dick Grayson) — Dashing crimefighter and the original Robin, Dick enjoyed a mutual teenage crush on Barbara that once blossomed into a steamy romance, but has crumbled despite continued strong feelings on both sides. Recently, Barbara and Dick reconciled. As they did, Dick dropped to one knee and proposed; a tearful Barbara said "yes." As of One Year Later, the engagement has been mutually put on hold.
• Power Girl (Karen Starr aka Kara Zor-L) — Power Girl was Oracle's first operative, before she took in Black Canary. This first partnership was doomed since Power Girl was unable to save a shipload of people. She has worked occasionally with Oracle in subsequent episodes but the two have a very poor relationship; she was invited to return to the team in Issue #100 but stated she would do so "when Hell freezes over", despite begrudgingly appearing before and since to assist Oracle. The animosity between them parallels the traditional Batgirl/Supergirl friendship.
• Savant (Brian Durlin) — Spoiled heir to an enormous fortune, Savant moved to Gotham to become a self-styled vigilante. After kidnapping and brutally torturing Black Canary, he was defeated by the Birds. Oracle made the questionable decision to rehabilitate him, mainly in order to keep his data files on hundreds of real villains. Like his namesake, he is a genius; however, due to a chemical imbalance he exhibits a non-linear memory. Savant has also exhibited feelings for Oracle, probably rooted in his envy of her computer skills.
• The Secret Six — Following their initial appearance, members of the Secret Six have appeared repeatedly in Birds of Prey. The team composed of Catman, Deadshot, Ragdoll, Scandal Savage, Knockout and Harley Quinn act as foils to the Birds on one shared mission. Catman and Huntress are potential romantic interests, Scandal finds an enemy in Hawkgirl and Barda and Knockout have a longstanding rivalry.
• Spy Smasher (Katarina Armstrong) — An old college rival of Oracle's, Spy Smasher boasts a significant number of government and intelligence connections which she uses to manipulate Barbara. Trying to usurp Oracle's team, the two come to confrontation over the status of the Birds of Prey. She is also an expert marksman.
• Vixen (Mari Jiwi McCabe) — An international supermodel and former Justice League and Suicide Squad member, Mari was born in Africa. She inherited her family's "Tantu" totem, a necklace granting the wearer the ability to channel the skills/abilities of any animal. Vixen has been a field agent for Oracle, accompanying Huntress to the Pacific Northwest to stop a meta-human worshipping cult.
• Wildcat (Ted Grant) — Former professional boxer and current member of the Justice Society, Ted serves as a mentor to Dinah and has helped her on several missions.

Running gags

Birds of Prey features several running gags involving team members:

• Black Canary has little proficiency – and even less interest – in computers.
• Lady Blackhawk has a strong like for (but not addiction to) alcoholic beverages; in Birds of Prey #100 she claims she can order beer in 30 languages.

Comic Book Appearances

• Showcase 96 #3 (Mar 1996)
• Black Canary/Oracle: Birds of Prey #1 (1996)
• Birds of Prey: Manhunt #1-4 (Sep-Dec 1996)
• Birds of Prey: Revolution #1 (1997)
• Birds of Prey: Wolves #1 (Oct 1997)
• Birds of Prey: Batgirl #1 (Feb 1998)
• Birds of Prey: The Ravens #1 (Jun 1998)
• Birds of Prey (monthly series, Jan 1999 - ongoing)
• Birds of Prey: Secret Files and Origins 2003 (Aug 2003)

Other media

TV series

Main article: Birds of Prey (TV series)

The comic was also loosely adapted to a television series, Birds of Prey. Set in an alternate future of the DC Universe, the show starred Dina Meyer as Oracle and Ashley Scott as Huntress, established partners in New Gotham. Meyer's Oracle was the paralyzed former Batgirl; Scott's Huntress was the daughter of Batman and a metahuman Catwoman, and as such exhibited feline powers.

Joined in the pilot episode by a young psychic runaway named Dinah (played by Rachel Skarsten), the team spent 13 episodes stopping various meta-human threats such as Huntress' old high school friend Shiva and a thinly-veiled Nightwing knockoff, the dangerous "Darkstrike" (previously known as "Nightstrike" until the similarity to Nightwing prompted the change). Other main cast members included Shemar Moore as Huntress' love interest Detective Jake Reese, and Mia Sara as the villainous Dr. Harleen Quinzel (Harley Quinn). Lori Loughlin was a notable guest star, playing Dinah's meta-human mother: the Black Canary.

The theme song was "Revolution" by Aimee Allen, and the show was developed by Laeta Kalogridis.

Justice League Unlimited

Gail Simone scripted the Justice League Unlimited episode "Double Date." She originally intended the episode to feature a temporarily house-bound Batgirl contacting Huntress and Black Canary to complete a case for her, but a character rights issue necessitated removing Barbara from the story and taking it in a different direction (showcasing the Huntress/Question team).[1]

Collections

• Birds of Prey (2002) - collects Black Canary/Oracle: Birds of Prey, Birds of Prey: Manhunt, Birds of Prey: Revolution and a story from Showcase '96 #3.
• Birds of Prey: Old Friends, New Enemies (2003) - collects Birds of Prey: Wolves, Bird of Prey: Batgirl and Birds of Prey #1 - 5.
• Batman: Officer Down - includes #27.
• Batman: Bruce Wayne - Murderer? - includes material from #39 - 40.
• Batman: Bruce Wayne - Fugitive - includes #41 and 43.
• Birds of Prey: Of Like Minds (2004); (#56 - 61).
• Birds of Prey: Sensei & Student (2005); (#62 - 68).
• Birds of Prey: Between Dark & Dawn (2006); (#69 - 75).
• Birds of Prey: The Battle Within (2006); (#76 - 85).
• Birds of Prey: Perfect Pitch (2007); (#86 - 90 and #92 - 95).
• Birds of Prey: Blood and Circuits (2007); (#96 - 103).

External links

• Canary Noir (Birds of Prey fansite)
• Cosmic Teams entry
• THE SIMONE FILES I: BIRDS OF PREY
• GAIL SIMONE ON BIRDS OF PREY #104
• Birds of Prey origin at www.dccomics.com

References

1. ^ http://forum.newsarama.com/showthread.php?t=107819| "Gail Simone Talks Birds of Prey Exit"
2. ^ http://forum.newsarama.com/showthread.php?t=107893| "Sean McKeever Talks Birds of Prey"
3. ^ Blue Beetle #4
4. ^ Birds of Prey #101
5. ^ Tony Bedard. Birds of Prey
   1. 109 Question. Comic Book Resources. Retrieved on 2007-09-05. “Babs, Huntress,
   Barda, Zinda and Misfit are the currently ongoing core team, but my issues will also feature Black Canary and cameos by a variety of other characters who have been Birds or would make interesting Birds.”
6. ^ Simone, Gail (2003). Birds of Prey #56. DC Comics. 
7. ^ Simone, Gail (2003). Birds of Prey #56. DC Comics, pg. 11. 
8. ^ Simone, Gail (2003). Birds of Prey #58. DC Comics, pg. 11. 
9. ^ Simone, Gail (2003). Birds of Prey #59. DC Comics. 
10. ^ Simone, Gail (2004). Birds of Prey #65. DC Comics. 
11. ^ Simone, Gail (2004). Birds of Prey #64. DC Comics. 
12. ^ Simone, Gail (2006). Birds of Prey #80. DC Comics. 

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