Birds of Prey #12 Review

Birds of Prey #12
Written by Gail Simone
Cover and Art by Jesus Saiz

The Birds are back baby. Cheesy alliterations are necessary, because Birds of Prey is finally free of the Brightest Day label and free to spread its wings. Okay, no more. I promise.

Since BoP 2.0 has started, must have the arcs have been about developing the characters and team dynamic. Those of us who have already read Gail Simone's previous BoP run are familiar with the characters and are completely aware that they're BFF's (Seriously. There closer than Boostle.), so it's nice to see the whole team back in action.

The Story
The issue goes back and forth between Huntress trying to recruit the Question as they check out some dirty cops in the sewers (not dirty because of the sewers) and the rest of the team (Black Canary, Lady Blackhawk, and Hawk & Dove) as they sneak into a Gotham building due to Oracle's suspicions about the residents.

Writing
Without the constraints of reintroducing characters or following an event, Gail seems right back in her element. In the first few pages, Gail sets up the villain of the arc without even mentioning his full name, or really even saying what he's planning to do. The dialogue between Mr.Tripe and the twin women really sets the dark and mysterious tone that the setting carries for the rest of the issue. Along with the suspense, Simone nails the relationship between Huntress and the Question. They two characters have shared a great dynamic in the past and I'm glad to see that Simone's writing is keeping the flame going. Huntress and the Question are so close, they aren't even on a first name basis; they're on a first letter basis. Also, they hug.

Art
I wasn't familiar with Saiz's work before this issue, but he suits the series perfectly. The cover alone was enough to sell me. The heroes walking in suits, with their masks still on, away from an exploding building completely fits the tone with the issue. Saiz's art is even able to keep up with Simone's humor. The images of Lady Blackhawk kissing Mr.Tripe or Hawk struggling with his undercover persona perfectly compliment the humor in the writing. I'm a little disappointed on his take on the villain that is revealed at the end, but I'll wait until the next issue pass full judgement.

Verdict
If you haven't picked up any of BoP 2.0 already, this is the place to start. Gail Simone is on her A game and Jesus Saiz brings the art style that the series has been searching for. Birds of Prey #12 feels like the real start to the republication, and is sure to reignite the interest of past fans. Also, you'll most likely finish this issue thinking that the Birds of Prey are cooler than James Bond. Don't scoff, it's true.