Birds Of Prey - Discuss **ALL** Comic Releases Here!

[Jesse321]

Issue # 59

Just got this issue today and I have to tell you I REALLY like Gail's writing style :bow:... I won't give too much away as I know some of you don't get the books as quickly as I do, but I like the reparte' between Huntress and BC, between Oracle and Savant and I ESPECIALLY like the ending !!

PS .. and of course Ed's artwork ROCKS, next to Jim Lee he really draws the best women in the industry !!

[Sxygrrl Huntress]

Please read the Book Discussion Thread Suggestion (http://www.birdsofpreyonline.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=5045) here and follow Jesse's example of discussing all Birds Of Prey comics in this ONE thread. As each issue comes out, post it in THIS thread. Excellent suggestion Jesse. :)

[yank2324]

I just got my number 59 today and I have to agree with Jesse. Great book and I do love the interaction between Huntress and B.C. as well. The artwork is wonderful. I now can't wait until 60!

[Jesse321]

Issue # 59

I loved the fact that Oracle kept the downloaded files over BC's protests, I think that will make for some great conflicts later on in the series.

[Impulse]

I got mine yesterday and I agree. The artwork and the writing is fantastic. Huntress and Canary are cool, Oracle has a lot of secrets I bet on what she has on her hardrive. Savant wasn't the best villian however, my opinion. I think that they could've picked a more chilling villian. He's a blackmailer, how scary.

[Jesse321]

Impluse, yeah but who is to say who Savant had dirt on ?? And what happens if they find out that Oracle now has that dirt ??

Doens't it just reek of the final episode of BOP ??

[darkphoenix]

Ohhh it does. :D I loved the artwork on this issue, particularily the cover. I mean, Oracle looks cool in this one...some of the other artists in previous issues made her look geeky. But now cool very cool. Can't wait to find out what happens next.

[Impulse]

ahh! I just got my #60 and I read the last and it says that #61 is the last issue!!!

[Jesse321]

Its the last issue of this storyarch, not the final issue of the book.

[Impulse]

oh thank god! Whew . . . just about gave myself a heart attack.

[Jesse321]

BOP is seeing print at least through January if you check the DC website.

[darkphoenix]

Originally posted by Impulse
ahh! I just got my #60 and I read the last and it says that #61 is the last issue!!!

Okay thank you for that heart attack. :D *massive sigh of relief if heard for miles* I think my life just flashed before my eyes....

[Jesse321]

LOL .. guys trust me, BOP has seen a 32 % jump in circulation since Gail and Ed took over, its going to be around for a while.

[Kea]

BOP has seen a 32 % jump in circulation -Jesse
Wow. Ok that's it I'm buying a subscription.

[Frostbite]

http://www.comicscontinuum.com/stories/0311/12/bop3.jpg

It looks like the comic is getting more integrated with the show; the Clocktower looks a whole lot like the show's Clocktower (a skyscraper-shaped structure) as opposed to the original comics design (a building wider than it is tall), and Barbara and Dinah are conversing in front of the clockface; such conversations happened regularly on the show.

[Jesse321]

Gail always wanted to integrate the comic with a bit of the show, which is why she brought Huntress into the series.

[roguephoenix]

Hey, just got #61. Don't want to give anything away, but I have to admitt, I love what Gail Simone is doing with this comic. It is awesome. This is definitely the best writing team that the Birds have had, at least that I have seen.

I do agree that Gail does a great job integrating the comic with pieces of the show. Every month I go through and point out things and say, "this is from the show." And since the new writing team has taken over and has incorporated parts of the show, the comic has soared in sells. What does that tell you?

I also like how this team portrays the characters. They are drawn so much better now. Oracle actually looks like what Oracle should look like. Does that make any sense? Probably not, but after comparing how the Batgirl team drew Oracle in their new issue to the Birds Oracle, its totally drawn better and a better representation of the character.

I hope this writing team stays around for awhile. They have definitely improved the comic.

By the way, anyone see where they're releasing "Of LIke Minds" #56-61 in a graphic novel set in Feb?

[Jesse321]

I hope that this series finally brings peace between Huntress and the rest of the Bat clan.

I love the little inside jokes that Gail incorporates in each issue, "just so we're clear, I'm expecting a massive tip." I was also impressed with Canary's use of Oracle's sticks with very little training ... you go girl !!

Your right RP .. Ed Benes draws some of the best ladies in comics today, he makes sleek and sexy without making them look like Dolly Parton on steriods! I guess in this issue the ponytail argument was also settled since Canary cut her hair, I hope that means that we're also going to see the changes Gail promised to the Huntress costume on the DC Boards soon too.

[Kea]

http://www.dccomics.com/comics/dc_display.html?cm_dc_itemCode=bopoflm&month=February
has it set for February 4th, 2004!
YES YES YES!!!!
Ok sorry about that. I was having a hard time getting my hands on #56.
roguephoenix you made my day. And Jesse you were right they do come out fast!
I still have to buy the secret files one though. Oh well I'll get that one online instead.

And #64 sounds good!

[jaguarin]

Well that means that the writters liked the point of view of BOP tv show, the show was goodd!!!!!

[Jesse321]

Jag .. I think what Gail, Ed and Lei are trying to do is to find a happy medium between both, that way they keep everyone happy. The old fans keep thier original Birds and fans of the show get a monthly Huntress fix.

Mind you Huntress (both versions) has ALWAYS been my ALL TIME favorite (along with the Legion of course) so I'm really happy she is finally in a monthly title. Now if we can just get Gail to convince TPTB at DC to give Huntress her own title again !!

[Red Mask]

I thought the staff was going to return Huntress to her previous costume. Why does the latest cover have her donned in the teen threads?

[Jesse321]

RM, they never said they were going to return her to her previous costume, they said they were going to tweek the one she has now, so I'm thinking they will probably create a third version combining the two. If you read the book they keep dropping hints, so I'm thinking that its going to happen soon (probably within the next few issues)

[Red Mask]

I hope there's an improvement, because she looks like she's eighteen or so. Like, give her a full pair of pants bozos! Ya know what I mean?

[Jesse321]

Forget the Daisy Dukes, that open stomach is just a target for any sniper.

[Red Mask]

Yeah, considering the history of Gotham's protectors that's an obvious target. Batman usually has kevlar beneath his bat symbol.

[Jesse321]

Actually his whole suit is made of kevlar (in the books) I never knew it for years, but the reason that the bat symbol was yellow was because it was super re-enforced there, so that a sniper would naturally be drawn to it rather than shoot has the lower half of his face which was exposed.

[Red Mask]

It was more of an easy target when it was the yellow and black symbol. In the darkness it was the easiest thing to see and aim at. But you know Batman. Always thinking ahead. I wish that the designers could have been just as practical with the Huntress's new costume.

[Jesse321]

Well the Huntress's new costume is an homage to the original pre-crisis concept ... of sorts.

[Jesse321]

THE OLD COSTUME IS BACK (I think) .... in this months issue of previews, they show the cover for BOP # 64 to be released in FEB.

Huntress is shown coming into what appears to be the Clock Tower, in her old costume, the DC site however shows her in her recent Jim Lee version.

[Red Mask]

Hoooorrraaaay! :D Dump those teen threads!

[Red Mask]

Hey! I saw a recent picture of Black Canary and she's wearing those fishnets again.

[Jesse321]

She's been wearing them for a while now Red.

[Red Mask]

Then they might as well give her back the jacket, because she looks incomplete around the upper body area.

[Jesse321]

Frankly, I would prefer the full length kevlar outfit myself. But she has been wearing a Matrix like trenchcoat off an on with it now.

[Red Mask]

Originally posted by Jesse321
Frankly, I would prefer the full length kevlar outfit myself. But she has been wearing a Matrix like trenchcoat off an on with it now.

She looks almost like Sarah Bryant from the video game "Virtua Fighter". Except Canary's got fishnet stockings instead of a full, skintight pants.

[Jesse321]

BC did have a full length costume for a while there Red.

http://www.canarynoir.com/includes/galleries.php?gallery=bcbop&sort=7

[Meta Master]

You guys are making me crazy to read these comics!! I am going to the comic store to get'EM after Christmas...Someone please PM me and fill me in (start at 56) but please dont give me any cliff hangers!!!

[Jesse321]

Meta ... they are coming out with collected edition called "graphic novels" of whole storyarchs.

By the way .. thats what were her for ... where here to convert all off you into comic geeks like the rest of us !!

[Meta Master]

I AM a comic freak...I just havent read that much BoP since the show ended.

[Jesse321]

Well NOW is most definately the time to jump into the BOP book, Gail and Ed have made it a MUST read for every DC fan.

[snikerx]

I would love to start reading them, but It's "way" into it now to get into it! Plus I never have time to get to a store and buy them! :(

[Jesse321]

You can order the graphic novel right off Amazon.com and there are TONS of comics stores online that you can order them from.

You don't have to read the book from the start, the new team took over in issue # 56 and the book is only up to issue # 61 (62 comes out next week), so your not talking about many books.

[snikerx]

Originally posted by Jesse321
You can order the graphic novel right off Amazon.com and there are TONS of comics stores online that you can order them from.

You don't have to read the book from the start, the new team took over in issue # 56 and the book is only up to issue # 61 (62 comes out next week), so your not talking about many books.
thanx for the info.............I might look into it!:)

[snikerx]

I'll just wait for the next grapic novel to come out in a couple months..........Birds of Prey-Of like minds

[Jesse321]

That graphic novel only covers the first storyarch of the new team.

[Meta Master]

I JUST READ 61!!!!!!!!!! It was awesome. I can't wait to read 62! GO HUNTRESS!!! Wish they would make her meta though.

[Red Mask]

Never! I'll never accept a metahuman Huntress! Never!

[Jesse321]

I second that NEVER !!!!

[Meta Master]

But why? Since Catwoman is not meta in comics then it would be lik they were not related...eeryones happy. Plus she could be better with Canary when they are BOTH meta
,.

[Jesse321]

Okay, here we go again ... Catwoman and Huntress are NOT related in the comicbooks .. the original version of Huntress which was used for the show was killed off in Crisis on Infinate Earths in the 1980's, she doesn't exist in current book continuity and hasn't for some 20 years ... even then the original version wasn't meta either.

The current version was the daughter or a crime family who had her entire family killed in front of her eyes by the mob. That is VERY MUCH an over simplification of her origin story ... if you want to read a more detailed version, pick up the "Batman/Huntress - Cry for Blood" graphic novel, it pretty much tells the whole story there.

************

As to why, the Batman "family" of charactors have never been and should never be meta, it's because they prove that you don't need super powers to be a hero. While you might be happy if Huntress was meta, I (and probably alot of others) will most definately not be, because the fact that they aren't is what makes them special, they use thier brains and training to defeat their opponents rather than metapowers.

[Meta Master]

I have read Cry for Blood...i guess that huntress is probably better non meta...except Canary is meta.

[Jesse321]

Canary by her own admission in the recent BOP Secret File isn't a part of the Batclan, she just works for/with Oracle.

[roguephoenix]

Hey, picked up issue 62. Sucks that it came out on Christmas Eve because I couldn't get to the comic shop with family gatherings and all. Thought it was going to be sold out by the time I got there. I don't know why they released it on Christmas Eve.

Anyway, luckily the comic book guy at the shop saved it for me because he was afraid it would sell out before I got there. He's totally nice, plus he gives me a discount!!! Don't know why, though :shrug:. Probably because I'm like the only girl who's ever in the shop.

Anyway, I really like what Gail is doing with the Birds. Her story lines just keeps getting more interesting. Don't want to give too much away for those who haven't read it yet. Lady Shiva was pretty cool in this one and poor Babs, could her life get any worse?

[Red Mask]

The comics are late over here because of the Christmas holiday. But I prefer a non-meta group acting as Gotham's main protectors. Although Alan Scott and Dinah Lance are from Gotham City, they aren't part of the Bat-Family.

[Jesse321]

I litterally STORMED to my comics shop Christmas eve to get my books and made it with only 2 minutes to spare !!

Gail is GREAT, its very different to have a woman writing for female charactors ... makes a BIG difference.

Issue # 62 was KICK BUTT !! I LOVE Shiva ... Love the way Gail writes her and the way Ed draws her ... she is a VERY underused charactor in my book .. DC should seriously conisder giving her a mini series test to see if a regular on going series is a viable option .. heck if Marvel could do it with Elektra and Mystique .. why not Shiva ??

[the panther]

#62 was great! I really like how the cover was designed.


POSSIBLE SPOILERS! Don't read if you don't want to know!







It was interesting to see how Dinah and Shiva interacted with each other. And it'll be even more interesting when Cheshire comes into the picture.

Also, poor Babs. It was only 7:30 AM and she had screwed up twice. :eek: Then there's something wrong with her computer system. How much worse can it get?

[Jesse321]

It's about to get MUCH MUCH worse !! Just wait til you find out whats going on with Bab's computer system, and more importantly who's "allegedly" behind it. :D

[roguephoenix]

Yeah, I'm still not sure who is "allegedly" behind screwing with Babs' computers. You would think it would be Savant, but I don't think he would try anything after Oracle freaking him out in the last comic in that store. My bet's on that senator guy. I think he's pretty suspicious. Guess I'll have to wait till next month to find out.

[the panther]

It's about to get MUCH MUCH worse !! Just wait til you find out whats going on with Bab's computer system, and more importantly who's "allegedly" behind it.


I have a suspicion. But I'm not gonna tell :p 'cause I'm probably wrong. :rolleyes: I'll just wait to see.

Something I forgot to mention in my previous post is that in my next fic the Delphi is hacked into. Way too coincidental. And I started writing the fic a couple weeks ago. I had no idea that it was going on in the new storyline of BOP! This kinda sucks. Actually, I'm kinda mad.

[Jesse321]

Panther ... when you work with computers in storys, I would think that hacking is likely to be a very common theme, so don't worry about it too much.

*********

I won't tell you guys who I 've heard it IS, but I will tell you its not Savant ... we won't hear from him again for a while yet.

[the panther]

It just kinda burst my bubble when I read #62. Oh well. *thinks* Wouldn't it be funny if I used the same character as they're using? It'd be like Gail and I are on the same brainwave or something! LOL.

Ah, so it's NOT Savant. At least that narrows it down a bit. ;) I'm really curious to see who it is.

[Jesse321]

What charactor are you using ?

[the panther]

I haven't decided yet. Have you any suggestions?

[Jesse321]

I would just create a new one, create a hacker that has heard of the "legend" of Oracle and desides to find her and take her on for no other reason than to prove he is better than she is.

[Meta Master]

Creating??? what are we talking about here?

[Jesse321]

Read the posts, Panther is writing a fan fic and is asking for ideas.

[the panther]

Hey, that's a good idea, Jesse! I'd thought of creating a new character, and now I've got his/her motive. Thanks a bunch! :)

Now to come up with the name and history... but I'll leave that up to me. ;)

[Meta Master]

Ok..is this story based on comics??
And also...dick and babs broke up :(

[Jesse321]

Fanfics can be based on either, though I'm sure that the people who post here would be more likely to recognize the charactors as they were used on the show rather than the comics.

And yes in the latest BOP books Babs and Dick broke up, though its more accurate to say that Babs dumped Dick.

************

Panther ... the trick to these things is to keep them simple ... HACKER has never been used to my knowledge ... or you could use something like WEB WEAVER or TECH.

[the panther]

The story is based on the show, but we started talking about it in here because I brought up that in my story the computer's being hacked into, while it's also happening in the comics.

Hmm... Web Weaver... I like that. :)

[Jesse321]

LOL, just remember to give me a favorable mention ... or better yet, make the villain's real name Jesse :laugh:

[the panther]

Hey, no problem! ;)

[the panther]

Just picked up #63 a couple days ago and enjoyed it immensely.

I love Dinah and Shiva's teamwork--the cover art kinda throws you off, in all honesty. And Babs is just cruisin' for a bruisin', man! Poor girl.

You were right, Jesse! I was totally not expecting the "alleged" person behind Operation Computer Screw-Up! That Senator. Wow. What, exactly, is his vendetta against the Birds?

And now just a few days till #64, huh?

[Jesse321]

It's not really a vendetta agasint the "birds" per say, it's just Oracle herself. See Savant had been blackmailing the senator (amoung ALOT of other people) for sometime Oracle has copies of Savants files unbeknownst to Canary or Huntress (who think they had the only hard copy and destroyed it, but Orcale managed to download all the files into her computers) these files have ALOT of damaging if not full out criminal information on them. But the Senator isn't the mastermind behind the invasions of Oracle's computers .. though I'm assuming he is involved somehow somewhere along the line.

[the panther]

*scratches head* I get it now! Thanks.

But the Senator is possibly behind the killing of Dinah and Shiva's sensei...? Or that's what Cheshire's saying anyway.

I only jumped into the series at #60, so I'm not quite up to date! ;)

[Jesse321]

Possibly :D

[Oracle/Batgirl]

I've got a question. What is so special about Birds of Prey #8 that makes it more expensive than the rest of them? Is it because Dick is in it?

[Jesse321]

I would have to check, but sometimes guest appearances by other popular charactors, costumes changes, or new writing and artistic teams can all raise the value of books.

For example, Giant Sized X-Men # 1 and issue # 94 of Uncanny X-Men are worth a bundle because it was the first appearance of the new team, X-Men # 101 because it was the first appearance of Phoenix, and X-Men # 107 or 108 (I forget which) was John Byrne's first book drawing the X-men .. also there is an issue of the Hulk which was the first appearance of Wolverine which is worth a bundle too.

I'll take a look at # 8 and see what makes it special.

[The Godfather]

I believe 8 is so special solely because it's the non action orientated Nightwing and Oracle's first kiss...

-Shawn

[Jesse321]

I have to agree with Shawn's assesment, I couldnt' find anything really special about issue 8 other Nightwing's appearance and the kiss .. I'll have to ask Tate next Wednesday.

*****************

SPOILERS !!!



In the recent issue the Senator kidnaps 10 women who he believes might be Oracle and Savant does make a repearance !!

Shiva defends BC against Chesire after BC saves her from an exploding boat .. AND Shiva asks BC to become her apprentice !!

Finally ... in the final page Huntress finds and BREAKS into the clocktower .... looks like Helena's detective skills are improving :D

[Oracle/Batgirl]

I got today the new Birds of Prey comic. There is something I don't get. Why is Savant and the Senator working together? Wasn't it Savant who was gathering information on the senator and going to blackmail him with it?

[Jesse321]

Yes, but Savant doesn't have that information anymore .. Oracle, Huntress and BC destroyed it .. or at least everyone thinks they did. If you've ever watched any old gangster flicks, you would know you don't just get rid of the evidence, you get rid of anyone that has seen the evidence.

I think if they find out which of these women is Oracle, then the senator will likely off Savant, but for right now Savant is the senators best shot at finding Oracle and he knows it.

[the panther]

FINALLY got my copy today.

I can't wait to see what Helena does in the Clocktower in the next issue.

And Savant and the Senator working together had me confused too until I peeked into this thread.

And I'm worried about Barbara... Did she actually say she'd tell them?! Probably a ruse, though. :shrug:

[Jesse321]

More than likely .. remember just a few pages before she was taking inventory of what she had to work with .. so I'm betting she has a plan of some sort.

[the panther]

:laugh: Yeah, I thought that was funny. Couldn't help but crack up.

And the conversation Savant and she (well, Savant) had was interesting.

[Jesse321]

Barbara was REALLY smart not to say anything to Savant, as I'm sure he would have been paying very close attention to her choice of words and even her inflections, in the hopes of figureing out which one of the ladies being held is the real Oracle.

[Oracle/Batgirl]

I think Dinah could have made a better choice than Catwoman to go with Lady Savant,Cheshire and herself to rescue Barbara. Cassie would have been a better choice. Catwoman is useless. She is just a burgular. At least Cassie was trained as an assassin. That would be more useful than a burgular.

[Jesse321]

First of all .. it's Lady Shiva not Lady Savant.

Second Cassie is Wonder Girl and she was never been trained as an assassin ... she was trained by Artemis as an Amazon warrior.

Third .. Catwoman is more than just a burglar she happens to be an expert hand to hand combatant and is an expert in most every kind of alarm and espionage machinery known to man .. if your going into an unknown situation .. she would be one person you would want by your side should you want to get in undectected.

[the panther]

Whoa. Wait. When did Dinah choose Catwoman, Shiva, and Cheshire to help her rescue Babs? *scratches head*

Jesse, when she said Cassie, she might've meant Cassandra Cain. :shrug:

And I agree with you on Catwoman, Jesse. She's MUCH more than a cat-burglar. *nods head*

[Jesse321]

She didn't, Chesire, Lady Shiva and BC are hunting down the people who ordered the hit on thier former Sensei, who coincidentally just happens to be the same guy that is holding Barbara right now, but none of the ladies know that he is holding Babs ... yet ... it's Huntress that is allegedly going to be the one that saves Babs.

Panther / BO ... sorry, that may be the case .. my bad .. I've just don't see her being called "Cassie" that much, more often than not it's Cassandra .. when ever someone says "Cassie" my thoughts always go to WG. I wonder if they do that on purpose to make the distinction with the two charactors?

[the panther]

Okay, that's what I thought, Jesse. I read the teaser at DC's site and in the back of #64, so that threw me off.

As for WG and BG's names--probably. :D

[Oracle/Batgirl]

Sorry I meant Lady Shiva not Lady Savant. Catwoman might be an expert at hand to hand,but I still wouldn't have recruited her. Yes When I said Cassie I meant Cassandra Cain. I don't read anything but Birds of Prey so I didn't know there was another Cassie. I still think Cassandra Cain would be better than Catwoman for this mission.

[the panther]

Jesse, I figured out where Catwoman comes in. She comes in in part 6 of Sensei & Student.

As for either Cassandra or Selina, I would pick Selina. She's more experienced. And she's in the loop after all (Bruce revealed his identity to her in BATMAN: Hush).

Official teaser for #65 from DC's site:
Written by Gail Simone; art by Ed Benes and Alex Lei; cover by Greg Land and Jay Leister

A reluctant Canary is forced to partner with the deadly assassin Cheshire to hunt a group of dangerous and powerful men with a terrible secret — leaving only the Huntress to free Oracle from her imprisonment!

Cover Art (http://batman.com/comics/images/March2004/pic_medbop65cvr.jpg)

Official teaser for #66 from DC's site:
Written by Gail Simone; art by Michael Golden and Mike Manley; cover by Alex Toth

A special issue featuring guest art by Michael Golden & Mike Manley, with a spectacular cover by the legendary Alex Toth! Canary discovers that a bizarre link to the past may have deadly consequences in the present, as she uncovers a time when the Golden Age Birds of Prey stalked a serial killer!

Cover Art (http://batman.com/comics/images/April2004/pic_medbop66cvr.jpg)

Official teaser for #67 from DC's site:
Written by Gail Simone; art by Ed Benes and Alex Lei; cover by Greg Land and Matt Ryan

The action-packed finale to the 6-part "Sensei and Student" story arc, guest-starring Catwoman, Shiva, and Cheshire! All the answers are revealed as Black Canary assembles a strike team of the world's deadliest women to rescue Oracle!

Cover Art (http://batman.com/comics/images/May2004/pic_medbop67cvr.jpg)

[the panther]

Check out the cover for #68: http://www.dccomics.com/comics/images/June2004/pic_lrgbop68cvr.jpg. What do you find interesting or odd about it? ;)

[The Godfather]

Helena's boobs?

I mean the obvious inspiration of the actors from the show in the drawings of the characters?

Or do you mean something else and I'm just sleep deprived?

-Shawn

[Jesse321]

Greg Land always uses live models for his drawings, and I happen to know he was a fan of the show, because I met him at a convension in Orlando last year while he was promoting Sojourn (his book with Crossgen), it's obvious that he used a few of the promotional shots from BOP for this cover ... very cool.

But he got the angless on the right side of the Huntress's mask wrong.

[Meta Master]

Oh that is nice! That Dinah is definitly Rachel!

[Sxygrrl Huntress]

Originally posted by Jesse321
Greg Land always uses live models for his drawings
Damn! Well if that drawing was created from live models, I wanna meet the girls! What a hot picture. You can almost drool over it, it's so good.

[Jesse321]

Actually I think that the Huntress looks so much like Ashley it's scary. I'm assuming that the guy is a new charactor that is coming to the book .. or it could be Blue Beetle, who's civilian name escapes me right now (though he looks a bit young)

By the way .. a bit of BOP trivia .. Greg Land was the original artist on the book when it started.

[the panther]

Yep - you guys got it. Helena looks a lot like Ashley. ;) And Dinah resembles Rachel.

Jesse, I'm not sure who the guy is.

[The Godfather]

Ted Kord... I believe is his civie name...

-Shawn

[Meta Master]

Originally posted by Jesse321
Actually I think that the Huntress looks so much like Ashley it's scary. I'm assuming that the guy is a new charactor that is coming to the book .. or it could be Blue Beetle, who's civilian name escapes me right now (though he looks a bit young)

By the way .. a bit of BOP trivia .. Greg Land was the original artist on the book when it started.
Hey maybe it is like Gibson!

[Jesse321]

Could be, here is the synopsis from DC Comics:

Birds of Prey # 68

During the landmark events of "Sensei and Student," the Birds were forced to put their personal lives on hold. Watch as they try to pick up the pieces, including a long-awaited date for the Huntress!

[Gail Simone]

Ah, you guys are great. What a fun thread.

I hate to say this, but I'm not above using the solicitation copy in a bit of a slippery way. I hate spoilers of any kind!

:)

Helena's costume is changing, and oddly, I hadn't seen anything of the bop tv series (except part of the pilot) since I started writing the book, so similarities are coincidental! My cable provider doesn't carry the WB!

Best wishes,

Gail

[Jesse321]

OH MY GOD !!!! THIS IS SO COOL !!!!!

LADIES AND GENTS PLEASE HELP ME WELCOME TO OUR HUMBLE LITTLE FORUM NON OTHER THAN GAIL SIMONE .. THE WRITER OF DC'S BIRDS OF PREY COMIC !!


:welcome: TO THE FORUM GAIL !!! :welcome:


If you want a set of the show, I would be MORE than happy to make you duplicates of mine ... just say the word. Also, we have some GREAT fanfic writers in the Gotham Library section of the forum.

[jaguarin]

OH Ms. GAIL, I SAW YOUR NAME AS A NEW MEMBER BUT I THOUGHT WAS A FAN OF YOU!!!

GREAT!! We love your job!!!

Welcome I hope you could some day, as Mr. Ian Abercrombie, post a thread about questions and answers, will be interesting know your point of view and that you know what like us...

[the panther]

Oh! :welcome: Ms. Simone! Welcome to our crazy little forum! :cheer:

As Jesse said, we have GREAT fanfic writers in the Library! You may want to check it out. ;)

[Derek Quinzel]

I'd be a little cautious, seeing as how there's not much proof yet. Remember A.M.S. anyone?

If it really is Ms. Simone, then Welcome to New Gotham.....

[SevenSlave]

^ That's what I was thinking.

Anyhoo ... :welcome:

[Jesse321]

I PMed Lisa last night and she said that the E-Mail looked legit, and there are a few of us (myself inluded) who post on the DC boards which Gail posts at that have made constant references to this website.

I'm not going to let what A.M.S. did stop me from welcoming Gail.

[SevenSlave]

Originally posted by Gail Simone
My cable provider doesn't carry the WB!


Right now, you're not missing much. :rolleyes:

Originally posted by the panther
Helena looks a lot like Ashley. ;)

Doesn't Helena B. have long hair? :hmm:

[Jesse321]

Yes she does, but we're referring to the face, there's no mistaking that it's supposed to be Ashley in Helena B's costume.

And IMO .. she looks TOTALLY hot !! :devil:


BY THE WAY: Recent issue # 65 AMAZING!! Gail has a true talent for writing these ladies!! And I also once made a comment that that Phil Jimenez draws the best Huntress around ... well lets just say that Ed is giving him some REALLY stiff competition!!

I'm really glad that Oracle and Hutnress have finally met face to face (well face to mask) and that Huntress now knows why Oracle dislikes her.

[the panther]

Just picked up #65 today. Wow. Realized as I was looking at the cover, Helena looks a lot like Ashley there too (and I know Greg Land did the cover for 65, as well as 68, before anyone comments on that).

I agree Jesse - Ms. Simone writes excellently for the Birds. So real. And I'm glad too that Helena found out why Babs dislikes her and that they met.

And I can't wait to see what happens with the others... namely Cheshire and Shiva.

[jaguarin]

SOME ONE COULD POST THAT COVER PLEASE?

[the panther]

Jag: #65 (http://batman.com/comics/images/March2004/pic_lrgbop65cvr.jpg) - #66 (http://batman.com/comics/images/April2004/pic_lrgbop66cvr.jpg) - #67 (http://batman.com/comics/images/May2004/pic_lrgbop67cvr.jpg) - #68 (http://batman.com/comics/images/June2004/pic_lrgbop68cvr.jpg)

PS - All covers are by Greg Land, except #66 that is by Alex Toth. :)

[MUZBNUTS]

Anyone notice that Canary sorta looks like Ashley as well?

[the panther]

Yes, I saw that too.

Another similarity I noticed was with these two pics of Oracle: #68 (http://batman.com/comics/images/June2004/pic_lrgbop68cvr.jpg) and Dina (http://www.birdsofpreyonline.com/gallery/dmeyer/BP01_DMCT09.jpg). Even the clothing is similar.

Catwoman on 67's cover looks like Ashley also. :laugh:

[jaguarin]

Right girls, here is...
Thansk so much panther

[Jesse321]

As I've said before .. Greg uses live models as the basis for his drawings (Alex Ross has based his whole carreer doign the same thing) .. weither or not he is useing those exact pictures is anyone's guess, but they sure look like they could be the original source.

[SevenSlave]

I read somewhere that the artist for Wonder Woman models HER on Courtney Cox.

[Jesse321]

If he does, I don't see the resemblance.

[jaguarin]

Okay here is the resume of covers pictures:

[Sxygrrl Huntress]

Okay, once again, I REALLY wanna meet the models he uses for his drawings! Those covers are incredible. If you guys find any more pics of Greg's, please post the links here cuz I'd love to see more.

[Jesse321]

SGH .. you should look at SOJOURN .. that's Greg's book with Crossgen .. he does both covers and inside art for that series and it's one of Crossgen's best ..the stories all happen to be GREAT !!

You can see all the covers here:

http://www.crossgen.com/members/common/coverart/popup.asp?i=33SJ&t=Sojourn

Make sure to take a gander at issue #'s 20, 27, 29 and 32 !!

[Sxygrrl Huntress]

Looks like he's been using the same model for Sjoourn as he is for Black Canary. That is excellent work! How sad is it that I'm almost drooling over drawings? His work is fantastic.

Edited to say: WOW!!! On #15, the bottom left photo looks just like the characters (twins) in one of my stories! I've been searching everywhere for a photo to match the vision in my head of them and here it is! Awesome!

[Jesse321]

Come to think of it, it does look like the same model.

LOL, your in good company, Greg has had folks drooling over his drawings for quite a while. I'm REALLY gald that is he back doing BOP covers, I'm hoping that will lead way into getting him back on the inside of the book as well eventually. Though right now I'm REALLY happy with the work that Ed Benes is doing .. he draws one MEAN Huntress !!

[Sxygrrl Huntress]

Hmm... and what impression do you get from cover 23, Jesse? ;)

[Jesse321]

LOL .... they're rivals over the same guy.

[Sxygrrl Huntress]

Yeah, but that's only in the comics... just wait til you read the behind the scenes stuff ;)

As for the BOP covers, are there any more that can be linked? They are incredible. As well, is that Lady Shiva w/o a costume in one of those covers?

[Jesse321]

If you look at cover # 67 ... Lady Shiva is in the lower left .. the lady in green just to her right is the assasin known as Chesire .. she is the worlds formost authority on poisons and toxins.

Those are all that have been made available so far.

[Meta Master]

i havent gotten 67....who ever has read it, does Canary join Shiva?

[darkphoenix]

Holy !#$@ those BOP covers are amazing. Heh. They really do look alot like Ashley Scott and Dina Meyer. Very cool. *sigh* I JUST got #64 the other day...must get the other ones now. :cool:

[the panther]

Originally posted by Meta Master
i havent gotten 67....who ever has read it, does Canary join Shiva?
#67 won't be released until May 19th. #65 is the newest. :)

[Jesse321]

Personally, I think that Canary should accept Shiva's offer .. it would make Canary second only to Shiva in the entire DC Universe.

Besides, as Canary pointed out .. how the hell do you say "No thank you to Shiva" when she is presenting her with the greatest gift she could ever offer.

[darkphoenix]

^ I couldn't believe it when Shiva made the offer. I agree with you Jesse, I hope she takes it. She would REALLY kick some ass then. :cool:

[Oracle/Batgirl]

I hope Dinah doesn't take Shiva's offer. She is good enough without Shiva's training. Jeese, Shiva isn't that great. Cassandra beat her twice in a fight.

[Jesse321]

O/B .. I don't know what books your reading but it's obviously not the same ones that I'm reading.

First off Cass never beat Shiva, Shiva fights to the death and she's still alive. In one stoyline they fought each other to mutual unconcisouness (I guess that's as close as anyone has ever gotten to beating her) ..but I'd like to point out that Shiva (temporarily) killed Cass and brought her back. Anthter thing, it's been established that Cass's brain functions and reflexs border on being meta, as a matter of fact there has been many an argument to that effect.

The only person who has ever even come close to beating Shiva (one on one) was Conner Hawke, and the only reason that he is still alive is because Robin bargined Shiva for his life.

Also, I would point out that when Cass lost her abilities it was Shiva that re-taught them to her .. something no one else in the entire DC Universe could have done .. including Bats himself.

Shiva is the best in the DC Universe .. including Cass .. and Dinah couldn't even beat Cass in her best day, so she is NOWHERE near Shiva. Dinah may be one of the best martial artists in the DC Universe .. but Shiva could still hand her her head on a platter.

[Meta Master]

Shiva is so great!@!! Oracle/Batgirl she is one of the toughest people in the entire world of comics..and she is all human! I mean Canary would never have to worry if she joined Shiva, Shiva could kick the butt of someone right behind Canary without her even knowing! I mean come on now, Shiva is not that great, BlAH!

[Jesse321]

Canary isn't going to "join" Shiva .. Shiva offered to teach Canary as her apprentice.

Canary told Shiva that she feels she wouldn't make a good assasin .. to which Shiva answered that it was Canary's conscience that would get in the way and that "she felt certain that she could beat it out of her." In the end Shiva told Canary that she could do what she wanted with her teachings, and as Canary pointed out .. she could do ALOT of good with Shiva's lifetime of accumulated knowledge.

[Oracle/Batgirl]

Jesse,I didn't read that in any book. Someone told me that and I found what the person was talking about. She got it from the DC website under Lady Shiva. Here is what it said.

In the history of martial arts, one name stands above all the rest: Shiva.

Lady Shiva Wu-San has devoted her entire life to the quest for perfection in the martial arts, traveling to every corner of the globe in pursuit of a new technique, a better opponent, another form.

This single-minded passion has led her to become the premier martial artist in the world. Not even Batman has successfully defeated her in solo hand-to-hand combat. In fact, there's only person to have ever beaten Shiva - Batgirl.

At their first meeting, Shiva could see that, at last, she had found someone to potentially rival herself. But she sensed something was keeping Batgirl from achieving her full potential. Shiva therefore agreed to help unlock that potential, for a price: Batgirl must then meet her in a battle to the death one year later.

Batgirl agreed to the fight and arrived at the proper time, not expecting to survive the encounter. Instead, she realized that Shiva also had a subliminal deathwish; it was this insight, along with her unsurpassed skill and physical prowess, which allowed Batgirl to triumph.

[Jesse321]

Well, in thier first meeting Batgirl didn't even come close to beating Shiva because she couldn't.

In the second meeting, Batgirl didn't "triumph":

In round one, Shiva stopped the bloodflow to Batgirl's brain with some sort of hit to a pressure point. Technically Batgirl did die, though Shiva brought her back. In round two they beat each other into unconcisouness. I'd hardly call that a "triumph" .. a stalemate maybe.

PS .. meaning no offense, but if you haven't even read the books, then how can you make the statement that "Shiva isn't all that great." What's your point of refernence ,, the dismal protrayal of her on the show ??

[Meta Master]

Jesse summed it all up..man you always know what to say dont ya jess?!

But yes Shiva is all that great and i would also like to know what your refference is. Even if you have only read one comic with Shiva in it then that wouldnt be enough because everything has its stinkers..but then again i cant really think of any for Shiva..

[the panther]

MM, her reference is this (http://batman.com/secret_files/dc_character.html?sc_dc_itemCode=ladyshiva).

[Meta Master]

that is a five paragraph bio....

In order to actually judge a character you should see them in action.

[Jesse321]

I have to agree with Meta here Panther.

Basically, what your saying is ... with this TV Guide length explanation, I know enough to make a viable opinion on a charactor or storyarch ... No you don't.

But my initial statement to B/O still stands ... if you've never read any of the Shiva storys .. you have no point of reference to make that kind of a blanket statement.

**************

And by the way, I've never read this synopsis, my knowledge of Shiva comes from the books themselves. But I just fired off an email to DC Comics, because whoever wrote that synopsis obviously never read the storyline he or she was refering to.

[Red Mask]

I've read the latest BOP and I'm impressed with the artwork and storytelling. I just hope Barbara can quickly bust out of that place.

[Red Mask]

Originally posted by Jesse321
And by the way, I've never read this synopsis, my knowledge of Shiva comes from the books themselves. But I just fired off an email to DC Comics, because whoever wrote that synopsis obviously never read the storyline he or she was refering to.

Didn't Batman beat Shiva in "Death in the Family"? That was also the first time Shiva's motherhood was questioned and she first laughed it off.

[Jesse321]

"Death in the Family" was the storyline when Jason was killed, but I don't remember all the details clearly, since I haven't read it in years.

I do remember in the "Paper Monkey" storyline that Batman told Conner something to the effect of Shiva never having been beaten by anyone (himself included) and that anyone having gone up against her never lived to tell what they learned. And that anyone that wanted to go up against Shiva, would test their metal with him first by trying to kill him, so I don't think so.

There have been hints in recent years (though nothing concrete that I'm aware of) of Shiva having trained Bruce in some forms of martial arts. Personally if this was true, I wish that someone would do some retrospect stories about it. This is also why I want Canary to train with Shiva .. I think it would make for some WICKEDLY COOL stories! It's very cool that Shiva respects Dinah enough to think her worthy enough to train !!

I've said it before and I'll say it again !! GAIL KNOWS HOW TO WRITE THESE LADIES !!

[the panther]

Originally posted by Jesse321
I have to agree with Meta here Panther.
I was just giving her resource. I'm on "your side" Jess, MM. You can't judge a character by a short synopsis/bio.

And I also think that Dinah accepting Shiva's offer would make for AWESOME storylines in the future.

AAH! I can't wait for #66!!! :laugh:

[jaguarin]

MMM I cant get the BOP comic collection... i saw some items at e-bay but they dont admit international buyes... *sigh*

*jaguarin sad*

If i suscribe to dc maybe until july i will get some number.... mmm WHY HERE DC COMICS DONT SELL BOP COMIC??

[Gail Simone]

My feeling is that Shiva, hand to hand, beats any non-metahuman in the DCU (and a ton of metas, for that matter). Karate Kid is at her level or better and he's in a different time zone. We've NEVER seen Shiva go full-out.

But Dinah's way better than Shiva thinks. ;)

Gail

[Red Mask]

Oy, oy, oy! Your login name is "Gail Simone"? Are you the writer of BOP or is that just a fandom choice?

[the panther]

If you read a few pages back, Red Mask, she is the one and only Gail Simone. :cool:
Originally posted by Gail Simone
But Dinah's way better than Shiva thinks. ;)
Hmm... Is that a hint? ;)

[Jesse321]

HMM ... me thinks that Lady Gail has something up her sleeve.

[Gail Simone]

Yes, I'm the current (and hopefully long time!) writer of the Bop book. I only discovered this forum recently from a post at Canarynoir.

Thanks for the kind welcome!

Gail

[jaguarin]

Im glad a woman write a book about women... who better than us to know what is in our head?

Congratulations Mrs Simone :clap:

*looking yet how get a Bop comic book*

[The Godfather]

Gail: I think it's safe to say that we too hope that you are the long-running writer of the book. I've been a fan of the series for awhile but lately it's become more addictive than I had originally contemplated.

-Shawn

[Red Mask]

Originally posted by Gail Simone
Yes, I'm the current (and hopefully long time!) writer of the Bop book. I only discovered this forum recently from a post at Canarynoir.

Thanks for the kind welcome!

Gail

Ohmygod, ohmygod, ohmygaaaawwwwwd!

Wait till my friends in Philly hear about this! They used to work for DC years ago. They also know the one of the artists of "Batgirl", who lives in South Philadelphia!:eek:

[Jesse321]

Originally posted by Gail Simone
Yes, I'm the current (and hopefully long time!) writer of the Bop book.


And might I add, second only to Chuck Dixon in the writing of the book .. but given time .. I have faith that you will surpass even Chuck's visions of our fantastic ladies !!!

:clap:

[jaguarin]

Of course.... She is a woman!!! :cool:

[Meta Master]

Hey Gail, i LOOOOVE you way better than i love Dixon. Dixon was good in Robin and Nightwing--but you are BoP. Hey, are you a fan of the tv?

[Jesse321]

Jag .. though I do agree that I think it helps emmensely that Gail is a woman writing women, I think it her talent as a writer and an individual that should be what is celebrated.

[jaguarin]

:lush: yes!!! She is doing an excellent job on comic books... Would be interesting know her opininon about BOP as Tv show and what she would change...

[Jesse321]

She mentioned that she never saw the show and that the similarities were just coinsidental.

[Red Mask]

Is that a good thing or bad?

[Jesse321]

I guess it's neither really .. personally, I don't care if she ever saw the show .. her writing on the book is some the best that the series has ever seen.

[SevenSlave]

^ They're two different continuities, anyway.

[Jesse321]

OMG ... THANK YOU JESUS !!

It's finally sunk in !! :laugh:

[jaguarin]

I now that she just saw the pilot; for that reason will be interesting that she would watch at least the last 2 episodes and gave us her point of view...

Bop comic world is realy a big difference...

[SevenSlave]

Originally posted by Jesse321
OMG ... THANK YOU JESUS !!

It's finally sunk in !! :laugh:

I've ALWAYS known THAT. :hmm:

They're different ... and there's nothing wrong with it. :)

[Jesse321]

That wasn't directed directly at you Seven .. just a jest in general. Lets just say that there are others that wouldn't agree with that statement.

[SevenSlave]

^ I know. :)

Tell me about it. :(

[Jesse321]

Okay folks, just to let you know ... Gail Simone really is the one and only Gail Simone. If anyone has any doubt, it really is her and you can read more about her and her column at www.comicbookresources.com

So, once again :welcome: to the forum !!

PS ... Gail please tell Ed many of us here (and alot outside the forum) feel both you and he are the best thing that have happened to BOP since it's conception!! Keep up the FANTASTIC WORK ... we can't wait to see what else you have up your sleeves.

PPS .. Just a personal suggestion in your ear .. I would LOVE for Barbara and Helena to make peace with one another and have Dick walk in while them while they are having coffee together .. his reaction would just be too priceless for words.

[jaguarin]

which is the name of her column or where can i find it jesse?

[Jesse321]

Go into search options and type in Gail Simone and Columns

[jaguarin]

Good i finally could join in... This is interesting. Im sad that we dint have here so much info about BOP comics...

But now IM IN!!

:clap:


Grrr.. but still i cant have access to her column..

"Forbidden:
You don't have permission to access /search/index.cgi on this server."


later could you PM it to me Jesse please?

[Gail Simone]

http://www.comicbookresources.com/columns/archive.cgi?column=yabs


Have fun!

Gail

[jaguarin]

Thanks Ms Simone, I usually Im lost searching in web... :blush:

HEY!!! ARE ALL THE FILES!!! GREAT!!! THANKS :dance:

[yank2324]

Ms Simone Welcome. I agree with Jesse I (now) have all the BOP Comics and the ones that you have done fantastic!!! I hope you continue on for a long run!

[Jesse321]

Way to go Yank .. glad you got them all finally !!! Congrats !!

Glad you enjoyed them too, but I knew you would. :laugh:

[Impulse]

I got #62, how come BC is with Cheshire and Shiva? Well, Shiva I understand. But why is she with Cheshire?

[Jesse321]

Canary and Shiva thought that Cheshire killed thier Sensei (it turns out that she actually did) but Cheshire lied and accused the Senator of ordering the hit. So now they are all tracking the "alleged" killer that Cheshire made up .. somehow I don't think Ches is going to make it out of this alive after Shiva gets done with her.

[Red Mask]

I don't mind if that mass murderer dies. It's been a long time coming.

[Jesse321]

I agree I've never liked Ches, though I will admit, I do like way Gail and Ed are using her right now .. you know, very arrogant and cocky.

There are some charactors that just need the right team behind them to make them work right. I kinda hope that they (Gail and Ed) keep Shiva around for a while too, she is one of the BEST and MOST under used charactors in the DC Universe. It would be intresting to see Shiva's training of Canary an Barbara and Huntress's reaction to it.

[Meta Master]

oh i like cheshire. But not enough to not smile as she dies! hehe!

[Meta Master]

Hey sorry for double posting, but i just went to the comic store---when i posted above i hadnt and thought someone wouldve replied by now but *shrugs*

anyway, issue 65 was awesome! I cant wait to see the end of the Shiva/Cheshire battle. And it was probably a little awkward for Huntress to be looking at those pics of Babs and Dick!

[Impulse]

I haven't been to my comic store in a long long time because I keep spending my money :fume: But I'll get the 62-65 issues as soon as I can. Thanks for answering my questions. I like Shiva too!

[Gail Simone]

Thanks for the kind words...Cheshire's just plain nasty, isn't she? :)

I hope to stay on Bop for ages and ages. ;)

Gail

[jaguarin]

Okay some one could eplain me the difference between the normal comics and the comick books of bop?

[Jesse321]

I don't understand what you mean Jag .. could you be a bit more specific .. there really isn't any difference.

[jaguarin]

Well im like nut in ebay looking for Bop comics, but i found that there are graphic novels, are most expensive. But I dont understand the difference between it and the normal comics. must be one.

http://www.midtowncomics.com

[Jesse321]

OH OKAY ..sorry .. now I understand what your asking.

Graphic Novels collect several issues of certion books (like BOP) sometimes as many as 5 or 6 issues (sometimes more), but usually 1 entire storyarch into a collected edition. So you will pay a bit more for a GN, because your getting the equivalent of several books.

HOWEVER .. GN's don't appreciate in price as some books do, so they aren't as good an investment. But if you just want to read the stories they can be cheaper, but yuo have to wait for them to be printed and sometimes GN's tend to skip whole sections or storyarchs if they aren't popular.

Get it ?

[jaguarin]

get it, tks Jesse...

[Jesse321]

Your Welcome .. glad I could help :)

***************

Gail ... PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE Keep Shiva around for a while !! She is SUCH A great charactor and you and Ed really do her justice !! :flirt:

[roguephoenix]

Wow, #65 was awesome. Cheshire is so evil; she lied about everything! And I loved when Huntress found the picture of Babs and Dick. I bet that was awkward.

Anybody know what's up with the upcoming issue? I could have sworn that it was supposed to be released in April, but I just checked DC's site and now they have it as being released May 5. What's up with that?

By the way, just wanted to give a big welcome to Ms. Simone!!! I haven't visited this thread in awhile so imagine my surprise when I saw that Gail Simone was posting. I was surprised, a little skeptic, and then totally excited! Just wanted to say that I think you are the best thing that has happened to BOP ever. Your writing and Ed's drawings are awesome! Keep up the great job!!! And of course, welcome to the forum.

:welcome:

[Jesse321]

Sometimes because of the way books are released (especially Feb which is a short month and around holidays) books are pushed from week to week. If they are released on the last week of the month, they sometimes get pushed into the first week of the following month.

[DrayvensCrow]

Originally posted by Jesse321

Gail ... PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE Keep Shiva around for a while !! She is SUCH A great charactor and you and Ed really do her justice !! :flirt:

Yes, I whole-heartedly agree!

[Jesse321]

We're coming up on 200 posts in this thread, so I'm going to start a new one and have SGH or MUZ close this one !!

Please look for BOP - Part 2 coming to the forum momentarily :D

[Sxygrrl Huntress]

Please move on to part 2.

http://www.birdsofpreyonline.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=6777