Apparently this reboot is something of a new take on the character, but that's ok, I have no historical bias with which to take umbrage. In this version "Black Canary" is the name of a rock band and the lead signer is the hero of the group who keeps bringing her crusade into the venues and essentially destroying the band's career. In this issue, there is a polarizing event the solidifies the band into a team against some strange alien monsters. It might sound like it's all a bit much, but honestly, it works. The characters are interesting and likable and there is a good balance of action and character work. Best of all, at no time does it feel like the rock n' roll/punk music aspect is patronizing. Black Canary is a punk rock group and that's the backdrop for the action, but there's no heavy handed "look how hip and modern this is" stuff to put you off. I am much reminded of Dazzler comics or the New Mutants stuff with Lila Cheney. Best of all, this issue is a complete story. Unlike Starfire last week, this comic tells a full story AND makes you want to see what's next. That's how you do comic books!I'll be back for more Black Canary for sure.
Meanwhile, the third installment of Archie vs. Predator was on the rack this week. This time the Riverdale gang is being picked off one-by-one as the Predator works his way toward Betty, whose possession of a sacrificial knife sparked the killing spree to begin with. The full juxtaposition of the gag plays out this issue as the gang reacts to the gruesome acts of violence in the best way they know how. There is a certain amount of disbelief as well as they fall back into some standard gags about Jugghead always eating or Archie being Billy Everyteen. It's continuing the fun, but not quite as entertaining as the previous issue. Even so, I'll be picking up the final issue so we'll see how well the gag finishes.
Finally, so as to not let Marvel have all the fun, IDW launched their own $1 comic series this week. Called "One Hundred Penny" comics, like their Marvel predecessors, these are reprints of first issues of IDW's most popular titles. In addition to Star Trek #1, they offered comics like Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Transformers. I picked Star Trek because I've never read any Star Trek comics before and I was interested to see how they were handling the modern version of the crew. I am pleased to report that this issue feels just like a classic episode of Star Trek. Best of all, the scripting is nearly perfect. The characters sound like they should and they say things that you would expect to hear them say if this were in fact an episode of the show. In essence, this comic perfects translates the show experience onto the printed page. At this point, I'm more sorry I failed to jump on years ago when this comic started. There are collected editions, though, so I can catch up! Looks like IDW's plan worked perfectly, even if it was Marvel's plan first... If there is an IDW title you've been interested in, this is your chance. It will also be interesting to see if DC and Image follow suit...That's it for this week. What comics are you reading?
