Black Canary: Best of the Best has been a compelling look at what makes a superhero tick. A lower-tiered hero when it comes to powers, the series has revealed a backstory that’s relatable and heart-wrenching. While the series has unpacked the complicated relationship Black Canary, aka Dinah, has with her mother, she’s fighting in the ring, presumably to save her mother from cancer. More often than not, Black Canary tries to save herself in the ring as Lady Shiva wants to end her for good. In the penultimate issue, writer Tom King and artist Ryan Sook tug at your heartstrings.
Black Canary: Best of the Best #5 mixes things up from the previous issues with a heavy dose of flashback rendered in blue tones. These flashbacks reveal Dinah attempting to get the superhero thing down under the guidance of her mother.
The segue into these flashbacks is pretty genius. The story shifts from Dinah getting knocked back by Shiva to seeing Black Canary’s mom take out a thug. It’s almost like Shiva forcibly knocked Dinah into the flashback. The dialogue in these scenes is also great, with King nailing the younger Dinah, who wants approval, while her mom wants her to be the best she can be. It all leads to a heartfelt moment where they connect, further cementing Dinah’s deep need to save her mother from cancer.
The battle damage is intense!
Credit: DC Comics
Meanwhile, the battle rages between Shiva and Dinah in the ring. Sook continues to make every blow felt with some crazy battle damage detail in their faces. The commentary is over the top, but the visuals of the fight certainly are as real as can be. There’s also a fabulous moment between Green Arrow and Black Canary fans of their relationship won’t want to miss. It’s deeply real and human.
Speaking of the commentary, while the one-liners continue to be funny, a lot of the back-and-forth feels unnecessary at this point. We get it, and these commentators are making a spectacle out of a very real life-or-death battle. I sometimes felt the urge to skip their yammering, although you’ll miss a few gems if you do.
The ongoing mystery of what Dinah will do in the ring is really nothing new. The dynamics between Dinah and her mom are further explored, but the larger battle in the ring and how on Earth Dinah will save her mother remain a mystery. In that respect, the need to read this in the collected format is more evident than in previous issues. Give us the final round!
Black Canary: Best of the Best #5 continues to deliver emotional weight and intense action, deepening Dinah’s journey with brilliant use of flashbacks and a brutal showdown with Lady Shiva. While the commentary overstays its welcome and the larger mystery remains unresolved, this issue sets the stage for what should be a thrilling and cathartic finale.
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