“Round One”
Writer: Tom King
Artists: Ryan Sook
Color Artist: Dave Stewart
Letterer: Clayton Cowles
Review by Kendra Smart
Black Canary: Best of the Best #1 invites us to bear witness to the proposed “Greatest match of all time!”. Writer Tom King lends his talent and storytelling skill to bring to life in ways that astound. While Tom King enters the ring as writer for this six issue mini-series, Ryan Sook leaves nothing on the mat as artist. These two power houses are joined by equal measure tag team of Dave Stewart on colors and Clayton Cowles doing the lettering. One word describes the potential perfectly, powerful. Ryan Sook makes sure of that from the main cover, there is no doubt that we are getting into the nitty gritty, the sand and drive of Dinah Lance. As a deeply devoted fan, let’s dive right into the action!
Training Season
Led into the match by brilliant sports commentator Mike Berg, we meet our challengers. Sandra Wu-San better known as Lady Shiva, and Dinah Lance better known as Black Canary. Both competitors have an impressive resume they bring to the mat, but this is for all the merits. A hand to hand combat to prove once and for all who the best is. A title Lady Shiva currently holds, and honestly for good reason looking at her accolades. But this match, live and broadcast at The Emperor’s Palace and Casino, has that title up for grabs for the world to see…and beyond.
But, beyond the fight is another story. The tale of a Mother’s support to a seeking daughter, the importance of the family bond. Dinah Lance asks her Mother, her original trainer, to help her prepare for the fight of her life. But, in a family that has already had such a harried history, there is much beneath the surface. More than can be seen by friends, fans, colleagues…even lovers. Dinah is fighting one more than one front and the stakes are indeed high in Black Canary: Best of the Best #1
In This Corner…
Phew.
Let me say that Black Canary: Best of the Best is going to blow people away. I read it and immediately went to search if Mike Berg and Johnny Sunter were real. Kudos Tom, because the level of Jerry” The King ” Lawler , Jim Ross, Michael Cole, that you brought to the book. From the introduction of our two illustrious fighters, to the commentary on the match. Perfection. This is the level of passion brought to every level of this book. The art team of Ryan Sook, Dave Stewart… just blown. The atmosphere that these guys created is visceral and holds you by the throat.
I loved the moments of boundary you see Tom set as well, Ted Grant is KNOWN to have trained Dinah and to be one of the best in his own right, and still Dinah insists on her Mom. The original. That moment is brilliant. Every moment between them is Tom King bringing the human element to the forefront in a way I don’t think he has before, and this is from someone who swears by “Heroes In Crisis.“. I said at the beginning of my review that powerful is the word I will use to describe this book and from every angle and definition, that is what this team is bringing to the table. Brilliant.
Conclusion
Black Canary: Best of the Best #1 is going to be one of those slice of life stories that provides deep insight and carries weight. I just wish I was kicking back in my pajamas with the Justice League watching Dinah myself, super jealous. I look forward to devouring the full story. Brava.
Images Provided Courtesy of DC Entertainment.