“Round Four”
Writer: Tom King
Artists: Ryan Sook
Color Artist: Dave Stewart
Letterer: Clayton Cowles
Review by Kendra Smart
Black Canary: Best of the Best #4 is here and with it one of my favorite covers in the series so far. It immediately strikes you as sexy and strong as we see Dinah pulling Ollie up from the mat by his shirt for a kiss in the ring. I know my first thought was that this issue better have serious Ollie and Dinah moments or I riot…but it reminded me of how much love I have for these characters. Tom King is a known master of character dives and emotional connections, but Ryan Sook, my friend you have done stunning and evoking things with this cover. Brava!
Now that all gushed out, let’s get back to business because Black Canary: Best of the Best #4 doesn’t slack.
Show Them
We get one of many “pop-in” moments as Black Canary: Best of the Best #4 opens. Ollie discusses how sometimes a fight can be just that, a fight between two people, as he watches Round 4 begin. A fight is correct as Dinah lands blow after blow on Lady Shiva. Not backing down and not holding back. This an “I Surrender” match after all. Dinah is a force demanding attention and she gains it, violently.
Meanwhile in between the moments of Lady Shiva possibly regretting her actions against Ted Grant, we see Dinah go back to moments of training for the fight and to moments of her meeting Oliver Queen, courtesy of Ted. As a student to her teacher, Ted bring Ollie in for a spin and Dinah soon finds herself in the same boat. Seeing these memories is wonderful, but the action in the ring is dire and Dinah leaves no room for Shiva to breathe. This round could be it folks!
Who I Am
First of all, Luck is wild Wordy John, Wild! Black Canary: Best of the Best #4 had me arguing with the commentators as they give the narration for the fight. As Ryan Sook and Dave Stewart present in high quality action packed detail, luck had nothing to do with it. Tom King does tweak Dinah and Ollie’s meeting but I don’t think it is honestly to any detriment. It made me smile and think of the scenes for Justice League: Unlimited. They were very sweet moments where Dinah was sure of herself, but I do like the self conscious nature and the added bonus of her discussions with her Mom.
Scream.
Let’s talk about the conversations with her Mom for a moment. The design for this visual effect is nothing short of genius. The conversations are had by text and mirrored in the phone background are the events happening before Dinah’s eyes while meeting Oliver. It is such a cool way to convey every aspect of the moment to a reader and I for one was caught up. It is such a unique way to showcase a pivotal moment for Dinah and Ollie. And the moments exchanged with her Mom are truly touching.
Conclusion
Black Canary: Best of the Best #4 could be the only issue of this series I would have to have read. I would still tell you how strong of a series this is. This is a ten, ten, tens across the board issue. Honestly the team should be stunningly proud of what they are doing with Black Canary: Best of the Best.
Images Provided Courtesy Of DC Entertainment.
