“Round Five”
Writer: Tom King
Artists: Ryan Sook
Color Artist: Dave Stewart
Letterer: Clayton Cowles
Review by Kendra Smart
Black Canary: Best of the Best #5 is definitely an issue worth waiting for. When last we left things, Shiva was refused the opportunity to surrender. A clear message was sent by Dinah and it was brutally shocking to say the least. Tom King has done his standard proud with this series. Black Canary: Best of the Best #4 showed us a glimpse into the past of Dinah, Oliver and Ted. But in the present, Shiva and Dinah stand at the ready for the fifth round.
If the immaculate cover is anything to prepare us, we have nostalgic gold to cherish as though our names are Smaug. Ryan Sook gives us a generational look at the Mother/daughter team of Black Canary’s. A distinctive glance back into time when Dinah was still learning the ropes in more than one way. Black Canary: Best of the Best #5 is after our hearts, so let’s hold the platter out and not forget why we came.
In My Daughter’s Eyes.
Black Canary: Best of the Best #5 wastes no time gut punching us as we enter a conversation hard for anyone. Dinah’s Mom asking what her speech is for her funeral as a start sets the heaviest tone as we move between time. In the ring, things are downright monstrous as this fight is rough and talk is getting dirty. Shiva digs low, lower than expected but this is no holds barred “I surrender” match and she will do whatever it takes to win this match. But Dinah isn’t giving an inch, if anything she is holding strong and steady. And it’s no guess to why as we go back to her hitting the streets with her Mother as a masked hero for her beginnings.
Going from the glaring ring lights to a blue symphony of night life, Dinah takes lumps and frustrations in the eyes of her whole world. Her Mother. Everything is coming home to roost and the stakes are high…isn’t it time for Vandal to make an appearance? The last round is coming…
Chase The Morning, Yield For Nothing
Tom King has given so much momentum forward as we near Round 6. Black Canary: Best of the Best #5 is the heart of this arc, I feel. While Lady Shiva is given a heel turn that comes with a bit of a lower blow. It really only adds to that sense of desperation and frustration exuding from her as she never really expected THIS type of battle. Readers are in the moments of the ring, invested just as deeply as when it switches movements to the hospital or to those nights of hands on experience.
I want to say that my favorite moment of Black Canary: Best of the Best #5 comes as a whole and not a part. I would say that there are three separate parts to this issue. My favorite part was watching the full circle of understanding in the Mother/Daughter relationship at its core. It is the culmination of a Daughter’s gaze and a Mother’s strength. Honest communication. A beautiful display of humanity. Ryan Sook, Dave Stewart, and Clayton Cowles are able to showcase so much throughout this series. Truly meaningful moments. But never so poignantly as with the simple removal of wigs.
Conclusion
Black Canary: Best of the Best #5 sounds a knell as we are coming to the close and to the finale of Black Canary: Best of the Best #6. I know I am excited to see how this one ends, it has been a full emotional spectrum ride. I like that everyone is built not as a set construct but as moving pieces to further spotlight the story of this Black Canary. See you for Round 6, friends!
Images Provided By DC Entertainment.
