Big changes are coming from DC Comics this summer. The publisher announced 24 new books in June including new solo series starring Black Canary and Starfire plus more Harley Quinn each month.
The new books follow the successful relaunch of Batgirl and trend of female heroes taking the lead in their own titles.
Mike Madrid traced the history of Batgirl, Black Canary and other fan-favorite icons in The Supergirls: Fashion, Feminism and the History of Comic Book Heroines.
I asked the author his take on the women of the “newer” New 52.
“Last year’s relaunch of Batgirl was a pleasant surprise in the other grim, 90s comics rehash that DC called New 52. In particular, I’ve enjoyed the depiction of Black Canary in the new Batgirl series. This version of Black Canary was a welcome improvement from the bland version we saw in the cancelled New 52 Birds of Prey series. So I’m eager to see what a revitalized Canary will be like in her own series, and optimistic about some of the other female-led titles announced in DC’s relaunch.”
While Madrid and fans hope Batgirl co-writer Brenden Fletcher will make Black Canary sing, the author is surprised by who didn’t make the list of new or revamped titles:
“I was surprised the DC is not apparently not going to try “Batgirling” Supergirl, but are canceling her current series instead. If there was ever a character that needs a lighter, more upbeat tone to her series, it’s Supergirl. But maybe DC is waiting to see how things go with Supergirl’s proposed TV series before relaunching the Girl of Steel in a new title. While a relaunch of Legion of Superheroes would have made me happy, it looks like I may be picking up some DC books again in 2015.”
Black Canary by Brenden Fletcher and Annie Wu, Starfire by Amanda Conner and Jimmy Palmiotti with artist Emanuela Lupacchino and Harley Quinn/Power Girl by Conner, Palmiotti with artist Stephane Roux are coming in June.
Here are links to Madrid’s The Supergirls, Vixens, Vamps & Vipers, and Divas, Dames and Daredevils.
By Editor