This was a sweet and vibrant Black Canary story, and I think it was nicely told in Cara McGee's art style. I can see young middle-grade and younger teen readers interested in superhero origin stories really enjoying it! The biggest downside is that it's not really anything super original; in fact it was predictable in every single way I can imagine. The story and plot itself definitely could have used more pizzazz. ( )

A bit of a wonky story combined with great art. People at least pointed out some of the weirdness and mostly dealt with it, so there's that, but it felt really delayed for no reason. I'm also very confused why Dinah is intent on wanting to be a cop solving crimes when it seems very hard for her to make basic logical leaps like "there's no explanation for how I managed to push a guy standing several feet away from me into a trashcan without touching him" or "there's no explanation for how I'm responsible for exploding a glass cabinet that I wasn't touching or throwing something at." I get it, detective work isn't exactly thrilling when you actually get into it or think about being a cop but like... how do you think the "solving" part of "crime-solving" works? Or does she think her dad just punches people all the time? I mean he might, I guess but... well...

As far as I think middle schoolers go, I guess it sort of works as a representation of one? Her character is all over the place. Her cheerleader friend is a manipulative asshole. I'm glad her parents at least mostly have her back. And for what is oddly rare, one of these new books about female superheroes actually features an almost entirely female cast. This should not be something I have to applaud. But it is, because it is so rare, and so very welcome.

Overall, decent read. Really liked the art. Not a strong opening at all, though. ( )

I received an ARC for review.

I never had much interest in DC until the new DC Ink and DC Zoom lines were announced but this story drew me in immediately with absolutely adorable artwork and character design and cozy, feel good characters. The interactions between Dinah and her family felt honest and tight knit, which was nice to see when most superhero stories seem to thrive on familial dysfunction. Both of Dinah's friends felt like actual characters instead of bland backup friend group stand ins. I loved how they turned the whole "cheerleaders and punks can't exist together" trope completely on its head. The nod to Green Arrow was well done while not being the major focus, which was really nice to focus on Dinah and not her relationship with Ollie. I loved this interpretation of Dinah's backstory and while the villain was pretty boring and rather predictable, I think it's a really great accessible read for someone who's interested in comics and might be a bit intimidated to start. As someone who loves a lot of DC characters but doesn't have the patience or the time to start with every single backstory and multiverse arc, this was a perfect break-in. I'm so excited to read the other titles in the DC Ink and DC Zoom lines. ( )

I received an ARC for review.

I never had much interest in DC until the new DC Ink and DC Zoom lines were announced but this story drew me in immediately with absolutely adorable artwork and character design and cozy, feel good characters. The interactions between Dinah and her family felt honest and tight knit, which was nice to see when most superhero stories seem to thrive on familial dysfunction. Both of Dinah's friends felt like actual characters instead of bland backup friend group stand ins. I loved how they turned the whole "cheerleaders and punks can't exist together" trope completely on its head. The nod to Green Arrow was well done while not being the major focus, which was really nice to focus on Dinah and not her relationship with Ollie. I loved this interpretation of Dinah's backstory and while the villain was pretty boring and rather predictable, I think it's a really great accessible read for someone who's interested in comics and might be a bit intimidated to start. As someone who loves a lot of DC characters but doesn't have the patience or the time to start with every single backstory and multiverse arc, this was a perfect break-in. I'm so excited to read the other titles in the DC Ink and DC Zoom lines. ( )

I love this character. I normally tell people that DC has the best villians and Marvel has the best super heroes, I am changing my tune after this book. I want Meg Cabot to write more about the Black Canary. I want to know more about her friends and her life as an undercover hero just trying to make it through middle school. The story was fast pace, but it left nothing out. I hope to see more of this hero from this author. ( )