It’s issue three… and BOP has once again risen to the top of my comics list.

Why? Because this comic – like many of the new 52 – has a whole lot of fun and adventure packed in. It’s like reading a spy or caper novel with a little sci-fi thrown in. Heck, there’s even a bit o’ the supernatural with Katana’s sword and interaction with her dead husband.

This issue, the Birds finally all come together – sort of. Not everyone is on board with Ivy joining the team. But the reasons for choosing her are good ones as shown very quickly. She’s hard to resist whether she’s using violence or something a bit more subtle… well, not reallyy subtle. Let’s just say gentler.

The art on this book is fantastic. I’ve always liked Saiz and that was the number one reason for my picking it up. The story has also drawn me in with a fun mystery and the “being on the run” idea. But what’s really sold me on this book is the dialogue and character dynamic.

It’s not easy to take characters you’ve known for years and make them feel fresh without alienating fans from before. It’s also not easy to introduce a new character but make her immediately seem like an old friend.

But that’s what Sweirczynski has done (at least for me). Three issues in and I already adore Starling. She and Dinah (a favourite of mine from before the new 52) seem to have a genuine relationship that feels, well, like real pals. That’s the kind of thing that makes a book like this work. I was worried about Katana at first as I wasn’t keen on her re-design, but she’s already added a different aspect with her being of few words. And now we have crazy Ivy. It’s a balancing act of personalities, but it’s working… and working well.

If you like like strong female characters, great dialogue, an engaging storyline and excellent art… well, you’re probably already reading this book, aren’t you?