Comic Review: Blackbird #6

Blackbird #6

Image Comics

Writer: Sam Humphries

Artist: Jen Bartel

As Blackbird comes to the end of its first arc, Nina must decide whether she will become a blackbird, like her mother, or join a cabal and complete her initiation.

A blackbird, as defined by this new series from writer Sam Humphries, is someone who has left the flock. For those who have been reading, you’ll remember Nina’s mother is in the Iridium Cabal while her friend Clint is in the Zon Cabal. Nina has one of three choices to make: join her mother, join Clint, or reject the paragons and become a blackbird. She has been desperately seeking out the paragons her entire life, so it only makes sense she would want to join a cabal, right?

The juxtaposition of the Iridium and Zon Cabals has made for an interesting story so far, and Nina has been an adequate protagonist. This issue spends a little more time developing Clint’s character while illustrating magic’s duality.

Besides just being good looking, Clint also has good intentions. He, unlike his father, wants to use his magic to help others throughout the world, which is not an idea every paragon shares. By his own admission, he reveals just how vapid his own cabal often is. Through this confession, he states magic is a double-edged sword, and I can’t tell if he dislikes his cabal, has a problem with its current management or dislikes the idea of division altogether. I’m hoping Humphries explores this theme later in the series.

While I enjoyed Clint’s character development, there was so much about this issue I did not like. As Nina is preparing to “face” her mother, Clint gives her some new spells. The period between when she gets these spells and uses them is incredibly short. With magic so powerful, I would think a brief tutorial would come in handy. Also, while Nina is searching for her mother, she is understandably anxious. Once she sees her again, she flips the switch to angry faster than a speeding bullet, throwing powers around she has no business possessing yet. She also seems to have lost control over her emotions, as she cries twice during this issue and releases many juvenile insecurities.

Not only were there issues with the plot, but the dialogue was rough, too. It seemed romantically cliche between Nina and Clint and just neglected overall. Up until this issue, the art, story, and dialogue seemed cohesive, but much of this issue missed the mark.

Regardless, this series has been fun, and artist Jen Bartel has blown me away panel after panel. Blackbird is a story with great potential, and one lackluster issue won’t make me turn away. Hopefully, the design team for this series has cooked up something beautiful and meaningful for its second arc.

The TPB for Blackbird will be in stores in May.