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Black Canary: Ignite
Meg Cabot's first graphic novel!
Thirteen-year-old Dinah Lance knows exactly what she wants, who she is, and where she's going. First, she'll win the battle of the bands with her two best friends, then she'll join the Gotham City Junior Police Academy so she can solve crimes just like her dad. Who knows, her rock star group of friends may even save the world, but first they'll need to agree on a band name.
When a mysterious figure keeps getting in the way of Dinah's goals and threatens her friends and family, she'll learn more about herself, her mother's secret past, and navigating the various power chords of life.
Thirteen-year-old Dinah Lance knows exactly what she wants, who she is, and where she's going. First, she'll win the battle of the bands with her two best friends, then she'll join the Gotham City Junior Police Academy so she can solve crimes just like her dad. Who knows, her rock star group of friends may even save the world, but first they'll need to agree on a band name.
When a mysterious figure keeps getting in the way of Dinah's goals and threatens her friends and family, she'll learn more about herself, her mother's secret past, and navigating the various power chords of life.
160 pages, Paperback
First published October 29, 2019
33 people are currently reading
6054 people want to read
About the author
Meg Cabot
269 books35.4k followersLibrarian note: AKA Jenny Carroll (1-800-Where-R-You series), AKA Patricia Cabot (historical romance novels).
Meg Cabot was born on February 1, 1967, during the Chinese astrological year of the Fire Horse, a notoriously unlucky sign. Fortunately she grew up in Bloomington, Indiana, where few people were aware of the stigma of being a fire horse -- at least until Meg became a teenager, when she flunked freshman Algebra twice, then decided to cut her own bangs. After six years as an undergrad at Indiana University, Meg moved to New York City (in the middle of a sanitation worker strike) to pursue a career as an illustrator, at which she failed miserably, forcing her to turn to her favorite hobby--writing novels--for emotional succor. She worked various jobs to pay the rent, including a decade-long stint as the assistant manager of a 700 bed freshmen dormitory at NYU, a position she still occasionally misses.
She is now the author of nearly fifty books for both adults and teens, selling fifteen million copies worldwide, many of which have been #1 New York Times bestsellers, most notably The Princess Diaries series, which is currently being published in over 38 countries, and was made into two hit movies by Disney. In addition, Meg wrote the Mediator and 1-800-Where-R-You? series (on which the television series, Missing, was based), two All-American Girl books, Teen Idol, Avalon High, How to Be Popular, Pants on Fire, Jinx, a series of novels written entirely in email format (Boy Next Door, Boy Meets Girl, and Every Boy's Got One), a mystery series (Size 12 Is Not Fat/ Size 14 Is Not Fat Either/Big Boned), and a chick-lit series called Queen of Babble.
Meg is now writing a new children's series called Allie Finkle's Rules for Girls. Her new paranormal series, Abandon, debuts in Summer of 2011.
Meg currently divides her time between Key West, Indiana, and New York City with a primary cat (one-eyed Henrietta), various back-up cats, and her husband, who doesn't know he married a fire horse. Please don't tell him.
Series:
* Airhead
* The Princess Diaries
* Mediator
Meg Cabot was born on February 1, 1967, during the Chinese astrological year of the Fire Horse, a notoriously unlucky sign. Fortunately she grew up in Bloomington, Indiana, where few people were aware of the stigma of being a fire horse -- at least until Meg became a teenager, when she flunked freshman Algebra twice, then decided to cut her own bangs. After six years as an undergrad at Indiana University, Meg moved to New York City (in the middle of a sanitation worker strike) to pursue a career as an illustrator, at which she failed miserably, forcing her to turn to her favorite hobby--writing novels--for emotional succor. She worked various jobs to pay the rent, including a decade-long stint as the assistant manager of a 700 bed freshmen dormitory at NYU, a position she still occasionally misses.
She is now the author of nearly fifty books for both adults and teens, selling fifteen million copies worldwide, many of which have been #1 New York Times bestsellers, most notably The Princess Diaries series, which is currently being published in over 38 countries, and was made into two hit movies by Disney. In addition, Meg wrote the Mediator and 1-800-Where-R-You? series (on which the television series, Missing, was based), two All-American Girl books, Teen Idol, Avalon High, How to Be Popular, Pants on Fire, Jinx, a series of novels written entirely in email format (Boy Next Door, Boy Meets Girl, and Every Boy's Got One), a mystery series (Size 12 Is Not Fat/ Size 14 Is Not Fat Either/Big Boned), and a chick-lit series called Queen of Babble.
Meg is now writing a new children's series called Allie Finkle's Rules for Girls. Her new paranormal series, Abandon, debuts in Summer of 2011.
Meg currently divides her time between Key West, Indiana, and New York City with a primary cat (one-eyed Henrietta), various back-up cats, and her husband, who doesn't know he married a fire horse. Please don't tell him.
Series:
* Airhead
* The Princess Diaries
* Mediator
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 622 reviews
June 10, 2020
This is intended for preteen girls so I am certainly not the target audience. However, I found this to be a very generic story with very generic art. It felt too dumbed down for even its target audience. This was one of the worst DC Zoom books I've read so far.
November 9, 2019
"[Dad's] got to realize I'm not a little girl anymore. I want adventure! I want to make a difference. I'm not just an ordinary girl." -- Dinah 'Black Canary' Lance, ranting on page 21
A personal 'must read' merely because it stars my favorite DC super-heroine (although Batgirl also competes for that same ranking), Ignite is a bright and uniquely illustrated graphic novel aimed at the 'tween set per the Zoom imprint. Similar to a Stephen King character, this new adolescent version of Dinah Lance grapples with her burgeoning extraordinary power - a sonic scream, which can move or shatter objects - and assuming the Black Canary crime-fighting identity (which was previously held by her mother as a young adult) while also navigating the trials of middle school. Fortunately, she has two best friends, loving parents, and a few caring teachers who are there to lend a helping hand or sympathetic ear. Nothing too earth-shaking in this volume, but it was a pleasant little book.
A personal 'must read' merely because it stars my favorite DC super-heroine (although Batgirl also competes for that same ranking), Ignite is a bright and uniquely illustrated graphic novel aimed at the 'tween set per the Zoom imprint. Similar to a Stephen King character, this new adolescent version of Dinah Lance grapples with her burgeoning extraordinary power - a sonic scream, which can move or shatter objects - and assuming the Black Canary crime-fighting identity (which was previously held by her mother as a young adult) while also navigating the trials of middle school. Fortunately, she has two best friends, loving parents, and a few caring teachers who are there to lend a helping hand or sympathetic ear. Nothing too earth-shaking in this volume, but it was a pleasant little book.
October 14, 2021
This is a story about a girl trying to live up to her capabilities.
Especially when someone is gifted with a power like that in the Gotham City!
I love the characters. I like the artstyle. I loved the dialogues 💌
I wish the ending was not a but rushed up.
I was expecting more adventure and action for a superhero graphic novel.
The villian character turned out to be really weak and I couldn't make out the importance of mentioning the Joker without any role of his in this series.
As of now, I will not continue with the series.
Maybe some other day.
Especially when someone is gifted with a power like that in the Gotham City!
I love the characters. I like the artstyle. I loved the dialogues 💌
I wish the ending was not a but rushed up.
I was expecting more adventure and action for a superhero graphic novel.
The villian character turned out to be really weak and I couldn't make out the importance of mentioning the Joker without any role of his in this series.
As of now, I will not continue with the series.
Maybe some other day.
December 30, 2019
BLACK CANARY: IGNITE is a really precious middle-grade comic about Dinah Lance in middle school. She is figuring out her powers and struggling with wanting to make a difference in the world but feeling so young and restricted.
It's a great portrayal of who Dinah is at her core and the cast of characters are all charming and fun. I didn't know what to expect from Meg Cabot because even though I loved her Princess Diaries series as a preteen, I have no idea if her writing really holds up now. And I wasn't sure how her style of writing was going to transfer over to DC's world and the comic verse. But I think it was fresh and sweet!
I would absolutely suggest it to anyone who loves DC's Black Canary and/or is looking for a cute comic to give to a youngling to enjoy. :)
It's a great portrayal of who Dinah is at her core and the cast of characters are all charming and fun. I didn't know what to expect from Meg Cabot because even though I loved her Princess Diaries series as a preteen, I have no idea if her writing really holds up now. And I wasn't sure how her style of writing was going to transfer over to DC's world and the comic verse. But I think it was fresh and sweet!
I would absolutely suggest it to anyone who loves DC's Black Canary and/or is looking for a cute comic to give to a youngling to enjoy. :)
June 10, 2020
A bit mild, clunky and generic, but this one line near the end as things became super ridiculous just made me laugh my head off for a very long time: Intentional or not, it made my day, so bonus star for you, Cabot.
November 24, 2019
A fun, quick and easy middle grade read.
November 16, 2019
I received this thru a Goodreads giveaway in exchange for a honest review. I would like to thank the author and the publishing company for their generosity.
In this one, we get to see Dinah Lance as a teenager in school as she discovers that she has the canary cry while trying to find her place in the world.
I am going to give this a honest review but my review is probably not the one this book deserves. I am not the target audience (an adult male in his forties) for this book. It is meant for preteens instead of someone my age. I believe this really affected my rating. It is super cute and I can get behind the message of this book. But when I entered the giveaway I was expecting the Black Canary I know which is an established hero already in this universe. The message is strong with this book as every child can probably identify with it. This book portrays that you do belong in this world and you are not a freak. Also, even though parents can be strict they are just looking out for you. I did love the appearance of another superhero which was a welcome surprise. The artwork is cute too and matches the theme of this book.
This is a nice book. Would I recommend it to my friends over beers? Probably not. Would I have a problem giving it to family members of the next generation. Absolutely not and that is what I am planning to do. Like I said I gave a honest review but probably not the fairest review.
In this one, we get to see Dinah Lance as a teenager in school as she discovers that she has the canary cry while trying to find her place in the world.
I am going to give this a honest review but my review is probably not the one this book deserves. I am not the target audience (an adult male in his forties) for this book. It is meant for preteens instead of someone my age. I believe this really affected my rating. It is super cute and I can get behind the message of this book. But when I entered the giveaway I was expecting the Black Canary I know which is an established hero already in this universe. The message is strong with this book as every child can probably identify with it. This book portrays that you do belong in this world and you are not a freak. Also, even though parents can be strict they are just looking out for you. I did love the appearance of another superhero which was a welcome surprise. The artwork is cute too and matches the theme of this book.
This is a nice book. Would I recommend it to my friends over beers? Probably not. Would I have a problem giving it to family members of the next generation. Absolutely not and that is what I am planning to do. Like I said I gave a honest review but probably not the fairest review.
October 21, 2019
The cover is pitch perfect for this Black Canary origin story. Dinah Lance is trying to get ready for the Battle of the Bands and finds that her voice seems to be out of control. Can she stay in Gotham and hone her skills or will she have to move to Florida to get away from her nemesis, Bonfire? Great match up of story and art panels. This will be a welcome addition to our JGraphic section!
Thank you to DC Entertainment and NetGalley for providing a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to DC Entertainment and NetGalley for providing a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 22, 2019
Update: Here's my full review! https://bookishrealmreviews.blogspot....
This is definitely one of my favorites that DC Zoom has put out. I loved the girl powerful and women empowerment that occurred and the artwork was marvelous. DC sent me this for review so I’ll be posting my review on here soon!
This is definitely one of my favorites that DC Zoom has put out. I loved the girl powerful and women empowerment that occurred and the artwork was marvelous. DC sent me this for review so I’ll be posting my review on here soon!
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April 26, 2025In theory, I like the concept behind this middle grade backstory for Black Canary: a girl finding the power of her voice after being told she is too loud and pushing back against overprotective parents to make a difference in the world. In practice, Dinah comes off as kind of whiney and very impulsive to the detriment of everyone around her. To be fair, she's at an age where that isn't uncommon, but I would have liked to see her exhibit some growth in those areas through the course of the story, and we really don't. It made me more annoyed than anything else, but I imagine this might appeal to some young teen girls struggling to gain more independence. I, unfortunately, wasn't really a fan. I did really like her mom as a character and would read a book about her! I received an advance review copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
May 6, 2020
I LOVED this book so much! The art is so cute and expressive! The plot and dialogue is so fun! An excellent graphic novel to read if you're looking for a feel good story. As part of the DC Zoom line this is targeted for much younger audiences (Which is why I found this in the Children's books section in Target), but I think people of all ages can enjoy this book 🥰
February 15, 2022
*More like 3.5 stars than 3.*
A quick read with short chapters and cute illustrations. The story didn't have much complexity or depth, but it was still relatively enjoyable with a few young teen tantrums along the way to act as hurdles for the protagonist. It felt like there was some wasted potential due to the storyline but it was likely that the simplicity of the storyline was due to the limited number of pages. The art, on the other hand, was lovely and perfectly fit the genre and age category.
A quick read with short chapters and cute illustrations. The story didn't have much complexity or depth, but it was still relatively enjoyable with a few young teen tantrums along the way to act as hurdles for the protagonist. It felt like there was some wasted potential due to the storyline but it was likely that the simplicity of the storyline was due to the limited number of pages. The art, on the other hand, was lovely and perfectly fit the genre and age category.
March 27, 2021
It's a low 4 stars, but if I am considering the target audience I really enjoyed! I love the art!
February 11, 2021
lol this book was dumb. I guess it's from the DC Zoom line (for tweens) rather than the DC Ink line (for teens) which explains why some of the stuff is so simplistic. But also like...science has proven that you can write a good graphic novel aimed at tweens with some complexity and character development in it. Meg Cabot just like...didn't get that memo I guess? I feel like both Marvel and DC are getting these sort of prestigey names to do middle grade and YA books for them and it's real hit or miss. Some of the DC Ink stuff is great (I loooved Harley Quinn: Breaking Glass for example) but this is just like...not satisfying as a "coming of age" story nor as a superhero origin story. Bleh
Want to read
June 6, 2019I NEED THIS IN MY LIFE!!!
Love this cover so much!!
Love this cover so much!!
October 28, 2019
This is a good middle grades/middleschool read. A nice introduction to a new superhero and a nice touch of backstory as well. Great illustration and pacing.
December 14, 2019
Aww this was sweet and fun. Really enjoyed it.
November 4, 2020
2.3/5
Black Canary: Ignite is released from DC Comic's Zoom imprint, which is targeted towards middle school kids. It shows a strong-willed, feisty girl who’s been taught self-defense by her dad and is encouraged in her aspirations as a band member by her mother. As it turns out, this girl has inherited her mother’s superpower—a supersonic voice that shatters glass when she’s upset. Dinah Lance is initially thrilled but finds out that superpowers can be a pain when you’re trying to balance band practice, cheerleading, schoolwork, vocal training, and job chores.
The backgrounds look fine, but almost everyone in the entire book looks ugly. Dinah's face is wildly inconsistent from panel to panel and everyone else just constantly looks like a melting anime character
Black Canary: Ignite is released from DC Comic's Zoom imprint, which is targeted towards middle school kids. It shows a strong-willed, feisty girl who’s been taught self-defense by her dad and is encouraged in her aspirations as a band member by her mother. As it turns out, this girl has inherited her mother’s superpower—a supersonic voice that shatters glass when she’s upset. Dinah Lance is initially thrilled but finds out that superpowers can be a pain when you’re trying to balance band practice, cheerleading, schoolwork, vocal training, and job chores.
The backgrounds look fine, but almost everyone in the entire book looks ugly. Dinah's face is wildly inconsistent from panel to panel and everyone else just constantly looks like a melting anime character
April 5, 2020
Very YA, very fast-paced, very forgettable. Dinah Lance aka Black Canary discovers her superpower as well as her superheroine lineage while just trying to be a regular ol' high school kid. It's tough to be a teen with a powerful voice! The villain is barely even silly. Dinah's friends and parents are bland. The art is so-so. Ignite chugged along at top speed, so I was never bored, but it was not a strong introduction to the DC Zoom label.
October 6, 2019
I loved this!!!! Told through the voice of Dinah, seemingly ordinary girl who likes to sing and rock a guitar in a girl band. Little does she know her mother has secret and its gonna flip her world upside down! Face-paced, middle school story that is SUPER all the way through!!
#Netgalley
#Netgalley
November 30, 2019
While I greatly enjoyed the feminist message Meg Cabot was imparting on young readers, Harley Quinn: Breaking Glass does it so much better. Sorry DC Zoom, you're a little too middle grade for my tastes; I'll be sticking to DC Ink.
December 20, 2019
Cute, but very boring.
October 29, 2019
I am slowly learning more and more about the DC Universe and the various characters in it. I had heard of Black Canary before, but didn't know much about her, so when I saw this being offered on NetGalley, I hit "request" and crossed my fingers! I am very thankful I was granted it and was able to expand my knowledge of this character.
I like that there are graphic novels coming out that are geared towards middle readers and up, with strong female protagonists who aren't dressing in gravity-defying ways. This book had strong female friendship in it AND a happy family life with both parents. Usually the MC is an orphan or missing a parent, so it's nice to have both parents in the picture AND happy together.
It was kind of weird to me that an adult bad guy was going after the child of her adult nemesis, but I guess bad guys don't care how old you are. That's what makes them bad. So it did make a dark sort of sense.
All in all, I really enjoyed this and thought it was cute. I will definitely recommend it to customers in our store. 3.5 stars, rounded up for the female friendship, the happy family and the tasteful costume.
My thanks to NetGalley and DC Entertainment/DC Zoom for an eARC copy of this book to read and review.
I like that there are graphic novels coming out that are geared towards middle readers and up, with strong female protagonists who aren't dressing in gravity-defying ways. This book had strong female friendship in it AND a happy family life with both parents. Usually the MC is an orphan or missing a parent, so it's nice to have both parents in the picture AND happy together.
It was kind of weird to me that an adult bad guy was going after the child of her adult nemesis, but I guess bad guys don't care how old you are. That's what makes them bad. So it did make a dark sort of sense.
All in all, I really enjoyed this and thought it was cute. I will definitely recommend it to customers in our store. 3.5 stars, rounded up for the female friendship, the happy family and the tasteful costume.
My thanks to NetGalley and DC Entertainment/DC Zoom for an eARC copy of this book to read and review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 19, 2021
The art style is a beauty
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November 8, 2019I want to start by saying, I'm really loving the trend of popular YA authors taking on well-known and -loved comic book characters for reboots, prequels and the like. I think they bring a freshness to the series', along with a honed talent (generally) for piecing a story together and layering it with richness and subtext, without a lot of the serious, self-congratulatory heavy-handedness that we sometimes see with reboots and "reexaminations."
I -- never having been a gatekeeper of media that I love, but rather someone who actively wants to pull people in -- also think that having these authors (Kami Garcia, Danielle Paige, Lauren Myracle, et all) is a great way to attract a new young audience, who are discovering these masked heroes and vigilantes sometimes for the first time. And none (so far) is as likely to pull them in as Meg Cabot.
Black Canary: Ignite, with its relatable storyline (even in the midst of superpowers) and bright, vibrant art & coloring — from Cara McGee and Caitlin Quirk, respectively — is very likely to win over that young audience. It has an ease and youthful appeal that is almost certain to hit the mark with its target audience.
That said, I think it is a highly targeted audience. I may be in the minority on this (goodreads ratings for the book are remarkably high), but I think the story is likely to lose a bit of its shine the further a reader gets from the targeted demographic. Where younger readers will find it relatable and inviting, I think older readers may find it cloying and overly simplistic. It was a little too light on story (and impact), and a little too heavy on... handedness for my tastes, and while it was cute, it was equal-measures cheesy. It would have benefited from a slower buildup into Black Canary status, Big Bad Villain reveal, and the all-around getting-to-know-you phase of the characters and their motivations/interactions. A little too much was crammed in and rushed through to get us to the origin of this origin story.
But the messaging is strong and the tone welcoming, and as I said, I think it will most certainly find its target audience.
I just may be a bit too far off the bullseye for this one.
Review copy provided by the publisher. Affiliate links used in this post.
I -- never having been a gatekeeper of media that I love, but rather someone who actively wants to pull people in -- also think that having these authors (Kami Garcia, Danielle Paige, Lauren Myracle, et all) is a great way to attract a new young audience, who are discovering these masked heroes and vigilantes sometimes for the first time. And none (so far) is as likely to pull them in as Meg Cabot.
Black Canary: Ignite, with its relatable storyline (even in the midst of superpowers) and bright, vibrant art & coloring — from Cara McGee and Caitlin Quirk, respectively — is very likely to win over that young audience. It has an ease and youthful appeal that is almost certain to hit the mark with its target audience.
That said, I think it is a highly targeted audience. I may be in the minority on this (goodreads ratings for the book are remarkably high), but I think the story is likely to lose a bit of its shine the further a reader gets from the targeted demographic. Where younger readers will find it relatable and inviting, I think older readers may find it cloying and overly simplistic. It was a little too light on story (and impact), and a little too heavy on... handedness for my tastes, and while it was cute, it was equal-measures cheesy. It would have benefited from a slower buildup into Black Canary status, Big Bad Villain reveal, and the all-around getting-to-know-you phase of the characters and their motivations/interactions. A little too much was crammed in and rushed through to get us to the origin of this origin story.
But the messaging is strong and the tone welcoming, and as I said, I think it will most certainly find its target audience.
I just may be a bit too far off the bullseye for this one.
Review copy provided by the publisher. Affiliate links used in this post.
October 30, 2019
Having been forced to preorder this book at Book Con so that I could meet Meg Cabot (I know, I know, such a tough problem to have), I'd nearly forgotten it was coming five months later. When I was preordering all I heard was Black Canary and Meg Cabot while I thought Well I love both of those things individually so I need to see what happens when they're combined. It's like the ultimate superhero team-up, except it's a book, and an author. Is this comparison working?
Anyway, because there are so many YA novels about DC heroes coming out these days (and I oops haven't read any of them yet) I was anticipating a novelization. No one had told me it would be a graphic novel! At first I was a little disappointed, because I'd expected an actual book (I mean would it have killed me to google the book I'd purchased?) but one glance inside and the beautiful illustrations won me over. This book is just beautifully designed overall. Look at that cover! I love how this graphic novel is chapter book sized with a softer cover than most comic volumes are published with. The design is totally inviting. And cool. Like a friend you can hang out with who's definitely above your level but isn't completely unapproachable.
Before diving in, I did know a little about Black Canary from a few comics I've read, but honestly you could pick up this novel knowing absolutely nothing. This is the perfect 'origin story' for Dinah Lance--struggling at school because things keep mysteriously breaking around her, the principal hates her, and her friends are acting weird. Plus, the Battle of the Bands is coming up (why did my school never do anything this cool) so Dinah needs to make sure she's ready to compete. It's a lot for a thirteen year-old to handle. This set-up was great; you get to see Dinah come into her own. Character growth! Done well, in just a few pages.
The only thing that kept me from giving this graphic novel a full five stars is how predictable it was--I mean, it is a middle-grade novel for superheroes, but there was no real explanation for the villain's story or interesting tie-in that connects the villain with Dinah. I'm HOPING that we'll get more and that this is only the beginning, because it would be great to see that fleshed out a little more. Plus, I love the art. Plus, Dinah and her friends are pretty fun.
This is a quick read that I loved very much! It felt like the perfect blend between a typical comic and writing for a middle-grade audience. The visuals are stunning, it made me laugh a few times, and I think you'll end up really enjoying the read. Sometimes it's nice to read something fun!
Anyway, because there are so many YA novels about DC heroes coming out these days (and I oops haven't read any of them yet) I was anticipating a novelization. No one had told me it would be a graphic novel! At first I was a little disappointed, because I'd expected an actual book (I mean would it have killed me to google the book I'd purchased?) but one glance inside and the beautiful illustrations won me over. This book is just beautifully designed overall. Look at that cover! I love how this graphic novel is chapter book sized with a softer cover than most comic volumes are published with. The design is totally inviting. And cool. Like a friend you can hang out with who's definitely above your level but isn't completely unapproachable.
Before diving in, I did know a little about Black Canary from a few comics I've read, but honestly you could pick up this novel knowing absolutely nothing. This is the perfect 'origin story' for Dinah Lance--struggling at school because things keep mysteriously breaking around her, the principal hates her, and her friends are acting weird. Plus, the Battle of the Bands is coming up (why did my school never do anything this cool) so Dinah needs to make sure she's ready to compete. It's a lot for a thirteen year-old to handle. This set-up was great; you get to see Dinah come into her own. Character growth! Done well, in just a few pages.
The only thing that kept me from giving this graphic novel a full five stars is how predictable it was--I mean, it is a middle-grade novel for superheroes, but there was no real explanation for the villain's story or interesting tie-in that connects the villain with Dinah. I'm HOPING that we'll get more and that this is only the beginning, because it would be great to see that fleshed out a little more. Plus, I love the art. Plus, Dinah and her friends are pretty fun.
This is a quick read that I loved very much! It felt like the perfect blend between a typical comic and writing for a middle-grade audience. The visuals are stunning, it made me laugh a few times, and I think you'll end up really enjoying the read. Sometimes it's nice to read something fun!
June 2, 2019
I received an ARC from DC Comics for review.
Honestly, I didn't have any real understanding of who Black Canary is, but when I found out Meg Cabot wrote Ignite, I knew I had to read it. Paired with Cara McGee's brilliant artwork, the story quickly won my heart.
Dinah Lance is an endearing punk rocking kid with the power of her voice. Her relationship with her parents (and her parents' relationship) is such a healthy and supportive representation that isn't often seen, especially in comics where at least one of the parents is dead or out of the picture for some tragic reason. Her friends are fantastic and funny and real. I LOVED how Kat flips the script on the trope of punk vs cheerleader and is not only both, but is the captain of the team. Even background characters are represented well.
The story takes place in Gotham City, but the middle school life is shown so well that the reader can easily identify with the characters. (I, too, tried to get out of P.E. with fake injuries.) The plot moves pretty quickly, which makes for a great binge read. While I found the villain to be a bit obvious, it did make for a pretty satisfy ending.
Definitely check this one out when it's published this October. I'll be keeping an eye out for other DC Comics, such as Kami Garcia's Teen Titans: Raven.
Honestly, I didn't have any real understanding of who Black Canary is, but when I found out Meg Cabot wrote Ignite, I knew I had to read it. Paired with Cara McGee's brilliant artwork, the story quickly won my heart.
Dinah Lance is an endearing punk rocking kid with the power of her voice. Her relationship with her parents (and her parents' relationship) is such a healthy and supportive representation that isn't often seen, especially in comics where at least one of the parents is dead or out of the picture for some tragic reason. Her friends are fantastic and funny and real. I LOVED how Kat flips the script on the trope of punk vs cheerleader and is not only both, but is the captain of the team. Even background characters are represented well.
The story takes place in Gotham City, but the middle school life is shown so well that the reader can easily identify with the characters. (I, too, tried to get out of P.E. with fake injuries.) The plot moves pretty quickly, which makes for a great binge read. While I found the villain to be a bit obvious, it did make for a pretty satisfy ending.
Definitely check this one out when it's published this October. I'll be keeping an eye out for other DC Comics, such as Kami Garcia's Teen Titans: Raven.
December 2, 2019
This is a sweet story about a young woman finding her gift and a purpose in the world. She confronts her police detective father about joining the Gotham City Junior Police Academy, but he says Dina is just too young and it’s too dangerous.
I liked this release from DC Zoom. It’s a good intro to a different part of the Gotham world, the middle school world + Black Canary. I’m not in love with this style of art, but there were some scenes that really worked well.
I’ve read the Zoom comics about Raven, Harley, and Mera… and this one is a just as good as those. Check this one out for a cool slice of life/ coming of age story about Black Canary Pt 2.
For my full review: https://paulspicks.blog/2019/11/29/ya...
For all my reviews: https://paulspicks.blog
I liked this release from DC Zoom. It’s a good intro to a different part of the Gotham world, the middle school world + Black Canary. I’m not in love with this style of art, but there were some scenes that really worked well.
I’ve read the Zoom comics about Raven, Harley, and Mera… and this one is a just as good as those. Check this one out for a cool slice of life/ coming of age story about Black Canary Pt 2.
For my full review: https://paulspicks.blog/2019/11/29/ya...
For all my reviews: https://paulspicks.blog
November 10, 2019
Safer than the rest.
Black Canary had a good start. Its definitely not as mature as some of the other Dc Zoom. At parts where I thought would be cliche, it actually surprised me... until the end. It had a good pace, it wasn't too over the top. The art was great, I really liked Dihah and her group of friends. But it seems like the team either ran out of time or just wasn't sure how to end it? Not that the ending wasnt good, but it seemed a little quick compared to the build up. I was expecting this big show down and it was over in a flash. The rest of the story is fun though! The reason she has her powers is pretty cool! The one complaint would be how fast it ended.
Black Canary had a good start. Its definitely not as mature as some of the other Dc Zoom. At parts where I thought would be cliche, it actually surprised me... until the end. It had a good pace, it wasn't too over the top. The art was great, I really liked Dihah and her group of friends. But it seems like the team either ran out of time or just wasn't sure how to end it? Not that the ending wasnt good, but it seemed a little quick compared to the build up. I was expecting this big show down and it was over in a flash. The rest of the story is fun though! The reason she has her powers is pretty cool! The one complaint would be how fast it ended.
March 8, 2023
Such a fun read! 13-year-old Dinah Lance navigates challenges of finding her place in the world as she fronts her own rock band and comes to terms with her powers. I didn't know much about Black Canary up to now but after reading this wonderful reimagining, I'm dying to find out more about DC's Black Canary. Also loved the handling of all the relationships in this story, especially the mother-daughter dynamic.
Wonderful illustrations, too...so vibrant and full of energy!
Wonderful illustrations, too...so vibrant and full of energy!
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