Thoughts on Possible Changes in BoP

I've been reading around here and there and came upon a reaction that startled me. There were a few sentiments doubting that Birds of Prey would last without the Babs-Dinah relationship to keep it afloat.

This, frankly, blows my mind. Because, yes, the friendship between Barbara and Dinah is a very important part of the series appeal to me and I'd hate to see it go...

But the idea that Birds of Prey couldn't survive without Dinah AND Barbara strikes me as utterly ridiculous. Barbara and Dinah are wonderful characters together, but they're also wonderful characters apart. Whether Dinah is in the story or not doesn't change that Barbara Gordon is one of the most brilliant and empowering characters in comics. Whether Barbara is in the story or not doesn't change the fact that Dinah's a warm, charming, confident person. Sure they're better together than they are apart, but they can survive without each other.

Honestly, I'm a bit shocked by the idea that Dinah wouldn't remain in Birds of Prey. That honestly never occurred to me. I mean...she's been in JSA and Birds at the same time before. And she was showing up in post Identity Crisis JLA as well, without any sort of problem. She's a character that works amazingly well as liaison to any team. Her role as a Bird of Prey means an instant connection between her new team and Oracle as well which is always a good thing.

I remember the hints before OYL about not getting attached to the first Canary we saw, but I'm pretty sure that had to do with Shiva's Jade Canary than Dinah herself. Given the huge soul searching affirmation quest that we saw when she was tracing Shiva's steps and then coming back with a daughter...

Well, it just doesn't seem likely that she's going to be leaving Birds to me. It seems like Ms. Simone's invested way too much in her to lose her now.

But even if Canary does leave, we've got Barbara and we've got whoever Barbara's new team will be. The OYL team of Oracle, Huntress, Shiva and Gypsy was very entertaining. I can only imagine that the new team will be too. I enjoy Gail Simone's writing, she's staying on the book. I've got a lot of faith that no matter what happens, the series will be fun to read.

There's no guarantee that the loss would be permanent anyway. And heck every one of the main Three were replaced at one point or another in their comic career and lasted, so I've a hard time believing that BoP wouldn't survive the loss of an important, but hardly the central, member.

I just get confused by the negativity I've seen. Maybe it's just me, but when I saw the solicit for the new cover, I was busy going: "Oooo! Bulleteer! Bulleteer would be awesome! Or Holly! She should pick Holly! No wait! BARDA. Barda would be the awesomest move EVER!" I was quite surprised to see so much trepidation. This just seems like it has the potential to be incredibly great!

Just my opinion of course. We'll see soon enough. :-)