Birds of Prey #56

Birds of Prey #56, published in August 2003, serves as part of the long-running DC Comics series focused on the partnership between Black Canary and Oracle. Written by Gail Simone with art by Ed Benes, this issue is situated within a mid-series arc that highlights the tactical and emotional dynamics of the team. The creative direction for this period of the series was heavily defined by Simone's character-driven approach, which aimed to deepen the personal history and camaraderie between the core female leads.

Ed Benes, the primary artist during this tenure, provided a sleek, high-action aesthetic that became synonymous with the visual identity of the title in the early 2000s. The design and layouts were crafted to emphasize both dynamic superhero combat and the sophisticated, grounded espionage themes that distinguished the book from other DC titles at the time. The issue was well-received for maintaining the momentum of Simone’s acclaimed run, contributing to the series' reputation as one of the most consistent portrayals of female-led team dynamics in the industry.