Birds of Prey #97

Birds of Prey #97, released in September 2006, serves as part of the 'One Year Later' narrative arc that followed the major events of the Infinite Crisis crossover in the DC Universe. Written by Gail Simone with interior art by Paulo Siqueira, this issue continues the series' focus on the tactical, female-led espionage team consisting of characters like Oracle, Black Canary, and Huntress. The story explores the team's ongoing friction with rival groups and individual antagonists, maintaining the grounded, character-driven tone that defined Simone's celebrated tenure on the title.

The cover art for this issue was created by Stephane Roux, a French artist known for his elegant, clean line work and expressive character portraits. Roux's aesthetic for this run emphasized the professional, sophisticated nature of the team, moving away from standard superhero tropes to reflect the noir-inspired, mission-oriented atmosphere of the series. The issue was generally well-received for its tight plotting and the intricate interplay between team members, which solidified its reputation as a high-water mark for the Birds of Prey franchise during the mid-2000s.