If you are not familiar, Meg Cabot is best known for the Princess Diaries series, and they are hilarious. I highly recommend them. Additionally, I highly recommend Black Canary. The author does a wonderful job beginning the story of Black Canary and the character is real, and funny, and even though it is a superhero story, it is very relatable to the teen experience.

Dinah is a loud-mouthed teen who just wants to save the world, little does she know she is about to get her wish. This story shows the frustration of being a teen that is different but also ok with that. Dinah is a great main character and the story here is interesting and full of action. There was a bunch of girl empowerment and I loved that aspect and know that younger readers will as well. For being the Black Canary, the illustration was surprising vibrant and bright in color and imagery, but it all fit well with the story. This such a wonderful read all around.

Black Canary is still a songbird, but this update discusses her teen years and is a great pairing of graphic novel and Meg Cabot.

The book offers an empowering message, is fun for girls, and showcases Black Canary's new origin.

I loved this book. The story was great and the graphics were gorgeous.

Black Canary is a superhero who doesn't get enough attention. All of the attention tends to be focused on the Superman/Batman world. While Black Canary exists in the same universe (the Joker is referenced several times in this book) those characters exist on the periphery. Dinah is able to establish herself as a hero of her own merits, to explore her powers without comparing to other heroes. And her powers are unique, sonic disruption through the power of her voice. This is not a perfect book. Characters get only a minimal amount of development and the plot can be a bit scattered. Still, it's a fun introduction to a character who deserves more attntion.

In 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!

Meg Cabot leads another charge in connecting DC Comics with young adult readers. As someone devoted to literacy and teaching, this book is another entry in a series that makes me want even more.

I love this story so much. Yes, it's a middle grade graphic novel, but it is better than most adult ones. The characters are interesting, there is great character development, and the plot is fun. The art style is beautiful too. I can't wait to read what Meg Cabot & Cara McGee come up with next. Highly recommend this read, especially if you like graphic novels and DC comics.

Bestselling author Meg Cabot (The Princess Diaries) offers up her first graphic novel via DC Zoom, telling the story of thirteen-year student Dinah Lance whose interests are as diverse as winning the battle of the bands contest at school and following her Gotham City cop father into the business of taking down bad guys. Dinah's dad forbids the latter and - based on Dinah's voice - even seriously questions her playing in the all-girl band with her best friends. But when Dinah finds her voice - her true voice, which can shatter glass and bend steel and short out electricity - she soon discovers a legacy and power she never knew she had; one that could potentially set her long-term career goal of being a crime fighter into motion, even as the young girl finds herself in trouble at school when she finds herself unable to control her talent ... and is stalked by a figure in black with ties to her mother and "the family secret". This origin story for Black Canary, well-illustrated (if a little "cartoon-y" for me) by the super-talented Cara McGee, paints a realistic portrait of a typical thirteen-year-old full of drama and big dreams and bullheaded determination. Dinah is likable, funny, loyal to her friends - even funny, in her initial reaction to having what she thinks is the most boring superpower ever. The relationship with Dinah and her friends feels right as well, and especially good is the bond between Dinah and her mother, the original Black Canary who ultimately will or will not "pass the mantle" down to her daughter. But while I enjoyed Black Canary: Ignite and it's characters, plot and art, the book always felt very "DC Lite" for me; I never felt bonded with any of the characters on a level that drew me fully into the story. And having had that very experience in a number of graphic novels, this was just the tiniest bit of a letdown for me. 3.5/5 stars

NOTE: I received a free ARC of this title from NetGalley and the publisher, in exchange for an honest review.

A fun story with great art, a great heroine (or two...), good characters, and relationships.
I adored Dinah Lance as the Black Canary, her friends Kat & Vee, and how this book was refreshingly new with the DC superhero and storyline that some of us may have heard before and some of us (like me) are completely new to!
Although this was wrote for Middle Grade, it was still interesting and held my (adult) attention.!
I LOVE the art style so a huge shoutout to Cara Mcgee!
This is definitely one I can see girls and boys loving of all ages.
A quick, fun, read that's adorable, strong, interesting, funny, fun, and Super.!

Thank you netgalley for this arc. All opinions and thoughts are my own. I managed to get this one before it’s release date tomorrow (Oct. 29th). I loved it and Miette (my 10 year old) saw me reading it and wanted to as well. Cara McGee’s illustrations are what my dreams are made of if I dreamed in comic drawings. The story is short, sweet and to the point.

This was really great and super cute! The story was a bit cliche and cringe-y with who wound up being the villain in the end, but in a cute way. I thought this was a great Black Canary story for younger readers and I really loved the artwork and Dinah's parents and her friends and everything about this cute story <3

**Disclaimer: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.**

"Black Canary: Ignite" was absolutely adorable and fun. Meg Cabot wrote a relatable 13-year-old Dinah Lance who just wants to sing and finds out she has a much more interesting family history. Cara McGee's art is beautiful, as well, and fits the vibe of the story and its characters.

This is a fun origin story of sorts (she gets her powers from her mom, but she discovers them here). I enjoyed the relationship between Dinah's parents and the teenagery way she responds to them. The villain is fairly low-key. It's not a deep story, and it doesn't have a lot of character development, but it is a lot of fun (super powers, a rock band, family and friend interactions) with great art. Middle grade readers are going to love this one

I received an advanced copy of Black Canary: Ignite through NetGalley and DC Comics so that I could share my review with you!

Black Canary: Ignite is the latest addition to DC Comic’s middle grade graphic novel series, and it is an absolutely fantastic addition to the franchise! The story follows Dinah Lance who just wants to make it through junior high, and maybe win her school’s Battle of the Bands while she’s at it! Things become complicated, though, as mysterious disasters keep occurring where ever Dinah goes. After one destroyed piece of property too many, it becomes apparent that Dinah is no ordinary girl! But being a superhero comes with dangers, and Dinah seems to have inherited some enemies along with her powers.

Meg Cabot has created a fresh new take on Black Canary, which is absolutely perfect for young people looking to start reading comics! I have long been a fan of Black Canary in her many iterations, and I must say Cabot’s rendition stood up to my expectations! Cara McGee’s Illustrations are charming and fit the tone of the story perfectly!

You can now get your copy of Black Canary: Ignite from DC Comics!

My Recommendation-
I would recommend this book both to long time Black Canary fans and to young readers just starting their exploration of comics and graphic novels. The story is a quick read, and will be perfect for children with shorter attention spans, or people who like speedy action in their reads!

Stellar illustrations match the vocal potential of the young Dinah, who seems to be getting into trouble at lot at school- every time she seems to get excited, defensive, or scared, her voice unleashes a sonic boom. Her best friends know something is up but can't explain it, the middle school principal won't get off her back, and her parents are acting strange. In the city of Gotham it wouldn't be too odd if it turned out that Dinah was gifted in more than the academic sense, right? In what is sure to be (hopefully) just the first installment, we're introduced to the Black Canary and her powers, and the evil that presides over GC. Very fun, looking forward to more.

I remember reading Meg Cabot’s Mediator series when I was a teenager. Well, I don’t remember them, but I know I read them! Haha. Anyway, when I saw this graphic novel from Cabot, I just had to try it.

It was a quick, fun graphic read. Dinah just wants to be a regular girl. Play with her band, join the junior police academy. But when she discovers she has superpowers, and someone starts to get in her way, she has to learn to navigate this new part of her life, while trying to hang onto her old life and friends.

The art in the book was fantastic. The story was also pretty good. Really short, but I liked the quick pace of it, and I liked seeing Dinah grow into herself and discover what she can do.

If you like graphic novels and superheroes, check this one out!

Thank you to Netgalley and DC Zoom for an e-arc to review!

I think that this is my favorite of the Young Adult DC Graphic Novels. It does a good job of putting Black Canary in high school. It's fun, and light without being too sweet. I think Meg Cabot is a great writer who knows how to write for that age group and it shows with this book.

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 had a hard time putting down Black Canary: Ignite. Right from the start this comic captivated me. Once you found out the truth about Dinah’s past the tale only grips you more. Dinah has an idea what she wants and where she wants to go in life, but a special gift might change all of that. When a mysterious foe keeps causing trouble Dinah may be the only one who can stop them. If you are a fan of Black Canary then this is a comic you might want to check out.

Preface: As I prepared to read Ignite, I was not sure what to expect from this story. As someone interested in Black Canary as a character, I was unaware of whether this title would be an all-ages title (formerly called DC Zoom) or a young adult title (formerly called DC Ink). The stories as part of the two labels have been inconsistent and uneven, in my opinion.

The plan is a bold and smart one: using well-known YA authors to potentially bring new readership to DC Comics. However, like the YA literature that these graphic novels are based on, the stories sometimes seem to be edgy for edginess’ sake. Realistic themes that are oftentimes hard to talk about and stories that focus on growing pains are the staples in at least the DC Ink line, but what determines whether the book will be overflowing with adult language or not?

While not specific to this title, DC makes an error by not properly addressing (and advertising on the cover) some of the adult material (besides the themes) and creating a false sense of “fun” and “super-heroics” that any young adult or child could pick up with other titles in this line. What a shock it must be when he or she discovers it is not meant for a younger audience as they expect but features more mature themes meant for teenagers. DC needs to be better about addressing the content within, and should be consistent with its offerings and mission statement: what is the purpose of DC Zoom and DC Ink and who is the audience it is meant for? The cover alone cannot be the guide for that.

Synopsis (provided by publisher):From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Princess Diaries comes Black Canary: Ignite, Meg Cabot’s first graphic novel! With expressive and energetic art by Cara McGee to match the trademark attitude and spunk of Meg Cabot’s characters and dialogue, this mother-daughter story embraces the highs and lows of growing up without growing out of what makes us unique.

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.

Analysis: The Good-Within Ignite we follow a middle school-aged Dinah Lance, pre-Black Canary. As middle school is a difficult and awkward time, I appreciate the fact that there are some strong themes within the book, especially what it is like to be in middle school, finding yourself, and discovering your purpose. Dinah is pulled in several directions, influenced by her heart, her teachers, her family, and her friends. While the book could have gone further with this, perhaps exploring how detrimental outside influences can be, we do see the appropriate level of conflict arise. The majority of the conflict comes from Dinah’s relationship with her parents. We see that they have different expectations from what Dinah would like to do, and this creates some tension as well as teen angst and rebellion, though not to the extreme. As often happens in real life, Dinah ends up pursuing what is in her heart, which, ironically, happens to be following in her parents’ footsteps.

This story merges the past and present versions of Dinah, giving her the family from the past we have not really seen in The New 52/Rebirth while crafting the character into a burgeoning rock star, as we have seen in the pages of Black Canary by Brendan Fletcher. I like the fact that, while she is a legacy character, once she goes into action she ends up using only pieces of her mother’s costume, preferring to design her own original version. Also original to the story is how her Canary Cry presents itself, not always in screams of “AHHH” but sometimes in words and phrases as well. The training sequences are fun and realistic, showing the frustration of Dinah while also granting her some successes. It is also great to see Ted Grant as a trainer of Dinah, hearkening back to the comics and Justice League animated series. Ted is not the only Easter Egg either, as Janet van Dorn from Batman: The Animated Series is named in the story as well. Finally, who doesn’t want an animal sidekick? While some may say it is a little heavy-handed having a black canary appear several times throughout the story and even follow Dinah, I like that it ends up as a friend to Dinah. Animal familiars are one of my favorite things, and there are some great ones throughout different media.

The Not-So-Good-My main issue with this story is the setting. Choosing Gotham City as the location for the book is a mistake, and it should have been Star City. While Black Canary may frequent Gotham City presently, it ignores a great part of the character’s history. Batgirl is a shadow over the story, especially since there are several story beats that mimic Batgirl: Year One and Detective Lance looks like Jim Gordon. Joker is mentioned several times throughout the story, and once you get to Bonfire, it seems like a major letdown. Even Bonfire has her original base of operations (pre-Crisis) in Star City. It would have been more successful to be in a city with no Batman and no Batman-villains, especially since this story doesn’t seem to be setting up or continuing some other Zoom/Ink continuity.

Bonfire is also unsuccessful, not in the choice to use her, but in the execution. I have heard of villains going to the extreme for revenge, but becoming a principal to take revenge on a middle schooler seems like a stretch. It is also disappointing that the villain is more tied to the mother, not the daughter. Bonfire fits as a villain of the story given the history of the character with Black Canary, but it is a strange reversal that she kidnaps the mother to get to the daughter, whereas realistically, Bonfire should have kidnapped the daughter. The villain has a history in the DC Universe and has most recently been seen in Fletcher’s run, so it doesn’t seem like too far a stretch of the imagination to have her be a rival of Dinah in school. Why didn’t they?

Finally, it seems like the publisher’s synopsis as incorrect: this is not a mother-daughter story. Yes, there is a passing of the torch, and they share the Canary, but the conflict surrounds Dinah and her father. There could have been more done to build the mother-daughter dynamic, and they should have had more panel-time together. Perhaps eliminating the vocal coach and putting Dinah’s mother in her place could have brought the two closer together. As it is, Dinah learns about her mother’s secret, uses pieces of her mother’s costume, and saves her mother. Is that a mother-daughter story?

I enjoyed McGee’s art, which has some obvious manga influences. The coloring is bright in order to reflect the tone of the story within. The character designs are diverse, especially looking at the trio of Dinah, Kat, and Vee. Dinah’s father is not designed successfully, mainly because of his close resemblance to Jim Gordon, as stated above. McGee also adds some cute flourishes to scenes, like little hearts, which I love.

There are too many clever moments to name, and some of them are visual, but here are two of my favorites: “Mom, does dad know you have a secret compartment in the wall of your shop?” and all the “So you….” books that pop up and seem to suit every need.

Final Thoughts: It’s fun, but the setting of Gotham City and the specter of Batgirl that hangs over this book makes it a bit redundant, not to mention the fact that there is little mother-daughter time.

Reviewed by Stella Bowman for The Batman Universe

✨Review and Pub Day✨
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One of my favorite authors, Meg Cabot, has a middle grade graphic novel, {Black Canary: Ignite}, on shelves today! Illustrated by Cara McGee!
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I devoured {Black Canary: Ignite} in record time for me - roughly an hour total reading time because I just couldn’t put it down.
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This graphic novel follows middle schooler, Dinah Lance, an aspiring Gotham City police officer, guitarist, and... budding cape crusader? Dinah just wants to help her city, but her parents want to keep her safe, her principal seems to have a target on her back, and she’s unintentionally pushing her friends away. Will she be able to regain control?
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I loved everything about {Black Canary: Ignite}! The illustrations are beautiful, the writing is perfect, and Dinah is inspirational. I’m all about some girl power, and Dinah definitely delivers. The story flows seamlessly, and we’re able to see an awesome, strong girl blossom. Not to mention superheroes. What more could you want?! HIGHLY recommend this for all ages!
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Thank you so much to @netgalley and DC Zoom for my advanced, digital copy!
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Review can be found at instagram.com/anovelkingdom