Birds of Prey: Dead Winter (spoilers)

[Mr Wallstreet]

A fine, fine story that ties up the loose ends of Simone's previous plot lines and wraps up Simone's fantastic run on this series.

A childhood friend/rival who now works for the Federal government under the name Spy Smasher, boasting a status that supposedly allows her privileges that even outrank the president, blackmails Oracle and usurps control of the Birds of Prey.

Claiming that the BoP are terrorists Spy Smasher interferes with one of their missions in Mexico and makes it look as though the BoP are launching an attack on the Mexican government that is sanctioned by the U.S. This officially places the BoP at odds with the U.S. government which is exactly what Spy Smasher wants. It gives her the opportunity to perform a hostile takeover with the backing of the U.S. government.

After siezing control of the BoP, Spy Smasher forces them to go on missions without giving them all the details all the while trying to edge out Oracle. Unfortunately for Spy Smasher, while she may command the actions of Huntress, Lady Blackhawk, and Barda she doesn't have their loyalty which proves to be her undoing.

Though Spy Smasher's intentions are noble, her methods are rationale are anything but. What really makes Spy Smasher such a loatheable villain is that she believes what she is doing is in the best interests of her country and that her methods, while detestable will no doubt save lives. Ultimately, Spy Smasher believes she is a patriot making the hard choices, getting her hands dirty, cracking a few eggs to make an omelet etc...all for the greater good.

A highly enjoyable story that's chock full of of action and humor with guest appearances by Big Barda, the Secret Six and Manhunter