With a leading role in Arrow and Birds of Prey and an upcoming HBO Max spin-off in the works, Black Canary has become one of DC's most iconic characters. Artist Otto Schmidt, who has worked on both Hawkeye: Freefall for Marvel and Green Arrow for DC, has produced an epic collage featuring around 60 different costumes worn by the hero, both in the comics and other media.
As with many superheroes, a number of people have taken up the mantle over the character's long history. In this case, the "Black Canary" title was handed down from Justice Society member Dinah Drake (created by Robert Kanigher and Carmine Infantino in 1947) to her daughter, Dinah Drake Lance (created by Dennis O'Neil and Dick Dillin in 1969). While both ladies boast mastery over many forms of hand-to-hand combat, the second Black Canary is a metahuman whose "Canary Cry" can disorient foes and shatter solid objects. Whichever version of the character is most familiar, Schmidt's art is sure to remind fans why they love DC's pre-eminent ultrasonic martial artist.
The stunning artwork was originally shared by Otto Schmidt on Twitter last year. With more than 74 years of comic books and countless adaptations, elements of the character have changed and evolved, though some recurring patterns can be seen in Schmidt's collage: blonde hair, a black choker, domino mask, leather jacket and, of course, her iconic fishnet stockings. A number of costumes also feature yellow accents on her boots, arms and torso, though more recent versions of the character favor darker colors to aid her night-time crimefighting escapades alongside Green Arrow. The artwork also features some variations of the character from outside mainstream comics continuity, including her appearance as a Green Lantern in DCeased, as well as her outfit from DC Zoom's Black Canary: Ignite, a reimagining of the character for a younger audience. Another standout costume is taken from DC Bombshells, a line of comics and merchandise reimagining DC's leading ladies as 1940s pinup models.
Schmidt also drew inspiration from the character's live-action adaptations, integrating the costumes worn by Rachel Skarsten for the 2002 Birds of Prey TV series, Alaina Huffman for Smallville, and Juliana Harkavy and Katie Cassidy for Arrow. Near the end of the bottom row is one costume worn by Jurnee Smollett throughout Birds of Prey, though Schmidt has not included the new costume revealed in the movie's climax. It remains to be seen whether the upcoming Black Canary spin-off will draw inspiration from any outfit featured here, or whether writer Misha Green's take on the character will offer something entirely distinct.
Comic books are nothing without their fans, and it's always a delight to see professional artists making detailed tributes purely out of love for their favorite heroes. While Black Canary is perhaps best known for her partnership (both professional and romantic) with Green Arrow, as well as her affiliation with the Justice League and Birds of Prey, Otto Schmidt's artwork proves that she has a rich and diverse legacy of her own - and one that is sure to grow in the coming months and years.
Source: Otto Schmidt
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