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Variations on a Theme

January 26th, 2008
Author Melissa Krause

The preview images of Smallville’s take on Black Canary have been making the rounds and so far, fan reaction has been mixed.

Blog@’s own Ragnell really likes the design:

I really like how her costume came out. Not only does the actress look the part (I always figured on Black Canary as a petite woman with a tough expression), they kept the fishnets and the basic design, so she’s recognizable as the comic book character. They went with short hair rather than a long wig that would get torn off during a fight, or long hair that an enemy could grab at in a street-level fight.

Marc from Climbing Shrimp Productions does not like the design:

Now I think they’ve taken it to the EXTREME of stupidity, above is the accused. Allegedly this is Black Canary. OK I’ll admit lower half yes that’s her, fishnets and boots that’s kinda hard to screw up. But short hair and face paint?! I know in her earlier appearances she is a brunette and becomes a blonde because of Green Arrow. But damn this just looks ridiculous.

R.B. Probst reflects on certain storyline elements:

The article also mentions that in her day job Dinah will be a conservative radio talk show host. Although I realize this is to set up an “opposites attract” relationship with Green Arrow I think it’s also designed so the producers can get their digs in on conservatives. They haven’t exactly been shy about slamming conservatives via Martha and her state senate seat. I can’t wait for this fall to roll around and the DVD set of this season to come out. Between the addition to the cast of both Supergirl and now Black Canary it sounds like this season of Smallville is shaping up to be very interesting and I can’t wait to see it.

So what do you think?

9 Responses to “Variations on a Theme”
  1. Jason M. Bryant Says:

    “I know in her earlier appearances she is a brunette and becomes a blonde because of Green Arrow.”

    Sorry, but that’s incorrect. The answer we were looking for is, “For most of her history she was a brunette who wore a blonde wig, but in recent years she’s bleached her hair for convenience.”

  2. Dean Trippe Says:

    Just another in a long line of crimes against characters perpetrated by the Smallville crew. I had given up on this show, but was considering checking back in for Green Arrow (AKA The Show That Should’ve Been)’s return, but thanks to these preview images, I’m fully able to resist.

  3. Jason M. Bryant Says:

    I wouldn’t go by the preview images. They’re studio shots where the lighting and the green screens haven’t been finished yet.

    Even in Birds of Prey, Gail Simone wrote Black Canary as saying that the costumes were meant to be seen in the dark.

  4. nicholas Says:

    I think Blade Runner was a pretty cool movie.

  5. fanboy d Says:

    yeah, how bout that vangelis soundtrack?

  6. Scott William Foley Says:

    I don’t watch Smallville, BUT …

    Just kidding.

    I don’t watch Smallville.

  7. Martin Says:

    The painted-on domino mask is a little strange, but I guess that’s more feasible than a separate mask that can be ripped off in a fight. Same with the short hair–it’s more sensible and gives her more of a distinctive, punk-rock look.

    I’ve only seen Alaina Huffman in “Painkiller Jane,” and thought she was quite attractive and capable. She’ll do fine for this.

  8. CloverCoyle Says:

    “I think it’s also designed so the producers can get their digs in on conservatives. They haven’t exactly been shy about slamming conservatives via Martha and her state senate seat.”

    Why yes, because conservatism these days is producing so much good and happy flowers in the world…

    Take your castor oil, guys. You deserve it.

  9. bjooks Says:

    Well it’s obvious they got the costume all wrong. The hair and mask are reminiscent of the early “If I’m old enough to remember then I’m much to old to act like this” arc, while the costume belongs to the more recent “I’m a pedantic troll and I’ll never accept anything new” arc. Makes me wonder why try. :-)

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