A DC artist thanked Black Canary to the next level, chronicling her entire costume evolution in two stunning variant covers for Dinah Lance’s upcoming solo series. This stunning showcase brings to life more than 110 unique representations of Black Canary’s iconic looks, celebrating decades of the character’s style and history in an unprecedented artistic display.
…fans can only hope that Schmidt creates similar capes for other members of the Justice League.
Scheduled for release on November 27, 2024, Black Canary: the best of the best by Tom King, Ryan Sook, Dave Stewart and Clayton Cowles will put Dinah Lance’s combat skills to the ultimate test in a showdown with Lady Shiva to determine the greatest hand-to-hand fighter in the DC Universe.
The series also marks the return of Dinah’s mother, the original Black Canary, promising fans at least two iconic Black Canary looks. Adding to the excitement, Otto Schmidt’s variant cover for the inaugural issue takes Dinah’s wardrobe to new heights, showcasing every outfit and design she’s ever worn.
Black Canary: the best of the best Art features more than 110 costumes
Cover C Otto Schmidt Wraparound card variant for Black Canary: the best of the best #1 (2024)
Schmidt’s wraparound covers feature eight rows of 14 to 15 costumes each, which, with some quick math, brings Black Canary’s total catalog of costumes and redesigns to over 110 distinct looks. Originally created by Robert Kanigher and Carmine Infantino, Black Canary first appeared in Flash Comics #86 (1947), so while its history in DC Comics is long, having over 100 unique designs is still an incredible achievement. Although it mainly features comic book-inspired looks Schmidt’s art spans multiple mediums, including costumes from animated and live-action TV series, films, figurines, video games, and more.
Each costume and redesign appears in Schmidt’s signature artistic style, with each design receiving equal attention and detail. They are meticulously aligned side by side, with no design overshadowing the other in size or prominence. This consistent treatment is impressive, making the cover visually striking and a fantastic reference for fans. While the cover is “cool factor” is undeniable, many fans would certainly appreciate a DC key or guide that identifies the origin of each costume—something that would undoubtedly improve the experience for anyone exploring the rich history of Black Canary’s wardrobe.
EVERY Black Canary costume and redesign is featured on Otto Schmidt’s cover (which one is your favorite?)
Main cover by Ryan Sook for Black Canary: the best of the best #2 (2024)
As previously mentioned, both covers showcase Black Canary’s costumes in various mediums. Among the most notable and recognizable are her two Birds of Prey and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn (2020), her pin-up look from DC’s BOMBSHELLS figurine line, her fierce style from Injustice video game series, Alaina Huffman’s portrayal in Smallville (2001-2017), her iconic looks from the animated series Batman: The Brave and the Bold and Justice League Unlimitedand, of course, her Arrowverse costume worn by Katie Cassidy.
In addition to these featured looks, the covers also highlight the wide range of costumes that Black Canary wore in the comics. Schmidt’s cover begins with his original Golden Age of Flash Comics #86, which established his signature style with leather and black fishnet stockings. Other standout comic book looks include her bold Gotham City Garage (2017) design, its gold and black New 52 redesign and its high ponytail look from Birds of Prey (2004). With so many memorable costumes featured, fans are encouraged to explore the cover and identify their favorites.
Otto Schmidt Black Canary Cover It’s an AMAZING feat of research and artistry
Cover B David Nakayama Card Stock Variant for Black Canary: the best of the best #1 (2024)
DC has released countless awe-inspiring cover variants from incredibly talented artists, but Schmidt’s Black Canary: the best of the best variant is undoubtedly one of the most impressive. Not only are the costumes fantastically reproduced, but the enormous amount of research that must have gone into this project is astonishing. While it’s unclear whether Schmidt had help tracking down all of Black Canary’s costumes, any possible teamwork involved only adds to its grandeur. And while it might be a little greedy, fans can only hope Schmidt creates similar covers for others Justice League members.
Black Canary: The Best of the Best #1 is available November 27, 2024, from DC Comics!
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