Birds of Prey #81

Against a stormy city skyline and a bold Chinese zodiac wheel, this June 2005 issue of Birds of Prey throws down a striking confrontation: a sleek, blue-suited Cat squared off against Black Canary, whose blonde hair and black-and-gold costume make her instantly recognizable as she lunges into the fray. The cover banner promises "The Battle Within Begins!" — and the cover, penciled by Adriana Melo and inked by Will Conrad, absolutely delivers on that tension. With Gail Simone writing and Joe Bennett on interior art, this opening chapter of "The Battle Within" is a compelling reason to dive into the series.