Supergirl

Supergirl #16

Supergirl #16I’ll be honest, I haven’t looked at the current Supergirl title since the first days of the New 52 and I haven’t been keeping up with Superman, either. That means I felt a little lost at the beginning of this “He’l on Earth” tie-in, but what I really picked up the issue for, Supergirl going one-on-one with the Flash, the comic delivered.

From what I could understand there’s an alien named He’l who wants to travel back in time to save Krypton. A somewhat smitten Kara is in favor, while Superman is not. While the Man of Steel and (apparently) the Justice League are busy with He’l this issue focuses on the Flash fighting, and trying to talk some sense into, Superman’s stubborn cousin.

There’s plenty of action along with a couple humorous surprises for the Scarlet Speedster as his discovers that Superman not only has a zoo in the Fortress of Solitude but also a dog. The story does a good job explaining how the Flash can keep up with Kara by choosing to focus on how the hero thinks and moves faster than everyone, even Kryptonians.

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Supergirl #62

supergirl-62-coverWith the help of Robin, Miss Martian, and Blue Beetle, Supergirl tries to find out who has it in for the young heroes of the DCU. Her search leads to the ruins of a Cadmus facility and lands her team in some hot water. Let’s just say in terms of strategy Supergirl isn’t exactly Batman (or even the son of Batman).

As a standalone this issue is fine, but nothing special. The storyline involving the evil shadow group and the killer Facebook app is moved forward, and it’s interesting to see writer James Peaty give the character a little grit and chip on her shoulder as well as play on the whole rushing into danger trait her cousin has been known for over the years. It’s what you’d expect from a second issue in a story arc, but nothing more.

I was slightly disappointed with the harder Supergirl which takes away from some of the fun of the Girl of Steel/Damian relationship. However, I did enjoy the scene between Kara and Lois Lane which points out not only Supergirl’s hubris but and why you shouldn’t underestimate her.

[DC, $2.99]

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Supergirl #61

supergirl-61-coverBetter watch out Damian, you wouldn’t want Red Robin to find out you got saved by Supergirl. Although I’m still on the fence with Bernard Chang’s art, I’m always glad to see a team-up with Supergirl and Robin. I can hardly wait until Batgirl gets brought in to this story arc and the fun can really begin.

After fighting off her own gang of super-villains, who appear and disappear without a trace, Kara travels to Gotham to save Robin from the same fate. And if that’s not enough for you there’s a touching (if slightly forced) moment between Lois Lane and Supergirl that goes further in validating Kara than any super-villain knockdown ever could.

There are a couple of nagging issues here (the most obvious being the continuity issue surrounding Blue Beetle‘s involvement in this story), but it is FUN and a far cry from the dreary story arcs the character was stuck in just a few months ago. Definitely worth a look.

[DC $2.99]

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Supergirl #60

supergirl-60-coverAs someone who works in the social media space I’ve got to admit I’m intrigued by the first story new writer Nick Spencer chooses to tell. There’s no super-villains here, and (thankfully) no extra Kryptonian nonsense. What he does give us however is an idea how to use Facebook to kill the young heroes of the DCU with the willing help of the unsuspecting public.

Our baddie, whose name is never mentioned (unless I missed it), creates an open source Facebook app so people can immediately share sightings of super-heroes. Sounds great, right? Its real purpose is much more nefarious. Knowing their location leaves the heroes vulnerable to sneak attacks by groups of heavy-hitting super-villains (like the one Supergirl runs into here) ready to take out the heroes – for good.

I’ve got to admit I’m intrigued by the idea, and like that the app was created to look innocuous with a hidden purpose rather than stolen and later corrupted. The following issues promise all kinds of guest-stars as this on-going storyline unfolds.

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Supergirl #59

I’ve found I usually prefer the character of Supergirl outside of her own comic as a guest-star in something like Batgirl, or part of a the Justice League of America. Most of this issue reinforces that opinion, but there are strides to making the character more accessible in her own title.

Part Two of the Dollmaker storyline is largely forgettable as our heroine rescues Cat Grant from a bad Toyman wannabe. Kara’s inner monologue is pretty good. It may not be as good as that of Stephanie Brown, but it’s a start.

The issue also ends on a high note with the Kent family gathering together for the holidays and writer Sterling Gates giving Supergirl a much-needed moment of happiness.

Also included here is another appearance of Superwoman (hopefully the last we’ll see for a long time) and a humorous frame of Supergirl knocking out the inexplicable Composite Bat-Santa (which isn’t explained or referred to in the rest of the issue) as part of her nightly patrol. Hit-and-Miss.

[DC $2.99]

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