Friday, September 25, 2009

Review: Supergirl #45


Supergirl #45 represents the second part of The Hunt For Reactron. Despite the name of the arc, we haven't seen that much Reactron yet and I am okay with that.

While there is some early action, this issue is really focuses on two more character based plots. One is the unsettling feeling on Earth secondary to the events of Codename:Patriot. The other plot, and the one I am really enjoying, is the exploration of the Kara and Thara relationship. Sterling Gates and Greg Rucka have been able to show just how deep the rift is between them ... a rift created by the death of Zor-El and widened by Thara's religious conviction/insanity.



One thing that I definitely like about the last few issues is the re-emergence of Cat Grant as a foil for Supergirl. While Supergirl #34 really set up their prickly relationship, Cat has had to settle into the background because of the more off-world action revolving around New Krypton.

So seeing her speaking so hatefully about Supergirl with Morgan Edge put a smile on my face. I think Cat is going to be an interesting character in Kara's life for a while and so seeing her sharpen her claws makes me anticipate the characters' next interaction. I mean Cat really fires with both barrels calling Supergirl 'violent', 'unstable', 'a plague on Metropolis' and an 'embarrassment for Superman'. That is pretty rough.



Unfortunately, Cat's words probably ring true to the average citizen as footage is being shown of Supergirl battling Squad K, throwing the soldiers around like rag dolls.

I especially liked to read how heavy Cat pours it on. She is an evilly efficient speaker. By calling Alura the 'Queen of New Krypton' she appeals to the patriotism of most Americans since we revolted to free ourselves from a monarchy. It also means Supergirl is a 'princess' with all the spoiled petulant baggage that word can sometimes.

She even says calls Supergirl 'without a doubt a threat to every man, woman, and child on this planet'. Unbelievable. Somehow I don't think Kara's response is going to be crying on a rooftop like she did in Supergirl #34. I think Supergirl's response is going to be more of shock and smoldering anger.


One thing that I completely haven't liked about the New Krypton storyline is the necessary introduction of things that can harm Kryptonians. If there is going to be any sense of conflict, the military needs to be able to hold their own against Kryptonians. That said, Superman is Superman. The Army shouldn't be able to easily hurt him (or any Kryptonian).

So here Squad K has 'screamers', sonic weapons which hurt Supergirl and Flamebird. They also have a 'white dwarf grenade' which Chris is able to detonate with his tactile telekinesis. The grenade does seem to at least slow down the Metropolis 3, although it also provides them access to an underground railway tunnel through which they can escape.


Another thing that I have been intrigued with recently is Lois and her current strained relationship with Kara. Yes, she is angry at Supergirl and blames her for Lucy's death.

And yet, she also rushes across town to dress down Cat Grant for her jingoism. It doesn't look like Cat is able to take it as well as she gives it. She looks downright stunned into silence when Lois call her a propaganda tool.

Sure Lois never comes right out and defends Supergirl. But since Cat's whole spiel was an attack on Kara, Lois' counterattack has to be looked upon as a defense of Supergirl.

I like the fact that Lois is a presence in this book right now.

This issue also catches us up with Lana who, like Cat, has melted into the background of this title since New Krypton. With no where else to go, Supergirl brings Chris and Thara to Lana's apartment.

One small thing I like is that when Lana hears the three enter, she asks if it is Linda. Not Kara. Not Supergirl. Linda.

If the secret identity aspect of Supergirl's character is going to take root, it needs small things like this to happen. I think of the Silver Age Supergirl as Linda first, then as Kara. I still think of the current Supergirl as Kara.

While hiding out, the Metropolis 3 try to figure out what their next best step is.

Chris realizes that the best way to clear their names is to ... well ... clear their names by capturing Reactron and getting him to confess. Lana thinks Lois might be a useful ally in digging up where to go next.

Lana's illness as a subplot also hasn't been addressed in a while. In this issue, we see that she is still suffering from nosebleeds (brain cancer?). She looks like she is being drawn a bit more gaunt by Jamal Igle. In what is a nice moment, Thara manifests the Flamebird persona and is able to detect that something is not right within Lana.

I think at some point Supergirl is going to see that Flamebird persona emerge and suddenly her doubts about Thara's mental stability are going to vanish. We haven't seen any physical aspects of Flamebird since Agent Assassin attempted his mind meld. I hope we see more soon.

Lana and Chris leave to talk to Lois and get her aid.

With Lana gone, Thara tries to tell Kara that she detected Lana's illness. The problem is the delivery. While Thara thinks she is being a good friend, her harsh look and religious overtones('something is corrupting her' rather than 'she is ill') push Kara away.

It is a shame. In its own way, that was an olive branch Thara was holding out.


But the name of the arc is The Hunt for Reactron and so we finally get to see Supergirl's arch-enemy. His radiation leak from last issue must have been repaired as General Lane decides to cut him loose to go after the Kryptonians.

In my review of Action Comics #881, my complaint was that I didn't quite understand how or why the Metropolis 3 got released from the clutches of Project 7734. Remember, all three had been overwhelmed by Metallo, Reactron, and Mirabai. Why would Lane release them?

It was suggested that he did it to help spread fear and distrust and certainly the early parts of this issue show that he was successful in that. So it was strange to hear him call Supergirl, Nightwing, and Flamebird as loose ends. If they are loose, it is at his discretion.

Of course, Lane has lied to lots of people to serve his purpose. Maybe he is simply feeding Reactron a line.

The issue ends with a great splash page of Reactron vowing to kill Supergirl. Fantastic.

Again, this issue is mostly character driven as we see the more personal responses of all the main and supporting characters to the event of Codename:Patriot. I appreciate issues like this as they flesh out the characters, let's us learn more about their motivations and feelings. The story here and in Action Comics should have a major impact on the characters outside of them simply punching people. It is important for us to see these moments as well. And Gates and Rucka have such a great handle on their respective characters, the scenes just flow beautifully.

As usual, the art by Jamal Igle is great. Whether it be the two page spread of the skirmish at the Eiffel Tower or close up expressions of Cat Grant, his art really resonated this issue. I hope Matt Camp is bringing his A game these next few issues. He has big shoes to fill.

I can't wait to see where this story goes next.

Overall grade: A

But wait ..... one more thing ....

I don't care how great a reporter Lois Lane is, she shouldn't be pushing Jamal Igle out of the way like that!

Hee hee.

14 comments:

Saranga said...

"Thara's religious conviction/insanity." I respectfully disagree with this description.
I don't think there's been much indication that Thara is insane, the religiousity hasn't been proven one way or the other, and in the DCU where we know the gods exist there seems to be now reason why the Kryptonion gods can't exist.
Plus, with Thara's insight into Lana's illness, I think it will be proved that what she is experiencing is true.
Overall there was a lot to love about this issue, mostly Thara/Kara, but also Lois' defence of Kara.

Anj said...

Thara's religious conviction/insanity." I respectfully disagree with this description.
I don't think there's been much indication that Thara is insane, the religiousity hasn't been proven one way or the other, and in the DCU where we know the gods exist there seems to be now reason why the Kryptonion gods can't exist.


Sorry if I came across wrong.

I meant it to mean that others are looking at Thara as potentially being insane.

She has shown me enough to show that she is the Flamebird avatar.

I'll reread my post. Sorry for confusion.

Anonymous said...

Ultimately, an attack on Kara is an attack on Kal El, he is as much Cat's target as Supergirl is, Lois understands this and lashes out appropriately.
This was a good issue, glad to see Lois and Lana back in the storyline, idly curious to see how Kara rehabilitates her good name in light of General Lane's devious plot.
Wouldn't it be interesting to depict SG as having a "constituency" among younger people?
Maybe they'd wanna picket the White House and Pentagon demanding "Justice for Supergirl" etc.
Might make for an interesting angle on things...just blue-skying hyar.

John Feer

Gene said...

I think the "loose end" that General Lane is referring to is Reactron himself. Better that Reactron dies the hero before he can do something that might hurt Project 7734. Lane would also regain the martyr that he can rally Earth around. If Reactron is captured and sent to New Krypton, then General Lane has the pretext that he has been wating for...

Gene said...

Anj said:
"I don't care how great a reporter Lois Lane is, she shouldn't be pushing Jamal Igle out of the way like that!"

Great, Lois is now going to owe Kara and Jamal an apology... :P

Rick said...

"One small thing I like is that when Lana hears the three enter, she asks if it is Linda. Not Kara. Not Supergirl. Linda."

Yea...I still don't care for that secret identity.

I like Thara's stance when Lana opens the door. lol

TalOs said...

John Feer: Wouldn't it be interesting to depict SG as having a "constituency" among younger people?
Maybe they'd wanna picket the White House and Pentagon demanding "Justice for Supergirl" etc.
Might make for an interesting angle on things...just blue-skying hyar.


Now THAT would so utterly rock were they to indeed go down this root! ;)

Man I just loved seeing Jamal himself guess star in this issue (and it seems on top of pushing him out of the way she's also coping a feel too, lol! Dirty girl, heh.)

The thing that took me out of this issue was General Lane's "brilliant plan" to leave the so called Metro 3 out in the open and just feels so out of character for Sam Lane (as presented in comic continuity prior to resurfacing in Supergirl title) to do. :/

Saranga said...

(tried to post this before but it didn't work_)
@ Anj: Oh ok that makes more sense! i was a little surprised reading it as I didn't think that's what you generally thought.

Gene said...

Talos said:
"The thing that took me out of this issue was General Lane's "brilliant plan" to leave the so called Metro 3 out in the open and just feels so out of character for Sam Lane (as presented in comic continuity prior to resurfacing in Supergirl title) to do. :/"

That could be a sign of hubris on his part. Wouldn't it be cool if Kara makes him meet his Waterloo?

Jason said...

I too keep enjoying the fact that little by little we keep seeing more DC characters calling Supergirl by her new Linda identity. :)

Anj said...

This was a good issue, glad to see Lois and Lana back in the storyline, idly curious to see how Kara rehabilitates her good name in light of General Lane's devious plot.

Thanks for the post.

I agree that I liked this issue in that we saw more of the purer Supergirl plots (Lana and Cat) even as they interacted with the bigger New Krypton story.

Anj said...

I think the "loose end" that General Lane is referring to is Reactron himself. Better that Reactron dies the hero before he can do something that might hurt Project 7734. Lane would also regain the martyr that he can rally Earth around. If Reactron is captured and sent to New Krypton, then General Lane has the pretext that he has been wating for...

Thanks for the post.

That is a great thought. Lane expects Reactron to get captured and taken to New Krypton. Then he can play the 'they have one of our boys over there' card.

I wonder if the 'radiation leak' is a built in defect by Lane to make sure Reactron loses.

Thanks again!

Anj said...

I too keep enjoying the fact that little by little we keep seeing more DC characters calling Supergirl by her new Linda identity. :)

I also like this alot.

Anonymous said...

Capturing Reactron alive though, puts a serious kibosh on General Lane's plans though. If Krull realizes that he was set up for a death in the field he might turn stool pigeon against the whole Anti-Kryptonian conspiracy.

John Feer