More Peeks At Supergirl #50

Supergirl #50 is solicited for next month and marks something of an anniversary issue for the title. DC seems to be doing it's part to start to market the book. We know about the Michael Turner cover and the Josh Middleton variant. We know the main story will reunite Sterling Gates and Jamal Igle as we see the finale of the Insect Queen story. And we heard about the Jake Black/Helen Slater back up story. Here on this blog, Black said the story would be 'paying tribute to "50 years and 50 issues."'

Well we learn more about the Black/Slater story over on the DC Source blog. Here is the link:

http://dcu.blog.dccomics.com/2010/01/29/an-added-plus-to-supergirl-50-helen-slater-jake-black-and-cliff-chiang/

And here is the accompanying blurb:

In addition to the special, 50th issue wonderful-ness coming your way next month from the stellar creative team of writer Sterling Gates and artist Jamal Igle, SUPERGIRL #50 features a story by none other than Helen Slater,who as some of you can recall, played Supergirl in the major motion picture by the same name. In tandem with co-writer Jake Black and the very talented Cliff Chiang, Slater will tell a story about a “Meet the Press”-type show where a panel discusses Supergirl’s merits (or, according to Cat Grant, her lack thereof).

So I as excited as I was about the writers on the story, I am really thrilled to see that Cliff Chiang is the artist on the story! That Titans splash panel is fantastic!

And more from The Source:

We checked in with SUPERGIRL assistant editor Wil Moss for the lowdown on the story, and not only did he share some info, but he passed along two lovely pages by Mr. Chiang. Take it away, Wil:

“We’re thrilled to have Helen Slater - Supergirl herself! - contribute a story to this special anniversary issue of SUPERGIRL. She and her co-writer, the wickedly talented Jake Black, have crafted a short story that really encapsulates everything that’s good and true about the Girl of Steel. The fact that we were able to get the A-list art team of Cliff Chiang and Dave McCaig to provide the art and colors just seals the deal - this is one story you do not want to let fly by!”

So looking at this page, my guess is the bottom rows of panels are a reporter asking people what they think of Supergirl.

One thing I have liked about the Gates/Igle run has been there willingness to recognize and acknowledge what the Supergirl character did in the early issues. They haven't simply brushed it under the carpet. They have dealt with it.

If I had to guess, it looks like Black and Slater are doing the same thing. Look closely at the people in those panels.


The girl with the headband has to be Brooke who was the little girl whose Christmas letter to Superman was answered by Supergirl in 2007's DCU Infinite Holiday issue. That story, written by Joe Kelly, had Supergirl drop Brooke's father Henry (I assume the man in the panels) from the upper atmosphere to spur him into spending more time with his estranged young daughter. I am over-simplifying it ... but it wasn't a typical hero move, something all to common in a Joe Kelly Supergirl story.

The dark haired girl has to be Sarah from Supergirl #10, the girl she first humiliated and eventually befriended at the end of Kelly's run.

As a fan and a continuity nerd, these small homages recognizing this Supergirl's history are welcome. I can only hope that one of the people they talk to is Thomas' mother from 'Saving Thomas'.

I am really looking forward to this collaboration between Jake Black and Supergirl herself, Helen Slater!

As for Cliff Chiang ...


Well, this announcement is an excuse to repost my Chiang commission. I think his stuff is great. I love this piece!

I am very excited about this issue and hope it brings new readers to the book.