This will be a quick review of a Supergirl appearance in Fury of Firestorm #3, one of the DC Next Level phase books. But it also is a plug for this book because it is a great title, especially if you are a fan of the character.
As many know I am old and I was a big fan of the Fury of Firestorm book out out in the mid-80s by Conway and Broderick. I have followed and dabbled with the character ever since.
On the current book, writer Jeff Lemire is honoring not only the classic continuity of the book but also bringing in some of the darker aspects of the origin that were revealed in, of all things, Doomsday Clock. The main plot is that the Firestorm Matrix is operating without a human mind to guide it and taking apart Colorado.
But Lemire shows how Ronnie Raymond's mind is trapped in the Matrix, repeating sunnier memories of the earliest Firestorm adventures with ben-day dot art to match the feel. Firehawk is called in to try and connect with Firestorm but is unsuccessful. She then seeks out Jason Rusch and Martin Stein. Stein admits he was behind the accident which made Firestorm but can't reach into it now. Really great stuff. In particular, Firehawk (a long time favorite of mine) is the star of the book, determined, strong, and smart.
Rafael De Latorre is on art and the book is gorgeous, especially the when the art flips from the darker present to Ronnie's Bronze Age memories.
This is a great book and folks should be reading. Let's peek into the beginning of Fury of Firestorm #3.
As I said, the Matrix is indiscriminately killing and destroying.
The JLA is called in. And it is a bunch of A-listers. The Flash, Green Lantern, Martian Manhunter, Hawkwoman, and Supergirl.
As they wade into action, we have a voiceover. This turns out to be Stein in the past, pitching Project Firestorm to the government. Metahumans can help humanity but they could end humanity too.
And he isn't exaggerating. Firestorm takes out all the JLAers quickly and efficiently and almost dispassionately. This being is untethered.
That leaves Supergirl and I love how despite seeing some of the most powerful beings taken out in seconds, she flies in. Great look of determination on her face. Love how De Latorre draws her here.
I will say maybe the JLA thought this would be easy. They just wade in.
Stein continues to talk to the government stating he will create a being no one can stop and one that can be utterly controlled ... because Stein will be part of it.
Firestorm creates Green K out of thin air and takes out Kara. That last panel of him walking through the strewn bodies of 5 of the big 7 (okay Supergirl is here because Superman is missing) shows just how crazy powerful an unhinged Firestorm could be.
I said I am old.
In Fury of Firestorm #4 back in the day, Firestorm fought off and basically defeated the JLA, including making Green K to take out Superman. Maybe there is a little historical resonance here.
Loved Supergirl's grit in that quick scene. But really loving the book. Check it out.
Overall grade: A
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