Poll Results: What Will Happen To New Krypton?

I'd like to thank everybody who took the time to cast a vote in my recent poll 'What Will Happen To New Krypton?'

This was my second most popular poll on the blog, getting 57 votes!

The most popular single idea was that Kandor will again be bottled by Brainiac. As I said before, in some ways that makes the most sense and is the easiest answer. It allows the creators to keep characters like Alura around for further stories. It keeps 'The Bottled City of Kandor' an active part of the Superman mythos, and it is nudge back to the Silver Age, something we have seen DC doing recently.

The idea that garnered the most votes was that there would be a mix of some of the options. Certainly I can see some of the people heading into the Phantom Zone while the planet gets shifted into another dimension.

As for me ...



I just can't get away from the idea that the planet explodes.

Who knows what effect that would have in our solar system. Anyways, I think there would be just too much potential with that idea. Imagine Kal-El feeling the same feelings his father did ... being unable to save Krypton. Plus there would be some 'cosmic karma' if it exploded again. Krypton should not exist in any form ... it is destined for destruction.

We will soon find out New Krypton's fate. Thanks again everyone for voting.

Supergirl #42 Cover

A sneak peek of the cover of Supergirl#42 has been posted on Josh Middleton's blog ( http://joshuamiddleton.blogspot.com/2009/03/supergirl-42.html ).

Looks like Kara is streaking back to New Krypton. This is another interesting composition with Kara's face hidden due to the perspective chosen.

I wonder what has happened in issue #41, the first issue post-Superwoman to prompt this high-speed visit. I bet it's to pack her bags and move back to Earth.

Here is what Middleton wrote about it:

Here is the cover for Supergirl 42. Supergirl is heading to the pink energy-domed city of Kandor. The logo and other trade dress will obscure a fair amount of Supergirl on the published comic, which was my intention.

I made several complete planets in separate files before combining a few to create the small portion seen here. Now I have plenty of extra planets should I need them.

I was confused why covering Supergirl with the logo would be Middleton's intention but he clarified.

Cover artists always have to be aware of how much room the logo, issue number, upc symbol, etc. will take up so they can plan accordingly. In some cases, you end up drawing stuff that will be obscured simply because something has to be behind the logo. In this case, I had to keep in mind that Supergirl would have to be overlapped by the logo, so I composed my image accordingly.

Sounds like the composition of the cover with Kara flying in from the top was designed knowing the logo would be there. My guess is Middleton had to work hard on getting the right angle, perspective, and size of Supergirl on the cover knowing a big DC and the title would be there.

I continue to be very impressed with Middleton's covers on the title.

Review: Superman #685

The build-up to Superman:World of New Krypton and another year without Superman in the super-titles finally came to an end with the release of Superman #685 on Wednesday. Written by James Robinson and drawn by Javier Pina, it moves all the pieces into proper position for the new stories to unfold.

The last several issues have basically been prologue to this year's major arcs. Superman will be on New Krypton. Mon-El and the Guardian will be in charge of Metropolis. Flamebird and Nightwing will be hunting whatever they are hunting.

The last issue ended with Mon-El ripped from a collapsing Phantom Zone only to begin dying from the sudden exposure to lead.


With Mon-El turning an unseemly shade of gray, Superman comes up with an idea. Why not go into the future for Brainiac 5's cure serum? Superman knows that Mon-El is safely active 1000 years from now.

But when he tries to use his Legion ring to go to the 31st century, it doesn't work. Superman sums it up pretty ominously. "Something's wrong ... with tomorrow."

My guess is that we haven't quite reached the post-Final Crisis DCU. The problem with tomorrow is that the events of Final Crisis:Legion of Three Worlds are still bubbling to the surface.

But seriously, not to pick at the finaly scabbed over wound of Final Crisis, when will the DCU move to the post-FC reality. The DCU titles have been moving forward without even a glance at the trauma of Final Crisis. And assuming that each title moves ahead with current storylines will there even be a mention of Earth nearly dying, the death of some friends, the restructuring of the orrery? Hawkman and Hawkwoman and Batman all died in Final Crisis and yet all three are in the current Justice League of America issue. Heck, Hawkwoman stars in the 'Origins and Omens' back-up. Is she dead? Did New Krypton get created before Final Crisis? If so, why weren't 100,000 Kryptonians mentioned? Aftewards? Well where does Final Crisis fit in the timeline of the super-titles. I just think that after a major event .... the last Crisis ... there should be a new feel to continuity. As it is, outside of the impact on the Bat titles, I feel like Final Crisis could have been an Elseworlds mini-series.

Yikes, that's a lot of bile to spring forth from one panel in Superman. Sorry for the tangent.


Realizing that an answer from the future won't come easily, Superman rushes to his lab to try to cobble some cure together last minute.

When he arrives he discovers this 'Alice in Wonderland'-like flask, the 'drink me' label festooned with a Legion symbol. Feeling he has no choice, Superman administers the serum to Mon-El who is miraculously cured.

So this save felt a bit too much like a deus ex machina. However, there aren't many people who could have sneaked into the Fortress to leave it there. My guess? Flamebird and Nightwing. There is a theory floating on the web that Nightwing is Cosmic Boy. He could have brought the anti-lead poisoning serum from the future.

If Nightwing is Rokk, then who is Flamebird? What about Officer Schvaughn Erin?

Now that the immediate crisis of Mon-El and the Phantom Zone is over, Superman can go back to worrying about the ongoing crisis of New Krypton. He simply doesn't trust General Zod. Superman feels his people, the Kryptonians, are in danger and he needs to be there to protect them.

One thing I did like was Robinson showing us Superman's reaction to the UN resolution banning Kryptonians (outside himself) from Earth. He looks pretty shocked and he should be. Things aren't going well with the Terran/Kryptonian relationship. More then ever, he probably feels the weight of setting things right, of being a arbitor between the two sides of his life.

Robinson does give a glimpse of the Guardian as well. Harper has been receiving telepathic messages from Tellus in the form of dreams. Tellus keeps telling the Guardian that he is fine and that the Science Police will arrive. But Harper seems to ignore the advice. After seeing visions of battles with Superman villains Riot and The Atomic Skull, Harper says that he is coming to the rescue.

The rest of the issue is actually a nice character study of Clark. He knows he needs to go to New Krypton to watch Zod, save his people, and hopefully bring an end to the animosity between his two cultures.

But he cannot do it without the blessing of the two women in his life, Ma and Lois. He begins to lay out his reasoning to them. One thing I did not like is Clark saying that he felt Kara was under the sway of her mother. While she may be living on New Krypton, Kara has seemed concerned about her mother's actions as much as anyone. She has never fallen in line with Alura's thinking like a good little soldier.

I did like the little split panel theme seen above. He truly is half Clark and half Superman. It is a nice little visualization of that, as both sides of him are in anguish about how things have unfolded.

I love the support that Lois and Ma give him. When Superman states that he doesn't know what to do, they both say 'yes you do'. They both know he needs to leave Earth and go to New Krypton.

The issue's main story ends with a tender goodbye between Lois and Clark. I am happy that Robinson took the time to show this, as well as Lois' tears after this goodbye. Superman is flying into the lion's den. Lois doesn't even know if he will ever return. And yet, she still knows his place is there. She has faith in him, sure, but that still requires bravery in her part.

The issue ends with a nice 'Origins and Omens' story reviewing Mon-El's history succinctly and setting him up for the next year in Superman.

First off, he gets an identity for Metropolis. He will be Jonathan Kent. Nice touch.

And he looks like he will be busy too. Fights with Atlas and Sodam Yat? Tangling with Lex Luthor? And what looks to be a kiss with Natasha Irons?

I have to say that I am most intrigued with Superman:World of New Krypton. Of all the directions of the super-books, Superman starring Mon-El and The Guardian is the one that I am least optimistic about. Hopefully I will be pleasantly surprised.

As for this issue, Robinson does a fine job of aligning the characters so next month will start smoothly. It still felt more like set-up than story progression, but you have to get to the beginning of a story somehow.

I don't know Javier Pina but his work was serviceable. Certainly it is much smoother than the dark stuff we saw by Jesus Merino and Pable Raimondi recently. Raimondi's stuff looked much better in this month's 'Origins and Omens', less blotchy and thick.

Overall grade: B

'Who Is Superwoman?' Poll, Part 2

Okay, we have now digested several issues with Superwoman and we are two months away from a reveal. Is it time for another poll?

It is apparent that my earlier poll included some choices that just don't fit anymore. Both Sterling Gates and Jamal Igle have said that the woman under the mask is someone we have seen in the comic and not a surprising newcomer from out of left field. Here is Jamal talking about Superwoman on Newsarama (http://www.newsarama.com/comics/020918-Igle-Supergirl.html). With that caveat, guesses like Lesla Lar and Luma Lynai seem unlikely now.

Judging by recent discussions on line, Thara Ak-Var and Alura have suddenly become a vogue picks. But the 'is she Kryptonian?' question from Supergirl #38 has made Lucy Lane, Cat Grant, and Lana Lang suddenly be back in the mix. Of course, how they would know Kryptonese, be on Kandor, and have powers is beyond me. And Maxima, Power Girl, Daxamites, robots, and Amazons ... all as non-Kryptonians (or non-Earth-0 Kryptonians) ... are new dark horse candidates (although perhaps violating the creator decree above).

All along I have said that Superwoman is a Kara clone of some sort.

Now I have changed my mind. I think Superwoman is an Alura clone, probably brought on by exposure to Black K radiation when purging the poison from Kara.

If I have changed my mind then maybe it is time to review some of the key panels and clues and start up a new poll.

The guesses are Alura (in any form - real or Black K clone), Kara (in any form - clone, Black K, etc), Thara Ak-Var, android/robot, Lucy Lane, Lana Lang, or other.

As I review the issues, I will put in some of my thoughts on specific clues .... whether they be real or red herrings is up to the reader. I will put down who I think specific panels point to as well, even if I contradict myself.

No matter what you think of my ramblings, I hope you vote. And as always, I would love to hear why people think what they think, especially if you pick 'other'.

And since this is a big review of panels and clues, this is a very very long post. So bear with me.

We got our first glimpse of Superwoman at the end of Supergirl #35. It is clear that she is in Kandor.

I looks like she has long hair that is either brown or blond. I find it interesting that her transmission here includes some shorts with the 'kzzzt' noises. Why would that be? Is she a robot of some sort herself with faulty technology?

When someone speaking Kryptonese cries out for help, she is off.

Nice flying style gripping the cape like that. Reminds me of someone else.

Look ... Alura flies like Superwoman (here a panel from Supergirl #37)! Maybe that doesn't mean anything. Or maybe it is a visual clue.

Our next long look at Superwoman is in Supergirl #36 which is smack dab in the middle of the New Krypton arc and includes the crisis of Zor-El's death.

I include this panel to show that Thara was a pretty big presence in the battle even semi-saving Superman at one point. This comes into play later.

After Zor-El gets killed, Alura becomes more and more despondent and militant. Remember, she was struck by a bolt of K-poisoning in Supergirl #35 which some of us have used to rationalize her change in mentality.

Here we see her grieving.

I said I have changed my pick from 'Kara clone' to 'Alura clone'. So I wonder if she was literally beside herself with grief and anger. Maybe the Black K in the bolt split her? Maybe one Alura is depressed, one militant?

But this is a Superwoman post. So let's move on to panels involving her. In Supergirl #36 she approaches Supergirl and is almost overly friendly.

She speaks fluent Kryptonese and states she is just learning English. Kryptonian powers can be emulated with technology. But speaking an alien language fluently? Does that eliminate the humans from the top of the suspect list? Certainly it makes Thara, Alura, Lyla Kam-Par (Alura's secretary), and a Kara clone better suspects. The powers, the language, the location ... it all says Kryptonian.

And then this little piece of propaganda. Superman and Supergirl were the inspiration to put on the uniform and fight for what is right? I don't know who could state that truthfully. Thara makes some sense. Maybe seeing what the cousins have done on Earth would make her want to become a hero. Remember, Thara stated that titles should be 'earned'. Maybe she resents Kara becoming a hero more by a whim than true training.

But who else could say that and mean it? Or is that just a bunch of lies to get close to Supergirl?

As she flies off after that conversation, she says she hopes to see Kara again back home. Look at how home is highlighted. Does that mean her current Earth home - is Superwoman Lana? Her Kryptonian home with Alura? Or just home as in New Krypton?

Right now I think I means 'home with Alura'. Or at least one of the Aluras.

Our next sighting is in the last chapter of New Krypton, Action Comics #873, where she dispatches Agent Liberty with a heat vision lobotomy. This is the first time we see that Superwoman is working with General Lane.

Look at how icily she states 'intruder alert' after killing Liberty. These two words made the idea of 'robot' or 'android' plausible. The red eyes do give her an inhuman feel.

After that brief appearance, we see a lot of Superwoman in Supergirl #37, the Faces of Evil issue.

The issue opens up with Superwoman padding around a dusty room I am assuming is on New Krypton given the decor.

Why a dusty room? My guess is it means that Superwoman is in hiding even amongst 'her people'. Who would need to be in hiding? What about a copy of someone who is very visible on New Krypton like Alura? Or Kara?

She says she wants to help her people but it seems disingenuous given events that unfold. But she may be sincere and deluded.

She runs her fingers over the House of El sigil and calls it her family. If she is speaking the truth, that eliminates everyone other than some form of Kara and Alura. (You could speak wildly about it being Superman's mother or another unseen Kryptonian ... but I am playing with the rules that Superwoman is someone we have seen before.)

But maybe the Els are her symbolic family, like someone who is very close to them. It could still be Thara. Thara would have a hideout to change into her uniform so she could remain undiscovered. You probably can't be the head of security on New Krypton and be a masked vigilante.

Despite her intention of helping her people, somehow Superwoman has become a pawn of General Lane who seems to be blackmailing her with his knowledge of her identity. Who would be so worried about that reveal to basically become a traitor to her people and a killer? Well someone who would be killed or otherwise erased if she is found out (like a clone or a copy). I don't think Thara would be so concerned over this reveal to help Lane in his murderous plans.

But how does Lane know who she is? I have no idea.

Of all the clues, this seems to eliminate Lucy Lane for me. Lucy seems eager to obey General Lane's every order. Why would her father need to blackmail her?

I include this panel of Supergirl and Superwoman soaking in the sun because Kara describes this activity as 'running into an old friend' just as Superwoman arrives. Is that a sly hint that Superwoman is in fact Kara's old friend Thara? Maybe Lana? That is a nice literary device.

This panel shows that Gates has made a point of telling us that Superwoman possesses unbelievable speed.

Super-speed is the great equalizer. If I say 'Superwoman can't be Thara because Supergirl runs into Thara right after this conversation with Superwoman ends', you can counter 'Thara changed at super-speed.' If I say 'she can't be Alura because she would need to be 2 places at once' you can counter the same way. Of course, like the best mysteries, this could be a complete lie, placed there just to let people rationalize their guesses.

Of course, she can't be the Alura unless she has a true split personality. Here Superwoman states that she was against Alura's decision to move off Earth. Throughout the story, Thara has been somewhat critical of Alura's decisions. So Superwoman has similar sentiments to Thara.

After Supergirl gets sent to Earth to bring in Reactron, Superwoman tries to stop her. But it seems to be more out of concern for Kara than anything else. Thara had disagreed with this mission from the start. As a member of the military, she would have the fighting skills to square off with and defeat Supergirl.

But an Alura clone who has a different mindset compared to 'Alura-Prime' might also want to stop Kara. Reactron killed Zor-El; maybe Superwoman is trying to save Kara from a similar fate?

After reading Supergirl #37, most clues seemed to fit Thara more than anyone else.

Supergirl #38 also seemed to point to Thara.

During their fight, Superwoman speaks as though she took part in prior conversations on New Krypton with Kara. She speaks just as Thara spoke. Heck, even Supergirl thinks Superwoman is Thara.

Regardless of her motivation for stopping Kara, Superwoman remains obedient to General Lane. There are some intriguing elements to the above panels.

First off, we continue to see the 'kzzzt' shorts of Superwoman's technology. Why continue to add those unless they were somehow meaningful? There aren't any lines to suggest these bubbles are emanating from a speaker on this communicator. If this is how Superwoman hears, it suggests she is in fact a robot/android.

I also like how her face quickly changes from raw emotional concern in the first panel to flat, almost entranced, stoicism in panel two. Does that suggest a lack of humanity? Or resignation to her role as puppet for Lane?

During her battle with Reactron, there are two big reveals.

First off, Reactron tells us that it was Superwoman who evacuated Metallo and him from the New Krypton battle scene in Supergirl #36. It would be hard for Thara (as seen above) to be such an active part of that fight, side by side with Kal, and still fly the villains away. I also think it would be hard for Alura, also enmeshed in the fight and cradling Zor-El's body, to disappear with the bad guys. Nor do I think Thara or Alura would help Zor-El's murderer escape.

Of course, super-super-speed could be used to apparently be in 2 places as once. And we know Superwoman claims to be really fast. Ack ... that's why these mysteries are fun and frustrating at the same time.

And then the big statement questioning her Kryptonian heritage. I, for one, think she is Kryptonian and was somehow protected from Reactron's gold Kryptonite. But if she is telling the truth than Alura, Kara, and Thara are eliminated (unless clones and duplicates aren't really Kryptonian). Then we are back to looking at Lana, Lucy, and other long shots.

So where are we in all this? I think some form of Kara (clone, Black K, future) can explain most things but not all.

I think Thara fits many clues but seems too obvious. That is a pretty lousy reason to write her off as a prime suspect.

I think some form of Alura (for me Black K created) but not THE Alura makes sense too. I am guessing this.

But a robot/android of Kryptonian design could explain everything - language, powers, location, and immunity to Kryptonite.

And many of the other guesses - Maxima, Artemis, Lesla Lar, Matrix, Linda Danvers - all still sort of fit but seem less likely given the creative team's statement that the character has been seen before.

If you are still reading ... thanks so much for dealing with my run-on thoughts. I hope you will vote.

May 09 Solicits

Newsarama showcased DC's May solicitation earlier this week ( http://www.newsarama.com/comics/090217-may-2009-dc-solicitations.html ). While the big buzz is over the 'Battle for the Cowl' (including a hint that Babs might walk again!?), the Super-family remained pretty busy. And, as usual, there was a little surprise and another disappointment.


SUPERGIRL #41
Written by Sterling Gates
Art by Talent Caldwell
Cover by Joshua Middleton

The dramatic conclusion to “Who Is Superwoman?” Superwoman’s identity stands revealed, leading to a knock-down-drag-out fight the likes of which Metropolis will be talking about for years to come! Supergirl will wish she'd never found out who was under the hood as Superwoman and Reactron join forces against the Girl of Steel. How can Supergirl possibly survive?

Well, so much has been added to the mix with Wednesday's #38 ... review coming soon I promise. But we get the conclusion of the Superwoman story with what sounds like a major brawl.

The art is being done by Talent Caldwell this issue. I put him in the Michael Turner, Scott Campbell style of art, a big difference from Jamal Igle. No worries though, Igle has already said that he is back next issue. This was a planned rest issue to work around a vacation he had planned.

ACTION COMICS #877
Written by Greg Rucka
Art by Eddy Barrows & Ruy José
Cover by Andrew Robinson

Nightwing and Flamebird have beaten back Ursa’s first assault. But Round Two is about to begin! Forget brutal – now it gets personal.

So it is Flamebird and Nightwing against Ursa's machinations on Earth.

Interesting cover as it looks like they are about to work over/torture someone for info. Could this be the 'anti-hero' super title with Kal on New Krypton?

Is it me or has the Flamebird/Nightwing mystery really taken a back seat to the Superwoman mystery?


SUPERMAN #688
Written by James Robinson
Art by Renato Guedes & José Wilson Magalhães
Cover by Andrew Robinson

Mon-El’s role as Superman’s stand-in for Metropolis is threatened by a sudden and mysterious power loss. How can he be the hero he needs to be without any special abilities? Meanwhile the Guardian and his Science Police go to the rescue of a missing member of the Legion of Superheroes. And who is the spy within the Science Police ranks?

It looks like we will finally find out how Tellus ended up in Area 7734.

But I hope the powerless Mon-El is a one issue or short story arc. The powerless Superman/Protector of Metropolis storyline has been played to death.


SUPERMAN: WORLD OF NEW KRYPTON #3
Written by James Robinson & Greg Rucka
Art by Pete Woods
Cover by Gary Frank Variant cover by Eric Canete

With Superman now drafted into New Krypton’s Military Guild, it seems that General Zod finally has the Man of Steel under his control. But when given a command to commit an act of brutality against his fellow Kryptonians, Superman must choose between following orders and following his conscience – at the risk of being branded a traitor by his own people!

I have to say that I am getting excited more and more for this title.

There is such an opportunity for a character-driven Superman storyline. I know he has been raised on Earth. But how does he emotionally deal with this sudden insertion of Krypton in his life. How does he walk next to Zod daily? Cope with his insane Aunt?

This should really be a psychologically driven examination of a man torn between 2 worlds. Sure, Kara is going through the same thing but from very different perspectives. Sure I think there will eventually be a fistfight between Zod and Kal. But the story that gets them there is the one I want to read.



SUPERGIRL: COSMIC ADVENTURES IN THE EIGHTH GRADE #6
Written by Landry Q. Walker
Art and cover by Eric Jones

How will Supergirl ever wrap up all of the cosmic craziness that has developed since her arrival on Earth? Arch-frenemies, scheming faculty, an intergalactic orange kitty and a flying horse are just a few things that come her way in this final, action-packed issue!

Hoo boy. We all have been clamoring for a Comet sighting in this book, probably since the first issue. Now, not only do we see that Comet will make an appearance but that there is an 'Infinite Earths' theme on the cover as well. This could be a poster!



The positioning of Kara and Comet looks like the mirror image of Action Comics #293, one of Comet's first appearances. With all the other homages to Supergirl's past, I can't imagine it was coincidence.

But strings of Earths? Could Walker and Jones be channeling Crisis on Infinite Earths #7 for the last issue of the mini-series?

I can only hope that the title is popular enough to warrant a sequel! I am going to miss this title when it is over.


And now the surprise.

TINY TITANS #16
Written by Art Baltazar & Franco

Art and cover by Art Baltazar

It’s another ordinary gym class with Coach Lobo for the Tiny Titans until Supergirl and Kid Flash decide it’s the perfect day for a race around the world. The race isn’t theirs alone as some of the other Tiny Titans decide they don’t want to be left out. And see just what happens when the Atom and the Molecule compete in a shrinking contest.

As if casting Lobo as the school gym teacher wasn't enough comedy gold for an issue, he forces Supergirl to race Kid Flash! Sounds like more fun than the Batgirl/Supergirl tea party!

But why do I love this issue already?


Because the cover clearly is an homage to this Bob Oskner covered Limited Collector's edition. Even the breakdown of the fans on each side is sort of similar.

It is these small winks to the older readers, in Tiny Titans and Supergirl:Cosmic Adventures that truly makes the books for All Ages.

And finally the disappointment. Guess what wasn't solicited again! That's right the James Robinson/Mauro Cascioli Justice League featuring Supergirl has still not been solicited! It was announced nearly a year ago!

It has reached a point that Dan Didio actually needed to comment on this publicly saying that it was a mistake to announce the title until they had more issues done. Now I am sure that Cascioli's art is going to be unbelievably good. But this isn't a mini-series ... this is an ongoing monthly. Maybe they need to announce who the regular artist will be after the first arc now.

Maybe I wouldn't care so much if I wasn't looking forward to the title so much.

Let's hope we see it in June.

NYCC Rundown

New York Comicon ended yesterday and where was I? At work.

Nevertheless, while I was unable to attend the convention, most of the big comics websites had near constant coverage. Thanks to Newsarama, Comic Book Resources, The Beat, and other sites, I felt like I was there.

And, of course, my buddy actually *was* there. Based on voice mails he left on my cell, I will have some cool stuff to post later this week.

The biggest glut of Supergirl news from the NYCC came on the first day at the Superman Panel. Here is the link for full coverage http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=19893 .



First off, check out the cover for Supergirl #41, another winner by Josh Middleton. Looks like it'll be a brawl. Supergirl looks so intense!

Next, I pulled out some quotes to comment on here.


Idelson reminded the crowd that "World of New Krypton" is the only book Superman will be appearing in this year, "more or less."

"This book is the driving engine of all the Superman books," Robinson agreed. "You will see life in Metropolis, Supergirl, Nightwing and Flamebird, all of this is driven by events in 'World of New Krypton.'"

Hard to believe that we will have a whole year without Superman appearing in Action Comics or Superman. I still think this is a huge risk by DC, especially given the buzz the super-titles have recieved recently. Honestly, I don't know if I am going to like reading a year's worth of The Guardian. Of course, I am going in with an open mind. I like Rucka and Robinson's body of work so I should trust they will keep me entertained.

Supergirl was next on the agenda.

"We're going to do some interesting stuff with New Kyrpton and with Supergirl's mother and with people in Metropolis," Gates said. "The secret identity of Linda Lang is not going away, it's going to be big and we're going to do some good stuff with it. And Jamal is kicking all holy ass on it."

I am glad to hear that Linda Lang was not an afterthought and will be explored more soon. Sounds like Kara's decision to stay on New Krypton might be a short one. I can only wonder what will drive her away from Alura and back to Earth.

Geoff Johns added, "I think Sterling's doing a phenomenal job on Supergirl. It's one of my favorite books at DC Comics right now."

"We really wanted 'Supergirl' to be a really important book," Robinson said. "We hope it will be embraced for everybody."

This is the sort of stuff I like to read ... other creators talking up Supergirl. I am glad it is still being promoted so heavily. I don't think I have hidden the fact that I have loved the Gates/Igle issues.

Johns next talked about 'Adventure Comics,' the Legion book that will launch in June with Francis Manupal on art. "It's a book that spins out of 'Legion of 3 Worlds,' and obviously Starman's there. If anyone's reading 'JSA,' he's taking a central lead in the book. Francis taking his work in a whole direction, it's just stunning." The book will feature painted artwork.

Hmmm ... now this book sounds so intriguing. It was called sort of a 'Superman Family' style book by Johns. But starring Bizarro, Luthor, Brainiac, Starman, and 2 folks hidden in shadows?

Any guesses on the unknown stars?

I thought Adventure was just going to be the new Legion book. Guess I was wrong.

And then my favorite parts of panels, the Q&A session.

The panel then turned the floor over to the audience for questions.

- Are we going to see more of Supergirl interacting with characters her own age? Yes.

I am pretty excited to hear this. One thing that I think has been missing from the book since its inception was a solid supporting cast. And with Kara being written as a 16/17 year old girl, I do think that giving her true peers to interact with is important and realistic.

- Are there going to be repercussions for the death of Supergirl's father? "Do you like Black Lanterns?" Gates said.

If 'Blackest Night' is going to cross over into Supergirl, Zor-El is the obvious choice. But I feel bad for the man. He is portrayed as a lunatic. Then re-invented as a ranger. Then remade more in the Silver Age mode as loving father and brilliant scientist only to be killed shortly thereafter. I think he deserves a little peace.

But it sounds more like he will be back as heartless zombie. Poor guy ...

- Is Superman going to have to pick one world over the other? "That would be great drama," Rucka said. "But it's a false choice. He's Superman. But I think it's a very good question for Supergirl."

The whole crux of issue #34 was Kara's decision to rehabilitate her image and make Earth her home. The next month New Krypton started. All along the question in my mind has been 'why would Kara choose Earth over Kandor/New Krypton?' And while Alura's insanity could be a big part of Kara's decision, I don't think it would be all of it. I think we need to see more of Supergirl's stay on Krypton and events there that would lead her to want to go back to Metropolis and Earth.

- A fan asked about Richard Donner's Superman film's influence on the comics. "It's cool!" Johns said. "General Zod, Ursa and Non are more well-known than Brainiac. It doesn't make any sense that we haven't brought them in before now. People wear General Zod tee-shirts. Nobody wears Brainiac tee-shirts."Igle said the films' designs are timeless, referring specifically to the Kryptonian crystal technology.

- Who are your Superman influences? Barrows: José Louis Garcia-López. Johns: Curt Swan. Richard Donner's films. Rucka: "The most profound influence is Donner."Robinson: Curt Swan. "More specifically, Curt Swan inked by George Klein."Gates: The Richard Donner films.

I continue to be amazed at how the Donner films had such a huge impact on comic creators. I find that so interesting.

April 2009 Solicitations

April 2009 looks like a busy month for the super-titles. There is also a surprise and a big disappointment.

With the economy on a downturn I am lucky enough to not have had to pare down my pull list too much. Hope everyone else is as lucky.

SUPERGIRL #40
Written by Sterling Gates
Art by Jamal Igle & Jon Sibal
Cover by Joshua Middleton

“Who is Superwoman?” part 4! Following last issue, Supergirl must decide what to do with a shocking piece of information that casts all of “New Krypton” in a new light! Meanwhile, Lois begins putting together clues regarding the body found in Metropolis Harbor and the strange message it was broadcasting.

Well, it looks like we might have an unveiling in this issue. Supergirl certainly looks shocked. But casting all of "New Krypton" in a new light? Who could be behind the cowl that will fulfill that big promise?

I don't know what exactly to think of the composition of the cover with Superwoman's posterior so 'in my face', but Kara certainly is beautifully rendered.



SUPERGIRL: COSMIC ADVENTURES IN THE EIGHTH GRADE #5
Written by Landry Q. Walker
Art and cover by Eric Jones

It’s graduation day, and things couldn’t be more complicated! The whole gang is here, and the cosmic craziness is about to get way out of hand!

Talk about the quickest graduation in comics history ... hee hee. Anyways, I love how the cover is the bizarro version of the first issue. And I think Belinda Zee is a complete hoot. So I am happy to see her so prominently displayed.

I am sad that this is only a 6 issue mini. Let the barrage of public support for this title be aimed at DC starting now!



ACTION COMICS #876
Written by Greg Rucka
Art by Eddy Barrows & Ruy Jose
Cover by Andrew Robinson

Enter: Ursa!

Not much info for this issue which may be because DC isn't ready to share who are inside these costumes. Apparently we learn very quickly in their first solo issue who Flamebird and Nightwing are.

I think I am going to hold off on my expectations about this title until I hear about who the heroes really are.


SUPERMAN #687
Written by James Robinson
Art by Renato Guedes & Wilson Magalháes
Cover by Andrew Robinson

Mon-El has agreed to be Metropolis’s new champion – unfortunately Metropolis wants nothing to do with him! In the wake of the events in the “New Krypton” saga, Mon-El faces fierce anti-Kryptonian sentiments from a city that assumes he’s Kryptonian. Oh, and there’s also the not-so-small problem of Rampage. Meanwhile, the Guardian and his Science Police must deal with the Prankster’s new wave of murderous fun. And Black Lightning and Steel face the repercussions of a world without Superman.

I have to say I am just not a big Guardian fan. And I don't think I know enough about the current Mon-El to say if I am excited about a title involving him as well. I most likely will buy the title for at least the first few issues since it will impact the Super-titles. I trust Robinson to keep me coming back for more.


SUPERMAN: WORLD OF NEW KRYPTON #2
Written by James Robinson & Greg Rucka
Art by Pete Woods
Cover by Gary Frank
Variant cover by Pete Woods

Superman thought that joining his people on New Krypton would allow him to ease some of the tension between Earth and his people, but lately nothing’s been easy for the Man of Steel! Alura still shows no signs of becoming the kind of leader Superman wants her to be. The people of New Krypton still don’t understand the responsibilities that come with their new abilities. And as for Zod? Superman doesn’t even know where to start with Zod. All The Man of Steel knows is that he can’t be trusted. And Zod is about to prove Superman right.

So only two issues in and we see a Superman/Zod confrontation. I am filled with anticipation for this miniseries to see if this gives a more complete wrap-up of the New Krypton storyline. I mean, we can't have a planet full of Kryptonians in the DCU solar system forever right?

One thing that does stand out is the writing credits. Robinson and Rucka? I thought Kreisberg was the writer for the whole series. Is this a mistake? A re-write? Or is the series a joint effort from the entire creative team?

And now a surprise ....


SUPER FRIENDS #14
Written by Sholly Fisch
Art by Scott Shaw! & Terry Beatty
Cover by J. Bone

When the alien Kanjar Ro invades Earth, he freezes all humans so that they won’t mess with him – including the Super Friends! What he doesn’t know is that he’s about to face resistance from their super best friends – the Super Pets!

It seems that Streaky remains as powerful a force in the DCU in 2009 as he did in 2008! I can't get enough super-cat. And while I recognize Ace, Krypto, and Beppo ... I don't know what to make of the Wonder Kangaroo?

And art by Scott (Captain Carrot) Shaw! Perfect.

I guess I will have to buy this issue.

And know the disappointment.

Guess what was not solicited again ...


I don't know what to think anymore.

Will this title ever come out?

It was announced last May (I think). I just wish DC would come out with a statement about it. Has it been scrapped? Do they have a ballpark guess as to a release? Summer? Fall?

Dan Didio had this to say in his Newsarama 20 questions column (http://www.newsarama.com/comics/010923-DiDio-20-Answers.html):

8. The forthcoming James Robinson Justice League book...
DD: Sure – right now the Justice League story that he’s telling, because of the quality of the painted art that we’re getting, it’s moving slowly. Again, we’re very conscious of our schedules and putting books out on time. We’re also conscious of the fact that we made a mistake in getting out a little too early with this book. We were all excited that James was working on a Justice League project, so we got it out there probably a little too early for our own good, and we’re going to be a little more judicious on how we release our information. I don’t want to get everybody overexcited about it, but the book is on its way.

Looks like they may be waiting to get a number of issues 'in the can' so they don't have delays. I guess I can deal with that. But at what point do they simply put the fire to the creative team to get moving .... or pick another artist (despite the wondrous Cascioli art).

Anyways, looks like a good month! Looking forward to seeing the face under the Superwoman mask at last.