Best Of Supergirl 2015, Part 2 of 3: Commissions And Merchandise

Welcome to Best of Supergirl 2015, part two.

With the show review behind us and before heading into tomorrow's Top Ten Supergirl Comic Moments of 2015, I figured I would put together something of a hodge podge post covering my year in commissions and the Supergirl merchandise solicited.

This has overall been a very good year for the character, starting with the advent of the television show and continuing with merchandising and her appearance in other media outlets.

But personally it was a very good year for me when it came to commissions as well.What I like about seeing this montage of all the sketches is the range of artists on the list.

I got commissions from legends Jose Luis Garcia-Lopez and Mike Grell.
I got commissions from newcomers Erica Henderson, Annie Wu, and Joelle Jones.
And I got commissions from established artists Yanick Paquette and Darick Robertson.
I think it is cool it broke down that way.

I also find it interesting that the 'hot pants' Bronze Age outfit was the costume in half of this year's commissions. I think I may start expanding the collection to other versions of the costume, maybe depending on the artist's strengths or interest level.

As for merchandise, Supergirl continues to be a popular subject for statues and figures.

Here is the 'Femme Fatale' statue which featured the Timm-verse white t-shirt costume. While I wouldn't consider Kara a femme fatale, I think this is a fun piece.

A statue based on the television show costume was recently solicited. This looks lovely.

And there was also a recent solicit for an action figure based on Darwyn Cooke's take on the character. I am most excited that this includes Krypto and Streaky.

There was also a very large Sideshow Collectibles statue of  Supergirl. It features her in the Michael Turner belly shirt costume. This statue is a bit too pricey and a bit too saucy for me as a fan. But I am happy that the powers that be felt she is popular enough to deserve this high end statue.

And while the show is the multimedia darling, Supergirl also made it to another small screen, the computer monitor, when we learned she would be one of the characters showcased in DC Superhero Girls.

The show is a silly sort of romp. It clearly leans on the tone and style of My Little Pony Friendship Is Magic. The cartoons on the site are true shorts. And while Supergirl hasn't appeared yet, she is described as sweet, awkward, and fun loving. Sounds pretty good to me.

I also love the look with the golf shirt, Chuck Taylors, and gold trimmed skirt.

While I haven't seen any quite yet, there have been plenty of sneak peeks of all sort of DC Superhero Girls stuff, from toys to clothes, to action figures and dolls.

The site is a lot of fun and could be a nice gateway for young kids.

Lastly, you know that Supergirl is starting to sink in to public consciousness when you see things like this.

She was in a Jeopardy clue. Now that is reaching into the mainstream world.

So we have a great show and toys and statues of Supergirl in 2015. But what about her in comics?

Tomorrow.

Best of Supergirl 2015, Part 1 of 3: The Supergirl Show

Welcome to the first of in a series of three posts looking back at the Best of Supergirl in the year 2015.

It has been an incredible year for the character in many aspects as Supergirl has finally been brought into popular culture in a meaningful and incredible manner. While I tend to concentrate on the Supergirl in the comics here, there is no doubt that any 'Best of Supergirl 2015' coverage has to begin with the television show.

I am still in shock as a Supergirl fan that each week I get to see my favorite character on the small screen, appointment viewing for me and the supergirls at home. Insanity!

Of course none of that initial excitement would mean anything if the show wasn't good. And while I might be biased, I think the show has been incredible.

It all starts with Melissa Benoist as Supergirl.

I mean, she lights up the room with her performance of Kara. She has this infectious sort of enthusiasm when she is in the costume, doing heroic deeds and seeing the best in everybody. But most importantly, she brings the range of emotions you need to bring to the character. Sure there is that optimism and brightness. But there is a fiery streak she shows when she sees evil being done. There is the uncertainty of being a new hero. She can be shy as Kara. And yes ... adorkable. Supergirl can be the most vulnerable character while being the most invulnerable and Benoist captures it all. How I love the initial plane rescue scene and her happiness afterwards!

The rest of the ensemble cast really shines as well. I have come to really love what Chyler Leigh is bringing to the character of Alex, the brilliant, protective, and powerful older sister. Calista Flockhart has been brilliant as Cat Grant. Cat could have been a caricature but Flockhart is bringing some depth to the character, making her as much an inspiration as Supergirl. Peter Facinelli is smarmy, charming, and evil. And Jeremy Jordan, Laura Benanti, Mehcad Brooks, and David Harewood have also been great.

There have been some wonderful moments in every issue, covered exhaustively by me in the reviews.

But I think the one that gave me the most goose bumps was an IM conversation where Superman told Kara he was proud of her, saying she was doing great, and that he was impressed with her victory over Reactron.

Getting validation and appreciation from Superman is something of a running theme throughout Supergirl's history. Whether it is implicit (throwing her in an orphanage until she knows how to use her powers) or only perceived as such by Kara (in the 2003 reboot series), Kara wanting to earn the S-shield and Superman's respect is a theme. She wants to emerge from his shadow and be her own hero. This little electronic discussion is something I, as a Supergirl fan, have been waiting to read for decades. I got chills.

All the commentary on feminism, race, work conflicts, family issues, and love ... this emotional side of the show is solid.

And the show has really excelled with the special effects for the action sequences. From the plane rescue to Reactron's beams to Livewire's electricity to Hank's transformation to J'onn, this really has felt like a mini-movie week in, week out.

But it isn't just the effects, the 'Human for a Day' hunt for J'emm felt like horror movie. The fight sequences, whether Kara throwing haymakers or Alex emptying twin .44s into Jemm, the whole heroing side of the show is so well done.

Add to that just enough Easter Eggs to keep a hard core Kara fan attentive and you have a winning formula. I mean we have heard 'Maiden of Might', 'Guardian Angel', and 'Secret Weapon' on this show. Unbelievable!

I gush weekly about the show in episode recaps. So if you want more details, I would head to those posts.

But between all the publicity for the show and now the final product, it has been a fantastic year for Supergirl in the television medium. And now people who might not know otherwise recognize how great a character Supergirl is!

Happy 2015!

Merry Christmas And Happy Holidays

To all those who celebrate, Merry Christmas!

And a happy holiday season to everyone!

I'll be busy opening gifts and hanging with family, drinking egg nog and singing carols like a lunatic for the next couple of days. So no new posts until next week.

Reviews for this week's comics will also be delayed a bit for some 'Best of 2015' columns running Monday through Wednesday.

Thanks to all who come here and support the site! You all are the best!

Happy Holidays!

An Early Holiday Gift: Belinda Zee

I was on Twitter the other day and I asked Eric Jones for an early Christmas gift.

I have never understood why DC hasn't published more Cosmic  Adventures of Supergirl. Landry Walker and Jones clearly want it. Lots of Supergirl fans want it. It is a no-brainer.

Anyways, I was bemoaning the lack of new Belinda Zee in my life and asked Jones for a doodle and he obliged, posting this new picture on Twitter.

Since some people might have missed it and since it is so fantastic and since I really miss the character, I thought I should share here. Heck, I might make a t-shirt to wear at next year's conventions.

Now, if only DC would do the right thing and put out a sequel!

Mike Maihack's 2015 Supergirl/Batgirl Christmas Comic!

I have gushed about Mike Maihack's Supergirl/Batgirl comics in the past. Maihack has this uncanny knack to get to the heart of these characters. From Supergirl's endless optimism and cheer to Batgirl's dour Bat exterior masking a brighter interior, these comics are pure pure joy.

One of the things about these strips is that Batgirl tends to be the 'straight man', the character who sees the insanity around her and might look at the crowd exasperated. Supergirl has been able to handle just about everything that has been thrown at the duo and the most Batgirl has had to do is shake her head.

So I love this year's Christmas strip. Realizing that Batgirl might feel unneeded, Supergirl gives her the best present ever. Purpose. She'll sit this battle out so Batgirl can save Gotham.

How can you not love the lower 1/3 of this strip, both characters smiling brightly, doing the right thing. Wonderful.

As always, a big thanks and Merry Christmas to Maihack for producing these strips. I love them.

Sales Review: November 2015

The comic market is a tough thing to follow if you are a DC fan. The absolute mega-media-monolith of Marvel has been dominating the market for so long that I think it is time to throw in the towel. There is no defeating the power of Disney, Star Wars, the Marvel movies, the cross-pollination on ABC and ESPN and the Disney channel cartoons. Marvel is everywhere and as a result they are crushing the comic market. And let's face it, the Marvel comic market is the dust on the flea of Disney. But good for them for promoting their stuff and producing good comics and movies.

Meanwhile, DC seems like a lost company. Their talent pool is limited. They don't know what to do with most of their properties. They keep deconstructing Superman, infantilizing Wonder Woman, and trying to be edgy and failing utterly.

This isn't abstract. This is concrete. Every month, ICv2 shows us the sales and just how bad DC is doing. Here is the sales charts from last month:
http://icv2.com/articles/markets/view/33277/top-300-comics-actual-november-2015

Superman #46 had Superman fighting his way through the mythology fight club, finding out where Hordr Root's lab was located, and battling a Sand Superman. There were some parts of this particular issue that were good. But it is still just a chapter in a story that hasn't grabbed the audience.

The book sold just over 42K, the 55th best selling book in the list, and far below characters who are less iconic.

Something is wrong here.

The only thing I am happy to report is that Max Landis' book didn't sell like gangbusters either (41K). I don't want the keys to the Superman universe handed to him.

A more classic version of Superman is available in the Superman:Lois and Clark book written by Dan Jurgens with art by Lee Weeks.

I was wondering if a strong showing by this book might lead to an overhaul in how Superman is presented these days.

The second issue only sold 22K meaning that there wasn't a huge push for this particular version of the book. This is still healthy sales for a mini-series looking at a past incarnation.

Still, I was hoping this would sell better.

And the only book showcasing a quasi-'in continuity' Supergirl? Well that is Justice League 3001, the book all old school DC fans should be reading.

Maybe we all are reading it. Maybe there are only 14K of us left?

I keep fearing this book is going to go away! Don't let this Kara head off to limbo! Please read this book!

Anyways, the solicits show a reversion to a powered Superman in a couple of months. Will sales rebound?

I can only hope!

March 2016 Solicits

The DC Comics solicits for March recently were released and there was a lot to look forward to. I know what you are thinking - 'that sounds like optimism'. Well, I am optimistic. And it seems like I am going to be broke as well.

The solicits can be found in lots of places but here is a link to Newsarama's coverage:
http://www.newsarama.com/27169-dc-comics-full-march-2016-solicitations.html

But it has been a while since I have truly been looking forward to a month as much as this one. I can only hope that I'm not let down.

JUSTICE LEAGUE 3001 #10
Written by KEITH GIFFEN and J.M. DeMATTEIS
Art and cover by SCOTT KOLINS

After a brutal defeat by Lady Styx’s legion, the remaining members of the Justice League are forced into hiding—but there are eyes everywhere. How do you hide in plain sight? You create secret identities. But will that be enough to elude Styx’s deadliest bounty hunter, Eclipso?

Another month, another month without 'Final Issue' linked to the solicit.

This book is so good. I'm not the biggest fan of Scott Kolins so I'll have to deal a bit with the lack of Howard Porter.

I love this all-female team. And the idea of the team being on the run makes sense given the outright corruption and darkness of the universe they are in.

And this is the second cover in a row with Supergirl front and center. And this looks like a different costume than the last. Could this Silver Age Supergirl be adopting the 'Adventure Comics' sensibilities of many different looks?

DC COMICS BOMBSHELLS #10
Written by MARGUERITE BENNETT
Art by MARGUERITE SAUVAGE and LAURA BRAGA
Cover by ANT LUCIA

While Lex Luthor continues to manipulate events behind the scenes, Kate Kane remains in the clutches of the Nazi Edel Nacht, who lays out his plans for world conquest. The inexperienced Huntress is determined to go rescue her, with or without Catwoman’s help. And Zatanna makes plans to cause trouble in the outside world, even as she remains imprisoned in the Joker’s Daughter’s cabaret.

Supergirl isn't mentioned in the solicit but this is the only other print book that Supergirl appears in.

Bennett has been doing a great job on this book. And I am thrilled to see Marguerite Sauvage back on art. The cover, with Luthor pulling the strings, is a grabbing as well!

SUPERMAN #50
Written by GENE LUEN YANG
Art by HOWARD PORTER
Cover by JOHN ROMITA, JR. and KLAUS JANSON

Superman returns in all his glory in this very special issue that sees the Man of Steel back to full power as he faces his greatest enemy and also comes face to face with the pre-Flashpoint Kal-El! At last, it’s the meeting of the Supermen you’ve been waiting for!
This issue features open-to-order variant covers that will ship in opaque polybags.

First the good news. Superman has his powers back. He has his costume back. He is meeting the stranded pre-Flashpoint Kal. That is all good news. I will be happy if 'The Truth' fades into the background like 'Doomed' and 'Grounded'. Let's just get some Superman stories without gimmicks and deconstruction!

Now the bad news.
The cover is pretty bad. Superman's rib cage is just anatomically awful. Those are some Liefeld Captain America dimensions there.

And I hope this 'opaque polybagged' trick is a short-lived fad.

ACTION COMICS #50
Written by GREG PAK and AARON KUDER
Art and cover by AARON KUDER
Polybagged variant cover by MARTIN ANSIN

Clark battles his way through Vandal Savage’s hordes to reclaim what is rightfully his—the Fortress of Solitude and his birthright! This epic anniversary issue leads to the finale of “Savage Dawn” in this month’s SUPERMAN/WONDER WOMAN #27 and SUPERMAN #50!
This issue features open-to-order variant covers that will ship in opaque polybags.

Love this cover by Kuder!
Very happy to see him back on internal art here. And looks like we come to an end of the Savage story. No mention of going back in time so maybe there will be no 'secret ID' rewrite.

And what of Hordr Root?

SUPERMAN/WONDER WOMAN #27
Written by PETER J. TOMASI
Art by DOUG MAHNKE and JAIME MENDOZA
Cover by ED BENES
Polybagged variant cover by CHARLIE ADLARD

“Savage Dawn” continues from this month’s ACTION COMICS #50! A comet drawn by Vandal Savage to Earth is wreaking havoc across the globe—and empowering his children in the most dangerous way possible!
This issue features open-to-order variant covers that will ship in opaque polybags.

Every time I think I'm out, they pull me back in.
I suppose I'll get this issue given it ties in with the conclusion.

BATMAN/SUPERMAN #30
Written by TOM TAYLOR
Art by ROBSON ROCHA
Cover by YANICK PAQUETTE
Polybagged variant cover by TONY MOORE

The mystery of why Batman and Superman were brought into a cosmic murder case is revealed—and the ramifications for Superman are huge!
This issue features open-to-order variant covers that will ship in opaque polybags.

A vague solicit for a vague story from the past. Glad Paquette remains on covers.

Any ideas about the guy in the background?

SUPERMAN: LOIS and CLARK #6
Written by DAN JURGENS
Art by LEE WEEKS and MARCO SANTUCCI

Can even this Superman save Lois from the deadly vengeance of Intergang? Or will young Jon have to be the one to step up to this challenge?

Great cover here. Seeing the victims in the scope is a nice, iconic image.
I do like that the main villain here is something like Intergang and not a single villain. Will the whole 'oblivion stone' side plot tie in here eventually?

SUPERMAN: THE COMING OF THE SUPERMEN #2
Written by NEAL ADAMS
Art and cover by NEAL ADAMS

The terror of Apokolips continues as the combined might of Kal-El and the warriors from Kandor fight back against Darkseid’s legions!

I get the sense I am not going to get all this series. This cover just doesn't work for me. I like the basic premise. I like Fourth World characters. But ... we'll see.

SUPERGIRL: THE SILVER AGE OMNIBUS HC
Written by OTTO BINDER, LEO DORFMAN and JERRY SIEGEL
Art by JIM MOONEY and AL PLASTINO
Cover by DARWYN COOKE
On sale MAY 18 • 688 pg, FC, $75.00 US
Collecting the Girl of Steel’s adventures from ACTION COMICS #252-307! As Superman’s secret weapon, Supergirl must adjust to life in the Midvale Orphange. The stories alternate between tales about friends and school, Supergirl’s efforts to master her new powers, and time-travel jaunts into the far future and distant past.

Oh my god!
This is a big surprise. A big, beautiful, expensive prize.
That is one big omnibus. It sports a gorgeous cover by Darwuyn Cooke who seems built to draw Silver Age characters.

But it is $75.00!
And I already have the two archives. And all these stories in the Showcase volumes. And a bunch of the floppies.
Do I need this book????
Can I say no????

SUPERMAN: THE MAN OF STEEL VOL. 9 TP
Written by JOHN BYRNE, ROGER STERN and JERRY ORDWAY
Art by JOHN BYRNE, JERRY ORDWAY, RON FRENZ and others
Cover by JOHN BYRNE

In these tales from SUPERMAN #19-22, SUPERMAN ANNUAL #2 and ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN #441-444, the mysterious Supergirl meets Superman for the first time! Plus, the Man of Steel faces Mr. Mxyzptlk, runs into the Doom Patrol and battles Metallo! And Lex Luthor is tricked into releasing criminals from the Phantom Zone—and it’s up to Superman to clean up his mess.

Another surprise!
This volume of the Man of Steel includes the Supergirl saga, the introduction of Matrix and the Pocket Universe.
I don't think this is enough to have me buy this. But for people interested in learning about the reboot of Supergirl, the origins are here.

SUPERMAN: EMPEROR JOKER TP
Written by JEPH LOEB and others
Art by ED McGUINNESS and others
Cover by ED McGUINNESS and DEXTER VINES

Collecting the unforgettable, twisted story originally from SUPERMAN #160-161, ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN #582-583, SUPERMAN: MAN OF STEEL #104-105, ACTION COMICS #769-770 and SUPERMAN: EMPEROR JOKER #1. In this tale of a reality gone wrong, Superman must struggle against The Joker, Emperor of the universe!

Another surprise!
This was a crazy, wild story arc. It reintroduces Bizarro. It has some of the best Supergirl covers of the time and includes the flame-winged angel in the story. The art in all the titles is beautiful.

I would think this was a shoe-in for me to buy. But given the Supergirl show statue, the Cooke action figure, and the omnibus, I might have to skip it!

Anyways, start squirreling away the holiday money you get. A lot of cool stuff arrives in spring.