November 2010 Solicits

 The November solicits for DC Comics have been released over on Newsarama. Here is the link:
 http://www.newsarama.com/comics/dc-november-2010-solicitations-100816.html

While there weren't any surprises involving Supergirl this month, there were a couple of non-super books which grabbed my attention, especially the Howard Chaykin Batman/Catwoman one shot.

Here are the super-solicits with some comments.

SUPERGIRL #58

Written by STERLING GATES

Art by JAMAL IGLE & JON SIBAL

Cover by AMY REEDER & RICHARD FRIEND

1:10 "DC 75th Anniversary" Variant cover by AMANDA CONNER

Cat Grant is in trouble. And not just "missed her deadline and Perry White's furious" trouble. Really bad trouble. And the only hero who she can turn to for help is the one she's been bad-mouthing in the Daily Planet for months - Supergirl! Will the Girl of Steel let bygones be bygones? Or should this Cat hope she still has at least one more of her nine

lives left?

Well, there is a lot to talk about with this issue. I'll start with the angelic Amy Reeder cover. After several months of a more action-based cover, Reeder shows us how graceful Supergirl can be. Just beautiful.

Next, we finally have some information on the Supergirl 'DC 75th Anniversary' variant cover. Hooray! It's finally announced! And better than that ... it is being done by Amanda Conner. I am really hoping that she based it on Adventure Comics #406, especially given the issue story information, although I also can see her doing a wonderful riff of Daring New Adventures of Supergirl #1.

Luckily, Jamal Igle is still on art credits! Although December appears to be the month rumored for a departure. This could be his final issue on the title and, if true, there could be no better storyline to end with. That said, no official word yet about Jamal leaving!

And lastly, we finally see some crescendo to the Cat Grant/Supergirl storyline which has been building over the last 2 years. I can't wait.

SUPERMAN #705

Written by J. MICHAEL STRACZYNSKI

Art by EDDY BARROWS & J.P. MAYER

Cover by JOHN CASSADAY

1:10 Variant cover by YANICK PAQUETTE & MICHEL LACOMBE

"Grounded" part 5 brings The Man of Steel to Des Moines, Iowa! A chance encounter, however, suddenly thrusts Superman back in time. So somehow he's Superboy again, the world is on the brink of nuclear Armageddon, and it's all his fault!

A time travel story in the middle of 'Grounded'? Seems like a break of the theme, but who knows.

I have to say I am going to be reading 'Grounded' much more closely now, much more critically. A lot of people whose opinions I value really trashed the last issue of this arc, an issue I was neutral about. If Straczynski was looking for reaction in Superman fans, he achieved his goal.

ACTION COMICS #895

Written by PAUL CORNELL

Co-feature written by NICK SPENCER

Art by PETE WOODS

Co-feature art by RB SILVA & DENIS FRIETAS

Cover by DAVID FINCH & BATT

Lex Luthor has had an incredibly difficult time of it lately, what with fighting master assassin Deathstroke, avoiding being eaten by Gorilla Grodd, and even meeting Death herself! Now he's finally back at his office in Metropolis, so he can relax a little bit - oh shoot, Lex, watch out for Vandal Savage and that axe!

In the Jimmy Olsen co-feature, Superman's pal has to convince a bunch of bloodthirsty aliens that Earth is too boring and staid to host the universe's biggest (and most destructive) party. But how exactly is he going to do that? (Everyone, put on a bow tie!)

Another issue, another Lex/Villain X meeting.

While I know the plot stretching through the arc, Luthor trying to acquire power, I don't feel it in the solicits. Instead the solicits read like one issue encounters with a variety of DC characters. I hope this is building to something.

SUPERBOY #1

Written by JEFF LEMIRE

Art by PIER GALLO

Cover by RAFAEL ALBUQUERQUE

1:10 Variant cover by JOHN CASSADAY

Superboy is back in a brand-new ongoing series! Join Jeff Lemire (SWEET TOOTH) and amazing up-and-coming artist Pier Gallo as they take Superboy on a journey to a side of Smallville not even Superman knows about! What mysteries lurk beneath the surface of this all-American town – and what are their direct ties to Superboy? The start of the next great DC Universe epic begins right here!

As I have said many times here, the Conner Superboy isn't a character that I have embraced. Sure I read his earliest adventures post 'Reign of the Supermen', but not much since. But I have become more interested in him since his resurrection. In particular, the Geoff Johns Adventure Comics arc really grabbed me.

So I am going to pick up this solo title and probably review it here. (It probably is the death knell of Outsiders being on my pull list.) I also loved Pier Gallo's art on the Car-Vex story in Adventure during New Krypton so add that to Jeff Lemire as writer and I have high expectations.

JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA #51

Written by JAMES ROBINSON

Art by MARK BAGLEY, ROB HUNTER & NORM RAPMUND

Cover by MARK BAGLEY & ROB HUNTER

1:10 Variant cover by DAVID MACK

In “Justice League: Omega” part 2, as the battle between the JLA and the Crime Syndicate within the Hall of Justice explodes into the streets of Washington D.C., a new villain bent on his own form of conquest prevents any other heroes from helping save the nation’s capital. It’s up to five members of the Justice League to save the city’s people, with serious repercussions for one Leaguer, who may turn to the dark side. In order to help their teammates, Bill and Mikaal must begin an odyssey across the world that will evoke memories of Prometheus.

While there is no mention of Supergirl here, we know she is going toe to toe with Ultraman. I have been very happy with Supergirl in JLA over the last couple of issue. So I am glad to see 'big stories' being solicited in this title because it means Kara is going to be part of them.

And David Mack variants? Nothing wrong there!

ADVENTURE COMICS #520

Written by PAUL LEVITZ

Co-feature written by JEFF LEMIRE

Art by KEVIN SHARPE & MARLO ALQUIZA

Co-feature art by MAHMUD ASRAR & JOHN DELL

Cover by SCOTT CLARK & DAVID BEATY

In the final issue of the first arc of "Superboy and the Legion: The Early Years," for the first time - a Legionnaire dies! Learn how the consequences surrounding this brutal moment still affect the Legion today!

Also, in The Atom second feature, Ray Palmer must protect his stash of white dwarf matter from the Colony!

As I said just a couple of days ago, I am liking this title a lot, maybe even more than the current Legion title.

I wonder just who is in that casket. Is this a 'new Legionnaire' that Levitz is introducing here, adding the team's history? Or is this a retelling of Ferro Lad?

Is Legion staying in the title after this arc? I don't know.

Despite all the good stuff here, I am still most excited for Supergirl. There is a lot going on there.

Review: Adventure Comics #517

I wish I had a better sense for the overall response to Adventure Comics. The comic has become sort of a flashback title for the Legion, looking back at the earliest days of the team, trying to rebuild and refine the group's history.

Who is this title's demographic? Old timers like me, hoping to rekindle our passion for the team, while updating the early part of their timeline? New Legion readers, who may be having a hard time grasping the current title and might need this book to build up a back story? Both?

The comic market has barely been able to sustain any Legion book for the better part of 2 decades. Can it sustain 2 books? And does having two titles at two different points in time make it more confusing for new readers? I suppose there are a ton of X-books out there at different times so maybe I am overthinking things.

As for me, I am enjoying this title more than I thought I would. I feared that this book might end up reading like reprints of stories I have already read. What Paul Levitz is doing is adding nuance to well traveled Legion stories and themes, bringing new perspective for the older Legion readers while building a history for the newer readers. In some ways it reminds me of Geoff Johns and his ability to reintroduce Silver Age elements of the Superman mythos while updating them enough to feel fresh.

Adventure Comics # 517 continues that 'best of both worlds' feel, bringing us one of the earliest Legion adventures back when the team consisted of only the original three, but adding some characterization to Saturn Girl.

Saturn Girl has always been portrayed as a steely strong and confident member of the team, a leader both by example and in title. When I started reading the Legion, she was already entrenched as a veteran, almost a legend on her own team.

This issue shows a very different Imra Ardeen. With the Legion just having been formed, she realizes that she cannot rely solely on her telepathy. She needs to be able to wade into battle and she doesn't have the luxury of ranged based kinetic powers like Cosmic Boy and Lightning Lad. She needs to be able to 'keep up' with the other Legionnaires.

It is an interesting take. In the end, Saturn Girl ends up being probably more powerful than either of them, her telepathy being a better weapon than magnetism and lightning. So to see her sweating in the gym, worried she won't make it as a Legionnaire unless she can throw a mean right hook gives some new insight to her character. And given the time period of this story, it feels natural even though it is 'out of character' for the Saturn Girl we see in the main title.

The Legionnaires are all new though, certainly with no reputation. They are reluctantly enlisted by the Science Police to help stop some technology pirate raids. The SciPo have no love for the Legion, feeling they are kids who don't have the training or the fortitude to do real police work.

And it turns out they are kind of right. We see the Legion struggle against a handful of robots, a clear sign of their inexperience. In fact we see Cos struggle to use his powers throughout the issue. First he can't budge the robots because of their mass. Then he ends up attracting himself to a ship rather than dragging the ship towards him with his powers. I imagine the current Cos would crush these bots like a tin can ... but he is essentially a rookie here.

Saturn Girl continues to train under the guidance of the SciPo, learning weak points and martial arts throws. Again, I am impressed but not surprised at Imra's tenacity in this training. She simply refuses to stop even to take a rest. She needs to be the best. That sounds like the Saturn Girl I know.

It seems like she is doing the right thing. With a couple of targets for the pirates discovered, Garth and Rokk try to keep Imra at home ... for her own protection of course. Saturn Girl will have no part of it. She is coming along.

And she recognizes that the Legion has a supporter in the Science Police.

I wonder how ostracized the sergeant is within the force for helping the Legion as much as she is.

Unfortunately, we will never know.

As if confirming Saturn Girl's lack of confidence, the Science Police officer needs to save Imra's life by jumping in front of a laser blast. The officer dies in Saturn Girl's arms.

It both infuriates and saddens Saturn Girl. Intensifying her resolve, she swears that no one will die in her place again. If anything, it explains how driven Saturn Girl is as a character in the future. She is traumatized by this tragedy.

But Saturn Girl also needs to deal with the realization that, in essence, she is responsible for the death of a friend. Cosmic Boy thinks she needs a drink ... something harder than Kono juice.

And then we have the big reveal ... something dramatically new for old time readers.

After a few drinks with Rokk, the two fall into each other's arms. That's right! Imra and Rokk slept together! Now that is news.

Fearing that this tryst may endanger the future of the Legion, and therefore somewhat regretful of this romantic escapade, Imra takes matters into her own hands. She cannot have this episode 'happen' and so she mindwipes it from Rokk's memories.

I have to say, while Rokk cannot remember this having happened for 'current continuity' to remain intact, this just felt wrong. Even if she ends up thinking this was a mistake, it doesn't give Saturn Girl the right to manipulate Rokk like that.

Making another ethical stand, Saturn Girl states she will keep her distance from other Legionnaires in terms of romance. The team is bigger than her feelings. It is another way to show how the activities of a young Saturn Girl led her to become the leader and hero she is today.

I did like the ending of the story, as Imra bemoans meeting her school girl crush Superboy just as she swore celibacy. I like when life throws curve balls.

So, I don't know where I fall on this. As a Legion fan, I don't know if I needed to see Saturn Girl sleep with Cosmic Boy. While the story leading up to it made it feel natural for them to have slipped into bed together, it is something of a big speed bump in the character's histories, especially since Imra has carried it alone. In my mind, I don't want them to have slept together. It brings up the old 'When Harry Met Sally' argument ... can't a man and a woman simply be friends?

The art by Kevin Sharpe was good this issue. The Legionnaires 'feel' young. His art has a sort of organic aspect, everything rounded, nothing sharp or angular.

In total though, I have liked this look backwards at the Legion. It is interesting to compare how Levitz feels they would be then as opposed to how he wrote them back in his heyday and how he writes them now. It isn't flooring me ... but it is entertaining me. And I can't say that about every comic I read.

Overall grade: B/B+

Baltimore Comic Con: Questions for Creators

I'm approaching crunch time for the trip to the Baltimore Comic Con. With my 2 main targets for commissions decided (Amanda Conner and Terry Moore), I am now starting to look at the list of creators that are going to be there to see if there are any questions that I can ask should the moment allow.

Here are some early thoughts.

Sterling Gates/Jamal Igle:

I know I shouldn't necessarily lump them together but I really feel like they have been a creative team on the Supergirl book and with the character. Of all the guests, I hope to hobnob with them the most. So some questions I hope to have the time to ask:

1) First off, is Jamal leaving the book as has been rumored.

2) They have been on the book for 20 issues now! What moments are they most proud of? How do they think the character has grown over their time?

3) They have played with some big names in the DCU - Lana, Jimmy, Lucy, Alura, Cat? Who is their favorite to write and draw?

4) What about some hints for the future? Romance? Brainy as a recurring character? College? 75th Anniversary variant?

I'm sure more will come to me. But anything you guys want me to add?

James Robinson

While I didn't think Kara was written in a compelling manner in Cry For Justice, I have been much happier with her characterization by Robinson in both War of the Supermen and Justice League.

1) What attracted him to Supergirl as a character that he included here JLA and Cry For Justice?

2) While we have heard a lot about the brother/sister World's Finest feel of her relationship with Dick, will she interact with other members on the team closely? What does he think her relationship with Donna would be like?

3) Does he have any hints about her future on the title? Will she be the star in any upcoming story the way Jade is currently?

Jimmy Palmiotti/Amanda Conner

Palmiotti has written two recent mini-series with Supergirl in Superman/Supergirl:Maelstrom and Wednesday Comics, each with a very different interpretations of her character, which was very different than the version he wrote way back in Supergirl  #12. Conner drew the most adorable Kara this side of Eric Jones in Cosmic Adventures with a nice dollop of the super-pets on the side.

1) Given that Palmiotti has written these variations of Supergirl (including Power Girl), is he fond of her as a character?

2) The Supergirl in Wednesday Comics was over the top emotional, wearing her heart on her sleeve. The Maelstrom Kara was the opposite, keeping her emotions hidden and acting tough. DoesPalmiotti have an 'ideal' Supergirl in his mind, or does he find her more malleable than other characters.

3) The art in the Supergirl strip in Wednesday Comics was so perfect, showcasing Supergirl as a character and playing to Amanda Conner's strengths. Did she have as much fun drawing that strip that I did reading it? What was it like doing the art in such a big format?

Geoff Johns

Johns is only there on Sunday and I am sure will be swamped. But I would love to ask him some stuff about his Superman work (while the rest of the world probably wants to talk Blackest Night and Green Lantern).

1) Johns has really worked a number of Silver Age elements back into the Supergirl mythos, including Supergirl having loving parents and living on an intact Argo City. He also updated those as well. Was he given carte blanche? Anything he would still like to bring back? Any creators or Silver Age stories of Superman that he really loves?

2) He has folded in Donner movie references and maybe even some Animated Superman in Secret Origin. Has it been hard trying to make THE Superman origin, making an amalgam of all the genres?

3) He also started the rehabilitation of Supergirl in Brainiac, right around when Gates took over her title. What does he think of her as a character?

Again, I doubt I'll even be able to get to Johns, as I anticipate the line will be around the world to meet him.

Those would be the main questions, but if time permits ...

J.G. Jones

There was a bit of an internet kerfuffle when this cover for Final Crisis came out. Some (like me) thought it conveyed Supergirl's innocence, her expression an homage to the Silver Age Supergirl who did that all the time. Others thought it was salacious and provocative.

I'd love to ask him what he intended to evoke from the reader with that cover.

Marv Wolfman

I don't know what I would ask Marv Wolfman ... other than 'why?'

Is it wrong that I might bring Crisis #7 to him to autograph?

Anyways, if I am lucky enough to get any answers to these questions, I promise I will report them back here.

Review: Superman #702

Superman #702 came out this week and was the second chapter of the much-hyped 'Grounded' storyline by J.M. Straczynski. While last month's introductory issue was enjoyable, I wondered if this style of 'vignettes across America' was going to work long-term. I think I have heard that this arc runs at least a year.

This month's issue didn't answer my concerns. Last month's issue showed many brief interactions between Superman and 'ordinary folk', showcasing what the story arc was going to be about. This issue also had multiple encounters, although one clearly stood out as the 'main' vignette.

And while this issue is fine, I worry that the 'walk across America' plot is going to lead to some lazy story-telling and happy endings that seem a bit too easy. I'll explain a bit more in the review to illustrate what I mean.

I do think that John Cassaday is a fantastic artist and his covers are pretty engaging. This cover really evokes that feeling of 'Truth, Justice, and the American Way'. It even reminded me a bit of the Fleisher Studio Superman and that is never a bad thing.

Superman's travels take him through Detroit where he happens by a basketball game. As he passes, he hears that one of the players, Markey G, is being mocked for his lack of skills and is relegated to the bench.

Superman decides to challenge the group en masse. While flying was not allowed, it is clear that Superman has some serious moves. That is some nice form there as Supes throws down the dunk.

Of course, Markey G ends up stealing the ball from Superman, suddenly cementing himself as a local hero and legend. The coy smile on Superman's face says it all. Superman let Markey steal the ball. He helped out the little man.

I think that this is part of the draw of 'Grounded', seeing Superman interact with folks on the ground. I have talked about how this is similar to the countless 'rescuing a kitten from a tree' moments that Superman has had throughout his history. It shows how he is a nice guy and no problem is too small. He helped Markey get off. Maybe Markey will be more confident now. That said, these moments are best when doled out  in small doses. Will I feel the same about an episode like this 6 issues from now? Or will it all feel like a repeat?

As his walk takes him through a Detroit neighborhood, Superman hears a strange hum. It leads him to a house where the owner's breathing sounds more like respiration through gill-like structures. When Superman is invited inside to investigate, he is suddenly attacked by someone in a battle suit.

It leads to the first sort of 'super-heroics' in 'Grounded' as Superman fights the armored being, ripping through the house. Another thing that I like about Straczynski's take on Superman is the confidence Superman has. Yes, he is somewhat worried that he has lost touch with the problem of everyday people ... but he knows he can take out a battle suit. I thought this line ... 'the hard part is surviving me' ... is just what I want to hear Superman say.

But this is where I worry about lazy story-writing. Had Superman turned left at Chicago he would have never walked by this neighborhood, never heard the noise, never had this fight. There just happens to be an alien presence in the Detroit suburb he is walking through? At some point, if Superman keeps 'luckily' running into threats like this on his walk, is it going to feel too choreographed?

It reminded me a bit of the Daring New Adventures of Supergirl. In that series, someone in Supergirl's apartment building is running money for a mob boss. The landlady's daughter is an insane super-villain. Supergirl's professor is an evil super-evolved telepath. After a while it started to feel too easy ... all this stuff just happening right next to Supergirl.

Once defeated, the housemates decide to talk to Superman. Dropping their illusion, they share their story.

They lived on world where the government was oppressive. Rights were revoked. People's actions where being recorded. If you stepped out of line you were punished. It sounds fascist.

Fearing for their lives, the aliens fled to Earth. When Superman challenges their right to stay, the aliens compare their flight from a 'doomed world' to his. I thought that was an interesting spin on their story.

It leads to a brief discussion on illegal immigration and a quick reference to the current controversy here in America.

Despite their 'right' to survive, and their ability to be self-sufficient, Superman challenges them. They do have the right to stay in America, on Earth, but they need to give something back. Yes, his origin story might mirror theirs but he is helping his community. They need to do the same. As before, this is something that I want to hear Superman say. People need to help themselves and help others. That is what everyone should strive to do.

Unclear of his next move, Superman leaves the house saying he may come back to figure out what to do with these beings later.

Walking by a closed automobile factory, Superman has a chat with the night watchman, a former employee of the plant. The worker is proud of what he accomplished in that job and sad that the place had to close.

Again, as luck (or unluck) would have it, the worker suffers some sort of medical arrest just as Superman is talking to him. Superman scoops him up to try to save him.

Well, again this just felt too easy. The man's medical condition just happens to go critical just at that moment? A turn in the road a few blocks earlier and Superman would have never met the man. Five minutes earlier or later and Superman wouldn't be there. There is just too much serendipity here ... maybe anti-serendipity. But isn't it strange that all this drama just happens to be unfolding on the path Superman is on?

With the man's condition beyond Earth medicine, Superman brings him to the aliens he met earlier, hopeful they can save him. They happen to have brought along a healing chamber when they fled their planet. While there are no guarantees, they believe they can save the man.

Hmmm ... maybe they can give something back to the community after all?

We then learn that a new company is opening up in Detroit. The FDA has allowed the aliens (in their human guise of course) to start up a medical research facility. Of course, it helps when Superman recommends you as a viable corportation. The story is covered by Clark Kent who, remember, is following Superman on his journey.

So just like that, the man is saved, the town is saved; there are new jobs and new healing technology to be had by all. This also maybe felt maybe a wee bit too simple.

With this chapter in his walk across America closed, Superman calls Lois and chats. I am so glad that Straczynski put this in. One thing that I did not like about the transition from New Krypton to Grounded was that it meant that Superman and Lois would again be apart. So I am glad Lois is not forgotten here. I especially liked that she talks about meeting up with Superman somewhere. Their dialogue flows nicely, showing how much they care about each other.

The book ends with a nice cliffhanger. Batman is also on the road. Now I have to assume it's Dick Grayson. Would Dick ever challenge Superman about this walk? I wonder what their interaction is going to be like.

Just one more thing ... I find it hard to believe that all this is sort of happening in a vacuum. . I think that the more cynical news agencies would still be following Superman, pointing out all the evil that is happening while Superman is playing basketball. Wouldn't someone see him enter that house and hear the bedlam that ensued and call the cops? Wouldn't someone see him enter that house with the dying man? Would he really still be walking alone ... or would a bunch of regular citizens join him, a la Forrest Gump?

I like Eddy Barrows' work here. The fight scene with the battlesuit really crackled. I also like that he makes the S-shield huge. That is how is should look.

I am not ready to give up on this storyline. Some of the moments in this book were really great. And I can't get caught up with what may be. I have to stay in the now. That said, despite the great moments within the book, my overall reaction to this was somewhat tepid.

Overall grade: B

Review: Supergirl:Wings

With Superman:The Last Family of Krypton marking the rebirth of the Elseworlds line of stories, I figured there was no better time to look back at some of the more Supergirl relevant Elseworlds entries.

Supergirl:Wings came out in 2001, right in the middle of Peter David's Supergirl run, and mirrored that title's themes of spirituality, redemption, and heroics.

This is familiar territory for writer J.M DeMatteis whose works include Mercy, The Last One, and Moonshadow as well as more mainstream superhero fare. As with many of his headier works, I feel like I am missing much of it ... that I am not necessarily 'getting' all of what DeMatteis is hoping to convey. That can sometimes be irritating as I read and re-read to see if there was some pearl that escaped me.

Wings reads a little easier, if only because of the echoes of David's work on the main title.

DeMatteis starts off by showing us that all around us, unseen, are angelic beings. Humans are the most beloved creatures in God's ... in Hir universe ... because they are given free will. Some angels form the souls of humans, imparting in them the capability of greatness.

Others are Amenlee, literally guardian angels, charged with protecting their humans and hopefully guiding their souls to paradise. Unfortunately, many members of mankind turn away from their angels and head to damnation.

One such guardian angel is Matrix, a guardian angel to a very flawed and sinful young woman named Linda Danvers. Linda continues to sin, frustrating Matrix to the point where even the angel seems to be losing hope. She begins to question why God would love man so much.

Can an angel lose faith?

Matrix' feelings do not go unnoticed or unshared.

Her angel comrade Zauriel reminds Matrix of the love that God has for humans and the inherent goodness within mankind. But Matrix is still vexed, wondering why people would turn their back on Hir. This question consumes her thoughts; she cannot fathom why humans are so favored if they so often reject Hir holy way.

The Spectre shares Matrix's feelings with his usual dose of ire. The Spectre thinks mankind is simply unworthy and that those who turn away from the light should be cut down.

These versions of Zauriel (with his love of man) and the Spectre (with his blind fury) are close enough to their DCU versions to be instantly comprehensible.

Matrix hasn't lost all hope however and goes to look in on Linda. She finds a demon in Linda's room, a demon who mocks Matrix for her efforts to save Linda's soul.

This devil fans the fire of Matrix's crisis of faith. He calls her a failure, a fool for still trying when it is clear the path that Linda has freely chosen.

Unsure of her next step and hoping to clear her mind of all this doubt, all this questioning of Hir will, Matrix begins a sort of tour of the sacred beings and realms of the world.

Her first step is to see the woodland beings, the guardian angels of nature and the Earth. These are the lowest rung on the sacred, happy with their task of protecting the Earth and with no other purpose for their existence other than their duty.

Their absolute devotion is cloying in its comfort. They would never question Hir will. And what could be more comforting to a confused mind than a singularity in purpose. Matrix almost becomes consumed by these beings, losing her own will, but is able to shake off their droning. She doesn;t want to lose her doubts ... she wants them answered.

Leaving the green, Matrix next encounters the Phantom Stranger. As always, the Stranger walks between Heaven and Hell but also between the natural and the supernatural.

To show Matrix that not all humans are wallowing in evil, the Stranger shows Matrix a loving couple, sort of templated on Clark and Lana, and reminds Matrix of man's capability of boundless love. Then to help her understand the human condition, he has Matrix 'possess' Lana, having her experience that love firsthand.

It doesn't sway Matrix who feels this was an affront to Lana, a tawdry way to taste a snippet of humanity.

Again, the Stranger is close enough to his 'classic' characterization that this read well.

Returning to Linda, Matrix is shocked to see her nearly being devoured by the Spectre. He is disgusted by the evil within Matrix's charge.

Just as the devil had done earlier, the Spectre seems to goad Matrix, telling her she need to surrender Linda or face his wrath herself. It is as if Linda is a target for both Heaven and Hell and only Matrix stands in the way.

Angry that Linda has strayed so far, Matrix enters Linda's body, possessing it. Finding herself trapped within the flesh, Matrix feels assaulted by the very nature of man ... the need to breath, the stink of their bodies, the ongoing battle with  bacteria, etc.

But even more, Matrix is helpless against the compulsions of the flesh. Despite her attempts at purity, Linda's nature ... her lust ... takes over. She becomes amorous with her boyfriend Buzz. It takes all her will for Matrix to turn Linda away and then it is only with the help of Zauriel who frees Matrix from Linda's body.

DeMatteis' words flow nicely here, really conveying how Matrix is simply swept up by Linda's desires.

Even more confused about man's place and her place in the big picture, Matrix leaves.

Shortly thereafter Buzz and Zauriel have a conversation in which it is revealed that Buzz is actually the demon that tormented Linda before.

Moreover, it seems that Buzz and Zauriel are in cahoots. Just what is their plan? Or are they simply gambling with Linda and Matrix, playing a game the way God and Satan did with Job.

Either way there is more here than meets the eye.

Is mankind worth saving? Are they worth the fight?

Despite her recent travels and experiences, Matrix remains unsure. Looking for more knowledge, sge heads to see Ceetka, protector of the seas.

As with the woodland nymphs, Matrix nearly becomes part of the ocean hive mind. Once again, she shrugs it off, embracing her individuality.

Back on Earth, Linda is suffering through her own crisis ... a crisis of conscience. She doesn't like who she has become. Drowning in despair, she writes in her journal about feeling lost. It could almost be the beginning of the suicide note. But with Matrix gone, Zauriel steps in, reminding her that she is loved, and growing, and has the ability to make her way through the darkness and into the light.

Washed ashore after her visit in the waters, Matrix runs into the 'Clark' she spied on before.

He reveals that he is actually an angel, one of many living on Earth as a man, trying to better understand man and Hir love for them. It seems incomprehensible to Matrix. Who would lower themselves to the level of man?

It all finally reaches a head.

The demon confronts Matrix, telling her she should take his hand and join him, that she should give up trying to help man ... a fool's goal. He asks her to become, in essence, a fallen angel.

At the same time, the Spectre comes to annihilate Linda. Surprisingly, she prays ... she earnestly and honestly prays, begging for salvation.

And just as Matrix was about to take the devil's hand, that prayer calls to her like a beacon. It cleanses Matrix of her doubts and draws her Earthward where she fuses with Linda. Two become one in a holy union.

This form of redemption ... where one person steps up to save another who seems worthless ... is exactly the way that Matrix and Linda became an Earth Angel in Peter David's Supergirl. This was a nice reflection of that story.

Now truly an angel on Earth, Linda/Matrix is greeted by all the people she has encountered during this trial. They all played a part in this evolution, this fulfillment of Hir plan to create a newer and better being ... someone born of both human and angel.

We see how these beings all nudged Linda and Matrix ... tempting them to turn away from this path, but ultimately helping them reach their destiny.

What's more, in a nice reversal of the PAD version, here it was Matrix who was the flawed being, the one about to fall ... and it was Linda who saved her! It was Matrix who needed a guardian angel. It was Matrix who needed this fusion with humanity to save her.

As someone who devoured PAD's story, I thought this was a good twist. Even angels need saving.

And so a new form of life is made, a new angel to help mankind reach salvation.

I thought this was an interesting story, especially if you are a fan of Peter David's Earth angel arc of Supergirl. This is such a nice adjunct to that storyline, a fresh look at similar themes. One thing I have to say is that the  story feels very compressed. The tour of the afterlife feels like a whirlwind tour with each variety of being allowed only a page or two to be looked at. I feel like DeMatteis had a clear understanding in his head of this pantheon and the wisdom he wanted them to impart on Matrix but only had a short time to show it. I wonder if this would have read better as a two issue mini.

Jamie Tolagson's art is perfect for this sort of book. It is rough enough to capture the worldliness of man, how we are stuck in an imperfect environment. It also is just slightly warped enough to feel like other-worldly, supernatural.

This book is a little and almost unknown treasure. When I see it, it is in the fifty cent boxes at conventions. I don't think it had a big run and so might be hard to find. As a stand alone Supergirl Elseworld's, I think it has a space in a Supergirl collection although it had no lasting impact on the character. That said, if you like PAD's run, you should seek it out. As such, I would rank it of low/medium importance to a Supergirl collector.

This is one of those books I like more and more every time I read it.

Overall grade: B+