Back Issue Box: Adventure Comics #400

One of the things I have very much enjoyed about the current volume of Supergirl by Sophie Campbell is how it is really mining the history of Supergirl. From homages to deep cuts, from the Silver Age on, Campbell is showing a knowledge and respect of Supergirl's lore. The latest? The introduction of Black Flame into current continuity.

I've covered Black Flame on the blog before but somehow I haven't reviewed her craziest story. I'll rectify that right now.

Adventure Comics #400 had quite a cover. First, there is the big '35th anniversary 400th issue' banner.

The cover is also a good draw with a defeated Supergirl, contorted in agony under the feet of an unknown assailant. But the 'final battle' in the dialogue box means this isn't their first, a decent hint. 

'Return of the Black Flame' was written and drawn by Mike Sekowsky, in the middle of his run with the character. There are times I like to think that these stories take place on Earth-Sekowsky given how loose he played at times with continuity. This story is probably the best (or is it worst) example of that so settle in. 

Hmmm, maybe these take place on Earth-B, the place where Bob Haney's Brave and Bold stories took place given their also tenuous grasp on continuity?

Okay, on to the story, one of the nuttiest Supergirl stories ever.

Review: Superman #34

Superman #34 came out last week, a DC KO tie in and a pretty big treat for a Legion fan like me. More impressive than the LSH stuff in the issue is that somehow writer Joshua Williamson continues to make me like reading his Superboy Prime.

The KO stuff is really on the periphery of the issue. The main plot is Prime, Lois, and a Superman Robot trying to get to Doomsday to give him the information we learned from the Lara Lor-Van tapes. That trip takes a few detours as we get to contrast the brash Prime to the earnest Superman simulacrum. We are on a sort of redemption tour for Prime and his being inspired by an automaton is a nice wrinkle.

We know Josh Williamson is going to be writing a Legion of Super-Heroes book in the future. Maybe we see some glimpses of what he thinks of the Legion in this book. I hope that book sings.

Eddy Barrows is on art and I have always loved his work. He really has shined on this arc and it is great to see his take on these DC KO landscape. His splash pages are fantastic. And wait until you see his Legion.

On to the book.

Review: Supergirl Next Door

DC's Supergirl Next Door Valentine's Day anthology came out this week, a smorgasbord of quick romance stories starring an interesting if unaffiliated group of characters. Much like the Ma Hunkel Christmas Special, the talent on the book are mostly people I haven't heard of with a smattering of a people I know from a few books. 

I used to love these holiday books when growing up. These days they are mostly 'hit or miss' without much to remember afterwards. But they had me at calling it Supergirl Next Door. 

One thing that is tough about these books is that they are outside of continuity so trying to figure out the whens and the wheres are tough especially in this book where things seem far afield for most of these characters. And for a hefty $9.99 I would love for there to be one story, maybe a lead story, from a big name talent team. 

I do love the Amy Reeder cover even if it isn't related to the Supergirl story inside.

Let's jump into the Supergirl story.

DC Comics April 2026 Solicits

The DC Solicits for April 2026 have come out and if you think Supergirl has been getting some love from the company in preparation of the upcoming movie, you ain't seen nothing yet. Here is a link to see all the solicits: https://aiptcomics.com/2026/01/23/full-april-2026-dc-comics-solicitations/

This is a hefty month for Super-books and if you like to trade wait or get omnibus editions, you better start saving your pennies. I am thrilled that Supergirl is getting such a push from the company and I am certain it is because of the film. I can only hope that a new treasury will happen closer to the release date. Hoping the film shows her as the hero I think she is.

On to the books!

SUPERGIRL #11
Written by Sophie Campbell
Drawn by Sophie Campbell
Covers by Nick Dragotta, Joshua "Sway" Swaby, Sophie Campbell, Pablo Villalobos

The conflict in Kandor between the Science Council and the younger Kandorians is only growing more tense. Supergirl's first run-in with the rebel leader Black Flame ends with her broken and without her powers, forcing her to seek recovery with the Science Council. But despite Supergirl's warning, the Council has their own plan to stop Black Flame: a powerful clone capable of taking down anyone in their path. Enter Team Thunder!

Back in my Supergirl #9 review, I wondered if the Science Council did something to keep the Kryptonian kids shrunk in the bottle. This solicit makes it seem like this time I am right. A revolt from the young Kandorians against the government? Makes sense.

But check out that cover. I recently reviewed an old story where Supergirl lost her powers and needed a Kandorian exo-skeleton. Looks like Sophie Campbell is riffing on that here ... but she looks more Cyborg Superman than donning a sleek model. 

And what about that powerful clone? Who could that be?

Couunt me in.

Review: Batman/Superman World's Finest #47

Batman/Superman World's Finest #47 came out this last week, the finale of the Absorbascon storyline pitting the Batman/Superman Fusion against the Lex/Joker Merger. And boy, it ends ... quickly, neatly, and semi-easily.

Writer Mark Waid is almost always a fun and entertaining read and this title has been a revelation in the four years it has been out. This story seems to have some elements that fit the quality of this book. Seeing how the fused heroes work together while the meshed villain minds sometimes are fighting each other is a good insight into the characters. Seeing how our heroes deal with their secret identities revealed also has some meat on the bone to delve into. (Indeed, the Lois scene in this book is my favorite.) And perhaps this characterization deep dive was the impetus for this story. But the plot, with the Absorbascon as a deus ex machina becoming both a receiver and a transmitter that needs to be shut down then saved then reverted seemed too big to wrap up. This was a three parter! But honestly, I don't know if a longer version of this story would make the ending more palatable.

Adrian Gutierrez gets to really stretch in this arc with crazy action, a large cast of cameos, and some emotional beats. It is a rapid fire book going from magical battles to quiet apartment conversations to fistfights. That is a lot for one tiny issue. It must be hard to step into Dan Mora's shoes but I have come to really like Gutierrez's style on this book. There is an energy here that works. 

On to the book.

Review: Superman Unlimited #9

Superman Unlimited #9 came out this week, starting a new story involving an updated Prankster. Throw in a crime boss in Metropolis and a Jon Kent subplot and this issue isn't just telling a story, it is setting up future plotlines. One thing that really isn't new or moved forward is the 'Kryptonite Everywhere' arc. Yes, we see a large chunk of Kryptonite in the story and Superman 'go gold'. I'll have a lot to comment on that within the body of the review.

Writer Dan Slott does a good job showing us the MO of the Prankster. This is a cold-blooded killer who murders in such silly ways that the death is all that people remember. To paraphrase the Bard, 'The evil done to men lives after them; The good is oft interred with their bones.' It is silly in its own way, something Slott excels at. There is a sort of vanity in this new villain that makes him interesting.

But the Kryptonite story is still lingering and is, for me, the least interesting part of this title. 

Mike Norton is on art here, with Dave Johnson on the cover, which makes me wonder if Rafael Albuequerque's time on the title is over. Norton has a solid, straightforward style which might not be the best fit for a gag-filled killing spree. His Superman feels solid and sort of Bronze-Agey. 

I actually think this is a fun issue for this book. But the K-Everywhere element in this story pulled me out of the precedings. I realize this is something I am sort of saying in every review of this book. Apologies. 

On to the book.

Review: Action Comics #1094

 Action Comics #1094  came out last week, another chapter in Mark Waid's exploration of the introduction of Superboy to the DCU. I have been very pleased with this run of stories and this issue is no exception as Waid answers questions I think have been in the back of my mind as a reader. Why would the military not try to control or co-opt Superman when he first revealed himself?

The bulk of the issue is Superboy doing what he does best, trying to save lives and do what is right. But this time that is by helping the US military extract men from a foreign nation. It is Superboy entering war, being given orders, and still assisting because that is what is needed. But appropriately questioning his role afterwards. I think we are just scratching the surface of this confrontation with General Lane. 

But surrounding the main title is that exploration of Clark's feelings and dealing with this. He is still just a kid. He is still crushing on Lana. He is still doing silly little Smallville tasks. But now he has seen things that most people won't ever see, the horror of war, and has to find a way to deal with it. That is a story worth telling.

The art on the issue is done by Patricio Delpeche, whose work is new to me. There is a raw feeling here. There is as sort of Sean Phillips feel to the work too. Given the darker tone for most of this issue, the pencils and shadow work all works wonderfully here.

Lastly, the ending of the book synchs up a favorite Silver Age moment with these modern times. I smiled. Kudos to Waid for his usual walking the tightrope of honoring the old while refreshing it for today.

On to the details.