Review: Supergirl #18

Supergirl #18 came out this week, a crackling issue which moved the current storyline along nicely while also building the foundation of the supporting characters and environment. I don't know if I can say this is my favorite issue of the run but if it isn't, it is near the top.

One of the things that I have bemoaned a bit about comics in general has been the lack of interest in giving books a cast of supporting characters. I also feel that these days, at times, comics forgets to give us scenes with characters out of their costume, showing us the human side, something which allows me as a reader to relate more. In Supergirl, it felt like at the beginning of this run, the character was so busy in various circles that there was barely any breathing room. Whether it was acting as Supergirl or interning at CatCo or going to school or being at the DEO or living at the Danvers, Kara was running around. It felt like maybe the book was being too ambitious.

Writers Steve Orlando and Jody Houser have, in the last several issues, tightened things up a bit. The CatCo stuff is in the background a bit. Cat herself is gone. Supergirl is on the run from the DEO. That leaves just the Danvers and school as locales. Frankly, I have loved the new focus. We really have got to learn more about Kara Danvers, the shy, semi-awkward school girl trying to do what's right. And we get more in depth looks at Eliza and Jeremiah, at Belinda Zee and Ben Rubel, at Agent Ocampo. It all gives me as the reader a deeper feel of who these characters are.

That doesn't mean the action is lessened. The DEO is present as an antagonist. Villains are being sent to stop Supergirl. So you get characterization and super-heroics. It is just the perfect mix.

The art here sizzles too. First off, we get the Robson Rocha cover which has the feel of a 1940's horror movie or murder mystery. Then you get the Artgerm variant riffing on the cover of Daring New Adventures of Supergirl #1. And on inside art, you get Carmen Carnero. Carnero drew some of my favorite chapters of the Adventures of Supergirl digital series and seems very comfortable with the character. Everything is spot on, from the battles to the slow dances.

All in all a very satisfying read. On to the book!

The finale of the 'Plain Sight' arc opens up right where the last issue left off. The Evolutionist has been sent by the DEO to the National City Tech Homecoming Dance in hopes of forcing Supergirl to reveal herself. Once again we hear the new mantra of Supergirl. She chooses Earth so all can save each other. But how to do that without revealing her secret identity.

The DEO's Agent Ocampo must not be aware that the Evolutionist has been sent there by her superiors. All she sees are kids in danger. She leaps to action to provide some cover for the kids to run off. But more interesting, she beseeches Belinda Zee to turn into Supergirl and save the day.

This mistaking Zee for Supergirl is an interesting wrinkle. I keep wondering if/when Belinda will turn nefarious, based solely on her namesake in Cosmic Adventures. For some reason, Ocampo thinking she's Supergirl makes me wonder if Zee will respond oddly or angrily.

There are no more phone booths to run into to change. But at a prom-like event there are photo booths. Supergirl dashes inside and makes the quick change.

I love this. Silly and wonderful and perfect.

This is a Kara that believes violence is a last resort. Even though troops arrive to help stop the Evolutionist, she melts their weapons. No need for gunfire. Interesting.

 The Evolutionist has a sort of Luthor-vibe to her sentiments. She feels that Supergirl's presence is holding back people from helping themselves. She is halting evolution.

And then we get the Evolutionist's tragic origin, telepathically transmitted right into Kara's brain. The Evolutionist's planet was advanced and peaceful. A benevolent race called the Zergo landed on her planet to 'help' them. But the Zergo brought germs to the world which ultimately killed off the entire population. Only the Evolutionist was able to survive, converting an exploration ship for space into armor.

Much like Starshame, the Evolutionist's origin is Supergirl's written sideways. Strange visitors from another planet land to help the natives. A planet is dying and so a sole survivor uses a ship to escape. All the elements are there ... just shuffled. It is a fascinating little theme Orlando and Houser are bringing in. How small elements or changes could have made Kara a villain instead of the inspiration she is.

The Evolutionist also has tech-based gravity powers. Using them, she is able to thwart Kara's counter-attacks almost effortlessly. It looks like the villain might win, using gravitational fields to behead Supergirl, when the Girl of Steel pulls out an old favorite. The super-sonic clap.

Great energy on this panel as you feel the shockwave strike the Evolutionist, tossing debris aside. And that sound effect! Awesome!

 It is the second time in recent months we have seen the clap used with excellent effect!

 With the armor damaged by the sonics, Supergirl is able to approach the Evolutionist. Once again a connection is made. But this time the Evolutionist sees Kara's memories. We get a flashback to Supergirl #6 where Kara confronts her father. This concept of Kara being inspired by humanity (as much if not moreso than the reverse) is thrust into the Evolutionist's mind.

This isn't what the villain was expecting. Supergirl isn't forcing change (for good or bad) on humans. It's the opposite. With that to mull over, the villain flies off.

I actually like this ending tremendously. Unlike Starshame, the Evolutionist doesn't seem to be evil at all. She's been traumatized. This non-fight ending works here just like the slugfest with Starshame worked there.

 With the battle over, Kara is able to sneak back into the gym in her civvies. No one noticed she was gone.

As for Belinda? She is gone.

Ben was happy and shocked to see Kara at the dance and offers to give her a ride home. They stop at the beach to walk and talk. They have one of those wonderful heart-to-hearts that give characters depth. Ben admits that he is awed by Kara, someone strong enough to do all that she does.

They share one of those sappy dances where there is no music. And then they kiss.

It all unfolds naturally. We knew Ben liked Kara before this. I am glad she can admit her feelings too.

The two must have enjoyed the moment until the wee hours of the morning because Kara wakes up with Ben on the beach. She hears an alarm and thinks she needs to run off as Supergirl to help. But before speeding off, she hears that officers have it under control.

Kara Danvers can have as much of a life as Supergirl it seems. She can slow down a little now and then.

Wow.

As someone who loved the original Linda Danvers' subplots as a student and a reporter, as someone who loved the PAD's Linda's subplots of dealing with her family and her love life, I welcome this new approach. I want to see Kara the student and daughter. I want to know her. I like she'll give herself a break now and then.

And Carnero shines in these quieter moments, showing us great expressive work as we see the two stammer through the conversations.

Of course, I wonder how Belinda will take this. Her date left with her best friend. Her date kissed her best friend. And her date spent a night on the beach with her best friend. Is this what will cause a wedge between them and make Zee turn into a villain??

That would have been a fine ending. But Orlando and Houser know how to set up a cliffhanger.

Shay Veritas has been digging and now knows that it is Mokkari who is helping Mr. Bones. Somehow she knows his origins on Apokolips. But before she can send out a warning message, Mokkari booms in!

I know when a book has succeeded when I want the read the next issue immediately after finishing the current one. I want Supergirl #19 in my hands now.

Everything about this book, from the origin of the villain to the end of that battle to the teenage romance on the beach to the cliffhanger all worked for me, all beautifully depicted.

Nothing but praise.

Overall grade: A