Review: Supergirl #5 (v8)

Supergirl #5 came out this week and was a sort of rest issue in the series, giving us side adventures of the Super-Pets while our main character and friends are mostly off-screen. I have loved this series since its inception bringing back so much that I love about Supergirl that I don't know if I was craving an issue like this, certainly not this early. It is a fun issue and very cute. It establishes personalities for each pet. And it is a done in one setting the stage for the next big story.

I wonder if part of the reason for the pause ... or is it paws (indeed the story is called 'Paws and effect') ... is to give writer Sophie Campbell some lead time to keep doing art for the more Supergirl-centric stories. 

We basically get two stories here. One is earnest, heroic Krypto and Lesla's super-bunny Kandy fighting Princess Shark. Kandy, much like Lesla herself, starts out thinking Krypto is her enemy before seeing the good in the dog and becoming friends. Paulina Ganucheau brings a children's book clean look to the art, just skimming Campbell's style.

The second story is Streaky, acting very much like a tempermental cat complete with mood swings. Joining the fight against some kittens mutated by Lesla's Super-Stuff is TinyTano who is figuring out what it means to be a hero. Here the art is much more standard super-hero fare by Rosi Kampe.

It was a silly issue and I love the pets having distinct character traits. But it just made me want more Supergirl adventures. The ending cliffhanger sets a good stage.

On to details.

Supergirl and Lesla are off to Metropolis for some training. Lena has to care for the pets. It's that easy to clear the decks.

I would love for there to be a 'forgotten mission' issue looking at what Kara and Lesla did in Metropolis. Did they meet Superman? Divulge Clark's secret identity? Did the other Supers know about Lesla's more troublesome past?

As said, Princess Shark and her pet (a flying giant shark) arrive to fight the absent Supergirl.

Initially Kandy keeps thinking that Krypto is her enemy, blasting the dog and being a pest. But once they team up to get rid of the villains (including Krypto saving Kandy's life), they become fast friends.

You can see the sort of kid's book feel to Ganucheau's art. She had a great take on Princess Shark.

The heroes return.

Love how Lesla thinks Kandy is 'docile'. That thing was blasting heat vision almost the whole story.

You might recall that last issue ended with a cat licking the Super-Stuff that had been shed off of Decay. Now a bunch of cats have eaten the stuff gaining super-powers including flight, strength, and even shape-changing.

Initially Streaky tries to stop them with the eager TinyTano.

Love this page. In the middle of the brawl, Streaky decides to just lie down and nap. Very very cat-like.

But the super-cat ultimately gets the idea to have these strays gorge themselves on moist cat food to force them to vomit, including the 'stuff'. 

Not a bad idea.

I love Streaky's fickleness, a perfect foil to TinyTano who is so excited to try to help!

And then the cliffhanger!

Supergirl collapses and can't be aroused! Remember, next issue is an homage to Nightflame. The comatose Supergirl fits the bill!

Rosi Kampe's scratchier art works well with a cat-focused story.

Fun times and onto the next issue!

Overall grade: B