Supergirl Best of 2025 Part One: The Movie, Commissions and Cons, And Comic Honorable Mentions

Welcome to Day 1 of 3 of my year-end review of the character of Supergirl and my comic book year.

I have been doing this blog for a while and every so often a year comes around where Supergirl seems to be everywhere. This is one of those years. Perhaps boosted by the Superman movie and the concommitant 'Summer of Superman' in the comics, Kara has had a very good year. She has been on the big screen. She has an upcoming movie. She has a solo title on the racks. This is not one of the leaner years and I have seen plenty over my time here.

So to set the stage, today I will review the big news of her movie, my commissions and cons this year, and then comic honorable mentions. Settle in ... this is a long one.

As this blog is really comic focused, tomorrow and the following day we will countdown the top ten Supergirl comic moments of the year. 

Perhaps the biggest news for the character was her drunken cameo at the end of James Gunn's Superman. I wrote down my thoughts back in July and they really haven't changed. "Truth. Justice. Whatever." is hardly inspiring.

The teaser trailer just dropped 3 weeks ago and I wrote at length about it then. You can read that here.

I am not surprised she is the cursing drunk girl. The movie is based on Tom King's Woman of Tomorrow. The saucy 'Look Out' very early teaser poster, again focusing on her drinking and her misbehavior cemented it. Krypto peeing on Superman to open the trailer isn't subtle. 

And I am still pretty perplexed by screenplay writer Ana Nogueira saying that she couldn't wrap her head around a character so sunny. Tell me you haven't read a Supergirl comic past 1970 without telling me.

Still, Milly Alcock is a great actress. She looks fantastic in the uniform. The visuals look good. The action looks good. And the end bit of the trailer - Kara, the sun behind her, no duster coat - makes me hope this is a redemption story. That she comes out of the haze and depression and realizes she is a hero.

I have to be hopeful.

Review: Superman #33

Superman #33 came out last week, a Luthor solo story showing his round 2 DC KO brawl with Etrigan. Written by Joshua Williamson with art by Hayden Sherman, it is a deep dive into the intricacies of Lex's mind and history so was an intersting read.

Since the beginning of this volume of Superman, Lex has been front and center. The whole premise by Williamson was showcasing the Lex/Superman relationship as Luthor wanted to befriend Superman, first for nefarious reasons and then because he was turned. Then House of Brainiac, amnesia, a truly good (almost naive) Lex emerging, only to have his unsavory life outlook sort of resurface. For sure, Lex has been complicated.

In this issue, Lex dwells on his mindset and background. He has an 'ends justify the means' foundation that he uses to justify every decision he has made in life, from literally making a deal with the devil to doing what he needs to do to advance in this Omega tournament. Throw in the Demon, Etrigan's own history, some deep DC history, and this is a worthy even tie-in.

Hayden Sherman is on art and brings a great style to the proceedings. I have just started to discover Sherman's work while reading Batman Dark Patterns and Absolute Wonder Woman back issues. One of the best things in this book is the page layouts with creative panels and page layouts. I don't know if his style is best for Superman but for an issue mostly located in Hell? Perfect. Alejandro Sanchez's color schemes of oranges, reds, and yellows only accentuates it.

If I had one nitpick, this issue could have used some editors notes pointing out where some flashbacks took place. 

On to the book. 

DC Comics Solicits - March 2026

The March 2026 DC Comics solicits sort of came out last week and it certainly was an interesting mixof Super-solicits in the wake of the ending of DC KO which ends that month..

Here is a link to the full list: https://aiptcomics.com/2025/12/19/full-march-2026-dc-comics-solicitations/

The biggest thing for me was the 'Reign of the Superboys' arc running through all the Super-titles. Now that title, reminscent of the post-"Death of Superman' arc titled 'Reign of the Supermen' arc, in addition to the complete lack of Superman in any of the super-titles makes me think something must happen to the Man of Steel in KO. Plus 'Symbol variant' covers this month have to be like the Reign of Supermen symbol covers showcasing the 4 shields of the supposed Supermen back then. Intriguing.

Now the name 'Reign of the Superboys' was enough of a hook. But the cover of Superman Unlimited made me pause. Then it made me smile. Settle in. 

On to the books.

SUPERGIRL #11
Written by SOPHIE CAMPBELL
Art by SOPHIE CAMPBELL
Cover by DAN MORA
Variant covers by JEFF DEKAL, TERRY DODSON, and SOPHIE CAMPBELL
Reign of the Superboys variant cover by ACO
Corner Box variant cover by SKYLAR PATRIDGE
Women's History Month variant cover by LEIRIX
Symbol variant cover

With the bottled city on fire (literally), Kara Zor-El abandons the comfort of Midvale to save the last survivors of Krypton. The youth are in revolt after a shocking secret is revealed, and the Science Council is put on trial for its crimes against the next generation. Can Supergirl find peace between the two warring factions?

Looking at the cover, it looks like Connor is the Superboy in the Supergirl title. The sight of Boy Thunder is also very interesting given his arc in prior World's Finest stories where he turned out to be Magog. 

It wasn't mentioned in this solicit but in another article about the month, the issue was described like this:"That same week, Supergirl #11 drops Kara into Kandor, strips her powers, and gives her a cybernetic upgrade as she leads a revolution alongside Conner Kent and a legion of Boy Thunder clones."  This has to be Sophie Campbell leaning into the stories in Adventure Comics where Supergirl was powerless and needed a Kandorian exoskeleton to have super-abilities. I love how much Campbell is leaning into Kara's history. 

Merry Christmas, Mike Maihack Style

I have been covering Mike Maihack's art here for a long time. I love his style. I love his humor. I love his take on Supergirl, so akin to my own. 

And every year I await his Supergirl/Batgirl Christmas comic. It is always a gift, highlighting the wonderful friendship of the two heroes. It is always funny and uplifting. 

But  I find this year's strip in particular to be fantastic. 

Supergirl in Maihack's strip is always a super-charged bundle of frenzied energy, changing costumes, handing out cookies, and being almost silly even in the face of super-villains. I love those as they show the inherent brightness and optimism of Kara.

Now this year, with the Supergirl movie, based on Woman of Tomorrow, in the near future, showcasing a traumatized, drunken, angry mess of a Supergirl, Maihack again shows how he gets the character. 

Early Christmas Gift - Milly Alcock Autograph

It's the holidays and new comic book day falls on Christmas Eve, a very important day for Italian-Americans like myself. So no new comic reviews for a bit.

Instead, a special shout-out for an early present I was given before Christmas which I just couldn't wait to open.

In one of those very generous moment, a friend of a friend of my sibling went to a convention where Milly Alcock was a guest. This was a while ago, when the first teaser poster was the only official Supergirl movie promotion out there. They got me an autographed pic of that poster!

How cool is this to own so early on! And love she wrote 'Supergirl' in big letters next to her autograph!

I am always impressed with the generosity of this community and do my best to reflect that as well!

But having received this, it made me realize something.

Review: Batman/Superman World's Finest #46

Batman/Superman World's Finest #46 came out last week, the second part of the Luthor/Joker team-up arc and basically a issue-long brawl between our main characters ... but with a twist.

This is a standard Mark Waid story, digging into some old DC concepts like the Thanagarian Absorbascon while giving it a nice updated feel. Last issue, the Joker and Luthor fused into one body. This issue we get to explore what that mind is like, with two completely dueling mindsets trying to work one body. Through some plot shenanigans, we get a fusion Superman/Batman being (harkening back to World's Finest #4 ). So we then get to see what two minds thinking together sound like as opposed to the villains. It is a nice little writing trick, giving us a nice dive into the thoughts of our main protagonists and antagonists.

But the real joy of this issue is the art by Adrian Gutierrez. It probably isn't the best word but there is a frenetic feel to his art. There is a wild energy to it. And in this issue where two fused beings are just throwing down, the art just sizzles. This just feels like a Dragon Ball episode with overpowered fused-form beings are zipping around the skies trading blows. I don't mind a brawl issue now and then.

I don't know why this issue got a Chuma Hill variant cover with Supergirl and Catwoman but it is an interesting composition.

On to the story.

Review: Superman Unlimited #8

Superman Unlimited #8 came out this week and was a fun semi-'done in one' story involving an overworked Lois, a spaceship, and Guy Gardner. Last month I complained about how the issue was a side trip, taking away from the main 'So Much Kryptonite' story. I want that story done so much, I complained about that diversion.

This month I decided to not let that hinder my enjoyment of a good story. Dan Slott seems to be exploring this new universe he is in, bringing in guest stars and giving us his take on them. It helps he has Jeremy Adams' steadying hand to help this issue as well. I like the classic feel of this Guy Gardner and how the League sort of tricks him into helping. And Superman is handled very well here, showing how much he loves Lois and how close they are.

So the character things work well. But the plot? Well, don't think about it too long or it unravels. 

The art is by Lucas Meyer whose work I have seen cropping up all over the place. He has a very clean feel, almost like Fernando Pasarin. He should definitely be put on a monthly.

Does this fun story mean we aren't done with the King of Kryptonite stuff? Yes. But the issue entertained. On to details.

Review: Action Comics #1093

Action Comics #1093 came out last week and was another fun chapter in this Superboy stint in the comic. Writer Mark Waid has been giving us some nice looks into these early days of super-heroics, including how the ethos of Superman was created. It is a mix of Kent-wisdom and experience that clearly are forming who this young Clark will become.

One of the questions that always plagued me as a kid reading comics is why Clark would allow the Kents to financially struggle. Or what would he do if the Kents were about to go bankrupt. Can't he wring diamonds out of coal? Waid specifically answers that here in a fun story that also shows how Superman has learned to work around laws of discovery and care. We are done-in-one here! Classic.

Another plus for the issue is the return of Skylar Patridge on art. Patridge brings a youthful look over the whole tale. As I have said, I especially love her take on the young Clark, Pete, and Lana. The art shines here.

On to details.

Review: Supergirl #8(v8)

Supergirl #8 came out this week, a holiday issue that focuses on the fact that not everyone feels merry and bright. In particular, it is Supergirl who is both sad around the holidays and also a little grumpy when pressed to talk about her feelings. It seems a little bit off after the excellent Supergirl #6 where Kara said 'yes I have been through a lot but I channeled that into something positive'.

Now I am not saying that Supergirl can't be complex. And yes, the holidays are a tricky time for many people so why not our hero. But this seemed to veer as close to Woman of Tomorrow as I have seen this book and for a Christmas issue, that fell a little flat.

Writer Sophie Campbell does do a great job of explaining why Supergirl is feeling this way. And she uses a forgotten Linda Danvers robot as a plot point to drive it home. But what activated that robot? I am still on board that a Chaos Stream or something like that is coursing below Midvale. 

The art is by someone new to me, Haining. She brings a very manga influenced style to the proceedings which fits the book. There are some nice artistic flourishes and tricks which helps bring home that low mood Kara is feeling. While I missed Campbell's art here, this is a solid fill-in.

Still, this was 'A Blue Christmas' issue, a bit different from the more upbeat vibe of this title before.

On to the details.

Supergirl Poster, Teaser Trailer, And Plot Synopsis

I will say up front I have been a Supergirl fan for a long time and I have to say up front that I never thought she would get another solo big screen movie. So at a gut level, I am thrilled by this. 

I will also say that I am not a fan of Tom King's Supergirl Woman of Tomorrow so I don't know if I am thrilled that the solo big screen movie is based on that work.

And there is a lot to mull over about how this movie really has embraced the drunk, angry, sad party girl vibe from that book. From  intoxicated cameo in the Superman movie to the 'Look Out' earliest teaser poster to the this latest poster with the 'Truth. Justice. Whatever.' tagline, it all seems to veer into the edgy, nihilistic, depressed Kara from that mini-series. 

Yesterday the teaser trailer dropped (here in case you didn't see it yet - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YqdAEdkHrwo ) and it is visually stunning throughout. There is more of that same tone for the majority of the trailer. There is a lot I could focus on that shows me a Supergirl I don't want to see. 

But I am going to choose to focus on one image in the trailer that gives me some hope. And when I link it to the brief synopsis of the movie at the end of this, I might even have more hope. Because all along, I thought this might be a redemption movie. That Kara sees the ultimate destination if she stays on the road she is on in the damaged, lover Lobo and she does some good for Ruthye, and ultimately decides that maybe she should be more like her cousin. That would fit with the James Gunn pattern of misguided, somewhat shady protagonist veering to the light for sure. The preview feels very Guardians of the Galaxy.

I have to have hope.

On to some details about the trailer.

Review: Adventures Of Superman: Book Of El #4

Adventures of Superman: Book of El #4 came out last week meaning the first third of this epic sequel to Warworld is done. As a reader, I feel like I am still learning about this future and these characters as writer Phillip Kennedy Johnson continues his world-building. So I do feel not lost. Maybe grasping at the plot threads to pull them together.

It was just announced that Phillip Kennedy Johnson signed an exclusive contract with Marvel meaning this is his last bite at the DC apple, at least for a while. So I am not surprised to see him playing with all his toys. So not only Kryl-Ux and Phaelosians from Warworld Saga, not only Rowan and Ronan Kent from Future State, but we also get Ellie Stewart from Green Lantern War Journal. I don't blame Johnson for using all the great things he has brought to the DCU. But I don't know if I completely understand what is happening in the Kent family or what the power structure of the universe writ large is. I am seeing all the parts and I trust Johnson to bring it all together. 

Scotty Godlewski really gets to stretch his legs in this issue on art. This universe feels mythic and Godlewski embraces it with haunted castles and knights in armor in sprawling fanciful lands. His art brings you into the world and it made me pause on some pages to just drink in the art. 

Still no Osul or Otho! Hope we see them soon!

On to the book.

Review: DC KO: Superman Vs. Captain Atom #1

D.C. K.O. : Superman Vs. Captain Atom #1 came out this week, a tie-in to the latest big company-wide crossover D.C. K.O.  

This event is one of those 'don't think about it too hard' sort of stories for me. If you try to actually understand what is happening - a Heart of Apokolips chaos engine pitting characters against each other in a tournament to create the King Omege to fight Darkseid - you'll probably get a headache. Or say 'comic book science'. 

A bigger problem I have with this event is it was built as a bracket style tournament but the first round was a battle royale. So why put out a bracket for fans to fill out? Why not do two promos? First pick the 16 Battle Royale winners and then set up the bracket for fans to fill. It sort of let some air out of the fun.

Still, everyone likes a good brawl and certainly Superman vs. Captain Atom is a great brawl. Writer Joshua Williamson does his best to inject some characterization into the proceedings. The point of this book is 'who will go the farthest' to get this power. No one thinks Superman can take that step. And Captain Atom, who has flirted with being a despot, just might. There are some good bests here. 

Sean Izaaske is on art here and has a lot to contend with. Multiple rounds. Multiple versions of the characters. Multiple settings. And an ending that veers into a Grant Morrison-esque fourth wall busting. The work is pretty impressive.

But in the end, this seems like a wrestling match with a good pre-bout speeches.

On to the book.

Review: Justice League Vs Godzilla Vs Kong 2 #5

Justice League vs Godzilla vs Kong 2 #5 came out last week and was another 'pedal to the metal', nonstop insane action issue that felt like a summer blockbuster movie in the cold of New England November. I mean when you have a battle royale between kaiju it is always a winner. But throw in a giant-sized Superman and other normal sized heroes and it is time to grab your popcorn.

Writer Brian Buccellato knows you need more than just the action to keep the book moving so while I have come for the fights, I stay for the interesting storylines. Remember, this story has been taking place on the Monster-Earth, meaning that some multiversal insanity can happen. And with this being an Elseworld, all sorts of stuff can happen. Characters can die. Villains can turn.

More importantly for here, Supergirl remains a vital part of the heroes, wading into the fray and often leading.

Christian Duce is on art here and continues to shine. I really love the precise, fine-lined art that he brings to the insanity. His character work is great. Love his Harley. Love his Kara. Love his gargantuan Superman.

I am having a blast with this book, enjoying the ride.

Review: Superman #32

Superman #32 came out last week, a true tie-in to DC KO with some replayed scenes and added moments to that storyline. But the main thrust of this issue is two-fold. One, Luthor entering the fray. Two, Lois dealing with the Absolute Legion while she tries to help her husband.

Writer Joshua Williamson has been focusing on the Luthor/Superman relationship this entire series with Lex going from duplicitous and villainous to inspired to amnestic to philosophical to now back to being villainous. Seeing Luthor say he is the better person to wield to Heart of Apokolips and win the tournament is a nice new addition to their dealings in this book. Is this a quick heel turn for Lex who went to Nanda Parbat to hide and meditate? Maybe. But the world is at stake. 

As for Lois, I have been enjoying her dealing with Superboy Prime who is at his most likeable in this story. How did she get her powers back? Who knows. It had been hinted at that they had been stolen from General Zod. Did he regain them only to lose them again? Will we ever find out the hows and whys of these.

Eddy Barrows is on art again and brings a nice aesthetic to the whole thing, a mix of a fine lined pencil work to excellent shadowing. I like how DC is using Barrows, having come in for a few issues and not saddling him with the idea of a monthly book. His art is great and I always like seeing it.

One thing about this issue is that it does spend some pages retelling things I have read in this title and in the DC KO #1 issue. I suppose there are readers who haven't read the other and these recaps help.

On to details.

Bullet Review: DC's I Saw Ma Hunker Kissing Santa Claus - Supergirl Story

DC Comics released their Christmas special, I Saw Ma Hunkle Kissing Santa Claus' this week. These anthologies have been coming fast and furious these days and cost a pretty penny. They also seem to be more of a New Talent Showcase featuring fresh names of creators I don't really know. So there needs to be a draw for me to be lured.

Let's just say DC had me with the Ryan Sook Supergirl/Brainiac Five variant cover. There is sort of a futuristic Norman Rockwell feel to it. And I am a 'KaraDox' kind of guy. So this was a win. It is gorgeous. 

Of course, a cover alone can't get me to buy. Luckily there is a Supergirl story on the inside as well, written by Ash Padilla with art by Anthony Marques, both new to me. 

There are some other fun stories in the book. I mean, where else can I get Animal Man, the 'new' Dr. Light, and Martian Manhunter holiday stories. So I plunked my money down.

What I got was a very sweet Supergirl story, set in a sort of elsewhen past but with a great ending. The hints were planted throughout the story so I can't say it was a surprise ending but it was still wonderful. So let's just dive in.

DC Comics Solicits - February 2026

Happy Thanksgiving to those who celebrate.

For lots of reasons, I think Supergirl fans have a lot to be thankful for in 2025 and these February solicits certainly add to the cornucopia. In fact, I think 2025 has been one of the better more recent years for my comic passion as Superman and Supergirl were front and center and solid comics all around.

Here is a link to the February 2026 solicits:
https://aiptcomics.com/2025/11/21/full-february-2026-dc-comics/

I'd be remiss if I didn't mention that the Vertigo imprint is coming back. I was there at the beginning of the first go-around and those books were so incredible. They came out at the perfect time in my comic reading life. So I might have to sample these new Vertigo books to see if the come near those halcyon days of Shade the Changing Man, Doom Patrol, Hellblazer, Enigma, Kill Your Boyfriend, etc.

But we're here for the Super-books so let's dive in!

SUPERGIRL #10
Writer(s): SOPHIE CAMPBELL
Artist(s): JOE QUINONES
Cover Artist(s): SOPHIE CAMPBELL
Variant covers by AMY REEDER, JOE QUINONES, and ELIZABETH TORQUE
Valentine's Day variant by CHRISSIE ZULLO

It's Valentine's Day in Midvale, and Kara has finally worked up the courage to ask her crush out for the holiday. Little does he know he'll be on a date with Supergirl! Meanwhile, Lena Luthor struggles with their friendship fallout. Can the daughter of Lex Luthor and cousin of Superman ever see eye-to-eye again?

The goth guy from Supergirl #4 returns and you might remember there was some debate about who he is! So is it H'El? Comet? Dick Malverne? Power Boy? Or someone new?

Joe Quinones is the perfect fill-in artist on this title so I will be glad to see his take on the characters. And his variant showing all the crazy love interests in Kara's past is pretty fantastic.

Review: Batman/Superman World's Finest #45

Batman/Superman World's Finest #45 came out last week and it is hard for me to think this book is almost 4 years old. The format of intermittent adventures from some elsewhen in the past has worked perfectly in giving us fun, entertaining stories reaching into the deep recesses of the DCU with a both a classic feel and a modern sensibility. Time flies!

This issue starts a new arc bringing us a Joker/Luthor team-up, the perfect contrast to our heroes. Throw in a guest star and some nods to some Silver/Bronze age goodness and you have another win. Writer Mark Waid has been walking that tightrope of classic and new for a while and definitely continues to shine. For me, the best part of this set-up issue is that a Lex/Joker team-up would not be an easy alliance. These two would not get along even if they have similar difficulties with heroes.

Adrian Gutierrez remains on art and his scratchy, energized style works very well with this story. An intangible Lex falling through a building? A violent Hawkman lashing out against the villains? A mash-up of Lex/Joker? All those things leans into his strengths and he hits it out of the park.

This is an opening chapter to an arc so we are just starting out here but there is a zaniness to this story already which was refreshing. 

On to the book.

Review: Superman Unlimited #7

Superman Unlimited #7 came out this week and was another sort of side-mission in this book which has been dealing with the over-arching plot of near limitless Kryptonite being available on Earth.

This is the second sort of side mission issue in this series already, with the Man-Bat issue also was off the beaten path. Now there are titles where a break from the action is a nice pause but here I kind of bristle. It took me a while to figure out why. Frankly, I am eager for the 'Bounty of Kryptonite' story to be done ... because we all know it will be undone somehow. And every pause we take means the story is lasting that much longer.

As for this issue, it is a Superman book in name only. This is a Jon Kent 'Super-Son' issue, focusing on Jon and a new life he is trying to create. I haven't read anything substantive about Jon since his mini-series a while back. He seems to be the forgotten El. So maybe a new, more stable life will help him. The story is plotted by Dan Slott with finished script by Jeremy Adams. There are a few fun moments but really this felt like a story where a punchline was thought of and the story was written to get us there. And a new wrinkle of labeling Smallville a 'weirdness magnet' is a more difficult choice for me as I like to think of Smallville as the place to escape the weirdness. 

The art is by Lucas Meyer who has been popping up across my comic reading recently and who brings a nice polish to everything. He recently did the Supergirl/Robin adventure issue in World's Finest. Here he gives us a modernized Smallville with a slick looking Super-Son. 

But this was really a pause. Can we get back to the main story so we reach the inevitable conclusion of 'not a lot of Kryptonite', 'everyone forgets Superman can go gold', and other pieces destined to be forgotten?

On to the book.

Comics Collector Fall 1984

As I have mentioned recently, I have found a new source of joy ... old comic fanzines that have articles about my favorite characters. I recently went to a local comic store that was having a massive sale, 50% off everything! And, to my delight, they had a pretty good section of comic magazines including the  Fall 1984 issue of Comics Collector. Right there on the cover 'She's a Supergirl'! 

To put this in context, the movie hadn't been released yet. The Kupperberg/Infantino comic had been cancelled. The Superboy/Supergirl Double Comics was in the works (although never published).

Writer Kim Metzger wrote 'Girl and Supergirl' for Comics Collector. Metzger sounds like a huge fan of the character in this article. Great Jim Mooney pic to open the proceedings.

This is a beefy article (I will include it in total at the bottom). It is a historical document, tracing Supergirl's stories from her first appearance to her last (at that point). It is a love letter, written with the tone of a fan. And it is an exasperated plea from a fan wondering why Supergirl isn't more recognized and appreciated. This is as much Metzger's personal opinions of Kara's history as a litany of the stories. 

But when the opening paragraph is 'why don't more people know who Linda Danvers is?' you know this is a fan who wonders why everyone else isn't a fan? I am going to highlight parts of the article that struck me first.

Review: Action Comics #1092

Action Comics #1092 came out last week, the first part of the next Superboy arc in the title by writer Mark Waid. 

Waid has been doing a good job of re-establishing Superboy as part of the Superman mythos here, slowly showing us early Clark discovering his powers, stretching his limits, and trying to become a public hero. The first arc showed us his reveal to the public. This arc he is more of a known commodity but still figuring it out. For long time readers, there have been hints at well established pre-Crisis moments perhaps coming back. But even Zero Hour friend Kenny Braverman has shown up.

This arc seems like it will focus on Superboy's public persona and how that aligns with the military and General Lane. I guess here is where the lifelong hatred starts. It is pretty interesting to see our hero stand up to Lane for the first time. 

Cian Tormey is on art this time and brings a sort of smooth if slightly cartoony style. Slightly! But it works for a flashback story with a sort of teenage dorky Clark. He does well with some powerful character moments here, building the panel to accentuate the proceedings.

I am liking this stealth Superboy book. Hoping others are too! On to the book.

Review: Supergirl #7 (v8)

Supergirl #7 came out this week, another fun and whimisical sort of holiday issue, celebrating the Thanksgiving tradition of bringing family and friends together.

Sophie Campbell is back on writing and art this issue making this an extra special treat. Campbell's art is just so intricate, so vivid, so captivating that you can't help but read the book slowly, taking in the art and all the small details she puts into things. A simple exercise will be to find Streaky every time the super-cat appears. He has is always doing something, making some expression. That devotion to the small things makes the art a true attraction here.

The story is a sweet one and really more character building. After last issue's look into the darker aspects of Kara's past, this issue is her being friendly and helpful, even to her enemies. Here, Supergirl is helping Princess Shark try to escape her life of villainy.While that unfolds, Kara's family tries to gather for Thanksgiving. 

The Princess Shark story is a sort of sideways take on the Little Mermaid. And the conclusion to that plot makes little sense given Princess Shark's earlier actions but it's fine. It showcases Supergirl's smarts and ethics nicely. 

And the family story shows how Lesla is still suffering from her lack of parental love, transferring it onto Superman of all people. 

All that said, while I think this is a fun issue, I actually am hoping we get a super-villain fight soon. 

On to the book.

Superman Album (Greek)

A bit ago, I showcased a Supergirl #6 from Greece, a gift from a buddy when he had traveled there. Turns out he had another gift for me, an interesting Superman album from the same time.

It is the size of your standard Asterix or Tintin size and produced by Anubis Publishing.

But it is an odd collection.

Three seemingly random issues.

Action Comics #870, from 2008, is the finale of the Geoff Johns Brainiac arc which led into New Krypton. 

Superman #15, from 2013, is a middle chapter in H'El on Earth. 

Superman #39, from 2015, was the end of another Geoff Johns run on the character, a time when Superman was using his solar flare and had just told Jimmy Olsen his secret identity. 

Three issues without any connection. One in an old continuity. Another in the middle of a less than stellar, very long arc.

Does the company only have access to some issues? Was this based on art? Gary Frank, Kenneth Rocafort, and John Romita Jr. provide great art here. 

But such a fascinating group. All reviewed here at the time of release! I have been doing this a long time!

Some samples ahead.

Review: Absolute Superman #13

Absolute Superman #13 came out last week, the penultimate chapter in this longform opening arc showing us the Absolute world that this Superman lives in. The Lazarus Corporation and the anti-fascist Omega Men revealed as organizations run by the Al Ghul family who are hellbent to turn Superman to their view. He hold out leading to war ... the Battle of Kansas.

I have been very impressed with Jason Aaron's pacing on this title, a slow burn of us seeing this world, learning about Superman and the supporting cast, and their goals. Even though we were barreling to the battle we see in this issue, Aaron pumped the brakes last month giving us an issue about Superman and Sol. 

But now we are back in it. Kansas is under assault.

Still Aaron gives us so much characterization amid to warfare. Superman still feels isolated, still feels 'other', still feels lost. It feels a little strong here after hearing how he defends the underrepresented, how he loved the Kents, how he is honoring his parents. But it again shows us we are in that Absolute world. If anyone isn't mired in the darkness it is Lois and Jimmy, both of whom look very much like their main Earth counterparts here, being journalists and getting the truth out there.

Rafa Sandoval continues to blow me away on art. This read like a war book, with tanks and planes, and bombs. But mixed in are these powerful character moments and Sandoval captures them too. I am so impressed with Sandoval on this book and glad we are getting him on this finale.

On to the book.

Review: Adventures Of Superman Book Of El #3

Adventures of Superman Book of El #3 came out this week and was another warp-speed issue by writer Phillip Kennedy Johnson and Scott Godlewski. This is such an interesting book to try and dissect. It is both said at a surpringly quick pace. It is set in a highly constructed world with a deep mythos. It is set basically in two times. I don't know if I know exactly what is going on and who every one is quite yet. But I am here for it.

Johnson is a world builder. This issue is set in the dystopian future brought about by Kryl-Ux's takeover of the universe. There are Summer Men. There is Lanternholm. There is Brainiac. There is Ronan Kent. I have a sense of this world but not the deepest understanding. But in many ways, just three issues in, it reminded me of the Warworld Saga. Three issues in we were just learning of Warworld's culture, of chains and Mongul and Phaelosians. Eventually it was a fully established world. I know we will get there on this book.

Instead of doing all the heavy lifting and exposition, instead we get a fast paced issue where Superman and Ronan battle Brainiac. There is action and battles and fun. Johnson still scratches the surface of what this world but in a sort of glossy way. Throw in some very interesting text pages at the end and it felt like a good meal.

Godlewski's art is also solid. We get all these alien pieces, weird armor and Brainiac drones, but within Earth and it's trappings. His Superman is large and powerful in a very iconic way. 

On to the book.

Wizard Superman Tribute Edition

One of my latest side quests has been scouring the shops, conventions, and warehouses I go to and see if I can find the old comic magazines that were published, especially around creators and topics that I love. I read Back Issue currently for similar reasons.

These magazines are almost time capsules of a sort. Reading creators' ideas about upcoming titles and stories and then comparing to them now that they are in the rear view mirror. In particular, Comics Interview, Comics Journal,  and Amazing Heroes are my faves as they seemed to take the material and the discussions seriously.

At the summer end's Time Capsule warehouse sale, I found a box filled with them and grabbed a few. That included this "Superman Tribute Edition" from Wizard Magazine. Now Wizard has it's critics (and I might be one of them). The book was more hype and journalism but at the time ruled the roost as THE comic book magazine on the shelves. 

But I will admit this one was solid, a magazine that kept out right before Reign of the Superman hit the racks. It was still polybagged, complete with collector card. The cover is a die-cut, chromium enhanced fold-out by Jurgens and Breeding showing the Doomsday fight. 

The table of contents shows this was a mix of historical retrospectives (both pre-Crisis and post-Byrne), a mini sort-of who's who, and a very interesting article looking vaguely at the four 'Supermen' who made up the Reign. The creators can't go into too much detail as the books hadn't been released yet, so speak a bit veiled. Very interesting hearing them talk about these characters so entrenched now.

But I'll cover the Supergirl specific stuff in the book for this site (not that there is much).

Review: Superman Red & Blue 2025 Special

Last week, Superman Red and Blue Special #1 came out, a sort of autumnal surprise in this summer of Superman. I was a big fan of the original Red and Blue series, a prestige anthology series that came out 4 years ago (!!). As with any anthology series, that one had hits and misses. 

But I am happy to say that this special has four stories, all of which are very good and very entertaining. Whether planned or not, the stories seem to focus more on the person of Superman is and less on fast and furious action. 

Moreover, unlike some holiday specials which seem like a type of New Talent Showcase, this one is filled with names of established crators whose work I standardly love - Paul Dini, Mirka Andolfo, Dan Abnett, Rainbow Rowell, Cian Tormey, and Chris Samnee. It also has some established creators that are new to me like Michael Walsh and Caitlin Yarsky.

And yes, Supergirl shows up in the issue and I have to say there was a sigh of relief on my part as the story unfolded. 

So if you are looking for a lot of punches this might not be for you. But if who Superman is at his core is one of the things that intrigues you, you should seek this out for sure.

On to the stories.

Happy Halloween

Happy Halloween to those who celebrate the spooky holiday.

My tradition is to try and do some cool jack-o-lanterns which I thought I would share here.

First off the Fleischer Studios take on Superman. This truly has been the year of Superman so I thought it made sense to celebrate it here.

I also did an Escapist jack-o-lantern because my girlfriend and I just saw The Adventures of Kavalier and Clay opera at the Met last month. So this seemed timely!

Hope everyone gets more treats than tricks!

DC Comics Solicits - January 2026

DC's January solicits were released last week and while the Summer of Superman might be over, it could be that 2026 is the Year of Supergirl. 2026 opens with a lot of our favorite hero on the shelves as well as some other interesting surprises.

Here is a link to all the solicits:
https://aiptcomics.com/2025/10/24/full-january-2026-dc-comics-solicitations/

But the big thing is that while DC K.O. continues, Kara shows up in some unexpected places. I am pretty excited by what I am seeing here, including a new collection of one of my favorite Supergirl storylines of all time. Let's take a gander.

SUPERGIRL #9
Written by SOPHIE CAMPBELL
Art by JOE QUINONES
Cover by SOPHIE CAMPBELL
Variant covers by CHRISSIE ZULLO-UMINGA, JOE QUINONES, and LUCAS MEYER
Punk Rock Cardstock variant cover by MARGUERITE SAUVAGE

As the clock and the town of Midvale count down to midnight, Supergirl finds herself surrounded by new friends and found family as she ponders her New Year’s resolution. Will she turn over a new leaf, finally free of the shadow of her famous cousin, Superman? Plus, Lesla has a little secret that could lead to disaster!

I keep wondering if there is a 'chaos stream' story out there for this new Supergirl. So when I read the clock counting down to midnight, I thought it was there, the Witching Hour. But then I saw this was more a New Year's countdown. I wonder what this Kara's resolutions are. I don't mind her feeling independent, free from Superman's shadow and casting her own. But I hope she still feels part of the El family.

Joe Quinones is the perfect fill-in artist for Sophie Campbell on this book. I love his style and think it will mesh with the feel of the book. He drew one of my fave takes on Harley Quinn, so good I reviewed it on another site!

But there's more!

Review: Adventure Comics #291 (redux)

In the DC Comics December 2025 solicits, the plot of Supergirl #8 is shown to be our hero going up against her abandoned Linda Danvers robot duplicate. It is a story I can't wait to read. But it made me wonder when was the last time a Linda Lee robot had been seen in continuity. 

Now I freely admit that I didn't do a deep dive scrub of every comic but Adventure Comics #391 was the last story I found a Linda robot in. And boy what a story it is. The robot bit is the smallest part of a 12 page story that has planetary student exchange programs, a deeper dive into another world's culture than I would have expected, a deeper dive into alien anatomy than I would have expected, and more twists and turns that even the most wacky Silver Age story. It even has a college protest in it so it remains relevant today! So settle in! More plot and info is dumped in this back-up story than in many current comic 6 issue arcs.

But it is also one of those overly elaborate plots that makes little sense if you think about it too hard.

This issue also was a bit of a throwback for me to read again. Hard to believe but 10 years ago, I reviewed the cover story 'Linda Danvers, Super-Star' . That review was spurred on by Melissa Benoist talking about wire-work on the Supergirl show. That feels like a lifetime ago!

Anyways, this was a bonkers fun story to review and I promise that the destiny of one Linda Lee robot is definitively met in this story. If anyone knows of a later appearance of a robot double, please let me know and I will cover it here with full recognition.

On to the book!

Review: Superman #31

Superman #31 came out this week, a tie in to DC K.O. complete with banner at the top. W e have already had the first issue of that event comic so this is a sort of prequel, showing us what happened just before Superman entered the arena. Maybe there are a couple of hints sprinkled in too.

Writer Joshua Williamson gives us a pretty good tour of Superman's life as he struggles with the idea of entering a tournament, fighting friends, in hopes of coming King Omega, fueled by conquest. On its face, that doesn't sound like Superman. So no surprise, he would be looking for advice and answers. The ultimate answer comes from an unexpected source.

We also get a healthy dollop of Lois in the book which always makes me smile. Even staring a universal cataclysm in the face, she is brave and keeps asking the right questions. I will say there is one part of Lois' story here that struck me as a little off but it is a quibble.

In what is a great surprise, Eddy Barrows is back on art. His work is so polished. Between splashes and subtle flourishes, this exposition heavy book still looks gorgeous. And love his Lois.

All in all, this is a solid issue, an early lead into cross-company event. So glad we got a little of the background on what the super-family was doing leading up to the fight.

On to the book.

GraniteState ComicCon And The Time Capsule Warehouse Sale

It is hard to believe that convention season is basically in my rear view mirror. Obviously Terrificon is my main convention I aim to hit but there are others that dot the New England landscape in the summer and early fall. 

I usually consider Granite State Comic Con  to be the end of the con season as it usually happens in late September and there aren't many others I always try to hit in the months after. (I know Wicked Comic Con just happened and Rhode Island Comic Con is coming up but I wasn't/won't be attending because of other obligations.)

And Granite State is a favorite of mine because they often have solid comic creator guests. Off the top of my head I can remember seeing Aaron Kuder, Jeff Parker, and Michael Cho there. It has been growing in some ways, now occupying two different areas in the hotel it is in as well as the floor of an arena across the street. The media guests have been growing as well. Interestingly, the con used to be almost exclusively comic vendors, but much like Plastic City, there were only a handful of comic dealers there with toys, shirts, and other memorabilia filling up the bulk of the floor.

But I am burying the lede as they say. I was telling friends of mine that I was going to this con and many recommended that I try and get a commission from Dave Wachter, an artist best known for TMNT. Since I don't read TMNT, I had never seen his work but did a quick perusal on line. Suffice it to say my friends have great taste. 

Wachter did the commission above and it is stunning. I love the pose, the shading, the background. I love Supergirl's happy expression and flexing. I am just floored by how great this commission is, a perfect ending to con season.

But wait, while not a con, there was one more Summer-ish 'event' worth talking about.

Review: Superman Unlimited #6

Superman Unlimited #6 came out last week and continued the story of the Kryptonite King and the sun stone uncovered in El Caldero. It is a standard comic, a fine book, with some fun moments. But it is pretty clear to me that of the super-books on the stands these days, this one sort of lags behind.

Writer Dan Slott is certainly throwing a lot out there trying to add new ideas and new powers to the Superman mythos all while dipping into the nostalgia pool by bringing back some Bronze Age super-stuff. But I seriously wonder how much of this is going to stick in a meaningful way. Will the world always be full of green K? Will Superman always have his time-limited 'gold form'? And I probably would be more accepting of these major world-changes if the story they are built into was compelling but six months in I feel we are sort of treading water. Even classic Superman moments showing who he is a hero feel a bit forced. 

The art is by Rafael Alburquerque and Mike Norton. Six issues in and in two of those issues Albuquerque has needed an assist. I'd rather there be an issue here and there entirely by a new artist to give Albuquerque time to do a whole story than the sort of pinch-hit pages approach. I do think Albuquerque draws a great Supermobile. 

Sorry for such a downer intro. Part of the issue is that Waid's Action Comics and Williamson's Superman and Campbell's Supergirl are all hitting it out of the park right now. This just pales in comparison.

On to the book.

Review: Batman/Superman World's Finest #44

Batman/Superman World's Finest #44 came out this week and was a rollicking good time, bringing together the oddball team of Robin and Supergirl again. I have been waiting to read a story with these two on an adventure since the first time Mark Waid teamed them up in World's Finest #12.

One thing I have liked about this title as a whole is that Waid gives himself a 'done in one' issue between big arcs, a sort of breathing space. He has taken advantage of these side adventures to explore our characters a little deeper and have a little fun. And trust me, this issue is a lot of fun.

It builds on the characterization from the earlier stories. In those early arcs and that other solo issue, Kara is a more mature late teen dealing with the razzle-dazzle, overly eager, almost too self-assured Dick. You can feel her eye-rolling at his circus showmanship. But over the course of this story that softens as she gets to understand him more, appreciate him more. And both recognize their status as 'seconds' in their family. Whenever you put two people in a high pressure, high stress situation, emotions will run hot ... and we even get a little bit of that here.

The art here is done by Lucas Meyer who brings a significant polish to the proceedings. There is a little Lupacchino in there, a little Sook, a little Rags Morales. It is all beautiful.

This is a truly a laugh out loud issue. Everyone should be reading this title and, in particular, this issue.

Supergirl #6 (Greek)

One of the things that I truly appreciate about this community is just how generous they are. One of the things I really love is when people who are traveling and see something Supergirl think of me and occasionally send it my way.

A good friend was in Greece recently and sent me two Supergirl books, one of which I will share today. From Anubis Publishing, I present their presentation of Supergirl #6 from the Loeb era of the character. This was on the shelves in the states way back in 2006!

The book sports the 'variant cover' by Ian Churchill. This was during the extremely brief time Greg Rucka was on the book and basically this books first 2 years was so all over the map it was the impetus for me to start the site! I ultimately did review this issue as I deep dived into Kandor at some point. 

This Greek edition is more than just a reprint of the issue though which is why I thought it might be fun to share here. Check out below.

(Now I will say that I don't speak Greek but if one of you out there does ...)

At the very least, I can see how Nightwing is written in the Greek alphabet but there is more.

Review: Action Comics #1091

Action Comics #1091 came out last week, bringing a close to Mark Waid and Skylar Patridge’s first Superboy arc in the book. This is an extremely early adventure in our hero's career. I guess is it's his first adventure! And it comes with the 'is he a bad guy' Captain Comet angle as well.

The Captain Comet angle comes to an interesting end here with another lesson imparted on Superboy. But I have some questions about it. We'll get there. Waid continues to add some depth to the 'new' Smallville. This is the first time we have had a Superboy timeline in a while. So seeing Lana, Pete Ross, and Kenny Braverman interact feels fresh. Waid understands the character so seeing Clark figure it all out feels right.

Skylar Patridge remains on art and continues to bring a completely fresh, clean feel to the book. It perfectly fits these 'simpler' younger days for the character. I have said it before and I will say it now. The high school pages by Patridge are incredible. 

I think Waid has said that he had at least a year of Superboy stories in his head. So it will be fun to see the next arc and how it picks up.

On to the book.

Review: Supergirl #6 (v8)

Supergirl #6 came out this week and as anticipated by the solicit and the cover, it is an homage to the classic Nightflame tale from Adventure Comics #421. It is important to know that that story was an early foray into what now seems to be the well-trod soil of Supergirl having a dark side. In it, Supergirl must face the evil she has in her own soul in her own mind. 

One of the things that I have loved about this latest title is that writer/artist Sophie Campbell has really leaned into Supergirl's mythos. It seems as if everything has happened, something we have seen played out in the New History of the DC Universe. Campbell definitely shows us that all aspects of Supergirl's multiple histories is allowed in this book. And if we are revisiting the concept of Nightflame, the darkness in Supergirl's soul, Campbell has a lot of material to pick from. Best of all, Campbell shows why Supergirl is who she is, maintaining optimism and heroism because of the life she has endured.  She is a bright hero. As I have said before, if you are a longtime fan of Supergirl, this book is an absolute treasure trove. 

The art is a wonderful mix of Campbell's usual sunny style for the live action and Rosi Kampe's more angular, harsher art for the hellish innerspace of Supergirl's mind. The contrast plays wonderfully.

In a meta sense, this was the perfect time for this issue to be released. Recently Supergirl movie screen writer Ana Nogueria told Variety that she couldn't wrap her head around the always sunny Supergirl until she read Tom King's gritty Woman of Tomorrow. It is clear no one gave Noguera any recent books because as Campbell shows, Kara has been through a lot and always shined brighter because of it, not falling into drunken, angry despair. More's the pity. 

On to this tremendous book.

DC Comics December 2025 Solicits

The DC comics solicits for December came out recently and the winter looks good. Here is a link to the entire month's books:
https://aiptcomics.com/2025/09/19/full-december-2025-dc-comics-solicitations/

I still think the concept of DC K.O. makes little sense. Heroes fighting heroes is done. That said, I saw the bracket and filled one out like a college basketball conference sheet. I suppose I will be following, at least peripherally. 

But the Supergirl solicits still make me smile and I am glad to see Kara in a couple of other places.

On to the books.

SUPERGIRL #8
Written by SOPHIE CAMPBELL
Art and cover by SOPHIE CAMPBELL
Variant covers by JAE LEE, TODD NAUCK, and MEGAN HUANG

Years ago, to protect her secret identity, a young Supergirl created a robot to pose as Linda Danvers while she ventured around the world saving the day. Now, after years of abandonment, this mechanical Maiden of Might has returned…in the name of vengeance! Can Kara make peace with the past before it destroys her present?

I think blog friend Mart Gray and I have wondered about the Linda Lee robot over the years so to see Sophie Campbell answer the question is fantastic. And these oddities happening in Midvale makes me think we are getting some sort of 'Chaos Stream' hijinks in the book.

Is this Supergirl-specific trip down continuity lane a hit for everyone? I'm not sure. But I hope so. This comic is a delight so far.

Review: Absolute Superman #12

I have been reading comics for almost 50 years. I have seen a lot of things. So when I see something surprising, something creatively fascinating, I have to compliment it. I have to admire. 

Absolute Superman #11 was one of the most brutal, horrific books I have read in a long time. It was firmly entrenched in this Darkseid-fueled universe. Skin was flayed. Blood was spilled. Throats were crushed. Chests were stabbed.

So how does writer Jason Aaron follow-up this grand guignol in Absolute Superman #12? By slowing everything down. By giving us an issue filled with flashbacks of how this Kal was raised by a gentle, loving AI program named Sol. It is the exact opposite of the prior issue. It really struck me. Just brilliant to put this issue on the heels of that one.

One thing I have said about this book is that Aaron has really built up this world. From Krypton to Kansas, this feels like a three-dimensional world. These scenes with Sol, which cover years, add to that depth. 

It helps that Rafa Sandoval is back on art. His style is a little more polished than the cruder, rougher stuff that Carmine Digiandomenico. This feels more calm and more peaceful, reinforcing that thematic change as well. 

We are heading to a big confrontation. But this issue was just the sort of deep cleansing breath I needed.

On to the book.