Review: Supergirl #18 (v8)

From the beginning of this volume of Supergirl, I have been completely impressed with writer/artist Sophie Campbell and how much she has acknowledged and respected the history of the character. There are little nods and homages to famous stories and panels. But more importantly, there is a deep understanding of the character being one of hope and kindness. But one willing to throw down if it is required. 

In Supergirl #18, we see that Campbell brings the same sense of honor to the 'other' Supergirl, the Matrix Supergirl. Matrix was Supergirl for a while. So seeing Campbell bring her back to continuity and really doing so well just makes this old Supergirl fan smile. Matrix Supergirl grew as a character and grew into a character I truly loved. I am thrilled to see her back. And I think a subplot introduced here probably hinges on her too. 

Now we had learned in New History of the DCU #3 that Matrix was in continuity. And now I wonder all her history is in continuity. Blog friend Mart Gray thought there was a side door reference to Superman killing the Pocket Universe Kryptonians in the Kingdom Of Zod Special. I think he is right!

This issue is the first Supergirl one since that end of the Kingdom of Zod event so we are sort of laying out a new playing field. We are getting back to the plots that have been simmering in this book. And we also launch the next big arc here. The book is chock full of characters. Super Force is a true Legion. But in this issue, it is clear that Kara is the straw that stirs the drink. I read this book for her. Seeing her inspire all the others is great.

Campbell is on art this issue as well and that makes the book just feel whole. I love Campbell's style. It is perfect for this title and its feel. From the new Reactron to the diagram of the Fortress to the brawl to Matrix in all her purple goo glory, the book is gorgeous.

This might be my favorite single issue of this title to date. No small feat. On to details.

We start out Kara walking into the Fortress of Solidarity with a new hero, Wombat. Also, Kara is carrying a baby Kryptonian Thought Beast. Too cute.

But check out the schematic of the Fortress! Love the little descriptions of the rooms!

Reminded me of when I was a kid and would pore over the schematics of the JLA satellite, the Legion HQ, the Wayne Foundation, etc.  As someone who loved all that stuff growing up, I was completely tickled. 

But one room description struck me.

Super Force looking for a full-time Doctor?? Where do I send my CV?

As I said, the cast is large now. So we check in on how Lesla is doing in Kandor and her work on removing the genetic anomaly that is keeping everyone shrunk.

And we check in with ThunderGirl. Her powers are now defined as sonic/radio frequency based. She is 1/4 Kryptonian but immune to all Kryptonite. 

But there is the social side to all this. She is on Earth now. She doesn't really know who she is or what she is. She has no 'real name'. She wants a normal life. And Supergirl is right there to help support.

This is the sort of way of discussing real life issues of people dealing with their identity and self-expression in a sensitive and nuanced way. Supergirl wants to help ThunderGirl come to some sense of who she is. I love it.

Supergirl's S-Matrix costume is giving off all sorts of odd emanations that everyone can detect. It is made of Lesla's Super-Stuff. In the heat of the moment, Lena added this unusual material ... Matrix ... to her attempt to utilize Lesla's Super-Stuff to create a healing suit for the then dismembered Supergirl.

Matrix ... as in The Matrix. 

Okay, you have to again accept that Lena is just a complete whiz at making whatever the plot needs for her to make. But this makes sense. Lesla's stuff is a sort of proto-matter. The inert Matrix would probably be able to bond with it in this way. 

Supergirl knows about Matrix, the being who operated as Supergirl when Kara was dead.

All this stuff is now in continuity thanks to Mark Waid and that New History. Supergirl/Kara died in the Crisis. Matrix operated as a Supergirl for a bit. Kara came back to life.

I talked about how it is a bit hard to smooth out all those continuity wrinkles. But I'd rather DC leans into it than keep it weird. Let's let Campbell smooth out these wrinkles.

And as I said, I loved the Matrix Supergirl so I love that she is back.

And I love small nods Campbell puts in for us old timers.

On the left, Gary Frank drawing the Linda Danvers/Matrix/Supergirl at the end of that Supergirl #1. On the right, Campbell homaging that panel.

Amazing. Perfect.

While discussing the Matrix, Wombat and Nightflame end up brawling, opening up a sinkhole which drops into a magical chamber complete with runes and a grimoire under a protective spell.

This chamber right below where the Sunstone built the Fortress?

I am more convinced than ever that my ongoing idea that there is a Chaos Stream linked to Supergirl is happening. 

What is this book???

And in that room, the Super-suit drips away and suddenly manifests as Matrix. She quickly goes from the purple goo to a more formed, more Supergirl form.

Hmmm, the inert Matrix S-suit suddenly becomes 'alive' in this room. All the more reason to think there is a Chaos Stream. And perhaps it is linked to both Supergirls. 

But everyone pause and take this in. The protomatter Matrix Supergirl is back in the DCU in all her glory. 

At first, Matrix is completely confused and in classic comic book manner, she lashes out at everyone before Kara and ThunderGirl are able to calm her down.

In particular, ThunderGirl probably sees a bit of herself in this being struggling with who she is and where she fits into a new world.

If you are looking for a panel that sort of encapsulates this book, this might be it. Heroes all trying to help someone. 

How great to see the 'blue shirt/red skirt' Matrix costume! I love it!

We do get some background.

Matrix was dying, her life programmed by whoever made her was over. Perhaps she has no recollection it was Pocket Universe Lex? Maybe that isn't in the universe?

It was Superman who compressed her into the inert state hoping to help her later. 

Will we see the Pocket Universe story put back into continuity??? 

I do like that on the following page Campbell recreates the second panel, this time Kara reaching out and holding Matrix Supergirl's hand saying there can be more than one Supergirl on the planet, an obvious offer to help.

This whole issue so far is great. But then we get a great cliffhanger.

Reactron breaks in, blasts everyone away, and shoves Gold K in Kara's face. Suddenly Kara has no powers and may never get powers again.

I love Reactron as an arch-enemy of Supergirl throughout her comic career. I love this new design, sort of an upgrade from all his prior looks. But interestingly enough, Supergirl doesn't recognize him. So maybe he isn't in continuity now and this is his first appearance.

But a powerless Supergirl is a great cliffhanger. And another Supergirl right there ... Matrix.

What an incredible issue, especially for a longtime Supergirl fan like me! Brilliant brilliant.

And I mean it, how do I get into the comic as the Super Force doctor?

Overall grade: A+