Review: Red Lanterns #31

As I mentioned before, I am away from home this week for some higher learning. I thought that would mean a delay in this week's reviews. But I discovered that there was a comic book store within walking distance of the University. And needing a break from the intense educational experience, I hoofed it there to pick up two books to sate my need for a little escapism.

Red Lanterns #31, by Charles Soule and Alessandro Vitti, was one of the books I picked up and continued the impressive Red Daughter arc. I have said over and over that I don't like the fact that DC dragged Supergirl so far down into despair and rage that becoming a Red Lantern was a natural extension. And I still feel that way. But the truth is Soule (and Tony Bedard) talked how this arc was a transformative and redemption arc for Kara and so far that has been true. I don't think I have read a more consistently positive and heroic Supergirl in the New 52. Yes that rage ... that fire ... is still there but she is controlling it. And that metal tempered by fire, it is making her into a stronger girl of Steel. I am really enjoying this.

And that is high praise ... because I came into this ready to hate this arc.

I don't like that we came to this. But so far this story is a winner, especially for Kara.

I have sung the praises of Alessandro Vitti before. He is such a natural choice for this book. His art is the perfect mix of detail and grunge for this material.

As I am away from my usual tech, apologies for latter panels, pics rather than scans.

 Remember that the current arc has the Guy Gardner led Red Lanterns (including Supergirl) trying to rein in The Judge, the immensely powerful new Red laying waste to her home planet of Primeen. But Atrocitus is also looking to recruit the judge.

In Supergirl #31, I loved the scene where the Judge read Supergirl's mind and declared her innocent. It was powerful. And it was another brick in the redemption foundation, adding Alura as a role model of strength and perseverance.

I am trying to figure out if this scene with Atrocitus makes that scene more or less powerful. The Judge does the same trick to Atrocitus, finds his deeds terrible (even if he doesn't) but says she can't judge him because he isn't from Primeen.

So how/why did she judge Kara. Is she so innocent that she felt she could declare it? Or is it made less meaningful because the Judge didn't execute Atrocitus? Thoughts?

Unlike the sulking, brooding, angst-ridden we got in most of her solo title, since Red Daughter we have had a proactive, 'let me help', thinking Supergirl. With the 'good Reds' trying to figure out how to immerse the Judge in the Ysmault lake blood, Kara says she can handle it and flies off.

This is the sort of Supergirl I like. She is a young hero. She wants to help. And she acts quickly ... sometimes too quickly. She is still learning.

But it is clear from early on in this issue that Guy is a bit paralyzed. He is trying to figure out just what to do. I like that Supergirl decides to act rather than wait.

And I love her solution ... even if  is messy. She takes the tank of lake blood and rips it open over the city that Atrocitus and the Judge are in. The blood rains down.

I am new to the Red Lantern world. I was under the impression that you need to be immersed in the lake. Is a spring shower enough exposure? Have we seen this before.

This is a great panel by Vitti ... visceral and powerful.

 But this solution doesn't exactly work. While the Judge seems to collapse, Atrocitus is able to control the blood, gaining power from it, and making it into a maelstrom.

This might be my favorite panel of the whole book. Guy's Reds don't know what to do with this blood tornado. But Supergirl, maybe feeling a bit guilty because she gave Atrocitus this weapon, again leaps forward and says she can fix it. Once more, proactive, heroic, thinking of what is right.

But this line saying that Atrocitus needs to pay for creating the Reds. That's pure character gold. It shows Supergirl isn't embracing this. She doesn't like the existence of Reds. She wants the villain to pay.

It shows me that, given the opportunity, she would leave this life.

Or am I reading too much into this?

 This is the learning Supergirl. While I like her leaping to action, she is still young and learning. She is making mistakes. Her way to fix the blood storm is to ignite it with heat vision. The result conflagration sets the city on fire!

And the Reds give her some tough love. This is another great scene!

First Bleez tells her she needs to grow up. She can't give into the ring; she can't just fly off on an impulse. It is a lesson. And friend or no friend, Bleez needs to teach it.

And Guy adds more. It isn't enough to be angry. You need to be angry for the right reasons. The Supergirls I have loved have all been fierce, angry at injustice and anyone trying to hurt someone. Maybe this Supergirl needs to learn that too. She can't be a tempermental kid anymore. (Love how Guy calls her Kid.)

But I still wish it was Clark guiding and teaching as a family member.

 Luckily Guy's gang are able to use 'magic' to will the blood whirlwind away. A bit easy and odd, but I guess I'll roll with it.

With the fire out and the blood gone, all that is left is a showdown with Atrocitus and to see who the Judge will join. But Atrocitus has an ace in the hole. He has Rankorr. And he will return Rankorr if Guy allows the Judge to join Atrocitus.

I like what Soule does with the Judge. She doesn't have enough information about either side to judge who she should join. And she needs to judge herself on the harm she has done. She removes herself from the game, going off for self-reflection. We just met this character but somehow that feels completely appropriate for her. (It also removes a powerful Red from the board ... keeping the status quo.) Still, that is good characterization.

 But finally, after a whole issue where I think Guy either sat back or simply reacted (rather than acted), he finally shows some of that fire.

He reminds Atrocitus that despite everyone who has gunned for him, he is still around.

That is pure Guy. And I love him staring down his enemy. Perfect.

The two groups of Reds separate. Their fight will happen some other day.

Despite stopping the Judge, the resulting fallout is a devastated Primeen. Even some of the moves they made (like Supergirl igniting the blood) added to the mayhem. With the conflict over,  the Primeen citizens beg the Reds to leave.

Look at Supergirl frown when she realizes that despite her effort she isn't one of the good ones yet. But this is a frown. Not a scowl. No a glare. Not a sulk. This Kara wants to be a good one and is disappointed if she isn't. I don't think this will discourage her. I  think this will motivate her. And with Guy and Bleez there to sort of set some rules, it seems like she will grow.

I know I concentrated more on the Supergirl portions of this issue. But this was just another step on her journey to re-enter the super-hero world. And despite liking the camaraderie, I don't think she is too thrilled about this life as a Red. I don't think she imagined this would be her. She wants to act, help, be good. And while this life can get her there, it won't lead her there easily.

I have to applaud Charles Soule for giving us this Kara, dealing with her loss initially through rage but growing too, maybe moving away from it. And Bleez, the Judge, even Guy - all those characters feel well-rounded and real.

Add to that some very compelling art by Vitti (he really draws a fantastic Supergirl) and you have a winning issue.

Overall grade: B+/A

Review: Red Lanterns #30

I can admit when I made a mistake. I was pretty sure that the Red Daughter arc and Kara as a Red Lantern storyline was going to be awful. And I internally cursed about Charles Soule thinking up the idea to begin with. But ... so far so good.

I will say my usual caveats. I am unhappy that Kara was dragged so low that only a Red Lantern arc could purge her and rehabilitate. And, as always, it is the end of this arc, the redemption of Kara into a likable positive hero, that is the key for me. I reserve the right to denounce this if the intended goal of making Supergirl less bitter and more heroic doesn't come to pass.

All that said, Red Lanterns #30 came out this week and it had some great Kara moments. While I think Superman/Wonder Woman suffers in its characterization, Soule seems to have a great grasp not only of the Lantern squad but Supergirl as well. Last month we saw her question some of the methods of the Reds. This time she asks if she should remain an Red. But there is also depth of the other Reds. Whether it is Bleez' distress or Skallox' lack of conviction or Zox' strength of conviction, these are individuals, not a bunch of snarling lunatics.

The artwork remains perfect for the tone of the book too. Alessandro Vitti and Jim Calafiore both contribute to this issue. Their inky thick lines work wonderfully with the story.

We start in sector 775 on the planet Primeen where we are introduced to a young girl named Sheko who hasbecome the youngest judge on the planet. Flash forward decades and you can see that time has eroded her once lofty sense of her position. There isn't justice on this world. Justice can be bought or manipulated in the court. When she decides to finally stand up for her principles by finding the world's prince guilty of heinous violent crimes, she is gunned down by her own bodyguard.

I could see where this was going. It is clear that she will be a new Red Lantern, born of rage out of this affront to justice. But I thought it was great to hear this back story as it shows that rage can spring from many seeds. Sheko is a 'good' person. She has ethics and morals. And yet she can succumb to rage and become a Red Lantern. It is fascinating and again elevates this corps above the presumed rabid beasts they were sometimes portrayed as.

And this sort of deep look into the psyche of the Reds continues with Bleez.

Sure she is filled with rage. But there is also sadness here. And maybe a hint of self-loathing. Bleez is upset that Rankorr is presumably dead from their battle with Atrocitus, Dex-Star, and the new Red Lantern they were teamed with. She also questions the justice of the universe if she and Zox remain alive while Rankorr is dead.

I have to admit I loved this bit of pathos here. I didn't expect it. And this attitude mirrors Kara's nicely. Inside Supergirl is rage. But also grief over losing her planet. And maybe some of the self-hatred that comes with survivor's guilt. Bleez suddenly becomes a sounding board for Supergirl.

Bleez also is elevated to a sympathetic character. I though she existed only for cheesecake, as a 'bad girl'. Now she has much more depth. And there is even more in this issue.

Bleez thinks the Reds should go after Atrocitus and try to save/avenge Rankorr. Guy thinks the Reds need to hunt down the extra 7 red rings floating around the universe. It is a battle of will and leadership. And the Reds don't believe in leaders. They are true libertarians.

But when Bleez tries to head back on her own, Guy pulls out his trump card. He calls Kara in to block Bleez' path. I like how Guy is trying to keep the Reds on track. No anarchy. Maybe more like controlled chaos.

And I like this shot of Kara, strong and smiling. And somehow the color scheme of this outfit works better than the red panty-shield on the classic New 52 costume.

As for Sheko, she is filled with rage over the mockery of justice that exists on Primeen. She is a red and she is angry. And with no blood ocean to calm her, she is in pure judgment mode. No one passes muster.

She carves a bloody path of death and destruction across the planet.

Again, I like how Sheko went from good soul worn down by hypocrisy to crazed Red Lantern. And frankly, this is what I thought all the Reds were like. This is a far cry from the more nuanced rage we see in the Ysmault crew.

Back on Ysmault, while Guy and the others scan for the 7 other rings, Bleex and Kara have a heart to heart.

It is the best scene in the book.

Bleez talks of suffering as a Red. While you may thrive with the rage, you also are in pain, wondering what life have been like if you refused the ring.

She seems more sad than mad here. She wonders why Kara would have accepted the ring. And Calafiore shines here. There is clear anguish on Bleez' face.

It is blunt and powerful. If Bleez ... a 'successful' Red ... is in such pain, who would accept the offer to join the Corps.

Again, my fear was Kara would be a vomiting mindless feral beast. Here we see there is more to the Reds than just crazed anger.

Their talk continues.

I really love this line from Bleez. For her, the Reds exist to make sure no one else feels so much rage that they would accept a ring. They exist to make sure there are no more Red Lanterns. That is noble ... to want a universe free of that righteous fury. Wonderful stuff.

And even better is Kara just outright asking for Bleez to be her friend. There is an odd warmth and understanding here ... again unexpected. And greatly appreciated. These two are kindred spirits.

Still, if Kara can ask Bleez for friendship, someone she barely knows ... why couldn't she ever ask the same of Kal?

That friendship and mentorship pays immediate dividends.

When Zox' scanners pick up the Judge, Guy mobilizes his entire Corps to intercept. The planet's military fires on them. This isn't a surprise. They wear the same symbol as Sheko who is incinerating everything in her path.

Their attack enrages Supergirl. But before she can lash out at them, Bleez tells Kara to calm down. This isn't a 'vomit first, ask questions later' group. There is a time to fight. And there is a time not to fight. It is a great moment as Bleez teaches Kara to control her rage, to think before she acts. That is amazing ... unanticipated.

And the art is excellent. You feel Kara's rage in that first panel.

Unfortunately, it isn't just the Judge that Guy and his forces will face. Atrocitus and Dex-Starr are also there.

Now that is a nice cliffhanger.

I have to say, I was very impressed with this issue. There is very good characterization here. Writer Charles Soule makes everyone feel three-dimensional, in particular Bleez, Kara, and Sheko. These Reds are more than monsters. They are individuals; and they have way more going on than just rage.

And I have to say, the Supergirl stuff was inspired. More than even in her own book you got that sense of redemption and growth here. Really wonderful stuff.

And, as I have said before, the art here really suits the tone of the book. There is an inky griminess to this book which suits the Reds perfectly. And if Alessandro Vitti isn't available, Jim Calafiore is a great stand-in.

Overall grade: A

Review: Red Lanterns #29

They say that road to Hell is paved with good intentions.

I am starting to wonder if the Red Daughter storyline for Supergirl is a road to good intentions paved with Hell. I have said before that the overall tone of Supergirl since the inception of the New 52 has been pretty grim, a mix of anger and grief with the character being portrayed as petulant, angsty, gullible, and stupid. While there have been glimpses of hope, for the most part the characterization of Kara has been about as far away from classic Supergirl as you can get. And becoming a Red Lantern seems to be about as rock bottom as she can get.

When it was announced, I blasted this as one more effort by DC to shove a dark Supergirl down the throat of their fans, despite ample evidence it doesn't work. Then the writers Tony Bedard and Charles Soule hit the publicity trail and kept saying that this was a redemption story, a transformative story, a way for Supergirl to turn the corner. I have read enough flotsam in interviews to read those statements with a grain of salt.

But so far, and we are only a handful of issues in, I have to say that I am pretty pleased. There has been enough going on these books, enough subtle nods that Supergirl has some growing to do ... and seems this close to being ready to do it ... to make me think that Bedard and Soule meant it when they said they wanted Supergirl to be heroic again.

Enough preamble.

Red Lanterns #29 came out this week, written by Charles Soule with grungy beautiful art by Allesandro Vitti. In this issue, we finally get another interaction between Superman and Supergirl, this time around her acceptance of the ring. And Soule does a good job of showing how Superman has finally had it with Kara, calling her out on her decisions and telling her she needs to live with them.

In some ways, that interaction with Superman is refreshing. He has bent over backwards, almost foolishly so, to acquiesce to Supergirl's wishes, since she arrived, for personal space. There is a big part of me that says that makes no sense for either character. But that's that. At least here he shows her some tough love. It is tough ... but it is love too.

In other ways, this interaction is frustrating. Recently, in Krypton Returns and Batman/Superman and even Supergirl there has been a bit of warming between the two characters. So this also felt like a step back.

Lastly, I love Vitto's art. It is thick-lined and 'messy clean' which is just perfect for this title. I'll point out some great stuff throughout the review.

The issue starts with the now semi-rational Supergirl seeing what she can do with her new array of powers. Skallox decides to fire a salvo of 'neutron star tipped' missiles at her to see what she can do.

It looks like Supergirl has been practicing with the ring because she sets up shields, slings some red energy blasts, and for the most part handles herself quite well.

Of course, one sneaks through blasting her. While it doesn't harm her, it does bring out the rage, making her destroy the missile bank in anger.

I have to say, Vitti draws a great Kara, strong and thick, powerful. But I absolutely love the pointy sleeves, one of my favorite parts of the older costumes. And this is a nice panel tho show Vitti's style, powerful thick lines with flecks here and there. Beautiful.

As I said before, I don't think Supergirl is ready to fully embrace chaos and rage in her heart, even if she says so.

Here Guy shows up to stop Zilius and Skallox from giving Kara an alcholic drink, grabbing it from her. When Kara yells she can do what she wants, she shatters the glass in his hand, harming him.

Look at her response. She immediately feels remorse, apologizing, and wishing to help. My guess is 'true' Red Lantern would probably say 'serves you right' or something similar. It shows just how internally conflicted Kara is.

It is a nice touch, a nice moment, and in stark contrast of the Kara which ripped apart the missile launcher and eagerly grabbed the booze. I think this is the real Kara peeking through the layered on angst. I think it shows that her heart is in the right place and just needs to be shown the way.

Guy knows that Kara being with the team is a disaster waiting to happen. Eventually Superman is going to come looking for her. This isn't the right team to be leading a teenage girl. Their first act was to give her a stiff drink. And she hasn't exactly been able to keep things under control.

Knowing all this, Guy leads the team to Earth, sends Kara on a fake mission, and heads to Superman, hoping to rid him of this distraction.

I like how Guy is the voice of reason on all levels. He knows that Supergirl is too young to drink. He knows that his team really can't handle her. He is basically a good guy here, no pun intended.

Guy flies down and actually assists Superman in rescuing people from a tidal wave in Indonesia.

Now I have lamented the semi-reboot nature of the New 52. It is clear that all the recent Green Lantern major arcs, the Sinestro Corps War and Blackest Night, is in continuity. Meanwhile, lots of other stuff was wiped away. So to see Superman not recognize Guy threw me for a loop. It really took me out of the moment.

That said, despite hearing that Hal disparaged and warned Superman about the Reds, Kal is willing to judge Guy on his actions. I love this scene were Superman says outright that if people do the right thing, he is okay with them.

And, again, Vitti shines showing this thick muscle-bound lantern-jawed Superman. He just looks like the strongest guy on the planet.

All the niceties melt away when Kara shows up in her Red Lantern garb.

Family comes first and Superman roughly grabs Guy accusing him of doing this to Supergirl. I love that sneer on Superman, showing just how ticked off he is by this turn of events.

Of course, Guy explains that the ring finds the bearer.

But then the ugly truth about the ring is leaked. The ring replaces your heart. And you can't simply take it off.

Kara didn't know that fun fact. Look at the initial shock, a bit of dismay on her face. It shows that maybe she didn't think things through. It shows that maybe she wouldn't be happy being like this for the rest of her life. I think the first panel again shows the real Kara. Maybe she thought she would join this 'gang' for a little bit, working through things.

Of course, when she finds out the truth, she lashes out with rage, attacking everyone around her including Superman.

Nice transition by Vitti here, going to a very thick line and more darkness and shadows when the anger surges.

And then we see just how lost Supergirl is.

She isn't happy that she has to remain like this forever. She isn't happy that no one told her. And she claims that no one understands just what she is going through.

Nice art here, with Supergirl being small with the other Lanterns looming big. But more importantly, look at the sadness on her face as she says no one understands her. She isn't sneering. She isn't angry. She is crest-fallen. For a while I have said that grief is the main emotion for this Supergirl and she simply doesn't know how to process it. Wonderful art.

But this is the thing that bothers me ... immensely.

She could have talked to people! Helped them understand!! She could have talked to Superman!!!!

This is where we need a Gates/Igle Supergirl #34 moment, that realization she can't strike it out alone. What we get is a turn as a Red Lantern.

And here is my favorite scene. I think that Superman here is a proxy for many Supergirl fans. I would love to hear Soule talk more about this.

When Kara talks about how great the Lanterns are for being independent and kick-ass, about how maybe she deserves to be a Red Lantern, Superman chides her.

He has done everything she has asked of him. He has left her alone. He has let her wail about Krypton. And she has watched her not deal with it in any constructive and healthy way. He complains about how by clinging to anger she has simply become anger. And he turns her back on her, hoping she feels satisfied with who she becomes.

I have said all of those things to myself as I have read this Supergirl's stories. Why hasn't she reached out? Tried to move on? Embraced her family to help her?

I even thought about turning my back on the character with this Red Lantern arc. Me!

This is Superman metatextually talking for me to this character we both love.

And then he really lays it out in a stern but loving way. She has thrown any help he has offered in his face. She doesn't want a role model now. He can't help her if she doesn't want it.

But she is family. Guy better do what's right.

Wow.

That is a great great page with a great Superman. It actually humanizes him a bit. He has done what he can with Kara. He will still be watching. But it is up to Supergirl to find herself now.

And with that Superman leaves saying that Supergirl is family. He will be watching. He loves Supergirl and will be there for her, presumably when she is ready.

Once more, I love the art here with Superman almost faded out by the bright light behind him. He is the moral high ground here, dazzling. The massive cape makes him an even bigger figure. Fantastic.

The book ends with a nice cliffhanger, teasing the upcoming battle with Atrocitus.

I will say it again. I wish this Red Lantern story never happened. I would prefer Supergirl asking for help, accepting a coffee from Kal like in the last Supergirl #34.

But if we need to raze this Supergirl persona like a phoenix to have her emerge new and heroic, so far so good. This issue shows a Supergirl who isn't pure rage, who seems to be lost and lashing out but who wants to help. She doesn't want to be this thing forever. She needs to move on. And we have a Superman showing some tough love for his cousin. He affirms he will be there ... but when she is ready to accept his love. Wonderful.

Maybe, just maybe, I'll get the young, bright, fierce, passionate Supergirl I want. I just have to get through this.

I have had my complaints about Charles Soule's work in Superman/Wonder Woman. But here (and in She-Hulk) he seems more in his wheelhouse.

And, as sprinkled throughout this review, Allesandro Vitti is superb throughout this issue.

Overall grade: B+

Review: Green Lantern/Red Lantern #28

The Red Daughter storyline for Supergirl began yesterday in the Green Lantern/Red Lantern #28 flip issue. I will admit that the concept of the flip issue was a fun one for me and I was glad to not have to buy two extra issues to follow Kara’s story.

I stopped buying Green Lantern when Geoff Johns left the book so this was a good way to let me peek in on the emotional spectrum and Hal. And I have bought the last few Red Lanterns in anticipation of Kara joining the book so I would have bought this issue anyways. But to see the two corps react the Supergirl wearing a red ring was very entertaining and revealing.

Robert Venditti writes the Green Lantern half of things; I enjoyed his brief run on Demon Knights so was curious to see him on the cosmic environment of this book. Gratefully, he wrote this issue in a way that someone like me, who hasn’t read GL in several months, could jump in and easily understand. It is clear that Hal is trying his best to run things in the absence of the Oans. Seeing old friends like Kanjar Ro being recruited was strange and intriguing. And  who knew there was a Star Sapphire named Rol-Anj. No relation, of course.

Billy Tan does the art on the GL pages and brings a slick, detailed feel that matches up nicely with the ordered ‘will power’ tone of the book. I especially liked his more idyllic pages on Mogo.

Charles Soule remains the writer on Red Lanterns. I have enjoyed this book much more than SM/WW. The Lanterns here seem like fun-loving but honorable people with nasty streaks, almost libertarian in their viewpoint. They aren’t vomiting, growling psychopaths. There is a streak of black humor throughout the book as well making it a more fun read than anticipated.

Alessandro Vitti does the art on Red Lanterns and is as perfectly suited for RL as Tan is for GL. There is a raw feel to the art, a bit more grungy and rough which works with the raging tone here.

The art on both halves of this book was beautiful.

I don’t think we can necessarily call this the beginning of the Red Daughter arc even if this is the first issue on the shelves.

I say that because we are dropped into the story with Kara already wearing the ring, zipping through space. Hopefully the ‘read Supergirl #28’ blurb at the bottom of the page will bring some new readers to her title.

Now this is a Green Lantern book and a Red Lantern book, not a Supergirl book, so I understand that the focus is going to be on those characters here. Indeed, Kara is mostly a plot point in this book. And since she is a freshly minted Red Lantern she is in the ‘vomiting, growling’ stage of development.

That said, Billy Tan draws her as if she were in agony, fighting the change that has happened to her. The furrowed brow, the unringed hand holding down the ringed hand, the screams. It looks as if this is a painful and not necessarily embraced change. 

It furthers the feeling that Kara is in turmoil, angry yes … but more. Maybe she wants to move past this rage rather than have it fuel her.

How did Supergirl get the ring? Why is she flying crazily in space? I hope the rational part of her is trying to get herself away from populated areas since she is so out of control. Supergirl ends up running into a couple of Green Lanterns and briefly battles with them before passing out, presumably from exhaustion after using her heat vision.

Is it just heat vision? Or is it ‘rage vision’? Who knows how Kryptonian physiology can manipulate a ring’s energy. Maybe Kara will have more than the standard array of ring-slinging capabilities.

But even this panel where she is fallen unconscious is fascinating. She looks completely spent. Is it the vision? Or is it that she is fighting two fronts, an internal battle of wills as she fights the ring and the external battle with the GLs.

Here is the one thing that does irk me a bit … not about the writing or art but about the New 52 universe in general and how they have treated Supergirl as a character.

Hal doesn’t know who Supergirl is … at all. He has to scan her to discover she is a Kryptonian. And even then he doesn’t know who she is as an individual.

And this is the problem of Supergirl in the new 52. She is completely isolated. So isolated that the members of the Justice League don’t know who she is. How can a character this removed from the greater universe thrive?

Even if you assume Supergirl has only been on Earth for a couple of months …

Wouldn’t, in passing, Superman have mentioned his cousin to Hal at some point?

Wouldn’t Hal have heard about a force field covering New York when Supergirl fought the World Killers?

Wouldn’t he have seen news clips of her in the S-shield costume when H’El on Earth was unfolding?

At least we know Flash and Wonder Woman know her … unfortunately it is because they fought her.

Heck, Jeph Loeb knew enough to have Supergirl introduced to the DCU by Superman by the end of her first appearance!

Unconscious, Supergirl is brought to Mogo, new HQ of the GLC. There, she awakens, shatters the green energy cage she is in, and needs to be rerestrained but it takes many Lanterns shackling her with green constructs to subdue her.

While some of the Lanterns want to remove the red ring from Kara's hand, killing her, Hal feels more noble. I was glad to see that his first thought is to 'cure' her of the red energy rather than simply kill or imprison her.

Unfortunately, Blue Lantern Saint Walker isn't using his ring anymore (something about the rings draining the universe) so he can't/won't cure Kara.

Nice sentiment by Hal.

And as I said, the art in this jungle really sparkle.

And more good stuff from Hal.

He thinks of Superman as a friend and an honorable man. And he pleads with Kara to fight the insanity that comes with the red energy. This is different than the bickering Hal in JL who complains that Superman always floats above everyone and spies on them. I like this Hal much more.

And look at Supergirl in this panel. While she seemed in pain before, here she looks forlorn. Part of that might be that she is shackled and gagged. But I wonder if she is sad about this predicament, from accepting the ring. Maybe there is a part of her aware and fighting the rage.

Flipping over to the Red Lantern side of the book, Hal decides the best thing to do with Kara is bring her to Ysmault.

There are a number of reasons to head there. If this is a new ring, Hal needs to know if the Red Corps is growing (there are only a few red rings left). Second, Hal wants to check in on Guy.

But he also wants to bring Kara there.

I love how the take on Superman is different between Guy and Hal. Hal describes Superman as good and honorable, a friend. Guy's first response is almost fear. If Superman gets mad about this Kryptonian 'we're all done'. It is as if Guy anticipates Superman will attack ... and defeat ... both Corps.

Incredible!

Like in the Green Lantern side of things, Kara overwhelms the constructed prison and it takes two corps to hold her down and dunk her in the lake.

So Supergirl really is a snarling animal for parts of this book. I like to think that struggle we saw earlier is present but the rage can be overwhelming.

Anyways, it at least shows just how tough a ring-wearing Kryptonian would be.

One dunk in the lake later and Kara is awake and coherent.

What I take from this panel.

One, she introduces herself as Kara Zor-El. She really doesn't consider herself Supergirl.

Second, I like how she asks 'Please, what's happened to me?' Clearly the ramifications of taking the ring were not explained to her. She might not have accepted if she knew. And she doesn't come out snarling with red eyes. She's almost pleading ... please, what happened.

Although she really is out of control for the most part of this issue, small flourishes like this and the expressive work by Tan make me think there is more to her story than simply embracing rage.

We'll have to see if this internal struggle is part of her narrative.

And if Guy was worried about Superman and his thoughts about any Kryptonian, he has to be much more concerned about what Superman would think of his family becoming a Red Lantern. I guess we'll find out next month.

I think my thoughts about this Red Lantern Supergirl arc are pretty well known. I don’t think it should happen. It would have been better if it didn’t need to happen. The concept of the isolated angry Supergirl doesn’t work.

Now if Tony Bedard and Charles Soule are using this story as a turning point, a way to have her recognize her rage and move beyond it, then I guess it is okay. It is like burning away a tumor. The treatment hurts but it is still a cure.

All those feelings stated, I actually liked this issue.

It is clear that Supergirl isn’t maniacally giggling at her new power, or thriving with it. And even her two lines evoke a person wondering what is happening with her life.

And the personalities of Haland Guy seemed spot on for this sort of encounter.

Plus the art is just spectacular. Hoping now I run into Vitti at some convention.

So if I had to have an opening chapter to Red Daughter (a storyline I don't want to see), this one was as good a start as I could anticipate.

Overall grade: B+

March 2014 Solicits

The DC Comics solicits for March 2014 came out last week and just when I thought things couldn't look bleaker for Supergirl, DC makes them look bleaker. I suppose I shouldn't be surprised any more. But this is beyond terrible on the surface. The entire DC solicits are available on CBR but here are the solicits that caught my eye, both for good and bad.

SUPERGIRL #29
Written by TONY BEDARD
Art by YILDIRAY CINAR and RAY McCARTHY
Cover by GIUSEPPE CAMUNCOLI and CAM SMITH

She’s done with people pushing her around, taking advantage of her and betraying her. She’s done feeling helpless, lost and discarded. She’s done with hope, faith and acceptance. Now, all that’s left is rage. And she’ll burn the universe down before she lets another person tell her who she should be. Supergirl’s journey as a Red Lantern continues here in “Red Daughter of Krypton.”

Remember when this was first solicited and I was all concerned about a rabid Supergirl vomiting blood? And then the DC publicity machine churned up about how this isn't some random decision to be cool. That this was a calculated change in the character to bring her around? Remember when Tony Bedard said he wanted a likable heroic Supergirl that he was hoping to rehabilitate? I actually was close to being optimistic ... wondering if this was the beginning of a redemption tale.

And then I see this solicit. A rabid Supergirl vomiting a massive stream of blood onto her one friend in the DCnU. The description of her being done with 'hope, faith, and acceptance'. She wants to burn the universe.

After seeing this I actually wondered if it would be better to NOT have a Supergirl book than to see her turned into this. That's right, a huge Supergirl fan wondering if comics would be better without a Supergirl comic. That's tragic.

RED LANTERNS #29

Written by CHARLES SOULE
Art by ALESSANDRO VITTI
Cover by STEPHEN SEGOVIA

The Reds have found their newest recruit: Supergirl! Guy Gardner is hardly equipped to handle a teenaged Kryptonian Red Lantern, so he heads for Earth and hand her off to her cousin, Superman! But Superman is…unimpressed by Guy’s leadership skills – or lack thereof…

Remember back in 2010 when Supergirl was thriving in her own book and being the legacy muscle in the JLA? I called it the 'golden age' of Supergirl fandom.

Now in 2013, she is again starring in 2 titles.

As a Red Lantern, she is now starring in that title. Read this 'delightful' solicit. Kara is so out of control that even Guy Garnder can't handle her. Doesn't that make you think she is going to be absolutely awful as a character, unhinged, overly emotional, and bratty?

And why would Superman step in now when he has ignored Kara throughout her stay on Earth?

And let's really make Supergirl fans upset by having her destroy the S-shield?

Why does DC think this is a good way to go with the character ... unless there is an endpoint where she heals and rejects this path? But how long will we have to deal with this?

ACTION COMICS #29
Written by GREG PAK
Art and cover by AARON KUDER

Superman must protect the sub-terrans from Ghost Soldier and the U.S. Armed Forces! Is he about to become Public Enemy #1?

At least I have Action Comics by Pak and Kuder. There is a sort of fun feel to this book so far, a great mix of action, characterization, and some sly humor.

Looks like Superman is caught between a rock and a hard place here.

SUPERMAN #29

Written by SCOTT LOBDELL
Art and cover by ED BENES

Superman and Starfire must deal with a cache of deadly alien weapons – and its horrifying impact on the innocents who find them! But first, these two heroes will have to stop fighting each other before someone ends up dead!

Then there is the Scott Lobdell Superman book, which bears no resemblance to Action Comics or Superman Unchained.

As if needing to prove that it is the 'grittier' Superman book, we of course need to have Superman fighting another super-hero. That's consistent with the tone of this book. At least he seems to be protecting a child on this cover. But that means Starfire is willing to endanger the kid.

SUPERMAN UNCHAINED #8
Written by SCOTT SNYDER
Art and cover by JIM LEE and SCOTT WILLIAMS
Backup story art by DUSTIN NGUYEN

It’s all going to hell as cosmic-level war breaks out! The full truth of who — or what — Wraith is finally comes to light!

I don't know if this is a realistic release date as we haven't seen number 5. The book would need to stay on time. Hopefully it will.

Last chance for Wraith origin guesses. I am still going with Daxamite. If it is another Kryptonian (or worse a Superman from another dimension) I won't be happy.

So far I have really enjoyed this book.

BATMAN/SUPERMAN #9
Written by GREG PAK
Art and cover by JAE LEE

“First Contact” continues from last month’s explosive WORLD’S FINEST #20 as Batman, Superman, Huntress and Power Girl battle a massive new threat to the DC Universe! As Kaizan Gamorra unleashes the means to take down Superman, an unbelievable discovery is made that will have major repercussions in 2014!

I am really interested in seeing this First Contact storyline. I am hoping that it will inject some energy and purpose into the Worlds' Finest book which has seemed on auto-pilot for some time.

We have seen Jae Lee's look at Earth 2 in the first arc in this book so I can't wait to see him handle these characters again. His art is so wild. I feel like I am reading a dream.

ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN #11
Written by JIM KRUEGER
Art and cover by NEIL EDWARDS and SCOTT HANNA

After learning about the Last Son of Krypton, a troubled alien travels from a distant galaxy to meet Superman…and to confess the horrible secret that he was Krypton’s Green Lantern.

Has this story ever been done before? Wasn't Tomar Re the GL of the Krypton sector?

This book for the most part has been another win. So I look forward to this story.

SMALLVILLE SEASON 11: ALIEN #4
Written by BRYAN Q. MILLER
Art by EDGAR SALAZAR, DYM and ROB LEAN
Cover by CAT STAGGS

In this final miniseries issue, Lex Luthor needs help, and there’s only one man for the job. And that man is…Otis? Meanwhile, Clark finally makes contact with S.T.A.R. Labs, and Emil has some information that may make the fight against the Monitor survivable.

That looks like an Earth 2 Batman being slugged on this cover. And an Earth being split in two as well. Let's face it, the Crisis is upon us. I love this series.

Don't kill Supergirl!!!

SUPERMAN/WONDER WOMAN #6
Written by CHARLES SOULE
Art and cover by TONY S. DANIEL and BATT

When the Phantom Zone is breached by Zod, Superman and Wonder Woman are forced to do the unthinkable to stop the tyrant from global destruction. But can they do what must be done – and will the world forgive them?

What do you think the 'unthinkable' is? Wonder Woman killing the Zone criminals? Sending the criminals AND a chunk of Earth into the Zone? Superman killing Zod while he takes down a train station?

I guess the bigger questions is: Will this be the last issue I buy of this series?

WORLDS’ FINEST #21
Written by PAUL LEVITZ
Art by R.B. SILVA and JOE WEEMS
Cover by EMANUELA LUPACCHINO

The “First Contact” crossover with BATMAN/SUPERMAN reaches its conclusion as Kaizan Gamorra unleashes a plot to depower Power Girl and unlock the secrets of Superman of Earth 2!

I talked about this issue above. But this looks like a big deal. A boom tube back 'home'. The evil Superman waiting. Kara's mentor, now twisted, waiting for them.

Now this would be a huge shake-up for this book which I think it needs.

Still, despite some of the better issues solicited, I am still stuck with an out of control, raging Supergirl vomiting blood. That isn't good news.