Review: Supergirl #15

Supergirl #15 came out this week, ending the Reign of the Superboys story as well as the Lesla Lar/Black Flame Kandor story at the same time. 

There is a lot to like about this issue as writer/artist shows once again that she understands the character of Supergirl. She is hopeful. She has compassion. She doesn't kill. But if she needs to knock some sense into you to defend the helpless, she will. There is a 3 page face-to-face with Black Flame that should be printed out and given to future creators as a sort of distillation of Kara's ethics. 

On top of that, we get some interesting development in ThunderGirl and Lesla too. The Argo City plot thread is intriguing. On top of that, we even get a beautiful finale of the arc with Kara sort of looking to her own future and declaring herself the heir of the House of El. That is amazing.

Campbell's art really explodes off the page this issue as well. There are more solid battles sequences and even a little bit of body horror. 

That doesn't mean there aren't some things to quibble about. Lesla, as has been the case for much of this series, gets to skate a little despite her past. And her being named the hero of Kandor so quickly after being one of the instigators of its near-destruction is a little strange. 

Still, I really liked this issue.

Review: Supergirl #14 (v8)

Supergirl #14 came out this week, the next chapter in Supergirl's battle with the Black Flame in Kandor during the Reign of the Superboys mini-event. For folks like me who wanted more action in the earlier in this title, writer/artist Sophie Campbell is answering the bell giving us another heavy action issue with more brutal fighting between Supergirl and Black Flame.

The violence is tempered with solid characterization here. We see Supergirl as an inspiration for others because of her heroism and tenacity. And yet, at the same time, we see Kara questioning herself, wondering her role in the El family. She is a good friend and ally hoping to help people by talking them through their problems. But she also has no time for injustice and is ready to throw down when ready.

It is this wonderful contradiction that makes me love Supergirl as a character. She is young and learning and caring and maybe a bit unsure of herself. She is also accomplished and capable and inspirational and maybe a bit fierce when necessary. Campbell, perhaps because she seems to be a fan of Supergirl's history, has been able to grasp that conundrum and showcase it.

That love by Campbell of all things Supergirl has been evident from the beginning of the book with her packing the title with nods and references to Supergirl's Silver and Bronze age history.

I didn't think she would be able to lean into the Matrix Supergirl history in this book. It starts with the cover, an homage to a Tom Grummett Matrix Supergirl pin-up in the Supergirl and Team Luthor special from way back when. 

But there is even more inside. Let's get to the book.

Review: Supergirl #13 (V8)

Supergirl #13 came out this week, the next chapter in the 'Hero of Kandor' arc, a brutal story so far pushing Kara to her physical and emotional limits. This is a story filled with physical danger and emotional turmoil. But through it all, even when seemingly spiraling, this Supergirl remains a hero and an inspiration. 

Writer/artist Sophie Campbell has had Kara nearly die, been turned into a cyborg, and trying to quell the uprising of the Black Flame in Kandor AND chastise the Kandorian government for letting it happen. And she continues to do this despite a large portion of her body having been replaced by clunky robotics. It would be easy for her to give up but she doesn't.

Not that she is stolid or staid. She breaks down here and there. We see her lamenting her past. We see her screaming at Lesla Lar. She is still learning to be a hero, still dealing with the roils of her life, but moving past them. This isn't a Kara crying in a sun, living a life of pain. This is a Supergirl who knows she needs to help people in danger, who literally tells herself to 'get it together'. I'm not sure I 100% understand her loyalty and devotion to Lesla. 

As for Black Flame, she is both physically devastating, ready to kill those who stand in her way, and somehow a charismatic leader, bringing people under her sway. That is why Lesla followed her. And someone else might be joining the cause.

As for the art, Campbell has really kicked it up a notch in this arc. There are some wonderful little touches in the art that I think emphasize story points. I love her take on Superboy and his tactile TK power.

Add to that a killer cliffhanger and you get a fantastic issue. On to the book.

Review: Supergirl #12 (v8)

Supergirl #12 came out last week and continued the Hero of Kandor storyline. I struggled when I read Supergirl #11, an issue in which Supergirl seemed completely outmatched and easily tricked, beaten to a pulp in her own book. Writer/artist Sophie Campbell rebounds tremendously with this issue, pushing the story along, showcasing things I love about Supergirl, and most importantly tackling issues in a nuanced and fair way. Throw in some hardcore action and you have a winning issue, perhaps the strongest in the run yet.

Remember, Supergirl has discovered that a genetic anomaly is keeping Kandorians shrunk and trapped in the city. Surely the Science Council knew about this and didn't act. Maybe they even initiated it. Upset about the whole thing, the Black Flame has organized the youth of Kandor in a rebellion, but she seems just as interested in destruction as she is in solving the problem of the anomaly. The city is being destroyed and the Black Flame is laughing in the wreckage.

And there is Supergirl recognizing that both sides are right and wrong. The Council shouldn't be trapping people in the city and should have helped fix the issue. The Black Flame is right to want freedom but not death and destruction. It is up to Kara to try and mend the rift, not happy with either side.

In our real world we have polarized politics and hate on both sides. We have protests that can grow destructive and entrenched power wanting to maintain control. And when things get extreme on both sides it isn't good for the folks in the middle.

Seeing Kara talk about trying to live in the shadow of someone big, trying to meet impossible expectations, being angry at the Council but willing to risk her life to protect them ...well ... that is everything I love about Supergirl.

The art in the book is incredible. Most of the book is a political debate so we have lots of close-ups and conversational art. But there are tricks Campbell uses to push the narrative visually. The fight at the end is brutal and even here we see some visual clues. But I also need to praise Tamra Bonvillain for bringing a dayglo quality to the fight, making it feel insane.

On to the book.

Review: Supergirl #11 (v8)

Supergirl #11 came out this week and was another one of those issues that I feel a little torn about. 

There are parts of this issue that show me the Supergirl I want to read, thinking about her family, trying to help her friends, standing up to evil, and fighting to the end. I really love that Supergirl. 

But the tough part about this is that we are nearly a year into this run and we haven't seen Supergirl have an outright win. We haven't seen her save her friends and trounce evil. Almost every issue has her friends helping her out. At times she seems like a member of an ensemble cast instead of the straw stirring the drink. And there is a hinted possible romantic relationship that could tear this fandom apart, something I have seen before.

In this issue, Supergirl recognizes that as much as she wants to find the missing Superman, she has to help Kandor. She has to help Lesla. She finds a youth revolution tearing up the city, led by the nihilistic, sadistic Black Flame. And like a hero, Kara stands up to Black Flame only to be stabbed repeatedly, left for dead.

Yes, we need conflict and seeing Supergirl in peril means the ultimate victory will be sweeter. But this loss might be better received if prior issues had Kara mopping the floor of some opponents.

This Sophie Campbell written story fell just a bit flat, buoyed by the high points I'll point out.

One thing I have no complaints about is the art. Campbell's work is stunning. The Black Flame/Supergirl fight is brutal. The hits are palpable. The blood is flowing. And the choreography of the fight is phenomenal. One thing I really love is that the pages with Black Flame have slanted and odd shaped panels, as if to show that everything is off kilter with her. Nice touch.

On to the books.

Back Issue Box: Adventure Comics #400

One of the things I have very much enjoyed about the current volume of Supergirl by Sophie Campbell is how it is really mining the history of Supergirl. From homages to deep cuts, from the Silver Age on, Campbell is showing a knowledge and respect of Supergirl's lore. The latest? The introduction of Black Flame into current continuity.

I've covered Black Flame on the blog before but somehow I haven't reviewed her craziest story. I'll rectify that right now.

Adventure Comics #400 had quite a cover. First, there is the big '35th anniversary 400th issue' banner.

The cover is also a good draw with a defeated Supergirl, contorted in agony under the feet of an unknown assailant. But the 'final battle' in the dialogue box means this isn't their first, a decent hint. 

'Return of the Black Flame' was written and drawn by Mike Sekowsky, in the middle of his run with the character. There are times I like to think that these stories take place on Earth-Sekowsky given how loose he played at times with continuity. This story is probably the best (or is it worst) example of that so settle in. 

Hmmm, maybe these take place on Earth-B, the place where Bob Haney's Brave and Bold stories took place given their also tenuous grasp on continuity?

Okay, on to the story, one of the nuttiest Supergirl stories ever.

Review: Supergirl #9(v8)

Supergirl #9 came out last week, the third issue in a row focused on character building and leaning into some sorrow and angst. Writer Sophie Campbell is here with artist Joe Quinones showing us New Year's Eve, Midvale style. 

Campbell has definitely been focusing this series on Kara figuring out this next chapter of her life back in Midvale. Campbell has also done something I have been asking for in a Supergirl comic for about 15 years, added a supporting cast. In many ways, this book has been an ensemble cast with Supergirl the axle they spin around. Moreover, it is all young women trying to figure out who they are in a new place, all with different backgrounds and responses. Lesla from Kandor, reeling from unloving parents and a feeling of emptiness. Lena, walking away from Lex but still acting, now and then, like a Luthor. And Kara herself, out of Superman's shadow and trying to hold her life and her friends lives together.

This issue shows us how easily strained these relationships can be. A fun night unravels and suddenly Linda, Lena, and Lesla are not the bosom buddies they were. There was a bright feeling to the early issues of this book, an optimism and joy around Kara. These last three issues - Nightflame, the dying robot, and this issue's tumults - are a little darker. I am hoping this darkening is from my Chaos Stream theory.

And I have to admit I wouldn't mind an issue of someone like Reactron being a jerk and our hero pounding him. After all the personal drama, I wouldn't mind a supervillain coming around. I am not complaining too much. I love the book. And this is lightyears away from drunken, living in pain, witnessing stoning executions, etc.

I have been a fan of Joe Quinones for a looooong time and have always loved his art, getting a commission from him in 2010. His style fits the vibe of this series wonderfully and I wouldn't mind him being the official pinch-hitter here for issues Campbell can't do herself. 

On to the book! 

Back Issue Box: The Krypton Chronicles #2

The SyFy series Kryton is going to start in about a week and with that in mind I decided to review The Krypton Chronicles, a look at the history of the El family, published in 1981.

This is a great series to review all the minutiae of Krypton lore and Superman's ancestors in one sitting. What is clear to me after reading this is that Superman comes from an amazing family as it seems every generation has had some member which ultimately changed the destiny of the planet.

Krypton Chronicles #2 has us look even farther back as we get to see several of Superman's ancestors explore the planet, develop to most rudimentary of tools, and lead a movement to free the planet from other worldly oppressors. Seriously, the Els get stuff done.

What I like about these first two issues is that they aren't just historical flashbacks. There is a subplot taking place in the current time, an enemy trying one again to thwart one of the super-cousins. As we move along, you'll see why this holds a special place in my heart.

Last week I reviewed the first issue.  So let's move on to this one.

Back Issue Box: The Krypton Chronicles #1

We are just over two weeks away from the SyFy Channel television show Krypton, a show focusing on the El Family generations that lived on the doomed planet before it exploded. Supposedly the show will look mostly at Superman's grandfather and the politics of the planet during that time.

With this look back on the small screen as well as the recent time travel trip by Superman in the recent Booster Shot arc in Action Comics, I thought taking a look back at the El Family and their history on Krypton was timely. And what better comic to look at than 1981's Krypton Chronicles.

This three issue mini-series really took a deep dive into Superman's family history as well as the culture of Krypton itself. As you'll see, the El Family were really destined for greatness, in the middle of seemingly ever major event on the planet there was. No wonder Superman is of such high stock and merit. And, no wonder Supergirl is so noble as well. One thing to say about this mini-series, Supergirl definitely is an appropriately big part of it. This is her family as well.

The mini-series is written by E. Nelson Bridwell, famous for his encyclopedic mind for Krypton history and Superman minutiae so that makes sense. The art is by the legendary Curt Swan with inks by Frank Chiaramonte. While there is a plot weaving through the lessons, this really is a sort of historic text as we learn about what transpired on Krypton.

On a personal note, posts like these remind me how long I have been running this site as I have plenty of links within this site that go to prior posts.

On to the book.

Back Issue Box: Action Comics #304

I love it when small pieces of Supergirl's mythos pop up in unexpected places. It is this dissemination of information that might bring new fans into the fold.

Imagine my surprise when an old seldom seen villainess from Supergirl's Silver Age showed up in Super Friends #19, written by Sholly Fisch with art by Dario Brizuela.

In the book, a villain named Headmaster Mind opens up a school for teens to train them how to be super-villains.



And look at how one of his proteges is ... a Kryptonian called The Black Flame.

So let's take a look into the back issue box at Action Comics #304 and review one of Supergirl's original rogues ... The Black Flame!

Released in September 1963, the Supergirl story was the back-up story, written by Otto Binder and drawn by Jim Mooney.

"The Maid of Menace" opens up with a great panel of Black Flame lording over a powerless Supergirl, denying her water, as the Phantom Zone villains look on in delight. "More cunning than Lesla Lar, more evil than Luthor", somehow the Black Flame has exposed Supergirl to Gold Kryptonite, vanquishing the Maid of Might.

The issue starts with Supergirl perplexed by the sudden arrival of a new super villainess who begins thwarting international police and going on a crime spree. She even has some serious technology with her. For example, she has a mind ray which can control Comet, forcing the super-horse to destroy some monuments of popular heroes.

Calling herself the Black Flame, she taunts Supergirl into following her so she can reveal her origin.

Black Flame shows Supergirl a time bubble that includes a 'mento dome' which can download historical data into a person's mind.

When Kara dons the helmet, she learns how The Black Flame is from the future and in that time she is the evil ruthless queen of a pirate planet, the head of an intergalactic crime empire. What's worse ... she is the descendant of Supergirl. And since the Black Flame is universally hated, Supergirl is as well. Black Flame is currently hiding out in the present to avoid a police sweep on her planet.

Devastated at how she is ultimately perceived in the future, Supergirl flies home despondent.

Luckily, Edna Danvers gives Linda some good advice. She tells her super daughter to stop moping about this story and investigate it instead.

Flying into the future, Supergirl finds no evidence of Black Flame in any historical documents. And Supergirl is even able to see that she is still a beloved figure, even in the future.

Realizing that the Black Flame is lying, Supergirl begins to investigate what her origins can be in the present.

Since she displayed Kryptonian like powers, she might be from Kandor. There is a good suspect on Kandor ... a girl named Zora who was a friend with Lesla Lar no less. Unfortunately, Zora is shown at her job in Kandor during Black Flame's day of destruction. She can't be in two places at once, can she?

Heading back to Earth, Supergirl finds Black Flame and decides to take matters into her own hands.

In order to stop the Black Flame from developing super powers in the future, Supergirl exposes herself to Gold Kryptonite. By stripping herself of her superpowers, Kara cannot pass any of them on to the next generation. But wait ... didn't Supergirl learn that Black Flame isn't really from the future?

Once Supergirl is powerless, Black Flame reveals her true origins.

She is indeed Zora from Kandor. The Zora in Kandor during Supergirl's trip was a robot double. Zora was Lesla Lar's friend and vowed to take up Lar's quest to belittle and defeat Supergirl.

To achieve her ends, Zora flew through a red Kryptonite cloud which luckily restored her to normal size. She then concocted the whole future story to trick Supergirl into removing her own powers.

With the Phantom Zone villains looking on, Supergirl slips into quicksand and drowns.

At the same time, Zora's shrinks back to Kandorian size, the 48 hours of red K induced size suddenly over.

Well, it turns out that Supergirl was faking the whole time. The chunk of gold Kryptonite is actually a regular rock wrapped in her gold belt (check out the above panel again and note to lack of a belt on her costume). By faking the gold K incident, she was able to trick Black Flame into revealing who she really was.

When she tunneled out from the quicksand into the ocean, Supergirl found some minute grains of gold Kryptonite. Too small to effect Kara, she scoops them up and exposes Zora to their radiation, turning the tables on her enemy. Now Zora is powerless.

How did Supergirl realize that the future story was fake? She noticed a filling in one of the villainess' teeth. Why would an invulnerable supervillain have a cavity. Of course, in Kandor, the Kryptonians are powerless and can succumb to poor dental hygiene. Zora is returned and placed in the Kandorian jail.

Black Flame was seen a couple of time after this. In Adventure Comics #400, she nearly defeats with Supergirl with Gold K again. That issue reads like a drug trip with Zora teaming up with a Kryptonian leprechaun, using giant bowling balls to try to crush Supergirl who is trussed up as a giant headpin, and ultimately being defeated by toys that Supergirl is mentally controlling. Bizarre! She also tries to trap Supergirl on Rokyn as it is phasing away in The Krypton Chronicles.

Since Black Flame is a recurring Supergirl villainess, I would rate this issue of medium importance to a Supergirl collection. It can probably be purchased for around $20 in decent condition.

Overall grade: B+