Sales Review: April 2012

The sales breakdown for April 2012 have been released and as usual ICv2 does a great job of breaking things down. Here is a link to that site and the review of last month's sales: http://www.icv2.com/articles/news/22842.html  

Supergirl #8 had a lot going for it. It was the first issue of a new arc. And it also had George Perez as a guest artist. Any time Perez does Supergirl, it should garner some buzz. Did this bring in some new readers or slow down the sales attrition?

Supergirl slipped 5 slots down to #60 in rank. IVc2 says the issue had 32438 units sold, down only 2.5% from last issues 33,337 sold. That is a bit of a leveling off after a couple of months of around 7% drops in sale. But it also is approaching about half of what Supergirl #1 sold.

In some ways, I have to wonder if the slow immersion of Supergirl into the universe around her is part of the reason that the book has slipped a bit. We are 2/3 of the way through our first year here and Supergirl still can't communicate with people, still has barely interacted with anyone in a meaningful way. I hope readers don't abandon the book during the slow boil of these earliest steps of the hero's journey.

Still, Supergirl is a pretty healthy compared to the Legion books.

The main title has been a bit of an omelet the last several issues with a couple of issues dedicated to catching up on everyone and a 2 issue side story focused on Dragonwind.

Legion of Super-Heroes #9 slipped below 20K in sales, an ominous line drawn in sales sand. Legion Lost is hanging out in 16K range. Will the complete upheaval of that book's themes as well as inclusion in The Culling bring anyone in?

And I was sad to see Demon Knights down in this range as well. I have really enjoyed that book and was hoping to see it thrive. How soon before we hear about the next set of cancellations and a third wave of titles.

Let's hope that Supergirl keeps it's sales block and remains around 30K.

Review: Supergirl #8

Supergirl #8, written by Michael Green and Mike Johnson with guest art by George Perez, came out this week. I will admit I had very high hopes for this issue and sometimes preconceived notions are a bad thing.

You see, last issue ended on such a high point. It was the thematic end of the 'origin' storyline and we had been given enough broad strokes of Kara's past to have some understanding of her. Supergirl had realized she needed to accept Earth as her home, rejected the temptations of Reign, and had emerged victorious, a somewhat reluctant hero.

It was a great ending and seemed to be the first step of this Supergirl's heroic journey. This issue should have built on that a bit. It already promised the introduction of a supporting cast member/rogue in Siobhan/Silver Banshee.

But, instead, this issue felt more like a step backwards, as Kara shrinks from the role of hero and the people of Earth seem to reject rather than embrace her. And this piece of the puzzle sits right next to the elephant in the room ... where is Superman in all this!! If you think you are alone in the universe, and you discover your cousin has landed on Earth, and you are SUPERMAN, wouldn't you continue to seek her out?? Instead, Kara remains somewhat lost.

The issue opens pretty much where the last issue left off, a triumphant Supergirl standing in New York after vanquishing the World Killers. But the subtle differences speak volumes. The ending splash page in Supergirl #7 had Kara looking up and out to the horizon, half-smiling, proud of her victory, and happy to have saved Earth. The background showed citizens, some injured, but basically it was a backdrop of the innocents rescued by Supergirl. It was uplifting.

This splash has Supergirl looking down, looking more defeated than optimistic, and surrounded by the military and police all of whom have their guns aimed at her. Didn't they just see her fighting the Worldkillers?

Instead, despite Kara yelling (in Kryptonian) that she isn't the enemy (at least I got that), despite her actions, the military promise to meet her with force. It is yet another incident of heroes fighting the army and the police ... and frankly I'm sick of it.

I do like that Supergirl seems winded here. Maybe her "corona wave" flare power takes a lot out of her?

Luckily, a silver-haired bystander not only understands Kryptonian but stands up to the army, pointing out the obvious that Supergirl just saved everyone.

I suppose this is another issue with this book. I know that having Supergirl feel alone and isolated is one of the main themes in this book. But we are 8 issues in and Supergirl still can't communicate with anyone. It must make it tough on Green and Johnson to have her be a part of her own stories, but I suppose that's the point.

And, as is all too often the case in comic standoffs like this, the military decides to fire on Supergirl and her mouthpiece forcing Kara to scoop her up and take off.

Landing on a nearby roof, Kara makes her first friend. Her name is Siobhan, recent immigrant from Ireland. They are both new to the states and alone ... why not become friends. Siobhan even offers Kara a place to stay.

I wonder if Siobhan is supposed to be another reflection of Kara (the way Reign was a dark doppelganger of power gone wrong). Maybe Siobhan is supposed to represent the human aspect of Kara's personality. After all Siobhan is also alone. We learn her parents are dead. She has powers that make her unique. It all sounds like Supergirl.

But rather than seem angry about this, or alienated, Siobhan seems to have embraced freedom. She stood up for Kara. She could almost be a role model for overcoming isolation. It will be interesting to see if that plays out.

Even here, she tells Supergirl to not harm the relentless military.

Yep, the army was buzzing around the city vowing 'lethal force', instigating a forceful response by Supergirl until Siobhan steps in.

Siobhan certainly seems like a free spirit. Her apartment is a disaster, a far cry from the sterile peeks we have seen of Krypton. This looks much like what my first apartment looked like.

But this is how Kara is learning about our world. And she learns more about Siobhan and her family. It is a nice touch that the first person Kara can communicate with has held out her hand and offered Supergirl shelter and friendship. And their conversation is great as Siobhan introduces Kara to Earth TV and clothes and empathizes with her predicament.

The news reports are buzzing with news about the now-named Supergirl. No mention of her fighting off the Worldkillers of course. Instead it is this image and a warning. It all seems to be piled on a little thick. And worst of all, it just destroys the positive momentum of last month's victory.

And, it again raised the question ... where is Superman? I am not saying he needs to play a huge part in this book. I'm not saying Supergirl has to defer to him. I am not asking for 'secret weapon' status. But I simply can't imagine that he would let her go off alone, especially after these reports. Frankly, after the revelations of the Worldkillers and the acceptance of Earth last month, I thought Kara might actually seek him out!

Kara puts on some Earth clothes and heads to the local coffeehouse to hear Siobhan play her music. It is interesting to see Kara responses to the assault on her senses. But just when it seems like Supergirl will actually relax and see some of the good Earth has to offer, Siobhan's supposedly dead father shows up.

As the Black Banshee, he seems to possess the crowd, demonizing them. And he asks Siobhan to embrace her destiny, whatever that is. I do wonder if that 'reflection' aspect of Siobhan and Kara extends to their relationships with their fathers. Zor-El has seemed a little iffy in this book.

Supergirl jumps to her friend's defense just as Siobhan did for her. But the Kryptonian vulnerabilty to magic seems all too intact in the DCnU.

Still, nice to see that Supergirl's heart is in the right place.

Just when all seems lost, Siobhan reveals that she cannot hide from who she is. She is the Silver Banshee. Okay, not a bad cliffhanger.

So overall this issue was something of a mixed bag. Supergirl has met a friend, has begun being immersed in Earth culture, and at least defends her new found friend. All of that worked well.

But that alientation and isolation angle felt a bit forced here. The relentless attack by the army, their ignoring the good that Kara had done, the lack of communicating with other characters, and the lack of Superman all detracted from the book. And perhaps worst of all for me, it really dimmed the brightness of the last issue.

I also will freely admit that I missed Mahmud Asrar on the book. It is amazing how different a feel this book had without him on it. I can't wait to see his take on the banshees.

Overall grade: B

Preview Page From Supergirl #8

In all the DC Comics books this week, there was a 2 pages of preview pages depending on which 'grouping' the book belongs. For Supergirl, we got a column about the upcoming stories in the Superman family books.

Now the Supergirl paragraph is brief and sparse on details. But what we got instead was a preview page from Supergirl #8 drawn by George Perez!

This story introduces the new Silver Banshee and hopefully puts a more Earth-acclimated Supergirl amongst the people. It has been a while since she was able to converse with anyone not attacking her!

The page is beautiful a montage of panels around the primary action of (apparently) Supergirl being fired upon by the military. (sigh). I am sick of seeing the Super-family fight American troops. Although here they may actually be firing on the Banshee who is being rescued.

This is a high res scan so I could see it up close. Can't wait for this issue!

April 2012 Solicits

The DC Comics solicits for April 2012 have been released over on the DC Comics website here.

It is an interesting month as six titles have the 'final issue' tag on them in what feels like a quick axe for the reboot. As I have said before, I wonder if DC was a bit quick to act here.

Here are the super-titles solicited as well as a couple of surprises.

SUPERGIRL #8

Written by MICHAEL GREEN and MIKE JOHNSON

Art by GEORGE PEREZ and BOB WIACEK

Cover by GEORGE PEREZ

As the NYPD hunt her down, Supergirl takes refuge with a new friend named Siobhan. While Supergirl may have temporarily escaped her troubles, Siobhan’s are just about to catch up with her: the curse of the Silver Banshee has risen, and this time it’s brought its family with it…

Don’t miss this special issue featuring artwork by comics legend George Pérez!

As I have said before, George Perez is a pretty awesome pinch hitter for Mahmud Asrar on this issue. That cover alone is worth the price as Supergirl seems trapped within the body of Silver Banshee. Nice use of the straps of the costume to mimic prison bars.

And while I am glad that Siobhan comes on board as a supporting cast member/frenemy, I do worry about the NYPD hunting down Supergirl. I'm ready for Supergirl to be an accepted hero. I understand that the 'alienated young girl' theme is an important part of this reboot. But I hope it isn't overplayed.

And I really hope we see Superman back here before this. I still can't believe he would let another Kryptonian, let alone his family, wander the Earth. He would want to be part of her life, regardless of what Kara wants.

ACTION COMICS #8

Written by GRANT MORRISON

Art by RAGS MORALES and RICK BRYANT

Cover by RAGS MORALES

Variant cover by GARY FRANK

1:200 B and W Variant cover by RAGS MORALES

It’s the epic 30-page conclusion of Grant Morrison and Rags Morales’ majestic opening storyline! $3.99 gets you front row seats to the ascension of the DC Universe’s first Super Hero as The Man of Steel goes toe to tentacle with the all-new Brainiac for the final fate of Metropolis!

I have been trumpeting Action Comics as the jewel of the new DCU and DC seems to understand it as well. What could be better than a 30 page mega-finale to the opening arc. And this is an arc that presented us with a young crusading Superman, re-introduced Luthor and Brainiac, brought us the bottle city of Kandor, and showed us Jor-El, Lara, and Krypto all over again. It has been a dizzying ride ... but wonderful.

I also think I am going to want to grab the Gary Frank variant. Frank just reinvented Brainiac and retold Superman's Secret Origin himself. So I am glad he is being tangentially included in this reboot.

SUPERMAN #8

Written by KEITH GIFFEN and DAN JURGENS

Art by DAN JURGENS and JESUS MERINO

Cover by IVAN REIS and JOE PRADO

1:25 B and W Variant cover by IVAN REIS and JOE PRADO

Superman, agent of the Daemonites?! How has Helspont bent The Man of Steel to his will?

I don't know Daemonites or the Helspont at all. There is a Starro flavor to this cover. But not much info.

I am hopeful that Keith Giffen and Dan Jurgens can bring some punch to this title. Jurgens guided the Superman ship throughout much of the 90s. That Superman was the definition of heroic. So maybe the 'Metropolis doesn't trust or like Superman' part of the Perez arc will go away.

SUPERBOY #8

Written by SCOTT LOBDELL

Art by R.B. SILVA and ROB LEAN

Cover by SHANE DAVIS

Well, that rescue mission didn’t go exactly as planned…and things have only gotten worse for Superboy, as N.O.W.H.E.R.E.’s plans for him and the Teen Titans take a deadly turn! If he wants to keep his head, he’s gonna have to take down another dangerous young metahuman for them: the bruiser once known as Grunge!

I have also been pretty upbeat about the Superboy title.

But it is pretty clear that this book is being used to introduce the Gen13 characters to the DCU. I have loved Fairchild's part in the book because it felt natural. She was a supporting cast member. But this issue having Superboy fight Grunge (a character I know virtually nothing about) seems like a simple way to bring in another Wildstorm character. This also continues the run of 'Superboy fighting heroes' cover images.

I also think that DC really wants me to read Teen Titans, linking it closely to this book. And frankly, I don't want to read that version of the team, that Tim Drake, that Wonder Girl, that Kid Flash. I hope this book remains separate enough that it can be enjoyed alone.

LEGION LOST #8

Written by TOM DeFALCO

Art and cover by PETE WOODS

The lead-up to next month’s game-changing TEEN TITANS/SUPERBOY/LEGION LOST crossover starts here! Rose Wilson and the Ravagers of N.O.W.H.E.R.E. attack our lost Legionnaires for a battle royale! When the smoke clears, the Legion won’t like what they see…

One of my favorite characters of the reboot is also from the Superboy book, Rose Wilson. She even seems to be getting her own title soon ... The Ravagers.

Now DC is doing a crossover event between Superboy, Legion Lost, and Teen Titans. Man, DC must really want me to read Teen Titans (or maybe they want all the Titans readers to read Legion Lost).

I don't know if even Rose can be a threat to the Legion squad in Legion Lost. That said, if this cover is any indication, I am going to love Pete Woods rendition of Rose. I hope new writer Tom DeFalco is able to continue the feel that Fabian Nicieza had on the book.

BATMAN BEYOND UNLIMITED #3

Written by J.T. KRUL, ADAM BEECHEN, DEREK FRIDOLFS and DUSTIN NGUYEN

Art by HOWARD PORTER, NORM BREYFOGLE, DUSTIN NGUYEN and DEREK FRIDOLFS

Cover by HOWARD PORTER and LIVESAY

In the debut of SUPERMAN BEYOND, The Man of Tomorrow returns home to an unfamiliar City of Tomorrow patrolled by super-powered police officers. With most of his loved ones gone, he wonders if Superman has a place in this new world. But time and death hold no meaning for a foe who has set a plan in motion to destroy the Man of Steel once and for all!

In BATMAN BEYOND, Russian criminals have taken Mad Stan’s dog and Stan will stop at nothing to get them, even if it means blowing up all of Gotham City in the process. As if Terry doesn’t have enough to handle, his girlfriend comes to him with shocking news about her brother.

In JUSTICE LEAGUE BEYOND, the team works to break the brainwashing Micron underwent, while getting a valuable history lesson from Amanda Waller...but will it help them discover Kobra’s plot in time to save the world?

So I reviewed the Superman Beyond one-shot when it came out so I might get this issue of this mini-series to see what this is all about. This looks like a 'Batman Beyond Family' book with multiple stories per issue. But I don't know if I will be in for the long haul.

So looks to be an interesting month with Supergirl  and Action leading the way.