Every so often, the universe shines and good luck reigns supreme.
The other day I was in my local comic book store and decided to thumb through their discount trade boxes, something I rarely do.
Sitting in there, for a buck (!), was this Scholastic book for young readers: Backstories: Supergirl Daughter of Krypton. Written by Daniel Wallace with sketches by Patrick Spaziante, the book is a chapter book focusing on the first year of the character's New 52 history.
The core of the New 52, of what Supergirl would become - hero or villain - is all there, right on the back cover.
Now I will admit, that first year in the New 52 was a mixed bag. The angry Kara who just wanted to be left alone wasn't to my taste. The young hero who delved into her history and rallied to beat Reign and the World Killers? More to my liking.
This book is pretty good at softening some of the rougher edges, making it more suitable for a young reader. Less dark. It actually is quite delightful, especially the ending.
And I'll add that the sketches by Spaziante are really wonderful. Many of them mirror important moments of the New 52 run, some of them lifted right from the books. But they are perfect for the book.
On to the book itself and some of the highlights.
