Sales Review: October 2009

It's that time of the month again. Over on their web site, ICv2 breaks down comic sales in October. Here is a link to their list of the top 300 selling books: http://www.icv2.com/articles/news/16243.html

Overall, comic sales dipped 14% from a review of last October (here is that link: http://www.icv2.com/articles/news/16246.html ). I wonder how long we can blame to overall economy for this. I also wonder how much of this is secondary to that increase cover price to $3.99 on some books.

Now as a DC fan, there were things to both love and hate about this month. DC had the top 6 selling books, almost all tied in to Blackest Night. That's incredible! The top 6 books! This sales boon is warranted as I think Blackest Night has delivered.

But this is a Supergirl blog.




Supergirl #46, the conclusion of The Hunt For Reactron only sold 30,377 issues, down from 32,240 the month before. That's a drop in sales of 6%!

So should I be an optimist and say that a drop of 6% is still better than the overall drop of 14%? Should I note that sales are still better than such flagship DC titles as Teen Titans and Wonder Woman?

Or should I be a pessimist and say that sales have dropped 11% over the last two months? Should I worry that this month's sales is the lowest the book has sold since before Gates and Igle took over?

Here is the breakdown of the last year in sales.

The truth is none of the Superman books are selling that well (outside of the Blackest Night:Superman miniseries). I wonder if the 'bloom is off the rose' of the Year Without Superman.

The next few issues of Supergirl do not seem as tightly enmeshed with the New Krypton story line. And then we get the double-sized Supergirl #50. So I hope the people who have left the title will come back.

I am not ringing any bells of doom here. I am just a bit befuddled that the book isn't selling better or retaining readers.

And as usual I will post about R.E.B.E.L.S. sales. R.E.B.E.L.S. #9 added Adam Strange and Captain Comet to the cast.

R.E.B.E.L.S. #9 stayed steady from last months sales but is still lying in the weeds, selling just over 11K.

I am sort of glad that I have done this recently if only for the fact that I get to review the sales of R.E.B.E.L.S. #10 next month. That issue, of course, is the issue linked with the Indigo Ring promotion. My guess is that issue will sell quite healthily. My guess is it breaks the 50,000 mark.

Review: Supergirl #46

Supergirl #46 came out this week and was the conclusion of The Hunt For Reactron. It was a pretty wild ride with lots of great scenes. Going into the arc, all the creators talked about the wild and huge action scenes and they weren't kidding.

And surprisingly I was right about something for once. We did get to see another manifestation of the Flamebird entity. And it/she did play a huge role in the eventual ending of the story.

But the best thing for me is that we are nearing the closure of the Reactron storyline. He has been kicking around since the early days of New Krypton. And while he has been a great villain for Supergirl ... murderer of her father, specific powers to thwart her ... he has been a bit overexposed.

But I am getting a bit ahead of myself here.

Remember that the last chapter ended with Thara, Chris, and Supergirl shackled in red sun fetters and powerless before a raging Reactron.

Luckily, at the beginning of this issue Chris realizes that his tactile telekinesis is uneffected by red sun radiation. He is able to disassemble the devices on both himself and Thara, leading to close quarter combat that temporarily disables Reactron. They then release Supergirl from her chains.

I wish that a more thorough description of Chris' powers comes soon because it is getting a bit too confusing for me to anticipate what does and does not effect him. So green Kryptonite has been shown not to effect him as much as a usual Kryptonian. But gold Kryptonite does effect him. And red sun radiation does depower him ... except his telekinesis. It just seems like the rules are a bit loose with him and may be bent a bit to help move the story along, to fit whatever situation he is put into.

Also I like that Reactron's sadism ends up being a big part of his downfall. He had a chance to simply eliminate the 'Metropolis Three' when he fried Squad K. Instead, he seems to revel in his abilities, talking about how he wants to take his time and savor his pounding of the heroes. And that gives the heroes time to react.

I thought this was a funny little moment. Chris and Thara are sizing up Reactron and how they will square off against him. They body language makes them appear much more analytical as they discuss the range of the gold K blasts and how they will proceed.

And then Supergirl appears between them and shows none of the calculating restraint that they do. She pounds her fist into her hand and talks about 'kicking his butt'. It is a great for a couple of reasons. One, it shows just how confident Supergirl is in this fight. But more importantly, in contrast with Flamebird and Nightwing, it shows that Supergirl has a much greater personal stake in this fight. She has reasons besides clearing her name to get her hands on Reactron.

Despite having three Kryptonians fighting him, Reactron does remarkably well. He points out the upgrades that have been made to his suit since the last time they fought.

For one, the gold Kryptonite seems much more solidly embedded in him, to the point that Chris' telekinesis is unable to remove it. Furthermore, he is able to know shoot a gold Kryptonite beam from his chest rather than simply expose Kryptonians to the rock. Suddenly he has a very powerful and debilitating range weapon.

I love the Supergirl panel above where she is starting to use her heat vision. That is just a great heroic pose! Arms flexed, cape billowing, eyes glowing ... just wonderful. Unfortunately she is unable to immolate Reactron with it. He shoots her with the gold K beam, stripping her of her power.

Thara actually jumps in front of Reactron's next nuclear bolt, a killing shot aimed for the suddenly vulnerable Kara. It is of such power that it knocks Thara out of the fight.

During the battle, Lois actually shows up to witness and report the fight. With Thara out of the mix and Chris and Kara depowered and unconscious, it looks like Reactron is going to murder four more people. No one seems to be able to stop him.

I have to say I think the part of this fight where Lois engages Reactron in combat and actually wounds him by jabbing her pen into his neck seems out of context here. It may have been done to showcase Lois' bravery but instead it somehow weakened the threat of Reactron. Much like Chris it is hard for me to get a true sense of Reactron's powers. Sure I get the gold K and nuclear blasts. But is he even semi-invulnerable? Would a bullet to the eye kill him? Does the suit give him protection thus making the parts of his body uncovered (like where Lois jammed the pen) vulnerable? The fact that he is able to shrug off some Kryptonian attacks but can get hurt by a pen seems incongruous.

And hey ... the bike shorts are blue this issue. Was this a decision by the creative team? Or a coloring error?

And finally one of my predictions turns out to be correct! (Okay, technically I predicted the Flamebird entity would be what freed the three from the red sun chains, but this is close enough).

With Reactron about to kill Chris and Kara, Thara suddenly transforms into the Flamebird avatar. And she is one angry goddess.

With relative ease, she turns the tables on Reactron easily defeating him. She even seems impervious to gold Kryptonite! She yanks the rock from Reactron's chest and turns it to ash. I guess demi-gods don't need to worry about radiation.

This was a great splash page and a intriguing scene. It appears Thara cannot control when the Flamebird entity decides to manifest. The two times we have seen it have before have been when Thara or Chris have been in imminent danger.

Once the shoe is on the other foot and Reactron is suddenly helpless, he starts singing like a canary.

Suddenly some big pieces of Project 7734 are revealed ... and revealed with a respected member of the press in attendance. Lois now knows about Metallo, Mirabai, and the fact that General Lane was behind the sewer system bombing.

Between the bravado, sadism, and cowardice, I have come to really dislike Reactron. He is a true villain. There does not seem to be anything redeeming about him.

And Flamebird feels the same way. She wants to kill him right there.

What I great response from Supergirl! What a great way to show how mature she has become over the last months.

She knows that Zor-El would not want revenge.

Zor-El would want justice.

And with Reactron now powerless, Supergirl can bring him back to New Krypton to answer for his crimes. Sure, Alura will probably condemn him to death but at least there would be a semblance of due process.

Reactron is imprisoned in a crystal much like To-Var was at the beginning of the Flamebird/Nightwing arc.

And so there isn't much left to do except tie up the loose ends.

Thara and Kara have a nice moment where they forgive each other and restart their friendship. Kara apologizes for not believing Thara that she was Flamebird. Supergirl also thinks that this tangible proof of the old Kryptonian gods means that Zor-El may be in a better place. I am glad that the two have reconciled and hope that their friendship is explored for as long as Flamebird remains active in the DCU.

And yes, Supergirl is seen crying again but this time it makes sense and does not seem to have been done for a cheap emotional punch.

And it is fun to see how easily they slip back into a comfrotable and amicable relationship. I thought this was a nice moment as the issue nears its end, showing how they can joke and kid with each other. Just last issue they were trying to beat up each other. Too fast to be such chums? I don't think so.

It does seem a little breezy given that Kara's father's killer is trapped in a little crystal just a room away. But you can't be heavy and morose all the time. I like the Supergirl/Flamebird friendship. So it was a good little exchange to show them acting like friends.

Before Thara leaves though, she reveals to Supergirl (off-screen) just what is wrong with Lana.

So the issue ends on something of an ominous note. Supergirl is going to New Krypton with Reactron. But when she comes back, she will have a talk with Lana that 'won't be pleasant'. That's weird.

Okay, let's start hearing the guesses about Lana's illness again. This issue Lana says she has been having headaches, nosebleeds, and has been vomiting. My initial guess is brain cancer. But it has to be more than that right?

Anyways, I thought this was a nice ending to the Hunt For Reactron storyline ... a brief arc which moved both Supergirl's and Flamebird's stories forward. I look forward to seeing what Alura's idea of justice is.

Overall grade: B+

Sales Review: September 2009

I found this month's review of comic sales to be fascinating. I wondered what effect on sales would come from so many titles raising their price to $3.99. My thoughts were that the comics on the edge, the lower sellers, would suffer because readers would have less money to spend. Let's face it, my $12 now can only buy me 3 issues instead of 4.

As usual, ICv2 does a great job of breaking down the September 2009 sales. Here is the link:
http://www.icv2.com/articles/news/16022.html

One thing they noted was that some books with the $3.99 cover price dropped a bit precipitously from month to month. In other words, people are less likely to continue to buy more expensive comics unless the story really grabs them. One thing that is evident is that Blackest Night is of high quality as the mini-series, the GL books, and related mini-series like Blackest Night:Superman all sold very very well.

Personally I have always been concerned about the effect of this price increase on some of my favorite books. Will pricier more popular titles mean less people buying Supergirl or R.E.B.E.L.S. ? Let's crunch the numbers.



Supergirl #45 sold 32,240 units down from the 33, 819 units Supergirl #44 sold. That means sales were down 5%.

Now Supergirl #44 was a part of Codename:Patriot and so may have brought in more readers. But Supergirl #45 was part of the crossover Hunt For Reactron. So to see numbers drop a bit is sort of discouraging.

32,240 marks the lowest sales for Supergirl since the Gates/Igle revival. Sales have always hovered closer to 33K. I am not going to quibble over slight ripples in sales since I think the title is still very healthy. But in looking at all the sales, Action Comics and Superman sales are both around 36K. I wonder if Superman fans have reached their limit for the 'Year Without Superman'.

That said, the solicits for issues #47 and #48 seems much more Supergirl-centric and less a part of the New Krypton aftermath. I will be interested to see how sales look there.

As semi-discouraged as I was with sales of the main title, I was encouraged by the sales of Supergirl Annual #1. This issue had a lot of things going for it. First off, it had this unbelievably powerful Renato Guedes cover. This might be my last chance to say how much I loved this cover.

It also was the 'first' Linda Lang story.

And it also had 'The Origin of Superwoman', a character that got a lot of publicity and a story that sold very well.

Still, an annual is an 'extra issue' on readers' pull lists.

I was pretty impressed to see that Supergirl Annual #1 sold 28,862. I wonder if some Supergirl fans were simply torn between buying with the Annual or #45.

I really enjoyed the Annual thinking it was a strong issue and a good hook for new readers. It will be interesting to see next month's sales report to see if the main title rebounds or improves.

Unfortunately, despite unbelievable coverage by DC in all areas, R.E.B.E.L.S. still seems to be sliding.

The book has been promoted on all the big sites, mentioned by Dan Didio in lots of places, and is a fun book. It just can't find it's footing.

R.E.B.E.L.S. #8 sold only 11347 units. This is down slightly from the issue before.

I can't wait to see the sales for R.E.B.E.L.S. #10, the Blackest Night tie-in linked to the Indigo ring giveaway. Does anyone think it will triple the books sales that month? Quadruple it?

Overall, I think sales numbers for Supergirl remain stable. I wonder what direction the sales will go once the New Krypton/Reactron issues slow down. My hope is Supergirl #50 will draw in the curious and increase the reader base.

Review: Action Comics #882

The Hunt For Reactron continued to steamroll ahead in this week's Action Comics #882. As has been the case for the first two chapters of this storyline, Sterling Gates and Greg Rucka continue to do an excellent job of co-writing, melding their styles seamlessly while keeping the voices of their respective characters consistent.

And, as with the chapters before hand, this book is a great mix of plot progression and wild action sequences.

What I like most about this arc so far has been how it has really looked at the relationship between Kara and Thara. The two were best of friends but things have been strained between them. Will their being framed by General Lane bring them back together or widen the rift. I have been waiting to see more of their friendship since we met Thara way back in the New Krypton Special.


Another part of this issue that I really liked was how Squad K was portrayed. Each prior time we have seen them, Squad K has been shown to be somewhat 'quick to act', poorly trained cannon fodder. While they may be heavily armed, they have barely slowed down any Kryptonian they have come face to face with and have often looked foolish.

So when the issue starts with Squad K's Colonel Hazard fighting General Lane about the inclusion of Reactron into his group, it was the first sensible thing I have heard him say. That sudden respect for Hazard increases when he shows how he has read Reactron for the sociopath he is. Hazard wants to bring the Metropolis 3 to justice. He knows Reactron is simply out for blood.

Unfortunately, Hazard is outranked and overruled by General Lane. Reactron is suddenly on the team. The General then hears that Lois has fallen off the grid. And since she has interacted with Nightwing and Flamebird in the past, the Squad heads to Metropolis to hunt her down.



As was the plan, Chris and Lana have gone to meet Lois to tell her everything that has happened. Chris tells Lois about Reactron and Metallo's involvement with the destruction of Metropolis' water supply. With the mind games and military involvement, Lois senses her father's style. This friction between the members of the Lane family is an intriguing subplot.

I liked how Lois notices that Lana is looking ill. Whatever it is that Lana has been hiding, it is becoming more and more apparent. While I thought early on her illness was simply cancer, I now get the sense that this is going to be something more.

Back in Lana's apartment, Thara and Kara begin to start the slow process of mending their friendship. Thara admits that she is sick of fighting with Kara. I love how Supergirl shows her the blood bloom petal from their visit to the Fire Falls (as seen in the recent Superman Secret Files). That petal is a physical representation and a symbol of their friendship. There is only one reason for Kara to bring it out now ... and that is to remind Thara of all they have been through.

I also like how Supergirl tells Thara that the petal was the only thing that made the trip to Earth with her. If the petal survived all that, surely their friendship can as well.

When Squad K arrives in Metropolis, the three young Kryptonians reunite as a way to face the threat as well as give Lana and Lois a chance to slip off. Interesting that Thara went into battle in civilian clothes instead of donning her Flamebird armor.

Another of the things that I have liked about the super-titles during this year without Superman is how all the writers know the big picture and keep continuity tight.

For example, here we see Colonel Hazard talking to the Guardian, telling him to that the impending fight with Metropolis 3 is a military issue and that the Science Police are not necessary or even wanted. It is clear if that the Guardian would be involved in this skirmish above his city. So Gates and Rucka do the appropriate thing and address the issue. If they hadn't included this scene I would have wondered why the SciPo hadn't joined in.

While Squad K and Supergirl, Flamebird, and Nightwing fight in the sky, Reactron takes to the streets and just starts destroying things. Nothing like a super-villain performing some indiscriminate property damage to move a story along.

Again, I am impressed with Hazard here as he stands up to Reactron, telling him to stop laying waste to Metropolis landscape.

Somehow I didn't get the ominous foreshadowing by Reactron the first time I read the issue. We haven't seen anything yet?

The battle between Kara, Thara, Chris, and the military goes underground into the demolished sewer system.

In a peculiar move, Chris tells Supergirl and Thara to stand down and be taken into custody.

As I stated above, the tight continuity between the super-books has been one of the more impressive things during this New Krypton run. I don't know if it is simply coincidence that Chris and Thara assume the same position that Kal did just last week in WONK. It is a subtle little hint (I think) of Superman's influence on Chris. The similarity in the scenes is uncanny but appreciated by showing how powerful a role model Kal can be and since Greg RUcka writes both titles I am going to say it was intentional.

What amazes me is that this plan by Chris almost works. Depowered with 'red sun shackles', Chris and Thara explain their side of the story, of Reactron's role in the sewer collapse, and the potential purpose of Reactron's sudden presence on Squad K. Reactron has been sent there by General Lane to tie up the loose ends permanently.

Hazard sees the logic behind it. You can see it on his face ... that what Thara says makes sense.

And that sudden flash of realization on Hazard's part makes him and his crew suddenly expendable, suddenly a new set of loose ends.

And Reactron shows how cold-blooded he is, frying his military comrades with a burst of energy. It is chilling to see. I hope he does face some Kryptonian justice.

And it is too bad ... I was just starting to like Colonel Hazard.

And with Squad K dispatched and the Metropolis 3 helpless, Reactron seems like he literally has things well in hand.

As for this cliffhanger ... well I think it is time for the Flamebird entity to manifest again.

I thought this was a very good issue. It was heavy on the action but I think that is totally fitting for this particular arc. Between those scenes though, small glimpses of great characterization happen. I thought the Kara/Thara scenes were very well done, showing how awkward they feel around each other right now.

I thought Pere Perez' art wasn't as polished as it was last issue, looking a bit scraggly and scratchy in some places. His most powerful panels were those which showcased Reactron's destructive capabilities. The energy really bristles on the page.

The writers and artists promised that Hunt For Reactron would be a fun and wild ride and it has been.

Overall grade: B+

Review: Supergirl #45

Supergirl #45 represents the second part of The Hunt For Reactron. Despite the name of the arc, we haven't seen that much Reactron yet and I am okay with that.

While there is some early action, this issue is really focuses on two more character based plots. One is the unsettling feeling on Earth secondary to the events of Codename:Patriot. The other plot, and the one I am really enjoying, is the exploration of the Kara and Thara relationship. Sterling Gates and Greg Rucka have been able to show just how deep the rift is between them ... a rift created by the death of Zor-El and widened by Thara's religious conviction/insanity.



One thing that I definitely like about the last few issues is the re-emergence of Cat Grant as a foil for Supergirl. While Supergirl #34 really set up their prickly relationship, Cat has had to settle into the background because of the more off-world action revolving around New Krypton.

So seeing her speaking so hatefully about Supergirl with Morgan Edge put a smile on my face. I think Cat is going to be an interesting character in Kara's life for a while and so seeing her sharpen her claws makes me anticipate the characters' next interaction. I mean Cat really fires with both barrels calling Supergirl 'violent', 'unstable', 'a plague on Metropolis' and an 'embarrassment for Superman'. That is pretty rough.



Unfortunately, Cat's words probably ring true to the average citizen as footage is being shown of Supergirl battling Squad K, throwing the soldiers around like rag dolls.

I especially liked to read how heavy Cat pours it on. She is an evilly efficient speaker. By calling Alura the 'Queen of New Krypton' she appeals to the patriotism of most Americans since we revolted to free ourselves from a monarchy. It also means Supergirl is a 'princess' with all the spoiled petulant baggage that word can sometimes.

She even says calls Supergirl 'without a doubt a threat to every man, woman, and child on this planet'. Unbelievable. Somehow I don't think Kara's response is going to be crying on a rooftop like she did in Supergirl #34. I think Supergirl's response is going to be more of shock and smoldering anger.


One thing that I completely haven't liked about the New Krypton storyline is the necessary introduction of things that can harm Kryptonians. If there is going to be any sense of conflict, the military needs to be able to hold their own against Kryptonians. That said, Superman is Superman. The Army shouldn't be able to easily hurt him (or any Kryptonian).

So here Squad K has 'screamers', sonic weapons which hurt Supergirl and Flamebird. They also have a 'white dwarf grenade' which Chris is able to detonate with his tactile telekinesis. The grenade does seem to at least slow down the Metropolis 3, although it also provides them access to an underground railway tunnel through which they can escape.

Another thing that I have been intrigued with recently is Lois and her current strained relationship with Kara. Yes, she is angry at Supergirl and blames her for Lucy's death.

And yet, she also rushes across town to dress down Cat Grant for her jingoism. It doesn't look like Cat is able to take it as well as she gives it. She looks downright stunned into silence when Lois call her a propaganda tool.

Sure Lois never comes right out and defends Supergirl. But since Cat's whole spiel was an attack on Kara, Lois' counterattack has to be looked upon as a defense of Supergirl.

I like the fact that Lois is a presence in this book right now.

This issue also catches us up with Lana who, like Cat, has melted into the background of this title since New Krypton. With no where else to go, Supergirl brings Chris and Thara to Lana's apartment.

One small thing I like is that when Lana hears the three enter, she asks if it is Linda. Not Kara. Not Supergirl. Linda.

If the secret identity aspect of Supergirl's character is going to take root, it needs small things like this to happen. I think of the Silver Age Supergirl as Linda first, then as Kara. I still think of the current Supergirl as Kara.

While hiding out, the Metropolis 3 try to figure out what their next best step is.

Chris realizes that the best way to clear their names is to ... well ... clear their names by capturing Reactron and getting him to confess. Lana thinks Lois might be a useful ally in digging up where to go next.

Lana's illness as a subplot also hasn't been addressed in a while. In this issue, we see that she is still suffering from nosebleeds (brain cancer?). She looks like she is being drawn a bit more gaunt by Jamal Igle. In what is a nice moment, Thara manifests the Flamebird persona and is able to detect that something is not right within Lana.

I think at some point Supergirl is going to see that Flamebird persona emerge and suddenly her doubts about Thara's mental stability are going to vanish. We haven't seen any physical aspects of Flamebird since Agent Assassin attempted his mind meld. I hope we see more soon.

Lana and Chris leave to talk to Lois and get her aid.

With Lana gone, Thara tries to tell Kara that she detected Lana's illness. The problem is the delivery. While Thara thinks she is being a good friend, her harsh look and religious overtones('something is corrupting her' rather than 'she is ill') push Kara away.

It is a shame. In its own way, that was an olive branch Thara was holding out.

But the name of the arc is The Hunt for Reactron and so we finally get to see Supergirl's arch-enemy. His radiation leak from last issue must have been repaired as General Lane decides to cut him loose to go after the Kryptonians.

In my review of Action Comics #881, my complaint was that I didn't quite understand how or why the Metropolis 3 got released from the clutches of Project 7734. Remember, all three had been overwhelmed by Metallo, Reactron, and Mirabai. Why would Lane release them?

It was suggested that he did it to help spread fear and distrust and certainly the early parts of this issue show that he was successful in that. So it was strange to hear him call Supergirl, Nightwing, and Flamebird as loose ends. If they are loose, it is at his discretion.

Of course, Lane has lied to lots of people to serve his purpose. Maybe he is simply feeding Reactron a line.

The issue ends with a great splash page of Reactron vowing to kill Supergirl. Fantastic.

Again, this issue is mostly character driven as we see the more personal responses of all the main and supporting characters to the event of Codename:Patriot. I appreciate issues like this as they flesh out the characters, let's us learn more about their motivations and feelings. The story here and in Action Comics should have a major impact on the characters outside of them simply punching people. It is important for us to see these moments as well. And Gates and Rucka have such a great handle on their respective characters, the scenes just flow beautifully.

As usual, the art by Jamal Igle is great. Whether it be the two page spread of the skirmish at the Eiffel Tower or close up expressions of Cat Grant, his art really resonated this issue. I hope Matt Camp is bringing his A game these next few issues. He has big shoes to fill.

I can't wait to see where this story goes next.

Overall grade: A

But wait ..... one more thing ....

I don't care how great a reporter Lois Lane is, she shouldn't be pushing Jamal Igle out of the way like that!

Hee hee.

Review: Action Comics #881

Action Comics #881 starts up The Hunt For Reactron crossover between Supergirl and Nightwing and Flamebird.

Unlike World of New Krypton which shied away from the immediate aftermath of Codename:Patriot, Action Comics #881 picks up right where that world has left off, with Mon-El presumed dead and any Kryptonian under suspicion for attacking Earth. With some simple illusion spells, Mirabai and General Lane have really turned the world against Superman and New Krypton.

The issue is co-written by Greg Rucka and Sterling Gates, so the main characters certainly act and talk like you would expect them to. Furthermore, Pere Perez provides the art and really does a great job. He has a very smooth and understated style that really jumps off the page. I know the art chores on Action has been a revolving door recently. I hope Perez is on the book for a while.

I have to admit that the one part of the book that falls a bit short is the opening scene.

Supergirl, Flamebird, and Nightwing all are teleported to an alley in downtown Metropolis. Slightly reeling from the transport, Supergirl attacks Thara yelling that Flamebird tried to kill her.

So this is the part that I don't understand from a couple of angles.

First off, why attack Thara? I understand that Reactron disguised Flamebird attacked Supergirl last issue, leading her right to Mirabia. In looking at Supergirl #44, it looks as though Supergirl see that it is Mirabai who has attacked her. It also seems that Supergirl would also see that Flamebird was actually Reactron as the panel shows the spell fading. Now I suppose I may be mistaken. Maybe Kara is unconscious in that scene and Mirabai is talking to an incapacitated Supergirl.

But secondly, and more importantly, why the heck would General Lane let these guys live? If you are Project 7734 and you hate Kryptonians and you have three Kryptonian heroes depowered and captured ... wouldn't you just kill them? Or at least keep them captured so that you could continue to impersonate them and destroy their reputation? Why release them at all so that they can hunt you down for revenge? It is sort of the James Bond problem ... why put him in some intricate trap when you can just put a bullet in his brain.

There seems little reason for these three to be roaming free.

Their fight spills out into the streets and we have this excellent 2 page spread showing the effect of Lane's propaganda against the young heroes. My scan is only a portion of it!

Standing smack dab in the middle of a Time Square equivalent, the Kryptonians see their faces splashed across the huge electronic billboards, branding them the murderers of Mon-El and enemies of the world. Labelled 'the Metropolis 3', they are said to have been laughing when Mon-El died and that Metropolis has needed to ration water because of the attack on the sewer system.

It is a great shot. By keeping the heroes small, you really get a sense of the immense feelings against the heroes. It is shown physically, but you also get a sense of how psychologically powerful the anti-Kryptonian sentiment is.

The Science Police show up with some advanced weaponry and brawl with the heroes, actually inflicting some minor damage on Supergirl and Flamebird. Realizing that they have been set up as killers and that the Science Police won't listen to them, Supergirl grabs the unconscious Thara and flies off with Chris following behind.

I don't know how I feel right now about this fight. A Science Police squad just shouldn't be able to hold their own in a fight against three Kryptonians. This should have been over in seconds. And yet, you need to have conflict in comics. I suppose in the grand scheme of things, the only thing the Science Police did was delay them for a few seconds. I can deal with that.

The arc is named The Hunt For Reactron so we finally catch up with Reactron. While Metallo is pressed and dressed in his military uniform, Reactron is in costume and stuck in the Project 7734 headquarters.

For some reason, Reactron is leaking radiation and is stuck off the battlefield until his condition has been stabilized. The source of the leak isn't known and so Reactron is probably off the grid for some time.

One thing that Gates has done is show us just how much of a sociopath Reactron is. You get the sense that he resents Metallo who is heading to a high-powered meeting in the Pentagon while he is stuck in the lab. He blames Mirabai's spells for causing the leak. And as we see above, he has developed an unhealthy hatred of Supergirl. He is a great first member of Supergirl's personal rogue's gallery.

My guess is that Reactron doesn't really like 'strict bed-rest' and is going to bust out the headquarters on his own.

Supergirl, Nightwing, and Flamebird have sped off to Paris. We see Thara meditating as she listens to not only international news transmissions but also the conversation that Kara and Chris are having below. Remember, Kara hasn't seen Chris since he went back into the zone as a school-aged kid.

At first Thara is happy to eavesdrop as she hears Chris confess to Supergirl that he has fallen in love with her.

But then things become a bit ugly. First, all the news programs seem to be focused on the horrors of the Metropolis attacks. But worse, Kara is telling Chris about Thara's obsession with the Flamebird/Nightwing myth and how she fears that Thara may be insane.

Sometimes it is the small things in comics that are the best things. Take this revelation, for example, where Supergirl tells Chris that she has apartments all over the globe acting as mini Fortresses of Solitude. Look at how happy Kara looks spinning around one of her homes. I love the small touches like the painting of Zor-El, the happy face pillow, the teddy bear, and the hologram of her parents seen there. Much like the famous apartment scene in Final Crisis, this gives us a little look inside Supergirl.

The three begin to try to figure out who framed them. But Thara let's it be known that she heard everything Supergirl said about her visions. The tension is pretty thick.

Meanwhile ...

Lois can't seem to get in touch with her suddenly living father.

She then tries to convince Cat Grant to not go on Morgan Edge's show, a propaganda tool that Project 7734 has used to its utmost potential.

Grant's response is chilling ... a reminder of how fascism is so tightly meshed with fear. Cat tells Lois that anyone who sides with the Kryptonians are probably going to be looked upon as an enemy of the state as well. Brrrr ... Cat is diabolical.

Back in Paris, Supergirl finally puts some of the pieces together, realizing that Reactron must have been part of this set-up since they all lost their powers briefly. She even figures out that illusions must have been part of the plot against them. It is great to see Supergirl shown as a detective, using her intellect to figure this sort of stuff out.

Supergirl figures the time is right to become pro-active, to go and get Reactron and this time bring him to New Krypton for justice. Thara warns Supergirl that bringing Reactron to Alura is basically sending him to an execution.

I love the exchange above. The tension between Thara and Kara runs pretty deep. Supergirl still blames Flamebird for Zor-El's death. Here she finally call Thara on it saying that Alura does her duty unlike Thara who was not acting as a good security chief while Zor-El was being murdered.

I know it is a bit exaggerated but I love Thara's expression in the lower panel. You can almost hear her saying 'Oh no you didn't!!'

I don't think it is really logical of Kara to hold this resentment against Thara. After all it was Commander Gor who literally brought Reactron and Metallo into Kandor. I think Kara is still hurting with Zor-El's death and needs to transfer that pain somewhere. Thara is an easy target.

In fact, there is a sense of sibling rivalry here as Thara reminds Kara that she was Zor-El's surrogate daughter for years inside Kandor and that she has been just as hurt as Kara by his death.

I don't think Supergirl likes that response. There is almost a sense of 'I loved Dad more' or 'Dad loved me more' competition here. Their emotions overflowing, they bring their battle out to the Eiffel Tower. And before Nightwing is able to drag them back inside, the public has called for help.

Here comes Squad K.

Now I have to admit, every time Squad K shows up they are either quickly dispatched or completely unorganized. I don't hold them up as a serious threat. But this can't help turn public sentiment ... to see Supergirl battling the Earth's defenders.

I have to say I really liked this issue. For one, from the beginning (when Thara said she 'earned' her title) there has been a lot of friction between Kara and Thara. When you add their mutual history as a 'daughter of Zor-El', Zor-El's murder, and Thara's religious fanaticism, I really felt like their relationship was a powder keg ready to explode. It was good to finally see their relationship explored.

Secondly, I really like how every time we see Reactron he acts creepier and creepier. I cringe when I read his lines as he seems like a completely antisocial misogynistic psychopath. He is a great arch-villain.

As I said above, it was interesting to see Kara's French hideout.

And I will say again, I really like Pere Perez' artwork here. Smooth, flowing, economic with his lines ... I thought it was excellent. In some ways it reminded me of Cliff Chiang's superior and yet minimalistic art.

All those things were enough to at least offset the inanity of General Lane's releasing the Metropolis 3. Why the heck would he do that?

Overall grade: B+