Review: Superwoman #9

How do you remake a book that was just made? How do you reboot something which was just booted?

It can't be easy.

But that is what is going on in the Superwoman book. Phil Jimenez idea of Lana being infused with energy from the dead New 52 Superman couldn't exist anymore in the post-Superman Reborn world. And frankly, the first arc of Superwoman ended in such a jumbled, over wordy, preachy, and confusing manner that maybe erasing that and semi-starting fresh makes sense. I know I am trashing the prior arc but the truth is I enjoyed the opening chapters. It just all seemed to lose its way.

Superwoman #9 has the difficult task of somehow continuing the title, building on some of what has come before, all while trying to explain away the inconsistency of the recent past. Enter writer K. Perkins (of Supergirl Crucible fame) and artists Stephen Segovia and Art Thibert. Can they pull it off?

At least for this first issue, for me, the answer is yes. Instead of immediately trying to explain how Lana had powers, what adventures she has had as Superwoman, and what truly happened, Perkins instead concentrates on who Lana is as a person. The powers and the missions are important, but the character of Lana is the foundation of this book. We need to learn that first.

In Jimenez book, Lana was an extremely complicated character. She was a begrudging hero. She had anxiety issues. She was struggling with the pressure of all aspects of her life. And she was hiding all of this fear from those who loved her. I didn't always like Lana in the book. She seemed to have a hair trigger to lash out at those supporting her. She seemed ashamed of her problems. But always, she eventually tried to rise above. Perkins seems to embrace all of that complexity. Complicated and conflicted characters are always fascinating to read. Indeed there are wonderful bookend moments in this issue.

The art by Segovia and Thibert suits the book nicely. There is a lot of kinetic energy in the action sequences. But the quiet scenes, the conversations between characters, look great with solid expressive work.

On to the book.

Tony Bedard Interview

We recently learned that Tony Bedard's run on Supergirl will be over shortly and that writers Kate Perkins and Mike Johnson will be taking Kara down a new creative direction. 

I have loved Bedard's run on the book as he understood Supergirl and made her more like the character that I love, even in the midst of her becoming a Red Lantern and joining the JLU. I had the opportunity to interview Bedard recently, asking him about his take on Supergirl, his current run, and where he was hoping to take her. It was hard not to be a fanboy. Here is the interview.

Anj: You have had a couple of short runs on two different incarnations of Supergirl, a brief run on Supergirl and the Legion of Super-Heroes, and even had her in R.E.B.E.L.S.!  Have you always  been a fan of Supergirl? What do you think of her as a character? What are her key attributes or character qualities?

TONY: I started reading comics relatively late in life, around the age of 15. It was the mid ‘80s and the first thing that really hooked me into superhero comics was Marvel’s SECRET WARS. I was so jazzed by it that when I heard DC was also doing a mega-event called CRISIS ON INFINITE EARTHS, I dived into it. So, ironically, my first exposure to Supergirl was her death in that series. But it left a lasting mark and I have always deeply felt her importance, even at times when she didn’t seem as important to whatever “big thing” was happening in comics. As for getting to write SUPERGIRL during the “Amazons Attack” event, and also getting to write a few issues of SUPERGIRL AND THE LEGION OF SUPERHEROES, that was sheer, wonderful luck. So, while I’ve always liked the Supergirl character, I’ve just been fortunate that they asked me to write her this many times. For me, her key attributes are the things that come with wearing that “S” on your chest – the responsibility to use your gifts for the benefit of others, the humility and self-sacrifice to serve the greater good even though you’re powerful enough to just take what you want. And I think Supergirl should have a brightness and optimism that matches her youth. She is filed with promise and potential. She should be an aspirational character, a role model. I think this can be maintained, even when you’re trying to fill her stories with teen angst and the sense of confusion and isolation that comes with being a teenager.

Anj: That vision of her as a young hero, learning the ropes while understanding what her responsibilities is mine as well. And yes, I think she should be an aspirational character as well.

Anj: You wrote three issues in the last incarnation of Supergirl, between Joe Kelly and Kelly Puckett’s runs. The issues were also crossovers with Amazons Attack as well as Countdown. What can you tell us about those issues? Did you ask to write them? They also seems to be an attempt to rehabilitate her character after a rough portrayal in Amazons and prior stories where she was angry and isolated. Were you hoping to make her more likable back then?

TONY: The Amazons Attack issues were offered to me out of the blue. As a former editor, I know that when you plan these big events, somebody is bound to drop out, or a creative team gets shifted around, and suddenly you have to get some issues covered. So when the editor called asking if I could pinch-hit on SUPERGIRL, I was only too glad to step in. The funny thing is that I hadn’t been keeping up with SUPERGIRL at the time and didn’t realize that she’d been portrayed as angry and isolated. I just wrote her as I thought she should be. As I’ve said in previous interviews, I want my Supergirl to be likable and upbeat. So even though she was screwing up, crashing Air Force One, etc., I still wanted her underlying character to be wholesome, well intentioned and sympathetic.

Anj: I love that the way she acted in those issues was your 'default' Supergirl. That is fantastic. I loved those issues and thought that maybe DC had asked you to soften her edges given the upcoming run.  

TONY: But when I think of those issues, what really stands out to me is how great it was working with Renato Guedes. Holy crap, that guy is amazing!  He drew Supergirl like a human being, and he put those biker pants under her skirt. Thank you, Renato! Maybe I’m just old, but the LAST thing I want from a SUPERGIRL comic is one of those upskirt shots. I remember seeing a few people online complain that he had made her “too fat.” Unbelievable. He made her look like a real girl is what he did.

Anj: Yeah, his stuff is great. I loved how he drew Supergirl here and when she appeared in Superman when he was drawing that book. And don't remind me about the bike shorts debacle. Like you, I thought they made perfect sense.

Anj: I was a big fan of R.E.B.E.L.S. and reviewed it monthly here. I loved that Supergirl was part of the opening issues. Were there plans to ever bring her back to the book? Do you miss Vril Dox?

TONY: I miss Vril Dox every day! I even tried to sneak him back into the DCU in the Villains Month BRAINIAC issue. But I don’t think we’ll be seeing a New 52 REBELS series any time soon. As for having Supergirl appear in that series, having written Kara in the 30^th Century already, she seemed like the best person to deliver a message from Brainiac 5 to his forefather Brainiac 2 (Vril Dox). It was just a guest appearance, but I felt really good about the way Brainiac 5 sent his message: having her actually write it on a blank DVD with her heat vision. Cute trick. Y’know, I’ll always be grateful that DC let REBELS go as far as it did. I think it was 28 issues. It was one of those times where something was liked internally and they really gave it a chance. Maybe if the DCU follows in Marvel’s movie footsteps, then REBELS could be the Guardians of the Galaxy surprise movie hit of 2022…?

Anj: Can you talk about how you ended up on the current Supergirl book? You have gone on record as saying that you wanted to make the angry and isolated New 52 Supergirl more likable and relatable. Did you seek out the assignment? And what were you hoping to bring to the book? Did you know early on that it was going to be a short run?

TONY: This was another instance of DC calling me and offering me the gig out of the blue. They knew I was looking for a new project, but I didn’t specifically lobby for SUPERGIRL. To be honest, it’s hard to get a gig you’re going after unless it’s a completely new pitch, like I did with R.E.B.E.L.S. (Yes, I know I was just trying to re-launch the criminally under-appreciated L.E.G.I.O.N. ’89).  Once they gave me SUPERGIRL, what I was hoping to bring to the book was a supporting cast and a lighter tone -- a moment for Kara to get past her resentment and embrace her new home. What DC wanted was to build up her rogue’s gallery and to play up the “stranger in a strange land” aspect. I tried to give them what they wanted and get the stuff in that I wanted. It ended up a bit of a mixed bag, but looking back I’m pretty happy with the run, even if much of it was dealing with characters and situations that I sort of inherited.

Anj: Knowing how you had treated her in all the prior runs that we've talked about, I was thrilled to hear you were on the book and what your approach was going to be. 

Anj: But then shortly after the announcement of you coming on board, we got the news about Red Daughter. Did you have to adapt your plans dramatically because of the new plot direction? How closely did you work with Red Lanterns’ writer Charles Soule on the arc?

TONY: I got to work fairly closely with Charles, since it was his idea to make her a Red Lantern to begin with! And I have to admit that when it was first presented to me, I wasn’t sold on the idea. I was trying to take her away from being angry all the time and we were going to make her a Rage Lantern?! But it didn’t take long to realize this might be the perfect pivot point for Kara. She couldhit bottom and then end up rejecting anger.  So I went along with it, and the great surprise was that by making her a Red Lantern, we gave her an instant support network and people to play off of and it turned out to be a great little storyline. I owe a lot to Charles, especially for making RED LANTERNS a fun, upbeat read. It made it easier to bring some of that fun to SUPERGIRL. 

Anj: I thought Red Daughter was handled very well and actually showed a more likable and friendly Kara despite the rage ring.  Was it hard to write a character who embraced rage while trying to make her a more heroic and positive person?

TONY: It was surprisingly easy. Kara had been searching for friends, for a place to belong. After a few really bad turns, she suddenly had a bunch of people who valued her power and wanted her around (except for Guy Gardner, who was wise enough to see she shouldn’t be one of them). It all worked out pretty nicely, with both moments to see her as a hero, and a great life lesson for Kara. Being a Red Lantern was one of the first times that people actually cheered for her. She deserved to be wanted for a change and she finally got a taste of what it felt like. 

Anj: You sowed the seeds of future plotlines which may never come to fruition. Can you tell us what you were planning with Blaze? Siobhan? Michael? Shay Veritas?

TONY: I was going to have Blaze create a trio of henchgirls called the Furies. Remember Siobhan’s roommate and her two friends? They were all orphaned in superhero battles and had sworn themselves to finding a way to make super-people pay. They were going to beat Supergirl and take her back to Blaze’s home dimension. Hilarity would ensue. I wanted to get Siobhan in there more, to make her and Kara a team. I had one issue where the newly Red Lanterned Kara fights Silver Banshee, and I contrasted their fight with flashbacks of Kara and Siobhan just having fun roommate moments. That remains one of my favorite things from the run: just letting her have a friend. Michael returns in my final issue, and we’ll see if they do anything with him after that. If not, it was enough that Kara met a guy who had every reason to hate life and yet retained a positive outlook. He was in many ways a good role model for her, and he didn’t want to trick or use her, which is nice for a change. And Shay I wanted to keep playing sort of mysterious. Is she really a friend to Supergirl, or does she view her as another science project? Shay’s still a bit of a cypher to me, which is okay if she’s played for mystery. But I liked doing scenes of her staff at the Block talking about what it’s like being stuck there, having to wear her face, alternating between admiration and resentment. It gave the whole Block set-up a little complexity.

Anj: Too bad we won't get the chance to read that Blaze arc. Sounds like a blast. Anyways, as a big Supergirl fan, I just wanted to thank you for writing such a great Supergirl, a young, positive hero still learning the ropes. While you have a couple of more issues on your run, any last words for Supergirl’s fandom?

TONY: I just wish the new team success. Kara’s had a rocky time since the New 52 launch, but I feel like right now she’s well positioned to move forward and become a true hero on her own terms. And I wish Emanuela Lupacchino all the success in the world! She’s an amazing artist and Supergirl couldn’t be in better hands, art-wise!

Anj: Thanks so much for taking the time to talk to Supergirl fans! Looking forward to your last 2 issues.

Tony Bedard On Supergirl ... In The Past ... Supergirl #22

We recently heard that Tony Bedard is taking over the Supergirl title in December. Now there hasn't been any announcement on how long he will be on the title so who knows if this is a seat-warming short arc or an ongoing gig.

This won't be the first time Bedard has written the Girl of Steel. Back in the last incarnation, Bedard wrote three issues, a sort of place holder between Joe Kelly's run and Kelley Puckett's arc. It was an odd time for Supergirl. After 19 issues of an angry, angsty, anti-hero ... a Supergirl who was programmed to kill Kal-El, a Supergirl who sprouted crystal spikes,  ... DC realized maybe that take on Kara Zor-El wasn't going to work. Puckett, known for writing a strong Batgirl book,  was going to come in and make her a hero again.

But before we got there, Bedard got to write his issues, all three linked to ongoing DC crossover events. Supergirl #20 was linked to Amazons Attack. Supergirl #21 and #22 were Countdown issues.  Despite being weighed down by being attached to a couple of weaker DC events, the issues are great to reread and give me some optimism about Bedard's approach coming up.

In fact, I will probably save Supergirl #20 for a full review, closer to Bedard's first issue in December. That is the strongest issue of the three. But  there was one scene at the end of Supergirl #22 that I thought I would share now.

In these issues, Supergirl has accidentally been drawn into the Amazon war and brought down Air Force One. She hasn't talked to her cousin since that happened. After a side adventure in the 30th century and a battle, she finally meets up with Clark at the Kent Farm. Here is that conversation, one I think most Supergirl fans will appreciate tremendously.

Supergirl sort of braces herself for the worst, expecting to be chastised to by Superman.

Before he can start, she interrupts him.

"I know you love me and that's why you feel a need to act like my big brother or my dad -- but you're neither one!'

Now given what happened before in this book, I was expecting to see the two brawl.

But I turned the page and got this ...

A strong and mature Supergirl who stands up for what she has done. And she says sentiments about her character that are the core of who she is ... who I think she is.

"Maybe I need to learn thing the hard way. But I am learning!"
"I want to be a family with you  ... but I don't need your ... validation! I can get by on my own terms. I am doing just fine."

On the heroes path, doing good, learning lessons ... sometimes the hard way, growing, linked to Superman but not defined by hi.

That is Supergirl!

And Superman agrees with her! He tells her that he knows she is doing fine and doesn't want her to feel like she is in his shadow!

A supportive Superman! Incredible.

The title started to solidify after this. But this sort of turning of the corner for Supergirl, becoming her own hero, it reminded me of the Paul Kupperberg Supergirl story leading into Daring New Adventures. Here is the link to my coverage of that: http://comicboxcommentary.blogspot.com/2010/10/back-issue-box-superman-376.html   That Supergirl was also making the steps to independence.

I would be remiss if I didn't mention that achingly beautiful art by Renato Guedes on these issues. I absolutely loved Guedes' take on Supergirl. Just stunning ...

Anyways, this scene makes me think that Bedard has a understanding of the fundamentals of the character. Let's hope that continues in the new series.

Supergirl Annual #1 Preview At DC:The Source

Okay, I know it is going to be released tomorrow but I have been eagerly awaiting Supergirl Annual #1. So how could I now post a little bit of the preview that we got yesterday on the DC blog The Source ( http://dcu.blog.dccomics.com/2009/08/31/get-a-glimpse-at-supergirls-double-life-in-supergirl-annual-1/ ).

While I am very happy with the role Supergirl has been playing in the massive New Krypton storyline, I have been looking forward to more solo aimed adventures too. Sterling Gates and Jamal Igle basically had one issue in their run before New Krypton exploded. Some of the more Supergirl-centric storylines, like Linda Lang, have been pushed to the back burner a bit.

So I am glad that we finally get to see a little more of that direction here.

Plus, I will use any excuse to post that Renato Guedes cover. It is fantastic! And I especially love that Linda Lang is written in the super-font.

The story opens up with the Science Police rushing into a bank where a robbery has been thwarted. Given that the troop of robbers have been subdued, their guns melted, the SciPo has reason to believe a Kryptonian is among the crowd. Rather than just scoop the thieves and leave, the Science Police think they need to sweep the crowd to find the 'illegal alien'.

One thing I like in this early scene is that we get a 'man on the street' feel for what the common man thinks of Kryptonians. Look at the fear on that lady as she calls them murderers. Others are more blase about the whole thing.

And finally we get a sighting of Linda Lang in Supergirl, the first we have seen her here since the last panel of Supergirl #34. Hooray!

We then flashback to just before Linda rushed to the bank.

Sitting in Lana's apartment, Supergirl is pretty angry when she hears General Lane mouthpiece Morgan Edge spouting some ant-Kryptonian garbage.

It is another nice moment for those of us waiting for more of the Supergirl based plot threads to come to fruition as opposed to the more New Krypton based arcs. In a number of interviews, Sterling Gates and Jamal Igle have talked about the mentor-like relationship between Lana and Kara. We really haven't seen it too much. So just to see the two of them sitting together and talking is refreshing.

The ongoing robbery is announced on the television including the fact that their are hostages and that the Science Police has their hands full.

Kara wants to rush off but Kryptonians are illegal on Earth. Lana has the bright idea to send Supergirl over as Linda so she can act undercover.

I love how the only place to sneak in under super-speed is the restroom. Not exactly a heroic entrance! The thieves break down the restroom door before Linda has time to button her pants.

Still, now that she is in, Kara can take care of business ... something we know she has done based on the results seen on the first page. I love the confidence of Linda's face in the last panel below. You almost get the sense that she is going to enjoy taking these guys down.

Fernando Dagnino's art seems fine here. His Linda looks just as I would imagine her to. And his Lana looks just a bit fatigued ... maybe a slight hint at her underlying illness.

As I have said before, writing Supergirl is hard. Supergirl fans are hard to please. So let me say up front .... I am not in any way saying that I am unhappy with the New Krypton plot lines. Clearly that story is so huge, Supergirl has to be a part of it. In fact, I am thrilled with the size of her role in the overall story. She has been a pretty important figure! It's just that I want it all ... I want to see some solo adventures as well as the more tightly enmeshed Super-family stories. We just got a taste of what Gates and Igle want to do before New Krypton swept the land.

So I can't wait for this issue!And let's not forget that the other half of this issue is a closer look at Superwoman's origin ... something else I have been clamoring for!

Review: Superman #691

Superman #691 marked the conclusion of the Codename:Patriot crossover but clearly the reverberations of this plot are going to be felt for some time. There were no pat endings here.

One thing this arc did show is the sheer cunning that General Lane has. He has plans on top of plans and recognizes not only the weaknesses in his opponents but also how to capitalize on those weaknesses. He seems quite pleased with himself at the end of this issue but pride always comes before the fall.

James Robinson does a good job of making sure the story gets where it needs to. There are a couple of things that we have not seen which I would have liked to know now. For example, while we know that Lane's troops have defeated Flamebird, Nightwing, and Supergirl we don't know what they have done with them. Are the heroes lying unconscious where they fell? In a Project 7734 holding cell? Since deception was such a key part of Lane's plan, I would have liked to see what he did with them.

Renato Guedes did the bulk of the art for the issue although the last pages are done by Eduardo Pansica. Their styles are quite different so there was a jarring feel to the flow of the issue.

Last issue ended with Mon-El and Supergirl (Mirabai) chasing 'Kryptonian nationalists' Nightwing and Flamebird (Reactron and Metallo). Supergirl leads Mon-El into the Metropolis sewers saying she overheard 'Nightwing and Flamebird' talking about blowing up the water systems of the city.

While underground, Mon-El is defeated by the villains who drop their glamour and reveal who they really are.

The more we see Mirabai, the stronger she is shown to be. Wielding magic is one thing. Punching a Daxamite is something completely different.

In fact, she is strong enough to make Metallo apologize for calling her 'baby'. Knowing Metallo, it takes a lot of power to earn his respect/attention. That says a lot about Mirabai.

As does her statement that she finds the sewers 'confining' and wants to leave. I remember that Legion villain Mordru's weakness was severe claustrophobia to the point of becoming catatonic when buried. Could that be a clue to Mirabai's origins?

We know little about Mirabai's back story but I am okay with it here. Her role in the story is different than someone like Superwoman where I felt we needed to know more once the identity was revealed. Here I can roll with it a bit.

The 'blow up the water system' part of Mirabai's ruse turned out to be true. With Mon-El unconscious, the villains trigger their explosives, caving in the sewer system and wreaking havoc in Metropolis.

This might be an overlooked page in the issue but I thought this was another time the 'widescreen' approach to comic art mattered. On this 2 page spread (I am only showing a small part of it) we actually see the citizens of Metropolis enjoying the day until explosions rock the city and send people scattering. Sometimes I think comics lose the 'common person' perspective on the metahuman events happening around them.

Now could those 2 pages have been better used to show what Mirabai did with Mon-El (leave him buried or carry him off) or what has become of Supergirl? Maybe. But I thought it was nice to show how the interplanetary plans of 7734 still have a street-level impact.

Unfortunately, 7734's camera drones are everywhere. The 'Supergirl' attack on Mon-El is broadcast on Morgan Edge's show fanning the flames of public fear of Kryptonians.

It also further cements Lois' feelings about Supergirl. Lois thought Kara was irresponsible about Superwoman. Now Lois sees Kara taking out Mon-El? My hope would be that Lois would see through the charade but she seems all to ready to write off Kara.

Using Morgan Edge as a propaganda tool is another way of showing how far-reaching General Lane's plans are. He has thought about his anti-Kryptonian agenda on all levels - military, governmental, and the average person on the street.

The actions in Metropolis are really just a delaying tactic to make sure that Superman and Ral-Dar are isolated as they streak to Markovia. Remember, Ral-Dar thinks this economic summit is a war council where Earth will declare war on New Krypton.

Superman actually is close to subduing Ral-Dar on his own when General Lane reveals himself ... and the troops he has brought with him. Stunned into near silence, Superman is surprised to not only see Lane alive but to hear that Ral-Dar knows him.

Before Ral-Dar can explain anything to Kal, Lane gives the order to 'fire at will' at the Kryptonians who have to be assumed to be a threat to the president.

The next 2 pages show Superman and Ral-Dar under a withering barrage of Kryptonite lasers. It is a good couple of pages, almost Frank Miller like in rendition. It really conveys the power behind these guns as the two Kryptonians just seem buffeted by the blasts.

If the military has access to such weapons, maybe we would have a shot against a Kryptonian invasion. Not a great shot ... but a shot.

Here is the one let down moment of the book.

So after a two page 'wide screen' spread of shots showing the power of these weapons, Superman simply emerges from the green haze apparently unharmed.

Even more confusing ... Ral-Dar is not only effected by the weapons but appears dead in Superman's arms.

How can there be such a wide discrepancy in the weapons capabilities? Is this going to be a Kingdom Come like explanation where Superman has absorbed yellow sunlight for so long that he would be more resilient to Kryptonite exposure than relative newcomer Ral-Dar?

I would have liked one line about this here. Some explanation thrown out so I don't have to make my own conclusions. Moreover, I would have liked to have one line about Ral-Dar. Is he dead? Unconscious and grievously wounded? Obviously, Lane needs to kill Ral-Dar to make sure all his plans and chicanery are not revealed. That said, if Lane knows that he needs to kill off Ral-Dar for that reason, the same would be true for Flamebird, Nightwing, and Supergirl.

Add to this confusion about the weapons is the sudden shift to the Pansica art which is much muddier than Guedes is elegant lines.

Before Kal can question General Lane about anything, he is urgently called back to New Krypton by Alura. Cradling Ral-Dar's body in his arms, he flies into space.

The book ends with Lane explaining why he activated the Codename:Patriot plan. He is Codename:Patriot! He reached a point where he needed to be more overt in his actions against Kryptonians. He could no longer accomplish his goals from the shadows.

By setting up these events as he did, by sowing the seeds of paranoia, by making people question their faith in their heroes, he was able to come out of the shadows as the defender of Earth. With public support behind him and officials fearful of their lives, Lane will most likely be given the keys to the kingdom.

Much like I have a grudging respect for Vril Dox in R.E.B.E.L.S., I have to respect Lane's plan and his ability to pull it off. Codename:Patriot did everything he wanted it to. And it was a pretty simple and efficient plan. My only question is what he does with everyone who knows what happened. Why would Lane leave Supergirl or Thara or Chris alive if he had them in his clutches. Wouldn't he, of all people, simply eliminate them?

Furthermore, his alliance with Mirabai is shown to be deeper than I expected. Project 7734 has moved it center of operations to Mirabai's world of magic. It's a place of dragons, flying squids, and trolls.

There is an interesting panel I did not show here. Mirabai tells Lane "that was our deal wasn't it? You help me. I help you." The next panel shows a large dragon eating a smaller one. So who is the large dragon here? Is Lane using Mirabai the way he seems capable of using anyone? Or is Mirabai lying in the weeds, feigning a weaker stature but ready to eliminate Lane when it suits her. It is that marriage of words and images that makes comics such a great medium. Maybe I will scan them in later.

As for this world ... I don't particularly recognize it. It does make it less likely that Mirabai is a Native American as some folks postulated.

It did feel a bit too convenient that Superman got called back to New Krypton right before he is able to question Lane. How would the story be different if that call came even one minute later?

On his way back to New Krypton, Kal listens in to the airwaves now filled with anti-Kryptonian rhetoric. Nightwing, Flamebird, and Supergirl have all been labelled saboteurs. Mon-El has been listed as dead. And Superman has no answers.

This didn't seem like an ending as much as a new beginning. This is the next phase of the New Krypton story.

This review as a whole reads a bit more up and down than I thought the issue was in total. I actually enjoyed this issue a lot if only for showing just how nefarious General Lane is.

Things are a little hotter in the super-family's world right now.

Overall grade: B+

San Diego Comic Con

San Diego Comic Con International is less than a week away and (like most major conventions) I won't be going. As I read reports from this con and catch video of it on G4 it seems that comics only make up a small amount of the activities there.

Still, lots of news and buzz get announced there. The DCU blog put out the DC Universe schedule a while back. Here is the link to the entire agenda:
http://dcu.blog.dccomics.com/2009/07/02/want-the-dcu-san-diego-comic-con-panel-information-you-got-it/

Here are the Supergirl/Superman relevant panels. I am hoping that the Supergirl fans who come here can post questions that they hope the Supergirl fans who will be there can ask for us.

In fact, if anyone IS going please let me know!

Thursday, July 23rd

11:45-12:45 Superman: Two Worlds
Torn between New Krypton and Earth, The Man of Steel has only just begun his latest adventure. You’ve seen the stories. A new planet of Kryptonians. Scores of super-powered beings. The people behind Superman’s future are here to face the most trying times in his life. Meet the talented folks behind Superman as they give you a glimpse of what is in store for our favorite Super-family. Featuring Superman Group Editor Matt Idelson, Geoff Johns (Adventure Comics, Superman: Secret Origins), Greg Rucka (Action Comics), James Robinson (Superman), Sterling Gates (Supergirl), Renato Guedes (Superman), and more! Room 6DE

So this is the big panel to attend because the big guns in the Superman family will be there including Sterling Gates and I assume Jamal Igle.

Please please please no one ask about the bike shorts. But I might try to get some info on the upcoming year. Maybe a question about whether or not Supergirl will be joining a team after the Cry for Justice mini.

Another question I would like to ask would be where these creators feel Supergirl fits in the DCU. Is she Superman's heir apparent? Is she his sidekick? Is she completely independent? Is she respected by the other heroes or is she still looked on as an ongoing project?


2:15-3:15 Spotlight on Geoff Johns
He is the mastermind behind the smash-hit, critically acclaimed Flash: Rebirth and DC’s most anticipated book of the year, Green Lantern: Blackest Night. Wondering what makes Geoff Johns tick? Don’t miss this panel hosted by Eddie Berganza, Group Editor—DCU, interviewing one of the most exciting talents in the DCU. Room 6DE

Blackest Night will already have started and the answer might be known but I would ask if Zor-El is a potential Black Lantern.

I also would ask him about where the idea for New Krypton came from and does Johns think that 100K more Kryptonians somehow diminishes Superman. Let's face it ... current mythos has swerved very far away from the John Byrne's true "last son of Krypton". It was that edict that was behind the removal of Supergirl from the DCU back in the late 80's.

Friday, July 24th
3:00-4:00 DC NATION
Calling all NATION recruits! Bring your friends and hear top talent discuss where the DC NATION is heading from 2009 and beyond. Sr. VP - Executive Editor Dan DiDio hosts this exciting discussion with Ian Sattler, James Robinson, Geoff Johns, Greg Rucka, and more! Join them for a VIP look into the most talked about stories and events of the summer! Room 6DE

The idea of a Cosmic Adventures sequel probably would work best here with Didio present.

4:30-5:30 Wednesday Comics
Wednesday Comics gives a fresh twist to a grand comics tradition by reinventing the classic newspaper comics section and filling it to the brim with today’s top talent and characters! Learn all you need to know about DC’s excitingly innovative weekly 12-issue series from the title’s mastermind, DCU Editorial Art Director Mark Chiarello, and an all-star list of panelists! Believe us; you’ve never seen a panel or a project like this! Room 5AB

Asking Jimmy Palmiotti and Amanda Conners about this particular Supergirl and the origins behind this strip would be interesting. This isn't the rave dancing Kara from issue #12. In fact this strip clearly looks like a throwback to simpler times. I would love to hear about Conner's approach to a Silver Age style tale.

Saturday, July 25th
12:45-2:00 DCU Editorial Presentation
Dan DiDio, Senior VP / Executive Editor DCU, Ian Sattler, Senior Story Editor—DCU, and countless DCU talent are gathering for a discussion that’s not to be missed. Now that Blackest Night is upon us, what lies ahead for your favorite heroes? Got a question for your favorite DCU creator? Come on by! There’s no greater gathering of top-tier creative talent! Room 6B

Sunday, July 26th
2:00–3:00 Sunday Conversation with Dan DiDio
As the con comes to a close, sit back and unwind as Dan DiDio and friends invite you to a relaxed Sunday afternoon comics discussion. Share your opinions and listen to others as some of comics’ biggest names talk about their love of all things comics. All are welcome, no RSVP required. Room 2

I guess these forums would be good for any generic questions about Supergirl as well.

Besides the panels, the writers and artists of the Supergirl titles will be present. If you are at SDCC you should seek them out and let them know how much you love their works on Supergirl.

Here are Sterling Gates scheduled appearances:

THURSDAY
11:45am-12:45pm – PANEL: Superman (Room 6DE)
4-5pm – SIGNING: DC booth

FRIDAY
1-2pm – SIGNING: DC booth

SATURDAY
4-5pm – SIGNING: DC booth

SUNDAY
1:30-2:30pm – SIGNING: DC booth



Jamal Igle will have a limited SDCC print as seen above based on his Supergirl promo pictures. On his blog he said they will only be 100 so get to his booth quick.



On his blog, Jamal Igle talks about what he will be doing at the SDCC ( http://jamaligle.blogspot.com/2009/07/san-diego-planning.html ). Look him up at Booth 4301. Here is his schedule away from the booth:

THURSDAY
11:45am-12:45pm – PANEL: Superman (Room 6DE)
4-5pm – DC booth signing

FRIDAY
1-2pm – DC booth signing
SATURDAY4-5pm – DC booth signing

SUNDAY
1:30-2:30pm – DC booth signing

Make sure you let Gates and Igle know that you like what they are doing on the title. I think it would do them good to hear from the 'silent majority' who think their work on Supergirl has been fantastic.

And Landry Walker and Eric Jones will also be at the con ( http://xray-studios.livejournal.com/54744.html) .

They'll have spiffy Supergirl and Brave and Bold prints available. That is one fantastic print of the Cosmic Adventures Supergirl happily flying above Metropolis.

And their schedule:
Daily signing session at the SLG booth (right next to the DC Comics booth):

Thursday 1:00-2:30
Friday 11:30 - 1:00
Saturday 5:00-7:00
Sunday 11:00-12:30

And there panel appearances:

Friday:4:30-5:30
Spotlight on Landry Walker and Eric Jones
The creative team behind SLG Publishing's Little Gloomy series and the recent Supergirl: Cosmic Adventures in the 8th Grade for DC Comics discuss all of their work, past and present, including the upcoming run on Batman: The Brave and the Bold series. Landry Walker and Eric Jones discuss the pitfalls of working on all-ages books as well as developing their own properties for animation. Room 3

Sunday:1:30-2:30
Comics and Graphic Novels for All Ages
It’s true! There’s a wealth of great comic books series and graphic novels out there for comics-loving kids of all ages-so much so, that Comic-Con presents its second big panel of the day on the topic! Moderator Randy Duncan (co-chair of the Comics Arts Conference) talks with Jimmy Gownley (Amelia Rules!), Kazu Kibuishi (Amulet), David Petersen (Mouse Guard), Eric Jones and Landry Walker (Supergirl, Little Gloomy), Jeff Smith (Bone), and Alexis Fajardo (Kid Beowulf) about comics for everyone! Room 3

Hopefully they know how much Cosmic Adventures was appreciated but it can't hurt to tell them again.

Anyways, these shows are the places to interact with the creators and let them know what you think of their works.

If you like Supergirl and Cosmic Adventures as much as I did, you should find these guys and let them know.

And of course, let me know how things were at the SDCC.

Thanks!

Review: Superman #689

Superman #689 was another interesting issue in this current run focusing on Metropolis without Superman. One thing that I have liked about the last couple of issues has that they have really focused on Mon-El. Despite setting up a huge supporting cast for the title, James Robinson really has been concentrating on the dying Mon-El, setting him up as a tragic hero.

Last issue, Mon-El realized that he needed to get as much out of whatever is left in his life. As a result, this issue reads more like a travelogue. He is travelling around the world to help international heroes stop major threats and, should time permit, to take in some sightseeing.

While he hops from country to country some ominous things are unfolding at home.


First off, we are re-introduced to WGBS owner Morgan Edge who looks and acts remarkably like old shock TV host Morton Downey Jr. In this instance, Edge decides to take an anti-Kryptonian stance voicing his concerns in a televised statement. Part of his concern is about Mon-El who he feels is an outlawed Kryptonian brazenly acting openly against the UN decree.

While I question Edge's underlying motivation, I can understand his confusion. Mon-El has a Kryptonian name, Kryptonian powers, and was given the city to protect by another Kryptonian. If you are a fear monger, you would be pointing your fingers right at Mon-El.

While Edge continues his statement, Tellus is released from S.T.A.R. labs. He tells the Guardian that he has to leave to protect the universe from some upcoming threat. Before leaving he does something to the Guardian to even up his upcoming fight against Agent Assassin. My guess is that some sort of psychic blocks have been placed in Harper's mind so that Assassin can't mentally attack him.

I would love to know why Robinson picked Tellus to be part of this story. Certainly there are many telepathic characters that could easily be plugged in here, even from the Legion. Tellus! Unbelievable!

But enough about Metropolis for now.

Mon-El starts his sightseeing in Russia, visiting Red Square where he helps some Red Rockets fight off some armored troops. After the battle he gets his first kiss from Rocket Red Ivana.

He then travels to England and Spain to fight along side those countries heroes: Beaumont and Sunny Jim in London and La Sangre in Barcelona. One thing I did like here was Robinson including some of these new heroes rather than retreading the old Global Guardians. He even gives them some quick backstory too.

Back home in Metropolis, Steel continues to hang out with his new BFF Atlas. Of course Steel thinks Atlas is just a guy named Tom who he met at the diner. But he has hit it off so well with Tom/Atlas that he gives him access to the nanobyte protected Iron Works.

This was the one part of the issue that just felt wrong. Would Steel really give this new friend total access to his top secret lab? After being attacked and beaten up for years as a hero, would he open up so quickly to a man he just met?

Here is one of those new heroes that Mon-El meets on his world tour. In Germany he fights along private detective Von Hammer, a man who sounds like that country's James Bond and Doc Savage rolled into one. Their mission sounds like it has been ripped from old pulp novels. I actually would consider reading more of this guy's adventures.

M0n doesn't stop there though. He fights alongside Freedom Beast and Congorilla in Africa. He fights along side Dr. Light and Rising Sun in Japan. Each time he visits some part of those places searching for peace whether it be communing with nature or meditating in shrines.

I have to say this world tour felt like a completely appropriate response to last issue's revelation about life and living. Plus it allowed Renato Guedes to work in some very sharp near-splash pages throughout the issue.

But while Mon-El searches for peace, Metropolis is starting to boil a bit.

First the Guardian feels he needs to publically defend Mon-El and actually goes on Morgan Edge's show revealing that Mon-El is not Kryptonian. The Guardian does talk up Mon's heroism leading Edge to welcome Mon-El to Earth.

I don't know about you but I don't trust Edge in the least.

General Lane also makes an appearance and shows that he is still watching Metropolis very closely. He has some plans for the big city. To enact that plan he has hired to Prankster to help set up the playing field. For one thing, the Prankster has arranged some events to lead Black Lightning out of the city.

Now Lane tells Prankster that he needs to manufacture a crime scene away from Metropolis to lure its other heroes away too. And not just any crime scene ... a murder scene .... a superhero's murder scene. Lane promises to provide the body ... Steel's body.

I do think it is interesting that Lane doesn't seem to have any problem working with super-criminals. I wonder if he simply plans to eliminate them once they have served their purpose.

Once inside Iron Works, Atlas wastes no time to drop his guise and promises to kill John Henry. Nice cliffhanger!

Overall this was a very nice issue. The part of this current arc that I like the best is the journey Mon-El is going on so I was happy that was the main thrust of the issue.

But the background events seem to move the overall story of a 'Metropolis without Superman' forward nicely.

I have said in the past that the cast of characters that Robinson has here seem unwieldy. We added the Prankster and Morgan Edge to that cast but seemed to have lost Black Lightning. We also haven't seen Zatara in a while. I was concerned that some space would be devoted to the individual SciPo officers in the Guardian's unit and so far that hasn't happened. This book really feels like it is Mon-El and the Guardian's title rather than some large team book. I like that.

Overall grade: B

Review: Superman #688

I think that Superman #688, written by James Robinson and pencilled by Renato Guedes, was the strongest issue of the title's 'World Without Superman' arc.

This was the first issue where I didn't think I need a score card to keep track of all the characters that Robinson has been juggling. It felt like the first issue where scenes lasted longer than a couple of pages because we needed to check in on someone else. As a result it was the first issue that felt like it 'starred' Mon-El and The Guardian.

And since we concentrate so much on those characters here, their own storylines are advanced with some worrisome clues about the future revealed.


Last issue ended with a cliffhanger. This issue picks up right where we left off. Mon-El's powers are blinking on and off. Unfortunately he was flying over the Metropolis shoreline when that happened, plummeting him into the water where he nearly drowns.

Luckily one of the Science Police camera drones filmed what happened and the Guardian is able to swoop in and rescue Mon-El from drowning.

Once on dry land, Mon-El's powers seem to kick in again and he is quickly back to full strength.

And it's a good thing too! Squad K, yet another government wetworks group whose sole purpose is to fight Superman arrives, thinking Mon is an 'illegal alien' (sorry couldn't help myself).

Seriously though, is Superman paranoid about the number of anti-Kryptonian groups our government is funding? Squad K seems hot-headed and quick to pull the trigger, even if they goaded into a beating by The Guardian. They also seem completely outgunned.

Sure enough, Squad K's anti-Kryptonian weapons are inadequate against a Daxamite. Mon-El dispatches the whole crew in 98 seconds.

But The Guardian is concerned about Mon-El's power lapses and so brings him to a metahuman expert.

Dr. Light is suddenly a big time player in the DCU. She has appeared in Action Comics, now Superman, and is an active member of the JLA. Who'd of ever thought she would move up the ranks like this.

She is able to deduce what is going on in Mon-El's body. There is a physiologic tug-of-war happening inside him. His super-immune system is trying to destroy the formula he has ingested, recognizing it as a foreign presence. The formula is trying to short out his powers so that it won't be attacked and can continue to keep his lead poisoning at bay. I have to say this is an interesting twist on his powers and poisoning. This was the most original and best plot point of the book.

This also somehow explains the slight difference in his and Superman's powers. He can shave and get a haircut, for instance.

The power shorts will continue randomly. The bottom line is that eventually he will die from his lead poisoning, killed by his own super-powers, most likely in about 18 months.

One thing I didn't like about this scene was Guedes' version of Dr. Light. She does not look at all Asian.

The Guardian assumes that Mon-El will quit the Science Police to enjoy what little time he has left. But Mon-El says he will live out his time honoring his promise to Superman. After all, he shouldn't be alive now anyways. Superman has saved him before; the least Mon-El can do is to continue to protect Superman's city. It is a nice scene showing what a hero Mon-El is, how dedicated he is to the fight for right.

Besides, the two of them have a black ops mission that night to prepare for.

Before leaving for the mission, Jon Kent meets Mitch, the owner of the restaurant on the bottom floor of his apartment building. They become fast friends talking about life and life experiences in general. Mitch is well traveled and feels that Jon needs to live life more fully.

But the secret mission comes first. The elite of the Science Police break into Project 7734. Mon-El and The Guardian stumble across the monitor room where a number of superheroes are being spied on including Static Shock, the Shadow Cabinet, and the new Red Circle crew.

Project 7734 must have a *lot* of spy drones if they are watching even down to this level of super-beings.

The purpose of this mission? To rescue the Legionnaire Tellus who we first saw back in the Guardian special. Back then Tellus told The Guardian that the Science Police would save him. Looks like he was right.

As Mon-El hauls the tank out of there, the heroes run into Agent Assassin.

The Guardian is about to engage but Tellus tells him that the time isn't right. Using his telepathy, the Legionnaire immobilizes Agent Assassin.

Tellus does tell The Guardian that he will have a showdown with the Agent; moreover Tellus has made The Guardian 'ready'.

My guess is this throwdown happens at the end of 'Codename:Patriot'.

Agent Assassin reports what has happened to General Lane who seems to take it in stride. There is no anger here; he is casually practicing golf putts.One thing I like is that Lane comments on the other stories happening in the super titles, mentioning Mon-El, Thara, and New Krypton. I also find it interesting that Lane says he isn't ready for Agent Assassin to cause mayhem yet. There is no doubt in my mind that Assassin pulls the trigger in the shooting that starts 'Codename:Patriot'.

Lastly, there is the ominous end note of this conversation. Lane tells Assassin that The Guardian has a daughter. Why do I think The Guardian is going to understand tragedy soon?

His mission a success, Mon-El decides to take Mitch's advice and see Paris.

Suddenly Mon-El shakes off his fatalism and realizes he wants to live.

Overall this was a good issue for this arc. We understand more of Mon-El's condition. have a foreshadowing of The Guardian's fight with Agent Assassin.

I still think this title is limping a bit behind Supergirl, Action, and World of New Krypton. But this issue was a good read and moved the main characters' stories along.

Overall Grade: B, nearing B+