Review: Action Comics #1100

Action Comics #1100 came out last week and was a sort of turning point for all the Superman books. As a result, this jumbo issue has elements of all the Super-titles and therefore has a multiple stories from all the writers of the super-books. We are closing the book on the Reign of the Superboys and we are heading into the Kingdom of Zod.

The main story picks up the Superboy arc that Mark Waid and Skylar Patridge have been crafting, showing up how Clark became Superboy in Smallville. How he learned about his powers. How he fell in love with Lana. Waid uses this anniversary issue to basically give a quick primer on Superman's history and sort of closes the book on our Smallville arc.

The remaining stories set up the upcoming arc. Joshua Williamson and Daniel Sampere give us the return of present day Superman being found and heading back to the present with ... Superboy?? Sophie Campbell and Dan Mora show us Supergirl forming her super-team to head to El Caldero and the meeting between Superboy Prime and Conner Superboy (I've been waiting). Dan Slott and Lucas Meyer send us to El Caldero to show us what is going on there and revealing the super-villain of the next arc.

I love the fact that DC has used this issue to showcase all the Super-books and how they all are going to fold into this next event.

On to some particulars!

Review: Supergirl #15

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

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

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

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

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

Still, I really liked this issue.

Review: Summer Of Supergirl Special #1

Last year the Superman movie hit the screens so a Summer of Superman Special hit the racks.

This year ... indeed this very day ... a Supergirl movie will hit the screens. So DC did the right thing meaning a Summer of Supergirl Special #1 hit the stands this week. And what a special it is. We are talking big name creators are on the book. Mark Waid, Sophie Campbell, and Gail Simone write stories. Cian Tormey, Belen Ortega, and Emma Kubert are on art. And most importantly, the stories all say something. 

Campbell and Ortega are on 'Main Man's Best Friend', finishing the story started in Lobo #4. That means we get a story truly in current continuity.

In 'Lost Girls', Simone and Kubert give us a sweet story pointing out, quite elegantly, the similarities between Supergirl and Mary Marvel. It even sets up Supergirl as a sort of mentor for Mary, a nice new wrinkle if kept in continuity and built on. We have seen Kara be a role model for Lesla in her current book. We have seen Kara be Superman's second in command. Why not have her be a 'big sister'.

But the absolute winner of the book is Waid and Tormey on 'Who Is Supergirl?'. I have always known that Waid is a fan of Kara. But in this story, he sort of double downs on what he wrote in the recent New History of the DC Universe. In fact, Waid almost seems to be pulling a 'Morrison on Batman' take on Supergirl's continuity. It all happened. But baked into the story are some funamental truths about who Supergirl is, not just her history but her character, her ethos. Most wonderful.

This truly is the Summer of Supergirl and this special is a great way to kick it off.

On to the book.

Review: Supergirl #14 (v8)

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

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

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

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

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

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

Review: Supergirl #13 (V8)

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

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

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

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

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

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

Review: Supergirl #12 (v8)

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

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

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

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

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

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

On to the book.

Review: Supergirl #11 (v8)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

On to the books.

Review: Supergirl #10 (v8)

Supergirl #10 came out this week, an appropriate release in this week of Valentine's Day as it is a romance heavy issue, very reminscent of her short-lived self-titled seventies title where our heroine fell head over heels in love with a bad actor nearly every month.

Sophie Campbell brings us another interesting issue continuing to weave a variety of plot threads through the book. Who is this mysterious man and why is Supergirl so attracted to him? Is Supergirl still angry at Lena for leading Lesla down a bad path and inadvertantly getting Kara drunk at that party? Will Supergirl ever forgive Lena and be friends again? And why is so much weird stuff, like a love ghost from Krypton, manifesting in the sleepy town of Midvale? But I also am intrigued by the side plot of Lena basically messing around with tech is a way that still feels Lex-like. And this Supergirl feels like the young hero still learning that I like to read, even if it feels like a little step backwards from the 'second in command, mature hero leading the Superman family' we have read in recent years in the Superman books.

I like the world building that is happening in the book. But most of it is of the emotional aspects of Kara's life. I have said the last couple of months how I really could use a supervillain throwdown. While we get a fight with the love ghost, Supergirl struggles and needs a lot of help. This feeds the character plots but it still hasn't scratched my Kara-tharsis itch. Bring on Reactron. 

Joe Quinones continues to show he is the perfect artist pinch hitter on this book. His style is a wonderful fit for this book and is Campbell-adjacent making the feel of the book consistent. Much of this book has Linda Danvers swooning and I love how Quinones conveys it all.

Overall, this is still a great issue building up this new life Supergirl is moving through. On to details.

Review: Supergirl #9(v8)

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

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

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

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

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

On to the book! 

Review: Supergirl #8(v8)

Supergirl #8 came out this week, a holiday issue that focuses on the fact that not everyone feels merry and bright. In particular, it is Supergirl who is both sad around the holidays and also a little grumpy when pressed to talk about her feelings. It seems a little bit off after the excellent Supergirl #6 where Kara said 'yes I have been through a lot but I channeled that into something positive'.

Now I am not saying that Supergirl can't be complex. And yes, the holidays are a tricky time for many people so why not our hero. But this seemed to veer as close to Woman of Tomorrow as I have seen this book and for a Christmas issue, that fell a little flat.

Writer Sophie Campbell does do a great job of explaining why Supergirl is feeling this way. And she uses a forgotten Linda Danvers robot as a plot point to drive it home. But what activated that robot? I am still on board that a Chaos Stream or something like that is coursing below Midvale. 

The art is by someone new to me, Haining. She brings a very manga influenced style to the proceedings which fits the book. There are some nice artistic flourishes and tricks which helps bring home that low mood Kara is feeling. While I missed Campbell's art here, this is a solid fill-in.

Still, this was 'A Blue Christmas' issue, a bit different from the more upbeat vibe of this title before.

On to the details.

Review: Supergirl #7 (v8)

Supergirl #7 came out this week, another fun and whimisical sort of holiday issue, celebrating the Thanksgiving tradition of bringing family and friends together.

Sophie Campbell is back on writing and art this issue making this an extra special treat. Campbell's art is just so intricate, so vivid, so captivating that you can't help but read the book slowly, taking in the art and all the small details she puts into things. A simple exercise will be to find Streaky every time the super-cat appears. He has is always doing something, making some expression. That devotion to the small things makes the art a true attraction here.

The story is a sweet one and really more character building. After last issue's look into the darker aspects of Kara's past, this issue is her being friendly and helpful, even to her enemies. Here, Supergirl is helping Princess Shark try to escape her life of villainy.While that unfolds, Kara's family tries to gather for Thanksgiving. 

The Princess Shark story is a sort of sideways take on the Little Mermaid. And the conclusion to that plot makes little sense given Princess Shark's earlier actions but it's fine. It showcases Supergirl's smarts and ethics nicely. 

And the family story shows how Lesla is still suffering from her lack of parental love, transferring it onto Superman of all people. 

All that said, while I think this is a fun issue, I actually am hoping we get a super-villain fight soon. 

On to the book.

Review: Supergirl #6 (v8)

Supergirl #6 came out this week and as anticipated by the solicit and the cover, it is an homage to the classic Nightflame tale from Adventure Comics #421. It is important to know that that story was an early foray into what now seems to be the well-trod soil of Supergirl having a dark side. In it, Supergirl must face the evil she has in her own soul in her own mind. 

One of the things that I have loved about this latest title is that writer/artist Sophie Campbell has really leaned into Supergirl's mythos. It seems as if everything has happened, something we have seen played out in the New History of the DC Universe. Campbell definitely shows us that all aspects of Supergirl's multiple histories is allowed in this book. And if we are revisiting the concept of Nightflame, the darkness in Supergirl's soul, Campbell has a lot of material to pick from. Best of all, Campbell shows why Supergirl is who she is, maintaining optimism and heroism because of the life she has endured.  She is a bright hero. As I have said before, if you are a longtime fan of Supergirl, this book is an absolute treasure trove. 

The art is a wonderful mix of Campbell's usual sunny style for the live action and Rosi Kampe's more angular, harsher art for the hellish innerspace of Supergirl's mind. The contrast plays wonderfully.

In a meta sense, this was the perfect time for this issue to be released. Recently Supergirl movie screen writer Ana Nogueria told Variety that she couldn't wrap her head around the always sunny Supergirl until she read Tom King's gritty Woman of Tomorrow. It is clear no one gave Noguera any recent books because as Campbell shows, Kara has been through a lot and always shined brighter because of it, not falling into drunken, angry despair. More's the pity. 

On to this tremendous book.

Review: Supergirl #5 (v8)

Supergirl #5 came out this week and was a sort of rest issue in the series, giving us side adventures of the Super-Pets while our main character and friends are mostly off-screen. I have loved this series since its inception bringing back so much that I love about Supergirl that I don't know if I was craving an issue like this, certainly not this early. It is a fun issue and very cute. It establishes personalities for each pet. And it is a done in one setting the stage for the next big story.

I wonder if part of the reason for the pause ... or is it paws (indeed the story is called 'Paws and effect') ... is to give writer Sophie Campbell some lead time to keep doing art for the more Supergirl-centric stories. 

We basically get two stories here. One is earnest, heroic Krypto and Lesla's super-bunny Kandy fighting Princess Shark. Kandy, much like Lesla herself, starts out thinking Krypto is her enemy before seeing the good in the dog and becoming friends. Paulina Ganucheau brings a children's book clean look to the art, just skimming Campbell's style.

The second story is Streaky, acting very much like a tempermental cat complete with mood swings. Joining the fight against some kittens mutated by Lesla's Super-Stuff is TinyTano who is figuring out what it means to be a hero. Here the art is much more standard super-hero fare by Rosi Kampe.

It was a silly issue and I love the pets having distinct character traits. But it just made me want more Supergirl adventures. The ending cliffhanger sets a good stage.

On to details.

Review: Supergirl #4 (v8)

Supergirl #4 came out last week and was another very enjoyable issue written and drawn by Sophie Campbell. The things I have loved about the prior issues: a strong heroic personality - a mix of kindness and action - for Supergirl, a reverent look back at Supergirl's history, and tremendous art are all here. 

As has been said in prior reviews, Campbell has taken a sort of Grant Morrison take on the Supergirl character. It seems like in some way everything has happened. But also, everything is new. It feels incredible fresh. Campbell's art, a gorgeous style, adds to the feel of both nostalgia and innovation, a tough mix to pull off. 

In this issue, we get references to Supergirl's 70's series, her 80's series, the New 52 series (probably), and maybe even the Peter David run (maybe this time I am right). I know as a long term fan, seeing these nods to Supergirl's history makes me smile. It isn't just nostalgia. It is finally seeing a creator come on board who isn't looking at the character as a blank slate to scrawl their own idea on. It shows that Campbell knows and respects Supergirl's 65 year history. 

If I have one quibble, it is that I worry this might veer into a team book rather than solo title. I am all for supporting casts. I want them. It is clear Supergirl is the center of this book. But if Lena and Lesla and now Wanda ... um, I mean Luna are all on board I hope they don't detract from Kara too much. And I would love to see more of Linda and the Danvers. But this is quibble. I have trust that we will get there and Campbell will keep her eyes on the prize.

The art from pencils to inks to colors are all beautiful throughout. I love the cover with the wild, multicolored Decay trying to overwhelm Supergirl. And the guest star bubbles below add a bit of comic history to things. 

On to the book.

Review: Supergirl #3 (v8)

Supergirl #3 came out this week and was another entertaining and frankly refreshing look at the character by writer/artist Sophie Campbell. Over the course of this blog's history, there have been plenty of times that creators have been put on the character and it is clear they don't know the character or don't like the character. There have been runs where I have said things like 'remove Supergirl and put in Starfire and this story would proceed without a problem' or 'this doesn't seem like the Supergirl we know'. 

That isn't true here.

This is firmly a Supergirl book. This is a creator who seems to like and respect the character, weaving in history and characterization that fit. And this thrills me.

We can start with the obvious homages and nods as a way to refer and acknowledge the past. From Midvale to Lesla Lar to Lena Luthor to Streaky, Satan Girl, and even Black Kryponite, this series is mining the best of Supergirl's 66 year history and bringing it into modern time. Heck, there are even artistic homages!

But that stuff if done alone can simply feel like nostalgia. What is needed is story. And we get that too. Because in this issue we get a look into Supergirl's psyche. How she is heroic and kind and compassionate. How she probably struggles being in the shadow of her big cousin and his influence. How maybe she struggles with a dark side ... but it isn't that dark. And how most of all she wants to help. She can throw down when she needs to. She can be fierce in fighting injustice. But maybe that is the last resort. Some might find the 'sort of' conclusion of the Lesla Lar story underwhelming but for me it fit the character well. Campbell just seems to get it. 

Add to that the sumptuous, breezy, engaging art by Campbell and colorist Tamra Bonvillain and you have a big win. From old costumes to new, from mutations and birthday cake shenanigans, it all sings.

My only quibble might be that the arc might be wrapping up too soon for my taste. But in a world of endless arcs and decompression, this might be a compliment.

On to the book.

Review: Supergirl #2 (v8)

Supergirl #2 came out last week and just built on the good will that I felt from the last issue.

I find Supergirl such a complex character. It is why I love her. 

Who is Supergirl to me? She is a young hero, learning her way. She can be fallible. She's still figuring things out. She has the unenviable position of having Superman as her cousin. She is expected to live up to his standards, she is wearing his symbol ... but she isn't Superman and isn't as experienced. It is a double edged familial sword - a tremendous role model but someone you might always be found lacking against. She has had tragedy but has overcome it. She should be bright and feisty and fierce in fighting injustice. But she also should be smart and more polished than even younger heroes, filling this middle road. She is also a young girl in this real world with all those issues.

How the heck do you put all that together? 

I think it might be why so many fall short in my mind. She isn't saccharine sweet. She isn't angsty and angry. She isn't sad.

Somehow, in two issues, Sophie Campbell has threaded the needle. This is the Supergirl I want to read. I am really charmed by her. She is sweet. She is friendly. She is a hero, diving in to save people. She is bored with some idle prattle by her teenage friends. She has a supporting cast! She has a history! (As with last issue there a ton of references to her Bronze Age adventures.) It is nigh perfect.

Most impressively, Campbell has given us a villain just as complex. Lesla Lar is clearly misguided and addled. She is thinking only of herself, putting others in peril. She is a brilliant evil scientist. But we get a hint at a troubled past, an aching loneliness in her that probably led to her malevolence. I don't always need a sympathetic villain but it sort of works here.

The art is just stellar throughout. Campbell gives us this charming Linda, fighting giant apes and trying on clothes. It is glorious.

Now as a lifelong Supergirl fan, I am eating up the nostalgia bombs with a spoon. I hope the general population is loving it as much as me. I don't think they pull the novice out of the story. They clearly enhance it for a mega-fan like me. (Heck, even the cover is an homage to Super DC Giant #S-24!

On to the book.

Review: Supergirl #1 (v8)

Supergirl #1 came out this week, the first new Supergirl solo issue to be on the racks for almost 5 years. And the first Supergirl issue that felt like the Supergirl I love in a long time.

Since the title was announced, writer/artist Sophie Campbell has been saying all the right things. She liked the character. She had read and enjoyed Supergirl's history, especially the Bronze Age. She wanted to bring a warmth to the character, something missing in recent times. She was bringing back Streaky.

All of that shows in this first issue. But there's more than that. There's a respect for the character's history that is evident too.

Grant Morrison's take on Batman was that all the stories happened. It seems like Campbell is a believer of that philosophy here. There are more nods, mentions, and homages to Supergirl's history in this issue than I can count. Moreover, they come from solidly Silver Age, through the bonkers 70s, into the 80s, and right up to the Rebirth era. 

Somehow all of that of that history has to fit into a Supergirl that seems like she is around 17 here. This is a sort of soft reboot, like what Paul Kupperberg did in Daring New Adventures of Supergirl #1 back in the 80s. By making Supergirl younger, it brings back one of the most important historical themes of her character. She's a young hero. She's learning. She is trying to figure out who she is. That sometimes isn't easy when Superman is your cousin. Supergirl questions herself a couple of times here in a way that feels both classic and fresh. 

But she isn't timid or reluctant to act or lacking confidence. She is a complete hero in this book, leaping into action to save people without a second thought, standing up for people who need help. 

That's my Supergirl. Warm, heroic, learning.

I really love Campbell's art, particularly in Jem and The Holograms in the past, and she shines here. She brings a sense of fun and whimsy and pizzazz to the action. The plot and art mesh completely.

Add a mystery and a cliffhanger and you have a winner.

Yes, this might feel like a small step backwards from the 20-something field general we saw by Joshua Williamson and Phillip Kennedy Johnson. But this is a step that historically works. 

It is definitely a huge step away from recent missteps like the catatonic hero of Mariko Tamaki or the depressed, drunk killer in Woman of Tomorrow. 

On to details.

Supergirl #2 Homage Cover

Just yesterday I reviewed Action Comics #279, the first appearance of Lesla Lar. I was prompted to review because it was revealed in solicits that Lesla Lar is in the upcoming Supergirl #2 by Sophie Campbell. Furthermore, the solicit also says that Lar is impersonating Supergirl in Midvale. All of that is a riff on the original Lesla Lar story arc.

While the book is still a bit away, I have been feeling some cautious optimism about it. Most of the optimism comes from the feeling that Campbell actually likes the character of Supergirl ... unlike other writers who have her shoot up schools, hate Superman, become 'the mistress of the axe' and abandon Earth, bring a young girl to a stoning execution, or just plain be boring. 

I could be wrong. 

But things like bringing back an impersonating Lesla Lar to Midvale, it feels like there is a respect for the character.

So I thought I would read all the old Lesla Lar appearances, figuring I'm eventually going to Back Issue Box review them all. 

So I did indeed go to the long boxes and pulled out Super DC Giant S-24, a reprint collection of Lesla's second arc. 

That night I woke up and 4am because it finally hit me.

Look at this cover.

Now look at the two covers side by side.

Look at the middle strip in particular. Even the dialogue is the same. 

Sophie Campbell is homaging a 1970's Supergirl reprint comic cover for the current series.

I said it feels like Campbell respects the character, likes her. Something like this makes me feel like I might be right.

This is pretty cool.

New Supergirl Book By Sophie Campbell

The official DC May solicits haven't hit the web yet but Bleeding Cool already has scans of the previews and lo and behold there is news of a new Supergirl book. Here is the solicit and some preview art.

SUPERGIRL #1
Written by SOPHIE CAMPBELL Art and cover by SOPHIE CAMPBELL
Variant covers by STANLEY "ARTGERM" LAU, PABLO VILLALOBOS, and JOSHUA MIDDLETON
1:25 variant cover by BILQUIS EVELY 

1:50 variant cover by W. SCOTT FORBES 

Foil variant cover by STANLEY "ARTGERM" LAU 

Blank variant cover
ON SALE 5/14/25

Kara Zor-El has been a key member of the Super-Family in Metropolis, but what happens when she strikes out on her own? Follow Kara as she returns to her roots in Midvale…home of Supergirl! But how could this be? Our hero has not been back in years, and the protector of that town has been saving the day for weeks. Can Supergirl stop the impostor before they steal her fresh start and life?
Celebrated writer/artist Sophie Campbell (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Wet Moon) makes her mark on the DC Universe with this thrilling debut issue! Plus a new costume designed by bestselling cover artist Stanley "Artgerm" Lau.  NOT FINAL TRADE DRESS COVERS

There is a lot to unpack here. I very much love Campbell's art but I haven't read much of the stories she has written. Her writing style will be new to me. That said the solicit sounds great.

I think the Super-family has swollen to pretty big numbers so I think moving Supergirl out of the city and letting her branch out on her own, be the solo star, is great. I also like Midvale being the setting, a flashback to classic Supergirl.  I have loved her relationship with Superman in the Williamson and Phillip Kennedy Johnson books but it will be nice to see her not be second in command and instead marching her own way. 

I do know that Campbell has been on TMNT recently and I would love to hear from anyone who read that what they thought. 

Review: Superman Red And Blue #6

Superman Red and Blue #6 came out this week and was a great send off for this mini-series. I have to say, each issue of this thing seemed to get better and better. I am glad DC gave Superman this chance to shine.

This issue finally gave us some Supergirl, albeit in a Streaky story. But the fact that we got a Streaky story made this worth the money. 

Outside that we get a story about the difficulties of being Clark Kent, unable to cover his own exploits as Superman. We get a story about the mainstay of Smallville and how she has witnessed Clark's life  through the years, impacting him more than our hero knew. We get some farm life wisdom seeping into big city life. And we get to see how Superman's revealing of his identity inspires a young man. 

There wasn't much action in this issue. But I don't mind. Many of my favorite stories are about Superman being an inspiration. Or how his Smallville life formed his morality. Or about Supergirl and her super cat. For me, this was the perfect last issue. 

I'd be remiss if I didn't mention this Doc Shaner cover. This should be a t-shirt, a poster, and a mug. This should be everywhere. I love how we get Supergirl, Power Girl, and Krypto right there. Heck, Comet and Streaky are there too. Doc Shaner can do no wrong.