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.

My Adventures With Superman S3E2

My Adventures of Superman S3E2 came out last week and continued to push the overall storyline of this season forward. It is clear that the showrunners are going to lean into two areas. The first will be the concept of identity, especially in Supergirl and for plot, the idea of the Reign of Supermen, probably looking at what it means to be Superman, or an evil version, or a clone, etc. Meanwhile, it continues to be amusing and cute in just the right measure.

This episode brings the super-crew to, of all places, a fan con. Most of that plotline revolves around Supergirl coming to grips with being new to the world and wanting to have a partner. From Jimmy's noble worries about Kara's affection to Cat Grant becoming a foil (leaning into Sterling Gates' run), we are going to get a lot of Supergirl dealing with her past and future this season. After last year's rough run of her as Brainiac's weapon, I hope we will see her get to a happy place.

As for the other theme of Superman's identity, we already had a version of Bizarro introduced. In this episode, we get Hank Henshaw's Cyborg Superman. Perhaps the thing that pleases me the most is that Luthor is really deep in that mess. I want to see Lex sort of emerge as the arch-villain here.

Despite the heavy topics, there is still the humor I love in the show. A super-villain wanting to date Superman. Jimmy Olsen's self-made comic books. Lois losing her mind. Cat Grant cackling like a Disney evil queen. It all made me smile between the action.

Love the series. On to the episode.

Review: Lobo #4

I have never been a fan of Lobo, a parody character that somehow took on a life of his own. The crude humor and bloody action just doesn't grip me. So when Lobo was announced as a 'next level' book, I knew it wouldn't land on my pull list.

With Lobo a big part of the upcoming Supergirl movie, I figured a comic crossover between Supergirl and Lobo was bound to happen. And, in what I think is a sign of the times, Supergirl is the guest in Supergirl's book and not the other way around. Guest stars are supposed to tempt fans of the guest to try a book. Heck, I am trying this book I would otherwise be avoiding because this week's Lobo #4 has Kara front and center. In his heyday in the 90's, Lobo would be the guest to lure in readers.

Skottie Young is the writer of the Lobo book and brings to the proceedings what you would expect - loud, brash violence peppered with curses and lowbrow humor. If you are looking for that, you got it! In the issue here, Lobo is trying to break into an auxiliary Fortress of Solitude and runs into Supergirl. Mayhem ensues. Not much else happens here other than a few good quips.

Jorge Corona's art is the perfect style for this title. It veers near some Trencher-esque Giffen electricity. There also is a sort of Howard Porter feel to some of this, reminding me of the JLA 3001 book Kara starred in.  It is rough and almost blotchy in places, evoking the chaos of Lobo and his world. His Kara jumps right into the action, punching with her fists while still remaining cute and pouty. If I was a Lobo fan, I'd want someone like Corona on art.

On to the book.

Review: My Adventures With Superman S3E1

Season three of My Adventures With Superman started this week and truly hit the ground running. It is a brisk half-hour show with all the action, comic history and homages, and whimsy of the first two seasons. I don't know how the creators are walk the tightrope of anime slice-of-life young romance, deep existential dread of overcoming early trauma, scifi action, DC lore, and enough hints of ongoing threads to make my head spin.

It is clear based on the season card, name-drops, and plot points that we will be circling the 'Reign of the Supermen' storyline. Or, at the very least, what it means to be Superman, what it means to be Kryptonian, and how one can define themselves. We hear about Hank Henshaw. We see Bizarro. We see Supergirl recognizing the psychological weight of needing to redefining herself away from Brainiac, Kryptonian robots hinting at the need to reinvigorate their culture, and we even see Lois dealing with her upbringing and how that made her who she is. All of that is reflected against Superman's sunniness and his Kent upbringing. Whew ... all that in the first episode.

But in all that thick plot, there is still the fun and joy we saw in this show's first two seasons. Clark and Lois' flirting and teasing. Jimmy and Kara's romance. Kara still being a bit of a stranger in a strange land. And Clark just wanting the simple things in life like a Halloween festival, the crispness of an autumn day, and a dog.

For Supergirl fans, she will clearly be a central figure on the show as she struggles with her new life. Should be a great showcase for her and will resonate with the movie's take on Kara.

On to some details and highpoints. There are a lot so settle in!

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: Spider-Man/Superman #1 Supergirl/Ghost Spider Story

Welcome to the week of Spider-Man/Superman #1, the Marvel release of the latest DC/Marvel crossover. I had recently done a deep dive on the Superman/Spider-Man #1 comic on the site. I must admit, both companies did a great job on these books with very entertaining main stories and very interesting back-ups.

Somehow Marvel got the luck of having the Supergirl story in the lot. And I was thrilled when I heard the team-up was going to be with Ghost Spider. As a huge Gwen Stacy fan, this seemed like a 'chocolate and peanut butter' moment, the perfect combo. Add in Phil Noto, a long time favorite of mine and I was really excited.

The writer of 'Remarkable' was Stephanie Phillips who I feel is a sort of hit-or-miss writer for me. I have enjoyed some of her work, the early issues of her Harley Quinn run and the current She-Hulk book for example. But this story's premise that Kara and Gwen would be sort of catty towards each other, acting like mean girls, seemed a little bit off. I do feel that maybe the story sticks the landing but given it is unlikely that these characters will ever meet again, it seemed like a wasted opportunity to see a true team-up.

Kudos to Peach Momoko for this slick cover. Love the pastel covers and the smiling Kara standing tall!

On to the book.

Review: Batman/Superman World's Finest #50

Batman/Superman World's Finest #50 came out this week, an oversized special celebration. Since this title hit the stands, it has been one best books on the racks month in, month out. Writer Mark Waid has been here throughout. As I have said time and time again, Waid has a perfect understanding of these characters and is able to walk the tightrope between classic and modern.

Waid crafts two stories for this issue. The first is a pretty fun team-up of our title characters. One of the things that people have asked in the past is how Superman and Batman could be friends when they methods are so different. In the first issue, Waid plays up the differences to a hundred, a level that has been in continuity in the past but no longer. It is fun to see Waid have them arguing with each other. 

But it is the second story that is the big win here. We go to the back-up World's Finest teams, Supergirl/Batgirl and Jimmy Olsen/Robin pairs in an old-fashioned contest to see which team is better. Waid has made the Kara/Dick relationship crackle in this else-when book. We have seen Jimmy team up with Babs here as well. So fun seeing them mix and match here, first racing each other then teaming up. This is a super-fun story.

Throw in some deep DC cuts in both and you have a win.

The first story is drawn by the masterful Dan Mora who gets to stretch his Ditko muscles in a crazy dream world. Whether it is insane action or crazy page layouts, Mora understood the mission. Regular title artist Adrian Gutierrez draws the second story and shines with his usual sound effect flourishes. Yes, I like his Supergirl, always a bonus.

On to the fun!

Back Issue Box: Adventure Comics #400

One of the things I have very much enjoyed about the current volume of Supergirl by Sophie Campbell is how it is really mining the history of Supergirl. From homages to deep cuts, from the Silver Age on, Campbell is showing a knowledge and respect of Supergirl's lore. The latest? The introduction of Black Flame into current continuity.

I've covered Black Flame on the blog before but somehow I haven't reviewed her craziest story. I'll rectify that right now.

Adventure Comics #400 had quite a cover. First, there is the big '35th anniversary 400th issue' banner.

The cover is also a good draw with a defeated Supergirl, contorted in agony under the feet of an unknown assailant. But the 'final battle' in the dialogue box means this isn't their first, a decent hint. 

'Return of the Black Flame' was written and drawn by Mike Sekowsky, in the middle of his run with the character. There are times I like to think that these stories take place on Earth-Sekowsky given how loose he played at times with continuity. This story is probably the best (or is it worst) example of that so settle in. 

Hmmm, maybe these take place on Earth-B, the place where Bob Haney's Brave and Bold stories took place given their also tenuous grasp on continuity?

Okay, on to the story, one of the nuttiest Supergirl stories ever.

Bullet Review: DC KO #3

DC KO #3, written by Scott Snyder with art by Javi Fernandez, came out this week and was another bonkers, high energy brawl of a book as our heroes and villains vie to see who will win the title King Omega and take on Darkseid to reinvent the universe.

It feels intentionally over the top with the fate of the universe at hand, the winner being able to scrawl their idea of what reality should be. 

Round one was a battle royale style race for immunity totems (magical items).

Round two was a two out of three solo match.

Round three is a tag-team match with each entrant able to pick their partner.

It is silly in a good way with high stakes and I have mostly enjoyed it. But two things have detracted my enjoyment from the title.

The first is a bit meta, the promotion of the event. I will talk about that at the end.

The second, how Supergirl was treated in this particular issue hence the bullet review.

They are, overall, small distractions to the insanity of the book. It is fun in an 'over the top' way.

But let's dive into Supergirl's part in this issue.

The rules of engagement are clear. The Elite Eight are allowed to pick a partner, any partner, got the tag team battle. If they don't choose a partner, one will be chosen for them.

Superman chooses last. The omnipotent voice almost chooses for him but then Clark makes up his mind.

Is the crumbling Supergirl statue supposed to mean she is who was almost chosen for him? Does it mean he contemplated picking her but picked someone else?

Either way, at least she was near the top. 

But then ...

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.

Bullet Review: DC's I Saw Ma Hunker Kissing Santa Claus - Supergirl Story

DC Comics released their Christmas special, I Saw Ma Hunkle Kissing Santa Claus' this week. These anthologies have been coming fast and furious these days and cost a pretty penny. They also seem to be more of a New Talent Showcase featuring fresh names of creators I don't really know. So there needs to be a draw for me to be lured.

Let's just say DC had me with the Ryan Sook Supergirl/Brainiac Five variant cover. There is sort of a futuristic Norman Rockwell feel to it. And I am a 'KaraDox' kind of guy. So this was a win. It is gorgeous. 

Of course, a cover alone can't get me to buy. Luckily there is a Supergirl story on the inside as well, written by Ash Padilla with art by Anthony Marques, both new to me. 

There are some other fun stories in the book. I mean, where else can I get Animal Man, the 'new' Dr. Light, and Martian Manhunter holiday stories. So I plunked my money down.

What I got was a very sweet Supergirl story, set in a sort of elsewhen past but with a great ending. The hints were planted throughout the story so I can't say it was a surprise ending but it was still wonderful. So let's just dive in.

Review: Adventure Comics #291 (redux)

In the DC Comics December 2025 solicits, the plot of Supergirl #8 is shown to be our hero going up against her abandoned Linda Danvers robot duplicate. It is a story I can't wait to read. But it made me wonder when was the last time a Linda Lee robot had been seen in continuity. 

Now I freely admit that I didn't do a deep dive scrub of every comic but Adventure Comics #391 was the last story I found a Linda robot in. And boy what a story it is. The robot bit is the smallest part of a 12 page story that has planetary student exchange programs, a deeper dive into another world's culture than I would have expected, a deeper dive into alien anatomy than I would have expected, and more twists and turns that even the most wacky Silver Age story. It even has a college protest in it so it remains relevant today! So settle in! More plot and info is dumped in this back-up story than in many current comic 6 issue arcs.

But it is also one of those overly elaborate plots that makes little sense if you think about it too hard.

This issue also was a bit of a throwback for me to read again. Hard to believe but 10 years ago, I reviewed the cover story 'Linda Danvers, Super-Star' . That review was spurred on by Melissa Benoist talking about wire-work on the Supergirl show. That feels like a lifetime ago!

Anyways, this was a bonkers fun story to review and I promise that the destiny of one Linda Lee robot is definitively met in this story. If anyone knows of a later appearance of a robot double, please let me know and I will cover it here with full recognition.

On to the book!

Review: Batman/Superman World's Finest #44

Batman/Superman World's Finest #44 came out this week and was a rollicking good time, bringing together the oddball team of Robin and Supergirl again. I have been waiting to read a story with these two on an adventure since the first time Mark Waid teamed them up in World's Finest #12.

One thing I have liked about this title as a whole is that Waid gives himself a 'done in one' issue between big arcs, a sort of breathing space. He has taken advantage of these side adventures to explore our characters a little deeper and have a little fun. And trust me, this issue is a lot of fun.

It builds on the characterization from the earlier stories. In those early arcs and that other solo issue, Kara is a more mature late teen dealing with the razzle-dazzle, overly eager, almost too self-assured Dick. You can feel her eye-rolling at his circus showmanship. But over the course of this story that softens as she gets to understand him more, appreciate him more. And both recognize their status as 'seconds' in their family. Whenever you put two people in a high pressure, high stress situation, emotions will run hot ... and we even get a little bit of that here.

The art here is done by Lucas Meyer who brings a significant polish to the proceedings. There is a little Lupacchino in there, a little Sook, a little Rags Morales. It is all beautiful.

This is a truly a laugh out loud issue. Everyone should be reading this title and, in particular, this issue.

Supergirl #6 (Greek)

One of the things that I truly appreciate about this community is just how generous they are. One of the things I really love is when people who are traveling and see something Supergirl think of me and occasionally send it my way.

A good friend was in Greece recently and sent me two Supergirl books, one of which I will share today. From Anubis Publishing, I present their presentation of Supergirl #6 from the Loeb era of the character. This was on the shelves in the states way back in 2006!

The book sports the 'variant cover' by Ian Churchill. This was during the extremely brief time Greg Rucka was on the book and basically this books first 2 years was so all over the map it was the impetus for me to start the site! I ultimately did review this issue as I deep dived into Kandor at some point. 

This Greek edition is more than just a reprint of the issue though which is why I thought it might be fun to share here. Check out below.

(Now I will say that I don't speak Greek but if one of you out there does ...)

At the very least, I can see how Nightwing is written in the Greek alphabet but there is more.

Bullet Review: New History Of The DC Universe #3

When the New History of the DC Universe was announced, I was thrilled.

Three issues in and I am confused at best and dissatisfied at worst. 

Writer Mark Waid is working with a smorgasbord of great artists on the book. This issue has art by Dan Jurgens and Doug Manhnke, which makes sense given some of the events covered here.

This issue Waid takes us from the aftermath of the Crisis of the Infinite Earths to Final Crisis. But it seems like DC has decided that everything has happened. Like, everything. 

So in essence, this becomes a bit more like a list of events rather than a historical epic. And sometimes things don't seem to make sense. 

Let's take a look at New History of the DC Universe #3 solely from Supergirl perspective. I already talked about how in History #2, Kara's age and the very presence of COIE in a non-multiverse universe was pretty confusing.

So how do we get to the current Supergirl? And what do you do with the Matrix Supergirl adventures? 

You say they happened ... 

Review: Justice League Vs Godzilla Vs Kong 2 #3

Justice League Vs Godzilla Vs Kong 2 #3 came out this week and continues to be a fun mashup of the Monarch Universe and the DCU. The first series was a hoot and this one is just as fun, a high action adventure with heroes, villains, and monsters.

Writer Brian Buccellato continues to weave a good story of a villainous Suicide Squad trying to obtain power and technology from the Monarch Earth. Setting the series on that Earth has led to some fun wrinkles, like our Kryptonian heroes not utilizing this yellow sun to peak efficiency and powering down. But it is the dual villainous leads of Lex Luthor and Colonel Shaw that I find most interesting. Who will backstab who first? As always, Supergirl continues to play a decent role in the book which makes me happy. Seeing her team up with Wonder Woman is always a treat and it is here as well.

Christian Duce remains on solo art and continues to give us a gorgeous book. This issue is more human machinations than kaiju mayhem. But there are a couple of panels that I will point out where you see just how great his art is.

And we end on a cliffhanger which I am going to guess how it turns out within the review. This time I'm right!

On to the book. 

Review: Justice League Vs Godzilla Vs Kong 2 #2

I am reviewing two books this week. One is a Milk Bone promotion for Krypto. The other is DC heroes and villains fighting giant kaiju from classic monster movies. Let us all sit back and realize that at least for now all is well. 

Justice League Vs Godzilla Vs Kong 2 #2 came out last week and continued to keep the foot down on velocity. The heroes are on Godzilla's home world dealing with a new environment and ornery monsters. The villains have teamed up with Colonel Shaw, trying to utilize science to fight or gain control of the monsters. And, of course, the villains and heroes fight. But outside of these enormous action sequences, we have a number of subplots and character moments that I find very entertaining. 

Writer Brian Buccellato continues to spin the story well. Yes, we get kaiju fights and superheroes against kaiju fights. But we get fun character moments. From lex's scheming to Captain Cold's idiocy to Batman's strategy to Supergirl's pro-active stance and heroics, we are get fun interactions with the action. Buccellato has to be a Supergirl fan. She was a big part of the last series and she remains very visible here.

Christian Duce does the entirety of the art. I love his smooth, detailed, fine lined work. He really gets to spread his wings this issue. Giant monsters fighting giant monsters. Or giant monsters fighting human heroes. Or villains fighting heroes. It's all there.

This remains a complete romp, a perfect summer popcorn mini-series.

On to the book.

Back Issue Box: Action Comics #297 (sort of) - The End Of Lesla Lar (sort of)

With her return in the current Supergirl book by Sophie Campbell, I have been doing a deep dive into Lesla Lar's first storyline, a multi-part classic with a million twists and turns. I'd advise you go back and read those reviews before this one.  But the last part ended with Lesla being discovered by Kandorian police and hauled off to jail.

But what ultimately happened to her? Well we find out in 1962's Action Comics #297, a whole 15 months after her last appearance! And when I say 'ultimately', I mean until she is brought back decades later. 

One thing I have to say about this era of Supergirl stories, which appeared as back-ups in Action Comics, is that they really told a running narrative, more akin to current comics than the time. There were subplots and multi-part stories that ran through several issues, unlike the Superman stories which were mostly 'done-in-one' adventures.

Nothing shows that more than Super DC Giant #S-24 from 1971 which sports a great Curt Swan cover (with Mike Sekowsky throwing in the bottom costume bit), a cover which Sophie Campbell homaged with Supergirl #2 . 

My review of the story comes from this reprint which covers four consecutive back-up stories which comprise one long narrative. And what a story. We get the introduction of Lena Thorul, who doesn't know she is Lex's sister Lena Luthor. We learn about Lena's ESP powers. And we get the return of Lesla and Supergirl defeating both Lex and Phantom Zone villains. Kudos to DC for recognizing this is a banger of a story and worth collecting.

Lesla appears in chapter 3. So buckle up!

'The Forbidden Weapons of Krypton' was written by Leo Dorfman with art by Jim Mooney.  As you see, there is the 'from Action #297' box from my reprint issue. 

We get this mini-splash to open the proceedings and tease the story. Supergirl stands alone against Phantom Zone villains in a battle of survival. With Superman in the past and a barrier blocking time travel, she stands alone!

But we start with more mundane proceedings.

Lena (who at this time doesn't know she is a Luthor) has entered Linda's life. Through the usual shenanigans, Dick Malverne thinks Lena is Supergirl. Even stranger, Lena admits she IS Supergirl to Dick. 

Supergirl can't understand why Lena would lie. But I love the miffed face she is sporting in that first panel. She can't quite get over it, even complaining to her step parents that night. Perhaps there is a little jealousy since Dick is involved?

But in a flashback we see why Lena lied.

Lesla has broken out of prison and is up to her old tricks. Holed up in a secret lab, she begins to hatch a plot. She uses her mind control ray to make Lena say she is Supergirl, knowing the real one is eavesdropping. 

Lesla is just delicious in her schemes.

But she feels a bit like a one-trick pony here.

Instead of switching places with Supergirl, this time she'll switch with Lena. So now Lena is in the mind-control helmet being convinced she is Lesla while Lesla goes up to Earth and takes Lena's place.

Even better, she sets off an 'anti-monitor' bomb, blocking all video transmissions out of Kandor and even plugs the cork. The Kandorians have no idea what is happening on Earth and they cannot warn the cousins.

A bit to unpack. 

The switch identities trick is such a complicated plot but I guess if Lesla doesn't want to appear to be missing from Kandor she has to do it. Also, isn't it strange that Lesla/Lena/Linda all look so much alike that they can swap in and out for each other? Crazy.

But lastly, we could have used an Anti-Monitor bomb in the Crisis. Just sayin'.

When Supergirl goes to visit Lena and confront her about the lie, she is actually visiting Lesla. 

Lesla shows off that she has super-powers (she is Kryptonian after all) but then spins a tale to explain things. She says, as Lena, she discovered she was a Luthor and drank a serum Lex was making that gave her powers. Moreover, 'Lena' wants to become a super-hero fighting evil.

I just have to say it again. Lesla looked enough like Supergirl to replace her. And she looks enough like Lena to replace her? Three exact duplicates!

And crazy artistic choice in the second panel. I suppose with that many words, to construct a panel with people might be too hard. So Mooney pulls back to show the house! Incredible.

Instead of doing some low-level scheming and living a bit as Lena hoping to slowly destroy Supergirl, Lesla kicks her plan into high gear with 'Operation Breakthrough'!

She creates a 'trans-dimensional lens' out of a simple television!!! Her tech is insane! Imagine if Lesla was a force for good! 

By the way, check out that costume and now look at the last page of Supergirl #2. Bless Sophie Campbell for the deep cuts.

The plan is relatively simple. Use the lens to open up the Phantom Zone and bring out some of the worst of the worse - Zod, Kru-El, and Jax-Ur. I love that Dorfman gives us little bios about the criminals so we know their bona fides.

And even better, I like that he realizes that Mon-El would also try to get out to fight the bad guys. How crazy that Lesla was prepared with a 'lead gun' to drive him back into the Zone.

This was before the internet and Who's Who. Those history lessons, like with the villains, was essential back then and even when I was first reading.

You would think that 4 Kryptonians on Earth would be enough of a threat to the world. But they want to beef up even that threat level. They head to the bottom of the ocean to find Kru-El's cache of weapons. Could this be the same trunk seen in Adventure Comics #283? No editor's note but given Kru-El's dialog I am saying that it is the same.

And what a cache! First off, a force beam that blocks the Earth from outside forces including temporally! Superman is in the past on a mission. The Legion is in the future. Neither can come to help fight these villains.

Now that is some weapon!

Also inside is a disintegrator pistol. Will it work against a super-powered Kryptonian? There is only one way for the villainous group to find out ... fire it on one of their own members. 

Alas, Lesla loses the draw. So despite freeing these guys they kill her. 

Goodbye Lesla Lar (sort of). 

The gun shorts out so it cannot be used again. I don't know why the writer felt they needed to kill of Lesla in this way. They didn't even need to bring the gun into the story (which, of course, couldn't stick around because it could kill our heroes). 

Poor Lesla.

Left alone, Supergirl seems to be able to stymie the villains. But then Kru-El hits her with another weapon. Struck by a 'plague beam' from his belt, Supergirl radiates an aura that turns any living being into a plant!

That is some crazy cache of weapons!!

Now you think Supergirl would go to the Justice League and recruit Wonder Woman and Green Lantern. But instead she thinks the best person to team up with is Lex. He initially laughs her off but she then tells him that Lena is stuck in Kandor. With his sister in peril, Lex joins the fight! TO BE CONTINUED!

I still feel Lesla's death was too quick and so needless. Supergirl needed a rogue's gallery. Lesla was a perfect Lex-like foil. But as I said she only sort of died.

Lesla Lar comes back in another multi-part story by Jack C. Harris in Superman Family in the early 80s. As a disembodied sentience, we see her manipulate events in her quest for revenge! 

And now we have her back in the current book!

I loved this long story as much as the first Lesla one, especially since this had big stakes and Supergirl forced to use her wits to defeat everyone. The weapons cache is crazy but certainly pushed the threat level up. Perhaps one day I'll own the actual issue!

Overall grade: B+

Review: Action Comics #282

We are two issues into the new Supergirl comic run and Lesla Lar has been a big part of this opening arc. I have been reviewing the Lar's initial storyline which was in a long arc, especially for the Silver Age, leading up to Supergirl's being revealed to the world in Action Comics #285. 

Action Comics #282 brings Lar's initial story arc to a close in a rather abrupt fashion. Like every chapter in this storyline, this was one is crazy with a futuristic adventure, a villain's plot foiled by insomnia, and the inclusion of a certain 5th dimensional magic imp. But there is definitely this feeling that DC wanted Supergirl to sort of turn the corner in her stories. She has a new hair cut. She meets an old friend again. And, of course, she is introduced to the world changing everything in her life in a few months.

Writer Jerry Siegel brings some wild action to the proceedings. What I really love is how Siegel inserts a quick snippet of a story of a fascist group being overthrown by a rebel group which embraces knowledge. Given Superman's early political leanings by Siegel as well as his upbringing, seeing Supergirl bring down a fascist regime was great. (Of course, it's the Silver Age and therefore is done in 2 plus pages.) And when this issue ends, Supergirl is stronger than Superman as well!

I can continue to talk about how Jim Mooney is the perfect artist for the Supergirl of this time. A legend. But I have to say, I think he is putting in some extra energy whenever he draws Lesla Lar who is just dripping with pettiness and anger.

On to the book!

Review: Justice League Vs Godzilla Vs Kong 2 #1

Justice League Vs. Godzilla Vs. Kong 2 #1 came out last week, the first part of the sequel to last year's JL v G v K first series. Now I loved the first series, an Elseworlds book smushing kaiju with Super Friends with Supergirl all together. It was fun to see an old school Toyman just want to have fun with giant toys leading to a brawl.

DC made the right decision bringing the band back together. Writer Brian Buccellato and artist Christian Duce are back on the scene. This time instead of bringing the Legendary Monsters to the DC world, our heroes and villains are heading to the monster's Earth. That new wrinkle, a different world and a different yellow sun, might mean something.

Our heroes have a classic feel to them, almost Bronze Age in personality. Instead of bringing in the Legion of Doom again, Buccellato brings in the Suicide Squad as 'the bad guys'. Now I, for one, am pretty sick of Amanda Waller who is seems omnipresent. But Buccellato throws a nice curve ball into the proceedings. One has to do with Waller. The other is putting Lex on the Squad which surely will lead to some laughs.

Most importantly for me, Supergirl is back and is portrayed in the same positive manner she was last series. I better see more of her and Kong. Match made in heaven.

Duce brings such a sweet slick style to the book. From an opening wedding scene to a giant monster fight to our heroes using their powers, the book is a joy to behold. In particular, the King Shark vs. Godzilla fight has the potency a kaiju fight should. Plus his Kara is stunning.

On to the book, the perfect 'Summer movie' book as the summer opens.