Sales Review: August 2010

It is that time of the month again, a time becoming consistently depressing. Over on ICv2, the sales numbers from August 2010 were released. In some somewhat shocking news, the comics world as a whole took a bath last month with sales plummeting and no comic topping 100K in sales. Here is the link: http://www.icv2.com/articles/news/18352.html

And the top 300 comics are listed here: http://www.icv2.com/articles/news/18350.html 

Now if the whole comic world sank last month, I shouldn't have been surprised to see Supergirl #55 fall a bit as well. Down 4% from July's sales, Supergirl #55 sold 25,891 units. This issue continued the BizarroGirl story arc and was the first issue with Amy Reeder as cover artist.

I have decided not to read too much into these things anymore. I have simply decided that the book is healthy and hopefully has a long healthy future in front of it. Almost all comics fell last month, this was just one of them. But I wonder if I might be whistling past the graveyard.

As I have said before, the sad thing is that this is the book I think many of us have been clamoring for, free of weighty crossovers with strong stories and great art. So I am perplexed by the erosion into sales here. Hopefully persistent good word of mouth and recognition by the pro web sites will bring people to the title.

Review: Supergirl #55

The unofficial title of the current Supergirl arc is 'Who is Supergirl?', a time where Kara is re-inventing, re-discovering herself after the War of the Supermen and the destruction of new Krypton.

One thing that I have appreciated about Sterling Gates and Jamal Igle, really since they took over the title, is the fact that they have acknowledged Supergirl's rocky past in current storylines. While it isn't in the distant past, the events of War of the Supermen happened. It would be easy to simply ignore the fallout of New Krypton, Gates and Igle are having Supergirl come to terms emotionally ... mentally ... with it. Certainly this has been a much more introspective response that Superman's walk across America. He is looking out. Supergirl is looking inwards. 

Facing off against BizarroGirl, a warped version of herself, has shaken Supergirl out of her doldrums resulting in the action of Supergirl #55. And there is a lot of action ... but more on that later.

I figure the first order of business is to officially welcome Amy Reeder to Team Supergirl. Her first cover is haunting and really plays on the 'twisted reflection feel of BizarroGirl. BizarroGirl seems gleefully feral while Supergirl is reflected around her.

The main reflection of Supergirl shows a normally oriented S-shield. Of course, since this is a reflection, that means that Supergirl is wearing a backwards S. This miscue doesn't take away from the strength of the piece. I hope Reeder has a long run as cover artist on the title.

I always appreciate the small touches in this book. Here we see that Supergirl's origin blurb has been updated. It now includes Linda Lang. It also states she now fights for the American way where it once said she fought for the Kryptonian way. It is a small little nuance, giving us some insight to what Supergirl is feeling. I appreciate this sort of attention to detail.

Well, I came up with all sorts of theories about the origins of BizarroGirl but it turns out she is a standard Bizarro from Bizarro world. She was rocketed to Earth by Bizarro #1 himself. he was trying to escape with her to avoid some planetary threat called the Godship.

In classic Bizarro style, BizarroGirl is roped and gagged in the rocket. Why? Who knows. That is the essence of Bizarro.

But it is clear that Bizarro #1 is afraid of this Godship. Whole cities have been destroyed on Bizarro world. What is this threat? Interesting.

But that was there. Now BizarroGirl is on Earth, Supergirl has been petrified by BizarroGirl's 'solid vision', and Supergirl's friends are in danger.

I still don't think BizarroGirl is your average Bizarro. She doesn't backwards speak. She is much more belligerent. She is darker that I am used to seeing Bizarros in the past. And, unfortunately, I think this speaks more to what Supergirl is feeling on the inside. Kara is going through a lot of anguish ... BizarroGirl manifests that in this backwards way.

I mean, here BizarroGirl threatens to roast and eat Jimmy Olsen. That is just wrong.

Luckily for Jimmy, Supergirl arrives to save the day, smashing the petrified version of herself over BizarroGirl.

Turns out the 'solid vision' only seemed to encase Supergirl. When she clubs BizarroGirl with it, the Supergirl statue shatters like a shell.

In a flashback (hee hee), we see the Flash having taught Supergirl how to vibrate through solid objects. That is how she escaped.

It is a subtle touch, one we have seen before, Jamal Igle puts Kara in her skimpier top, keying us in that this has happened in the more distant past. I also like how he has Supergirl touching her chin, that subtle personality quirk that is classic Supergirl.

While Supergirl and BizarroGirl battle into the streets of Metropolis, Cat Grant is up to her old tricks.

She plans to expose Lana as Supergirl's 'Daily Planet Informant'. But before she can tell Perry White about her scoop, she is distracted by a package from a fan ... 'another' package. Most likely it is another doll like we saw way back in Supergirl #38.

Remember this?

It has to be the Toyman.

Supergirl and BizarroGirl continue to brawl. Supergirl saves Gangbuster from having his head pulped by her misshapen clone.

Whether intentional or not, Supergirl does the right thing, slamming BizarroGirl with a left hook that sends her away from populated areas of the city.

I like how BizarroGirl squeals with joy as she flies off screen.

And while Supergirl has certainly used her brawn in this fight, she wins it with her brains.

Freeing Dr. Light, she theorizes what solar radiation will depower BizarroGirl the way red sun radiation depowers her. Supergirl is still a science guild member in her heart. I love the look on Supergirl's face ... a sort of happy pride knowing she has figured out a solution. Dr. Light blasts BizarroGirl from orbit with a massive beam of solar power.

With BizarroGirl suddenly depowered, Supergirl dispatches her with a flick of the finger.

I love how gates' has Supergirl struggle with her 'witty combat banter'. I don't think she has ever said something snappy and perfect. Here Dr. Light even teases her about her victory phrase. It's endearing.

Here is my favorite moment of the book.

With BizarroGirl unconscious, Dr. Light callously talks about imprisoning and studying her. It sounds all too much like Alura torturing Reactron ... and Kara can't be part of something like that. The expression on Kara's face tells it all ... a mix of stress and guilt. It almost looks like she is suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder.

This again shows the maturation process that Supergirl is going through, the ethics she is formulating. It makes me wonder if Supergirl would approve what is happening to Lucy at S.T.A.R. She certainly can't let Dr. Light do anything like that to BizarroGirl.

That powerful moment is followed by my least favorite moment of the book.

To stop Dr. Light from capturing BizarroGirl, Kara punches her.

While I understand the sentiment, while I can guess the emotions roiling through Supergirl that might lead her to do something rash, there are plenty of ways that she could have delayed or incapacitated Kimoyo without this degree of violence.

This isn't the act of a maturing hero.

Rather than letting BizarroGirl suffer on Earth, Supergirl plans to take her back home. Piling into the rocket, she plots a flight back to the Bizarro world.

Will the two Karas be able to thwart the Godship? I like this panel a lot, determination written all over Supergirl's face, the lighting silhouetting her eyes giving it a dramatic flair.

I thought this was a very good issue, really pushing the arc along. While the action was great, it really was the characterization of Supergirl that shined brightest here, especially that moment where she remembers Reactron. Supergirl has really been scarred by New Krypton. I am so glad that Gates and Igle are exploring that rather than shying away from it. If only she didn't slug Dr. Light!

The issue boasts 3 inkers and it is sometimes apparent. The last pages look much smoother than the earlier ones. But Jamal Igle's pencils are solid, Supergirl's expressions saying so much.

Overall grade: B+

Amy Reeder Inteview

I am always interested in hearing what the creative members of the Supergirl team have to say about the character. So I was happy to see Newsarama interview new cover artist Amy Reeder and pick her brain about both Supergirl and Batwoman. Here is the link:

http://www.newsarama.com/comics/batwoman-reeder-interview-100528.html

As always, I would recommend reading the whole interview but here are some blurbs that I think were worth picking over a bit.

Reeder will provide interior art for the second arc of the new Batwoman ongoing series that was announced last month, providing pencils for writer J.H. Williams. (Since DC will only confirm the Batwoman series will start "later this year," Reeder's arc would presumably start sometime early next year.)

Then earlier this month, DC announced that Reeder would be providing covers for Supergirl beginning in August.

So I have really enjoyed Reeder's work on Madame Xanadu, so I was thrilled when she was announced as the Supergirl cover artist.

Then I found out that she will also be drawing the ongoing Batwoman title. Talk about having huge shoes to fill. J.H. Williams work on the Batwoman run of Detective was one of the more lauded art runs on comics in recent history. I think Williams not only defined the character but also a 'look' for the book. I didn't have major interest in the Batwoman character but the creative team of Rucka/Williams grabbed me and I am glad I got those issues. They were absolutely lush. So I was interested in reading Reeder's thoughts about taking over such a spectacular and recognized art run.

Nrama: How did you find out about the opportunity to work on Batwoman with J.H. Williams? And what did you think of the offer?
Reeder: I told Dan Didio I was interested in getting an exclusive contract, and it was his idea that I work on Batwoman alongside J.H. I was honestly pretty floored that he would offer something so high profile!

At first, I felt a little wary of it, because I was such a big fan of what J.H. had done with the character, and I just didn't feel like my art could compare. But, seeing as I entered comics through a contest, I love being challenged, and I can't think of anything that could light more of a fire under me than this. At the time, J.H. was to draw Batwoman, Rucka to write. And now J.H. is writing — I think I'm going to learn so much from him.

I really liked this answer. I think you need to be pushed in life to continue to achieve greater things. Reeder talks about this book as being a challenge. I am no artist, but that is probably how I would approach such a daunting task.

I wonder if Cam Stewart had a similar feeling when he drew Batwoman in the Batman & Robin book.

Nrama: Now that you're getting to work on Batwoman, what do you hope to bring to the character? And what are your thoughts on how you'll approach this comic visually?
Reeder: I think one of my strengths is that I'm good at really capturing a character and what they're all about. Batwoman hasn't been drawn or written by many and here is the perfect opportunity to make her someone specific and undeniably recognizable...untainted by years of straying interpretations. So I hope that when people read my issues, they feel like this IS Batwoman, it looks like her and anything we haven't seen yet is a new, not different, element of her. My goal visually is to find that balance between showing what I have to offer to the book, but still keeping with what J.H. has started. We've already talked over some ways we'd like to keep some visual continuity between our respective issues, for instance keeping the Batwoman pages visually distinct from the Kate pages.

This really intrigues me.

The Williams' issues of Detective are such a wonderful melange of visual styles. There are dark, red powerful Batwoman pages, stuffed with inset intricately-shaped panels. There are the brighter, thicker lined Kate pages. There were the trippy water-colored Alice pages. And then we got the Mazzucelli-esque flashback pages. And all those styles were done by Williams. In this instance, the differing styles were part of the flow of the book. Instead of distracting from the story, they added to it.

So I do like that the 'differing arts for different story aspects' stylistic approach is going to be maintained. I am interested to see how Reeder changes her styles to achieve that.

Nrama: Since you're also doing Supergirl covers, what are the main visual differences between the two characters of Supergirl and Batwoman?
Reeder: Haha, they're like day and night! You know, a lot of this is very subconscious for me. The biggest difference would obviously just be the mood they put across, with their expressions, their gestures, level of rendering and lighting. Supergirl can be whimsical, even cartoony to a certain degree. The goal would be to have people identify with her. Batwoman, on the other hand, has to feel real, like you can smell the dirt on her heel. And she needs to be dealt with in a way that takes her very seriously. To a certain degree, she should scare you.

Something else I pay a great deal of attention to is just plain age. Supergirl is supposed to be 16 or 17. That's a tough age to get just right, and you also have to be concerned with not making her too sexy because of that.

Hmmm ... I don't know if I want Supergirl to be whimsical or cartoony. I wonder if the idea there is that she still has a sense of wonder about the universe, some youthful exuberance and innocence. That I can understand.

Nrama: How difficult is it to switch from being a sequential storyteller to just doing a cover?
Reeder: I think I'm probably better at interiors than covers, so I approach covers in much the same light, like I'm more likely to follow a Norman Rockwell philosophy and try to tell an intricate story with one illustration as opposed to thinking iconically, or with a high design sense. But if I think about it simply, a cover needs to be intriguing, while interiors make you work, and then reward you. Covers should visually sum up an idea or feeling that the book presents as a theme. Because of this, I'm high on visual metaphors. It's the easiest way to present the real conflict without spoiling the story.

Nrama: Do you enjoy the process of doing covers?
Reeder: Most definitely! It's a break from what I normally do and it also gives me a chance to take a little more time on the details, to make it just how I want it. I actually wish I had more time to illustrate solitary pieces. The drawback to covers is just the designs that you loved that don't get used. And if you come up with three designs per cover like you're supposed to, and actually put work into all three like you're supposed to, that's a big graveyard of missed opportunities.

Now this is good news.

I always want my covers to not only convey what is happening in the story. I want it to add something to the story. I don't necessarily need some static pose that doesn't have much to do with the interior. So to hear that Reeder's approach is to boil down the essence of the issue into one image makes me elated. I can't wait to see what's coming up.

And as a fan interested in the background of the creative process, I hope that Reeder will occasionally post her thumbnail designs for covers that weren't chosen. I can remember that Josh Middleton did it a couple of times (specifically I remember the thumbnails for proposed Supergirl #47 covers being on his blog). I really enjoy seeing the different ideas that could have happened.

Nrama: I know you haven't started working on Batwoman yet, so can you describe your approach to Supergirl? What qualities of the character are you hoping to portray and how do you convey her character in a cover image?
Reeder: I try to internalize the character; take what artists and writers have done and figure out what that means in reality, and from that, draw it in my own style. To me she is down to earth (no pun intended), very human (again...), full of energy, incapable of hiding her feelings, and very inquisitive. I try to present her in the light of learning and discovery, as she tries to achieve her goal of becoming emotionally strong and autonomous. As I said earlier, I try to approach these covers in such a way that we can empathize with her.

Wow ...

That description of Supergirl is just about as close to my idea of Supergirl as you can get. It is uncanny ... uncanny!

So suffice it to say I am thrilled that Reeder is bringing that sort of understanding of the character to the page, to her cover designs. Welcome aboard Amy Reeder!

August 2010 Solicits

I am woefully behind on some old news. Time to review the upcoming August solicits. As usual, there were a couple of surprises. And, as usual, there are some comics that I am on the fence about buying.

All the solicits are viewable at Newsarama here: http://www.newsarama.com/comics/dc-august-2010-solicitations-100517.html and are now on the DC Comics home site.

Here are the super-family related solicits.

SUPERGIRL #55
Written by STERLING GATES
Art by JAMAL IGLE & JON SIBAL
Cover by AMY REEDER & RICHARD FRIEND

Enter: Bizarro Supergirl! But how did she get to Earth and just what does she want? The real Supergirl better find out fast, or else there won't be much left of Metropolis to save! And to make things worse, an even bigger threat looms on the horizon with an eye for the Girl of Steel! Featuring the stunning debut of new regular cover artist Amy Reeder (MADAME XANADU)!

What a lovely cover by new Supergirl team member Amy Reeder.

We already knew that Supergirl is fighting Bizarro Supergirl in this issue. I am convinced the Bizarro will be an Alura-made attempt at cloning Kara.

But what bigger threat could be looming on the horizon. Let's all take a deep breath. I doubt it's the Anti-Monitor.


JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA #48
Written by JAMES ROBINSON
Art by MARK BAGLEY, ROB HUNTER & NORM RAPMUND
Cover by MARK BAGLEY & JESUS MERINO

The BRIGHTEST DAY continues with a shocking connection to the White Light in part five of the JLA/JSA crossover!
It’s the grand finale of this team-up, and it’s chock-full of revelations as the greatest threat to the Earth may not be Alan Scott or the chaotic energy of the Starheart, but one of the other members!
Plus, don’t miss the second feature starring Cyborg, whose goal of restoring Red Tornado’s body becomes a battle to save the android’s sanity as the madness of the Starheart engulfs them.

Oh man, I didn't realize this JLA/JSA crossover was going to be a 4 month/5 part battle with the Starheart.

I think that this particular roster of the JLA is going to be a hard enough sell as it is. I want to read stories about those heroes interacting and growing as a team. And while I am sure we will see that growth in this story, it will be watered down by the constant presence of the JSA. Let's hope we get to see the JLA mature.



SUPERMAN #702
Written by J. MICHAEL STRACZYNSKI
Art by EDDY BARROWS & J.P. MAYER
Cover by JOHN CASSADAY

"Grounded" continues as Superman enters a small town in Ohio where, like many towns, a number of its residents are from other places. But when The Man of Steel discovers that there are also a number of residents secretly from other worlds, he unravels a mystery that may have grave consequences for Earth.

I keep hoping that I will hear what the overall theme of Grounded is. At the very least the rumor of the 'powerless Superman' seems unfounded given that Supes is floating in outer space.

Maybe 'Grounded' is Superman trying to become grounded with humanity again. Maybe this look at a small town is Superman trying to reconnect with the citizens of Earth after the war with Krypton.

There is no getting away from the talent. JMS, Barrows, Cassaday. Solid. I am expecting great things.



ACTION COMICS #892
Written by PAUL CORNELL
Co-feature written by JEFF LEMIRE
Art by PETE WOODS
Co-feature art by PIER GALLO
Cover by DAVID FINCH & JOE WEEMS

Lex Luthor's all-consuming quest for power leads him straight into conflict with Deathstroke, the Terminator! What happens when the DCU's most ingenious mastermind meets its most lethal killer? We don't know, but it's sure gonna be fun finding out ...
This issue also features a new Superboy story by Jeff Lemire (SWEET TOOTH) and Pier Gallo (ADVENTURE COMICS) - the creative team of the upcoming new SUPERBOY ongoing series!

I just don't know if I am happy with the apparent decision to keep Superman out of Action Comics for more time. Aren't the sales numbers from the last year pretty evident. I don't know if a lot of people want to read Lex Luthor starring in Action Comics. They want Superman.

Again, DC has put together the right talent. Cornell, Woods, Finch are all names. My bet is the story will be entertaining. But I want Superman to be here.



SUPERMAN/BATMAN #75
Written by PAUL LEVITZ, JOE KELLY, DAVID FINCH, J.T. KRUL, STEVEN T. SEAGLE and others
Art by JERRY ORDWAY, DAVID FINCH, ADAM HUGHES, FRANCIS MANAPUL, DUNCAN ROULLEAU and others
Cover by FRANK QUITELY

You're invited to a spectacular anniversary celebration as Paul Levitz unites the World's Finest with the super-team he's best known for - the Legion of Super-Heroes! Lex Luthor has finally unleashed a threat powerful enough to gain the Legion's attention in the far future, but to take Luthor down, they'll have to journey into the past and ask for help from both Batman and Superboy!
Plus, Joe Kelly and various writers and artists chronicle the history of The Man of Steel and The Dark Knight in adventures that span from yesterday into the far beyond! Adam Hughes writes and draws a tale starring Supergirl and Batgirl, J.T. Krul and Francis Manipul deliver a tale of Superboy and Red Robin seeking advice from their mentors, Ace and Krypto get leashed by Duncan Rouleau, David Finch writes and illustrates a story for the first time, and Joe Kelly, Steven T. Seagle, Billy Tucci and many more surprises help commemorate this anniversary extravaganza!

I don't always collect Superman/Batman. But this anniversary issue looks stuffed with creators whose work I love. So even without the Supergirl story, I probably would have bought the issue.

But then I saw that we get another story of the New World's Finest - Supergirl and Batgirl - and that it is drawn by Adam Hughes. How can I not get the issue. And then we see all the renditions of World's Finest get a time to shine - Superboy/Red Robin and even Ace/Krypto. Awesome.



SUPERMAN: THE LAST FAMILY OF KRYPTON #1
Written by CARY BATES
Art by RENATO ARLEM
Cover by FELIPE MASSAFERA

Returning to a character he's long been associated with, legendary writer Cary Bates explores a different side to Superman's legend in an Elseworlds tale that hinges on the fact that while baby Kal-el has rocketed to the distant planet Earth from his doomed homeworld of Krypton, he was not alone. How does a world handle the emergence of the Last Family of Krypton as Jor-El, Lara and Kal-El make Earth their adopted home?

So here is one of the surprises! A pleasant surprise too!

I grew up reading Cary Bates Superman stories. So I am eager to read this one too. And the story sounds interesting ... how would the world respond to the super-parents. And how will that effect Kal. I am sure he won't be raised in the 'Mom's apple pie ... do the right thing' atmosphere the Kents provided.

The cover is a little too Alex Ross-y for me. But I'm intrigued.


SUPERMAN: EARTH ONE HC
Written by J. MICHAEL STRACZYNSKI
Art by SHANE DAVIS & SANDRA HOPE
Cover by SHANE DAVIS

Forget everything you know about The Man of Steel and brace yourself for a staggering new take on the world's most popular Super Hero.
Best-selling, Hugo Award-winning writer J. Michael Straczynski (BRAVE AND THE BOLD, Thor, Babylon 5) and red-hot rising star artist Shane Davis (GREEN LANTERN, SUPERMAN/BATMAN) team up for this exciting launch of the EARTH ONE graphic novel series. Set in an all-new continuity re-imagining DC's top heroes, EARTH ONE is a new wave of original, stand-alone graphic novels produced by the top writers and artists in the industry. The groundbreaking new line rockets into effect right here with the Super Hero who started it all - Superman!
What would happen if the origin of The Man of Tomorrow were introduced today for the very first time? Return to Smallville and experience the journey of Earth's favorite adopted son as he grows from boy to Superman like you've never seen before!

And here is the struggle.

I don't know if I necessarily want to drop $20 on 'Ultimate Superman'. But I like JMS and love Shane Davis.

I don't know. Anyone else thinking of getting this?


TINY TITANS #31
Written by ART BALTAZAR & FRANCO
Art and cover by ART BALTAZAR

Join all the super-people for a super birthday party at the Fortress of Solitude! This issue is going to be super...unless you count the room full of Brainiacs! Let’s hope the Brainiacs don’t ruin the party.

This issue picks up on the story from this year's Tiny Titans FCBD issue. Aw yeah! The all Super issue.

I can't wait to see Supergirl and Brainy meet here. It probably will be a bit more low key than the recent meeting in the main Supergirl title.


SUPERGIRL: DEATH AND THE FAMILY TP

Written by STERLING GATES, HELEN SLATER & JAKE BLACK
Art by JAMAL IGLE, CLIFF CHIANG and others
Cover by RENATO GUEDES
The Silver Banshee returns in this new title collecting SUPERGIRL #48-50 and SUPERGIRL ANNUAL #1, and this time she’s after an artifact that could break her family’s curse. Meanwhile, Lana Lang’s mysterious condition gets worse. Can Supergirl save her?

Now it seems like 4 issues seems like a sparse collection (even if the anniversary 50th issue and the Annual are double sized). I am hoping that there will be some little extra in this collection. Maybe a foreword? Cover sketches? Helen Slater and Jake Black's script?




COVER GIRLS OF THE DC UNIVERSE: SUPERGIRL STATUE
DESIGNED BY ADAM HUGHES • SCULPTED BY JACK MATHEWS

SMASHING!
With strength and speed, the Girl of Steel blasts up through soil and stone, shattering solid rock, shooting into the stratosphere. As the Kryptonian cousin of Superman, Kara Zor-El has her sights set on the stars, streaking through the heavens in a supersonic blur – a soaring symbol of justice and truth.
Supergirl is the latest hero to join the stunning COVER GIRLS OF THE DC UNIVERSE statue series, with fan-favorite artist Adam Hughes specially commissioned to design Supergirl for this smashingly successful series.

And yet another surprise ... this one more expensive and advance solicited for January.

But ... WOW!

Now that is a Supergirl statue. Powerful, beautiful, dynamic. Wearing the Matrix costume. It is just about as perfect a Supergirl statue as I can imagine. And all mine for a the low low price of $99.

Let's tally things up.
October '10 - Michael Turner Supergirl mini-statue - $79.99
November '10 - Dynamic Supergirl statue - $195.00
January '11 - Cover Girl Supergirl - $99.00

That's bimonthly Supergirl statues for a total of $373.99. I think DC is trying to bankrupt me.

Still, the biggest question is the Superman:Earth One book. Someone help me out!

New Cover Artist: Amy Reeder

What a great piece of news to end the week!

The DC Source blog has announced that Amy Reeder is the new cover artist on Supergirl. It is a very brief entry. Here is the link and the entire post:
http://dcu.blog.dccomics.com/2010/05/06/amy-reeder-is-your-new-supergirl-cover-artist/

Well, the headline says it all, no? Starting with issue #55, Amy Reeder steps in as the regular cover artist for SUPERGIRL, joining the already-impressive team of writer Sterling Gates and artist Jamal Igle. But we have more. A first look at Amy’s cover to the aforementioned #55. Enjoy.

I think Reeder is a great choice.

And I love the cover for Supergirl #55. That Bizarro Supergirl looks pretty crazed and creepy doesn't she. There is almost a hint of Brother Power the Geek there. And it adds another rogue to Supergirl's expanding gallery ... especially since we're down one with the loss of Reactron.

And nice composition here. Bizarro in a shattered building while reflections of Supergirl fall all around her. Bizarro is a reflection of her ... so nice. But shouldn't the 'S-shield' on Supergirl also be backwards if we are looking at Kara as a reflection?


I've really enjoyed Reeder's work on the Madame Xanadu series written by Matt Wagner. The book takes place in many time periods from Arthurian England through now and Reeder has handled all the different costumes and historical backgrounds.

She has shown that she also has a handle on the DCU as Wagner has rotated through a number of mainstream DC characters in this Vertigo book ... Etrigan, the Phantom Stranger, Wesley Dodds. On the cover above, we even see her take on Death from the Endless.

Her style has a hint of manga in it ... not overwhelming, just a touch. I don't want to say she is similar to Josh Middleton, but their styles have the same feel. I think her covers will be wonderful and look forward to another great run.