Sales Review: January 2010

While comics sales as a whole creeped up a bit in January 2010, it looks as though some monthly titles seems to be slipping in sales with dollars aimed more towards crossover event issues. As usual, ICv2 does a great job of breaking down the sales. Here is the link:
http://www.icv2.com/articles/news/16810.html

But it is intriguing to look over the sales ranks. I find it amazing that Blackest Night Wonder Woman sold three times what Wonder Woman did. I was as amazed that Blackest Night Superman outsold the Superman titles as it did. So is there interest for the characters?

There is that subset of fans, of which I include myself, that complains of 'event fatigue'. And yet the books sell like hotcakes. How can the companies turn away?

So how did sales go last month?


Supergirl seems to be treading water on sales.

Despite the eye-catching cover, despite the advertised death of Lana Lang, despite good reviews across the internet, sales slipped a tiny bit to 27,728 units sold, down about 2% from Supergirl #48. In fact, sales for Supergirl #49 are, in essence, equal to the sales of Supergirl #33, the last Kelley Puckett issue.

But the title itself remains stable in terms of sales ranking. In fact, this issue was higher that last issue which ranked #78. I think I have to be happy with stability here.

It just seems consumer dollars are being shunted elsewhere.



In fact, it is interesting to look at Superman sales as a whole. The best selling Superman title last month was Secret Origin, which sold 43K. The other titles are languishing in the low 30K as New Krypton sputters to the finish line.

Will Last Stand of New Krypton and War of the Supermen bring a new sales interest in the title? Will Supergirl #50 with all the extras thrown in bring a bump in sales? I can only hope so.

Again, I always feel that I need to say that I have enjoyed Action Comics and World of New Krypton. The stories have been great. But I look forward to seeing Superman in the red and blue in his title.

The crossover sales are dramatically evident when we look at R.E.B.E.L.S. sales. The ring-issue sold 60K. The following issue, still with the Blackest Night trade dress, still sold 31K.



Issue #12, continuing the same story from those two prior issues, was back down to R.E.B.E.L.S. typical sales, selling 12,428. I hope DC continues to support R.E.B.E.L.S., putting it in the Jonah Hex category of continued publication regardless of sales.

Looking forward seeing what happens with Supergirl #50.

Review: Superman World Of New Krypton #12

And so the 'Year Without Superman' comes to an unofficial end with Superman:World of New Krypton #12 being released last week. It is, of course, unofficial as this storyline is far from over ... continuing next month albeit in a new title and an new #1 issue in Superman:Last Stand of New Krypton.

So because this is merely another chapter in this storyline, everything is not tied up neatly with a bow. Some of the long lingering plots are brought to resolution but even in those plots some stuff remains unsaid. But this is the last issue so there are some nice revelations here.

In fact, it seemed like this issue felt a bit rushed. Despite the big reveal, we are still moving on; some details that I would want to know are left unfinished and will be dealt with later. I don't know if that is going to be true. But it feels that way right now.

On to the review.

The military guild had just fired upon Superman, Adam Strange, Tyr-Van, and Tam-Or when the last issue ended.

As a last ditch escape effort, Strange activates the Zeta beam technology, bouncing the groups away from New Krypton and then blipping them back somewhere else on the planet.

I thought the art here did a good job conveying that transient back-and-forth trip as the background panel transitions from Zod's secret military installation to the Starro conquered Kalanor to a New Krypton jungle. I especially liked the Starro panel as it sets this story in some feeling of current continuity. But kudos to Pete Woods/Ron Randall for this use of the double splash page.

Unfortunately, the teleportation trick was a bit too slow. Labor Guild Tam-Or has been shot in the chest and dies.


Commander Gor is able to track down Kal and his group and prepares to open fire, to execute the 'traitors'.

I liked the following moment. It might be empty rhetoric but I liked how Kal stood up to Gor, telling him that he is more dangerous without his powers. Gor seems like something of a bully, someone who would back down to intimidation like this. It really felt like Superman talking there.

Before Gor can pull the trigger, General Zod arrives and takes command. He immediately demotes Gor and dismisses Adam Strange. One thing I have appreciated about this book has been the characterization of Zod. Zod has never been portrayed as a outright evil, a mustache-twirling caricature of a villain. He has been someone willing to do anything to protect his people, even if the ethics behind his acts are blurry. He's complex.

Back at military headquarters, Zod and Kal start to break down the case.

Unfortunately, the details of the secret military base, the skinning of the silver skinned aliens, all that gets glossed over. Zod defends his keeping the base secret because he is preparing New Krypton for an upcoming war with Earth. It is clear that Lane and Zod both feel the other is the aggressor here. Both are arming themselves for a war that both seem to be racing each other to start. Unfortunately, Kal's time on the planet hasn't stopped this march to war from happening.

I assume the mystery of this installation will be handled elsewhere.

Again though, at least the way Zod talks here, he sounds more like the hero of New Krypton, the defender of his people rather than an expansionist.


But most of the talk about Zod's secrets is pushed to the side. Instead the discussion turns to the murders that are happening and the link between the victims.

In what is a nice deductive leap, Kal realizes that Alura may not have been the target. Maybe Lyra Kam-Par was always the intended victim. Maybe Ral-Dar and Tam-Or and Lyra were all part of a secret group, all being manipulated to undermine New Krypton rather than strengthen it.

The only link to all the victims, the only person who could also be part of such a cabal is Councilor Wri-Qin, the physician head of the Science Guild.

So this is an interesting twist. For one, Zod seems to have nothing to do with any of the events which have shaken New Krypton. I thought he would eventually be revealed as a co-conspirator as a way to force him into absolute power. But also, I thought that much of what was happening, while initially weakening New Krypton, would be by a pro-New Krypton group to spur the planet to action. Instead it is shown to be a group of traitors to the planet. And Lyra Kam-Par, always someone who has looked guilty of something, is part of them. She is privy to Alura's actions of course and probably has Alura's ear.

That said, Wri-Qin has been someone so tucked in the background his reveal doesn't resonate. It's like a mystery novel revealing the secret killer and it's someone who hasn't been seen before.


When confronted by Kal, Wri-Qin decides to tell all.

It turns out that Superwoman had approached a number of influential New Kryptonians and persuaded them to weaken New Krypton from within. So much of the events of this mini-series: the Labor Guild revolt, the Laborers mystery illness, the assassination attempt of Zod - they were all orchestrated by this group to undermine New Krypton.

I was glad to see Superwoman play an important role here. For one, there had to be more to her plans than simply antagonizing Supergirl. This also explains how she could have hidden on New Krypton so easily; she had inside help. It is enough of a reveal to make me want to reread all of the scenes between General Lane and Lucy again. And now she's back! Now I am really looking forward to the return of Superwoman.

And Lyra Kam-Par as a traitor and saboteur. Nice! Is it just me or was Lyra drawn in a way that just looked like she was hiding something. It makes me think that the teams on the super-titles have internal continuity.


But what could Superwoman have offered them that could entice the group to mutiny?

She convinced them that war was happening and New Krypton was going to lose. If this Kryptonian cabal helped hasten the New Krypton loss, they would have places of power in the new government ruled by Earth.

Really?

A loss to Earth in a war? A place in a Vichy style government? A bit of a stretch.

But it is clear that Lane picked the right people to approach, people who wanted power beyond what they had and would betray their own people to get it. I can understand how Lyra and Tam-Or might buy into that. And Wri-Qin? He clearly wants more.

Another thing to this scene worth mentioning. Wri-Qin is able to overpower Kal by bombarding him with sunstone crystal beams, the equivalent of synthesized Gold Kryptonite. So another weapon exists that can easily incapacitate Kryptonians! No wonder Earth seems like a threat ... everyone has a weapon that can kill a Kryptonian these days.


Before Wri-Qin can do anything significant to Kal, the Red Shard unit shows up and takes the Councilor into custody.

Poor Lieutenant Nar. She is one of those ancillary characters that has some depth. I like how she has slowly turned to see things from Kal's point of view, how she has become more fair in her assessment of things. But I think it is clear from this panel she has more to say to Kal. It has been hinted that she has developed feelings for him. And that look of some emotional pain as she flies away seems to say that as well.

It is small moments like this, one extra panel to flesh out a background character, that make me love comics. No words, just that expression as she flies away, Kal not even looking at her ... that is great comic art.

But Kal is not happy. Despite the big news that the Labor Guild will now have a place on the Council (with Tyr-Van being the representative), Kal thinks that he hasn't made any difference on the planet, that his time here was wasted.

I love Zod's response. Adding the Labor Guild to the Council is a major change. If Kal can't see that, he has a bigger ego than the General. That rings true.

Still, for any of the New Kryptonians to betray there people ... Kal can't understand it.



And he won't have much time to contemplate it. Brainiac's ship arrives!

So this mini-series is over. And a new mini-series will begin.

There were some very good moments in this issue, mostly the conversations between Zod and Kal. And the Superwoman reveal was nice.

But the big reveal about the traitors felt a bit rushed. I would have liked a few more details about the events they manipulated. Did Tam-Or really agree to sicken his own people? Was this group behind the purported attack on the Thanagarians? I would have liked to see more of this and let's say less of some of the guest stars that walked through this mini-series. Were Jemm or Adam Strange really necessary to tell this story?

I think I will need to reread this mini-series in its entirety and in one or two sittings to get a better sense of whether or not clues were sprinkled through.

Overall grade (issue): B+/B
Overall grade (series): B+/B

Review: Superman World Of New Krypton #11

Superman: World of New Krypton #11 came out yesterday. While Rucka, Robinson, Woods, and Randal continue to do move the "assassination plot" forward, several other subplots were not mentioned. Furthermore, some new plots were added to the overall story. This just didn't feel like a penultimate issue.

And frankly it isn't.

This series ends in March. Superman:Last Stand of Krypton starts in April. And that after that 3 issue miniseries, we will jump right into War of the Supermen.

I have to stop thinking that there is an 'ending' coming in #12. I have to realize that this is the eleventh issue of two year huge story. But it is hard for me to do so. As I read this issue I kept wondering, how will everything be wrapped up next month?

It is that problem of expectations as a reader. I have enjoyed this series but know I feel a bit let down that it looks like many of the things started here are not going to end here.

Let's move on to the issue.


The issue starts a the exact moment that last issue ended, with an assassin training his weapon onto Alura. The opening conversation between her and her assistant Lyra Kam-Par again shows how complicated a character Alura is. While Lyra is dealing with the emotions of Mar-Li's murder, Alura is somewhat coldly already planning how they will replace him on the council.

At times we have seen Alura being completely dispassionate almost emotionless and at times we've seen her overwhelmed by her feelings. She's so complex that I really look forward to seeing her in these titles. At first I hoped she would simply go away because of the cruelty that she showed Supergirl. But she's far too compelling now.

But before the conversation can go any further, the assassin strikes. Unfortunately he misses his target shooting Lyra through the chest.

It's too bad. I thought that Lyra could be an interesting character in Kara's future. She could have become an adversary or rival given that she seems to have more of a relationship with Alura than Kara did. I guess we'll never see those stories I had in my head. I thought she might end up as the next Lesla Lar.


The Military Guild investigates the crime scene. Unlike the first murder where the weapon was an exfoliation device specific to the Labor Guild, the weapon here appears to be a military style rifle. Lieut.Nar finds the weapon quickly and that there is genetic residue consistent with Labor Guild leader Tam-Or.

It seems out of character for him to become an assassin. But that said, Kal feel somewhat responsible for the two victims. Remember, Kal was the one who convinced Alura to free Tam-Or despite his kidnapping attempt earlier in the series.

I do like that this feeling crops up early in Kal's mind. It is classic Superman... an utter respect for life and a sense of responsibility for your actions.


The ruling council on New Krypton is in taking these assassination attempts lying down. They want to be proactive. But they are definitely conflicted. While they are convinced that Tam-Or is responsible for the shootings, they aren't sure if he's acting alone or in conjunction with allies from Earth. As a result, they feel that the Labor Guild should be squeezed for information about Tam-Or's whereabouts. It makes sense that they would respond like that given it were representatives from their guilds that were attacked.

Surprisingly, Alura is a voice of reason here. Understanding that the Labor Guild is responsible for the day-to-day running of New Krypton, she realizes that they cannot be held accountable for the actions of one man. After all, the Military Guild were not judged in their entirety due to the actions of Ral-Dar in Codename:Patriot. And once again, Alura fascinates me. You would think she would be more enraged since she was one of the targets. And she has talked to about laborers poorly in the past. And yet here, she is defending them as a group.

Councilor Zo, the Military Guild representative, shows his prejudice against the Laborers during this argument. He even insinuates that Superman might be aiding or abetting Tam-Or since Lara was a laborer. After all, how could Tam-Or be evading the Military for as long as he has?

This tension about the Labor Guild and its place in Kryptonian society has been one of the better elements in this miniseries.


With Adam Strange at his side, Kal flies to the medical facility to talk to Tyr-Van again.

While there, Kal notices that In General Zod is almost completely recovered. In fact, news of the murders have reached him. Initially I thought that Zod would champion the idea of putting the Labor Guild under the thumb of the military. But much like Alura, he surprises me. He doesn't think that Tam-Or is capable of these assassinations. Moreover, Zod finds it strange that Tam-Or would be so meticulous in the first murder and so sloppy in the second leaving behind a incriminating weapon. It doesn't make any sense.

This entire time, I have felt that Zod was in the background pulling all the strings. But this conversation puzzles me. There is no advantage for him in saying this if he is behind the framing of Tam-Or.

So who else could be behind all of this? I wonder if it is Commander Gor - he would have a beef with both General Zod (for not choosing him to command the army in Zod's absence) and with Commander El (for running the Army in Zod's absence).


But Kal is there to talk to Tyr-Van to see if the Labor Guild member might know a place where Tam-Or could elude detection.

The conversation is short and bitter. It is also powerful. Tyr talks about how people trusted Kal to make things better for the people of New Krypton ... but things seem worse with him around. That is the last thing Superman would ever want to hear. But it is true that the overall tone of this book has swung from optimism to pessimism, from joy hope to sorrow and anger.

Still, Tyr knows a place and decides that he must continue to have faith in Superman.


I was glad to see some continuity here especially since it plugs R.E.B.E.L.S.

Tyr flies Kal and Strange to a hidden military facility which is lead-lined and soundproofed.

In this laboratory-appearing building, the Labor Guild members herd capture silver-skinned alien beasts. Some get sent to the Science Guild alive for evaluation and experimentation. Most simply get flayed of their skin. Their are hundreds of 'pelts' hanging here.

Kal knows nothing of the place. And Tyr wonders why the commander of the army doesn't know about a military facility.

I wonder what the pelts are capable of. Cloaking? Enhanced invulnerability? Since this is military, their must be a use for them in battle. This has to be the work of Zod ... maybe he is pulling the strings.

Still, the addition of a whole new wrinkle to this story with just one issue left seemed off. Then again, this isn't the second to last issue of this large story arc ... just the second to last issue of this mini-series.


Tyr was right though. Tam-Or was hiding out here given the buildings defenses against super-senses.

Initially, Tam-Or comes out threatening Kal. He says 'he warned me you'd be coming'. Who is he? Zod? Gor? Someone else?

Kal tells Tam-Or that he believes the Labor leader is innocent and they should work together. Despite the recent events, Tam shows faith in Kal and lowers his weapon. It is clear Tam is not a soldier.

So who is behind these killings? I still think it could be Zod who hopes all this instability gives him the opportunity to declare martial law, dissolve the Council, and invade Earth. But could he have set all these gears in motion before his assassination attempt? Or, as I conjectured a while back, could he have set up his own murder attempt to stay 'behind the scenes' and beyond reporach while he worked his evil?

But time seems to be running out on the investigation. Before Tam can say anything about who tipped him off, Councilor Zo, Commander Gor, and squad of troops breaks into the building.

Zod has resumed command and demands that all traitors be killed.



And that starts with Kal and this group.

I am really of two minds here. I thought this was a good issue in that it progressed this assassination and conspiracy plot forward nicely. And I am still guessing as to who is behind the whole thing. As a long time reader, I crave surprises and mysteries ... so this is all good.

Still I feel as though I have been sold something of a bill of goods here since all the storylines brought up in these first 11 issues (make up of the council, mysterious illnesses, Zod's background maneuvers, the role of the Religious Guild to name a few) can't all be resolved next month. And if they all are then the whole thing will feel like a rushed ending. On top of that, we know that the subsequent miniseries - Last Stand - will involve a fight with Brainiac, so a whole new major plot will be added to the mix.

Should this have been named a 15 issue mini-series so I wouldn't be so wrapped up in it ending too soon? Will the renumbering bring in new readers and prop up the lagging sales on this title and interest in the Superman titles? Will we ever learn all the things we want to? I hope so.

So as an individual issue, I would grade this a B+/B. As a penultimate issue, I would grade it a C/C-. So, I'll combine.

Overall grade: B

2009 In Review And the Top Ten Supergirl Comic Moments

Happy New Year to everyone! Welcome to 2010, my second full year of blogging. For everyone who stops by and comments on my musings, thanks so much. It is really great to talk to other fans of Supergirl and Superman.

Like last year, I thought I would do a' best of' review of Supergirl's comic book moments of the year. A year is a long time and Supergirl has been very busy so this is a very lengthy post.

Overall I would say that 2009 was an unbelievable year for Supergirl fans as the character really solidified her place as a premier character in the DC Universe.

First off, her own title stabilized under Sterling Gates and Jamal Igle. Critically praised with improved sales, Supergirl suddenly became a great and noticed title. She grew tremendously and really left behind the characterization that we had seen early on in the book. For a Supergirl fan, the quality of the main title has to be a high point of the year.

On top of that, Supergirl:Cosmic Adventures in the Eighth Grade was a truly spectacular Johnny DC mini-series, introducing the character to a whole new generation. Like the best all-ages books, Cosmic Adventures was stuffed with moments that appealed to the adult fan with more Easter eggs hidden in six issues than I could count.

But Supergirl also was a major player in all the Superman titles, starred in a well received strip in Wednesday Comics, played a key part in Final Crisis, wrapped up Superman/Supergirl Maelstrom, joined the Justice League: Cry For Justice team, helped set up the R.E.B.E.L.S. team, and continued to appear in Tiny Titans.

And so ... onto my favorite comic moments of 2009. Because there were so many noteworthy moments, I couldn't keep it to just ten.

Here are the three Honorable Mentions, the three moments that almost made the cut.

Honorable Mention 3: Action Comics #881 - 'Little Fortresses'

With the world's military chasing down the 'Metropolis Three' for their alleged role in the Metropolis Sewer system disaster, Supergirl takes Nightwing and Flamebird to an apartment she keeps in Paris. As Kara happily twirls around, she talks about how she keeps lots of little fortresses around the world.

This reminded me of the famous 'Supergirl's apartment' scene in Final Crisis last year, a little peek into what Supergirl would call home. I also thought it was such a stark contrast to Superman's fortress, a reminder of their differences. Kal probably doesn't have a happy face pillow in the Arctic.

Honorable Mention 2: Cry For Justice #2- "The Arrival"


While the Cry For Justice comic has had its ups and downs, there is no denying that Mauro Cascioli's art has been absolutely stunning. This panel really was jaw-dropping as Supergirl arrives on the scene of a League battle and swiftly eliminates the few remaining villains. This was a powerful almost goddess-like rendition of Supergirl. Wonderful.

Honorable Mention 1: Superman Secret Origins 2009 - "The Tinkerer"


This one was put in and removed from the top ten so many times, it really should be on the 'best of list' as number 11. This was a flashback story looking at the Kara/Thara friendship back on Krypton.

I thought this added to the back story of Supergirl as we really haven't seen much of what she was like in her early years on Krypton. So to see her wearing goggles, wielding an arc welder, and reprogramming a baby-sitting robot was fascinating. It helps explain her decision... her ability to join the Science Guild; she is sort of a tech-y.

This story also showcased Thara's religious faith nicely.

And now on to the Top Ten Best Supergirl Moments of 2009:

Number10: Supergirl Cosmic Adventures in the Eight Grade #2 - 'Belinda Zee'


I cannot put into words how great I thought Belinda Zee was as character. She was the perfect foil for the Cosmic Linda. She was as popular and confident as Linda was shy and awkward. As the title goes on you sense that Belinda actually has feelings and is tired of her empty life compared to Linda who has a true friend.

Here is the moment she first arrives, telling Linda she is an upgrade. This 'Bizarro Supergirl' stirred the drink of the Cosmic mini-series, adding action, humor, and emotion to the story. I loved Belinda so she had to be in the top ten.

Number 9: Supergirl #42 - 'Strongest Girl On Two Planets'


The events of the New Krypton storyline kept Supergirl busy and pushed the Lana/Linda relationship on to the back burner. I was hoping on seeing this relationship grow in this title.

So this small moment in the aftermath of the Superwoman story arc was really appreciated. It showed that Lana and Linda have a great rapport. With Kara heading home to investigate Lucy's presence on New Krypton, Lana tells her she is the strongest girl on the planet. Supergirl playfully responds 'two planets'. There is an easiness about the discussion and Jamal Igle's art really connotes the comfort the two women have with each other. These panels are followed with one where Kara tells Lana to call her Linda from now on, another great moment in their relationship.

Number 8: Superman:World of New Krypton #3 - 'Faster than a Speeding Bullet'



With the Labor Guild revolting, Commander El decides to try some negotiation as a way for the standoff to end peacefully. Knowing that Zod and his crew would try to end the impasse through violence, Kal gives Supergirl an important part in his plan, keep the Labor Guild leader safe. In this scene she stops Commander Gor's assassination attempt by being faster than a speeding bullet and plucking it from the air. It is great to see both Supergirl beaming with pride as well as Superman letting her know he is proud of her efforts as well.

Pete Woods draws a great Supergirl too!

Number 7: World's Finest #3 - 'Hang In There, Catsy.'


This issue just came out but I liked how it re-envisioned a Supergirl/Batgirl friendship so much it warranted a spot on the 'end of year' list. The story shows just how easily Supergirl and Batgirl would become friends. In this early scene, I love how the 2 heroes look at each other and convey how they feel ... to leave Catwoman imprisoned. With that simple glance they know they are both in agreement. So much of that nuance - the expression and body language - is evoked from Jamal Igle's great art.

They both trained with Batman, they both wear the symbol of a legacy hero, they are both trying to figure things out for themselves. They should be friends.

This issue was the beginning of what I hope are many adventures together.

Number 6: Superman/Batman 62 - 'I Am Going To Destroy You ...'


This might win my favorite panel of the year as I loved everything about its composition. This scene takes place in Superman/Batman #62 in which Supergirl and the Tim Drake Robin are called upon to stop an inmate uprising in Arkham. As the story is a flashback, this is probably one of the first times Supergirl is exposed to the madness of Batman's rogues as she walks in to a room with the Joker eviscerating a staff member.

Her quick response ... her anger and actions ... are spot on here. She would (and some might say should) destroy a deviant murderer like him. And that depiction of her in the shadows as she contemplates dark deeds in this dark place is about as perfect as comics' art can get.

I can only hope that I get to see Rafael Alberquerque draw the Girl of Steel again.

Number 5: Wednesday Comics #2 - 'I'm Gonna Put A Stop To It'

I suppose I could have picked the whole Wednesday Comics strip as a moment. It lasted a brief 12 weeks but was a great, sweet, and fun story. This Supergirl seems just older than the Cosmic Supergirl with the same mix of innocence, exuberance, and awkwardness.

This scene from the second strip captures all of that. Here she works efficiently to save a news crew endangered by the maddened super-pets. At the same time she is embarrassed that she needs to do so, biting her lower lip and blushing slightly.

The Supergirl strip in Wednesday Comics was a joy to read. This was a young Supergirl as eager to pig out and watch TV as she is to fly to the sun and face aliens. Jimmy Palmiotti really captured that youthful energy. And Amanda Conner's art was simply adorable.

As an added bonus, Supergirl sported a 'Matrix' style costume here ... my favorite costume.

Number Four: Final Crisis #6 - ' Eat This Bus'

It is hard to believe that Final Crisis wrapped up within this year. It feels so long ago!

Grant Morrison had a very strong interpretation of Supergirl, describing her in some interviews as the sweetest girl in the universe. She was the exact opposite of the depraved, twisted, and perverted DeSaad-possessed Mary Marvel.

That clash of character and morality reached a fever pitch in Final Crisis #6 where the two go toe to toe in a shattered city. Kara more than holds her own, frying Marvel with heat vision and pummeling her. While the whole fight is really the 'best of' moment, my favorite in-battle moment is when Supergirl force feeds Mary a bus after Marvel calls her a slut. Buses as projectile weapons is one of my favorite things to see in comics.

Final Crisis had a lot of big moments hidden in its confusing plot. This was one of them.

Number 3: SupermanBlackest Night #2 - 'You're Not My Dad'



One of my concerns with the character of Supergirl is that her 'emotional vulnerability' can be overused as a plot point. I can remember comics in the 70s and 80s where Supergirl would break down and cry for mundane reasons like not getting a date. So when there is a prime opportunity for it to be overused and it isn't, I am very pleased.

In Superman:Blackest Night, Zor-El rises from the dead as a Black Lantern to threaten his wife and daughter. He unleashes a diatribe against Kara calling her a failure in every way. He probably is saying all the things Kara fears in her heart. It would have been very easy for James Robinson to have Kara crumple into a maudlin heap crying. And yet she overcomes that psychological assault.

Instead we see a strong determined Supergirl face this abomination of Zor-EL and lash out. That panel of her split between will and rage is fantastic. There is no fear or love or compassion here; she realizes this simply isn't her father and deserves none of those feelings. I think this scene also shows how much the character has grown over this last year.

Number 2: Supergirl #40 - 'I Know First Level Klukor'

Reactron had a significant presence in the main title over this year, facing off against Supergirl multiple times. For some reason, this moment in Supergirl #40 stood out.

Depowered by Gold Kryptonite and battered, Supergirl still shows strength and resolve. She faces off against the super-villain with nothing but her training and a hunk of rebar. I thought it was great that the continuity of her Amazon training and her training with Batman are brought up. Those are huge reasons why she would be able to survive in this fight for the 15 seconds she needs before she repowers. (The first level Klukor comment is the cherry on the sundae for a Silver Age guy like me.) Supergirl not only stands her ground but is victorious in this fight, ripping the gold K from Reactron's chest.

And while I always vow never to bring up the bike shorts controversy again, it was this panel that seemed to set the internet on fire about the topic as they are so prominently displayed. I prefer them red with gold trim but I have seen them colored all red, all blue, and blue with gold.

And the number one Supergirl moment in 2009 ...

Number 1: Supergirl Cosmic Adventures In The Eighth Grade #6 - 'The Krona Hand'



I suppose I tipped my hat with my choice a couple of weeks ago when I said I was planning a 'best of' post. But this was the best Supergirl moment of the year for me. I actually said 'awesome' out loud when I was reading the book for the first time.

For an old school guy like me, I have seen the 'hand of creation cupping a galactic swirl' in DC Comics many times. It is best known (and most seen) as the beginning of creation as seen by renegade Oan Krona. But that scene has been replayed in many places. Heck, it is on the cover of Crisis on Infinite Earths #11.

So when I was reading Cosmic Adventures #6 and saw the hand emerging from that swirl, I knew just what Landry Walker and Eric Jones were referencing. I knew this was 'the hand that Krona saw', the hand of creation. And then we see that the hand belongs to Supergirl!! It was the best mix of DC history and Supergirl that this DC history/Supergirl fan could ask for. Perfect! Readers who don't know the Krona connection probably did not get as big a bang for this scene as I did. But I had a silly grin on my face for a while after reading it.

Well ... that is the year of Supergirl as I saw it. I would love to hear other people's favorite moments or any comments you have on my picks.

I have another 'best of' post coming up next week ...

February Solicits

It has been a couple of weeks since the February 2009 DC comics solicits were posted on Newsarama. Here is the link:
http://www.newsarama.com/comics/091116-dc-february-2010-solicitations.html

This looks like it will be an exciting month for DC comics in general as we are approaching the end of Blackest Night. In fact, a number of covers for the month have not been unveiled most likely secondary to spoiler concerns.

Still, there are a lot of interesting non-Blackest Night solicits worth reviewing.




SUPERGIRL #50
On Sale February 17 • 56 pg, FC, $4.99 US

Written by Sterling Gates, Helen Slater & Jake Black • Art by Jamal Igle, Jon Sibal & Fernando Dagnino • Cover by Michael Turner • Variant cover by Joshua Middleton

Special celebratory 50th issue! Sterling Gates and Jamal Igle reunite to tell an epic, oversized battle royale between the Girl of Steel and a mysterious, diabolical new foe! Still reeling from last issue’s harrowing events, Supergirl is put to the test when she uncovers a terrible secret about her friend and confidant, Lana Lang.

Plus! A look into a day in the life of the Girl of Steel written by Jake Black and Supergirl herself, actress Helen Slater!

Featuring a cover by the man who redefined Supergirl for the 21st century, Michael Turner, SUPERGIRL #50 is an extra-sized extravaganza you won’t want to miss!

I've already talked at length about how excited I am for Supergirl #50. I am pretty happy that DC is doing so much to promote this issue.

I really can't wait to see who the new villain is that Kara will be fighting in this issue. And I hope that we will get a sneak peek at some point of the Joshua Middleton variant cover.




SUPERMAN: WORLD OF NEW KRYPTON #12

On Sale February 3 • 12 of 12 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

Written by Greg Rucka & James Robinson • Art by Pete Woods & Ron Randall • Cover by Gary Frank • Variant cover by Ladrönn

Now that the conspiracy involving New Krypton’s council has been brought to light, can Superman keep his people from tearing each other apart? And what does a skull-shaped ship flying towards New Krypton mean?

Well this certainly sounds interesting.

First off, the cover of this issue is such a wonderful contrast to the earlier covers where a smiling Superman was waving the Kryptonian flag proudly. Here we see him standing amid a disaster. Storm clouds, spy drones, a torn flag ... this doesn't look like a happy place to be.

On top of that we hear that indeed there is a conspiracy in the leading council. And it also sounds like Brainiac is on the way to reclaim the knowledge that he lost.

Somehow this all has to lead into the presumed Earth/New Krypton war that we have been told is going to happen. I do wonder exactly what the state New Krypton will be at the end of this issue. Will Superman have left the planet to return to Earth? Will we have resolution to all of the subplots that have been occurring in this title? Or are we going to see this storyline continue with in the Superman books for the foreseeable future?

SUPERMAN: SECRET ORIGIN #5

On Sale February 24 • 5 of 6 • 40 pg, FC, $3.99 US

Written by Geoff Johns
Art and cover by Gary Frank & Jon Sibal

Superman versus Metallo – for the first time! Witness the origin of one of Superman’s most-feared foes, as an attack by Lex Luthor goes awry and gives birth to the evil of Metallo. Can an inexperienced Man of Steel handle a foe with a heart of Kryptonite? Meanwhile, Lois Lane and Perry White are close to revealing Luthor as the monster that he is – but are they willing to pay for that truth with their lives?

I certainly have been enjoying Superman secret origin as a miniseries. And while the first two issues have been squarely located in Smallville, it is clear we are approaching the present day with this issue.

Here we see Lex Luthor, Metallo, and the Parasite all in Metropolis. Gary Frank's interpretation of the Parasite and Metallo just look fantastic. But the real villain here of course is Luthor. It will be interesting to see exactly what happens to Perry and Lois as they dig around in his past.

I also wonder exactly where this miniseries is going to end in Superman's timeline. Is this going to bring us to his first year of adventuring in Metropolis or drop us off somewhere else. Regardless, I think this is going to be a very worthy origin story that will stand the test of time.

ACTION COMICS #886

On Sale February 10 • 40 pg, FC, $3.99 US

Written by Greg Rucka & Eric Trautmann • co-feature written by James Robinson & James Rucka • Art by Pere Pérez • co-feature art by CAFU • cover by CAFU

Nightwing and Flamebird race the clock to capture Jax-Ur, the most dangerous of Zod’s sleeper agents. And in the Captain Atom co-feature, our hero explores the horrors of his past with the help of Mon-El and Starfire!

Here we are in November and in the last issue of Action Comics, Nightwing and Flamebird are about to find Jax-Ur.

And now in this February solicit, we see they are still fighting him. My guess is his true nature is not revealed in the current plot line and that he is uncovered later on.

I don't think any of us thought that Nightwing was going to die of old age so seeing him on a future cover doesn't necessarily count as a spoiler.

My guess is that Jax-Ur is the last sleeper agent to be found. In essence, this will end the Flamebird and Nightwing story line setting up a return of Superman to this title now that World of New Krypton has ended.

In some ways I'm going to be glad to see Superman returning to this book. But I do think that the Thara/Chris relationship provided good stories in that Action Comics maintained high quality in this year without Superman. So in some ways I'm going to be sad to see them leaving the book.

SUPERMAN #697

On Sale February 24 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

Written by James Robinson • Art by Bernard Chang • Cover by CAFU

“Man of Valor” Part 4! With the Legion of Super-Hero members in the 21st century now revealed to Mon-El, the Man of Valor learns of a greater destiny he and Superboy share; one that ties directly in to the fate of New Krypton and Kal-El!

With Kon-El now vacating Adventure Comics, I am glad to see that his story has not been completely shelved. I would still have preferred his story to continue under the Johns/Manapul team.

I am glad that this Legion story which has been percolating through the Superman title is finally getting some up front time. We have seen Tellus, Sensor Girl, and Element Lad in the 21st century and I am sure I am forgetting some others that have been shown to be here. I also think that there is some Mirabai/Mordru connection.

Still, if this Year Without Superman is winding down I hope that the many Superman title plot lines begin to coalesce.

JUSTICE LEAGUE: CRY FOR JUSTICE #7

On Sale February 24 • 7 of 7 • 40 pg, FC, $3.99 US

Written by James Robinson • Art and cover by Mauro Cascioli

This is the big one! After the catastrophes seen in issues #5 and #6, a hero loses control, leading to an unexpected ending that will fundamentally change the lives of the World’s Greatest Heroes forever. This issue launches a major storyline in the DC Universe and is not to be missed!

After all of the delays ... both starting the series and between issues ... it's hard to believe this series is going to be over.

Robinson and Didio have said that this series will definitely impact the DCU as a whole and this solicit seems to hammer home the point. And now a blacked out cover and a 'hero losing control'. Any guesses who will be shown on the cover?

ADVENTURE COMICS STARRING BLACK LANTERN SUPERBOY #7

On Sale February 10 • 40 pg, FC, $3.99 US
Written by Tony Bedard • Art by Travis Moore • Covers by Francis Manapul

TOP SECRET!

I just don't know how long I am going to stay with this title. I like Tony Bedard. But Superboy Prime sort of annoys me. And now he is a Black Lantern. Yeesh!

I probably will stay with the title because I am a Legion guy and look forward to see what Paul Levitz does. But I don't know if my reviews will continue.



AME-COMI HEROINE SERIES: SUPERGIRL (V.2) PVC FIGURE
DESIGNED AND SCULPTED BY JONATHAN MATTHEWS

Kara Zor-El can’t resist smiling at herself when she finds this side-view mirror on the streets of Metropolis.

Sure to be just as popular as the sold-out, original Ame-Comi version of Superman’s cousin, Supergirl (V.2) is a non-articulated PVC statue, standing approximately 8.75” tall, including a base and packaged in a 4-color window box with J-hook.

And now an unexpected surprise.

I haven't been a big fan of the Ame-Comi line of statues. I didn't like the first Supergirl statue they put out. And many of them seem outright creepy. (The Wonder Girl one, for example, gave me a cringe.)

In comparison to some of the earlier Ame-Comi statues, this Supergirl one is downright modest. Sure, it is a micro-mini and my guess is seen from behind there will be some 'fan service'. But she is more covered and less racy than most of this line. I still don't think I am going to get it for the shrine.

Anyways, February seems like it is going to be a good month! I can't wait for Supergirl #50.