Black Orchid Wednesday: Phantom Stranger #31

Welcome back to Black Orchid Wednesdays, where I look at the pre-Crisis appearances of Black Orchid through the lens of a fan theory that she was actually Supergirl undercover.

I am down to the last two stories I have yet to cover, the Orchid's first two stories after her initial run in Adventure Comics. Today I will cover Phantom Stranger #31. Next Wednesday I'll cover Phantom Stranger #32. After that, I think I will have one or two more posts on this topic.

I have really been enjoying reviewing these Orchid stories as they all have been artistically incredible. They have a sort of film noir aesthetic. And the added mystery of who the Orchid is and what her powers are bring in another layer of complexity. How these haven't all been bundled into a nifty little trade is strange. 

As for this story, it doesn't add much to the Supergirl theory other than a passing word here or there. It follows the same format of the other stories. Someone in the tale is Black Orchid in disguise. What this issue does hint at is a possible weakness, something that would detract from the fan theory. But we'll get there. On to the story itself. 

"The Island of Fear' brings the original Black Orchid team of writer Sheldon Mayer and artist Tony DeZuniga back together. 

The Orchid is seen flying over an uninhabited tropical island. On the shore, a desperate woman is trying to get a message in a bottle off to sea in hopes of rescue from the hated Mr. Barstoe.

As usual, DeZuniga's art is spectacular. The Orchid looks like a flower cruising in. And the woman is gorgeous. 

As for the theory, the opening text description of our hero is interesting. She appears like an avenging angel. Back in the Silver Age, Supergirl described herself as a guardian angel to the kids in her orphanage and the town of Midvale. 

We again see the text describing her strength as that of 'a regiment' but with the sweet appearance of a flower. These are pulled right from the Adventure stories.

Black Orchid Review: Adventure Comics #430

Over the last couple of months, I have been taking a look at the pre-Crisis stories of Black Orchid through the lens of a fan theory at the time that she was Supergirl. It has been an interesting and highly entertaining exercise for me. I hope you have enjoyed it as much as I have.

Today I conclude my look at her initial three issue trial run in Adventure comics by reviewing Adventure Comics #430. A big thankful shout out to my friend Ryan Daly  who sent me this issue recently. I was missing this issue and was going to have to go hunting. And then, one day, it magically appeared in my mailbox.

I have to admit that while I love the character and love art in these stories, I can see why this trilogy didn't cement her status as a star. The main thing that differentiates her is that she is a complete cipher. So in these stories, she is more of a catalyst than a protagonist. Each issue the reader does have to try and deduce which character is the Orchid in disguise. But outside that, there isn't much to her.

Still, that air of mystery certainly adds to the theory. Since we still don't know much about this Orchid, she still could be Supergirl!

On to the book!

Black Orchid Review: Adventure Comics #429

Could Black Orchid be Supergirl? It was a fan theory back in the 70s and one I have been exploring in depth over the last month or so here.

Today I look at Adventure Comics #429, the second appearance of the character in her initial 3 issue run in the title. 

There some things I have learned about the Black Orchid from these stories, some universal truths. 

One, she will always be in disguise at some point, impersonating one of the characters. So as a reader, you are always wondering.

Two, the stories tend to be bonkers, appropriate for the times.

Three, the art is always going to be gorgeous. I have yet to see a lackluster art effort on her stories.

And four, and most importantly, you can see why the theory would have some legs. It is pretty easy to retrofit these stories into some Kara history.

This issue keeps all those things true. But it is wild ride, so settle in. 

'Challenge to the Black Orchid' was written by Sheldon Mayer with art by Tony Dezuniga.

We start with a truly stunning splash. There is some balletic about this, as the Orchid soars above a dock. Underneath her, you see someone hunched behind crates with a rifle. It is very Noir.  Dezuniga is at the top of his game here.

If you read the opening paragraph, it could definitely be the opening of a Supergirl story. 

"She appears where there is evil ... she has the strength of a regiment, flies through the air like a bird of prey, and has the beauty and compassion of a young girl." (Okay, I snipped out the 'she disappears' bits. They don't fit the narrative.)

Black Orchid Review: Adventure Comics #428

With Supergirl nowhere to be found on the shelves post-Tom King's brutal portrayal in Supergirl Woman of Tomorrow, I have needed to fill some blog space with other content. Recently, I have been looking at Black Orchid, specifically through the lens of the 70's theory that she might be Supergirl in diguise. 

At the recent Wicked Comic Con, I was able to finally purchase Adventure Comics #428, the first appearance of the Orchid. I was pretty pleased to find a copy in decent condition and at a decent price! This has been a smallish grail book for me for a while so I am happy to be able to check that box. 

So what better place to go in my mission than this very issue and see if the clues are there from the beginning. As always, I am trying to fit Kara into the flowery suit so speculations will run wild. So buckle up. And remember, when this book came out, Supergirl volume 1 was on the shelves and half way through it's 10 issue run. So it makes the thought that the Orchid was Supergirl initially less likely.

Let's start with the great cover by Bob Oksner showing the Black Orchid. in the light of the full moon, looming over a dark window filled with gun-toting thugs. Oksner knew layouts and this one is beautiful. It showcases this innovative costume nicely. But there is no way to glean from this image just how powerful the Black Orchid is. This looks more like a Black Widow cover.

Still, it does catch the eye. And I love the font for her name.

'Black Orchid' was written by Sheldon Mayer with art by Tony DeZuniga. This is a moody story for Mayer I feel. But it is right in DeZuniga's wheelhouse. The women are gorgeous. The Noir-ish setting is grungy beautiful. And if looking for some links to the Supergirl theory, It is interesting that DeZuniga did his share of Supergirl stories from the prior Adventure run for the Girl of Steel. Hmm ...

The story opens with this fantastic panel showing her in her glory, flying around an old creepy mansion bathed in the full moon. I love the almost lack of significant detailing on her costume here, giving the Orchid almost a ghostly feel. 

The caption box is actually a summary of the first half of the story.

But 'impossible strength' ... hmmm.

Review: Phantom Zone #4

Today I review Phantom Zone #4, the final chapter of the mini-series which introduced teh concept of Aethyr the Oversoul into the DCU.

As I have said in prior reviews of this mini, this is about as crazy a Superman story as you are going to read. We go to Hell and back, from the lurid to the psychedelic, and then back to Earth for a slugfest. I don't know if I have ever read something quite like this before. And certainly as a 12 year old reading this off the rack, I was both confused and elated.

Writer Steve Gerber does a great job of mixing a weird, almost horror vibe to the story as Superman travels through Aethyr in hoping to get to Earth. Last issues trip through the layers leads to the monster's lair. But, as usual, Gerber provides us with oddly paced side scenes to flesh out the story. From the opening 5 page scene of the nihilistic Nadira and Az-Rel destroying a punk rock club to Faora Hu-Ul doing what she does best, a lot of pages are spent making sure we know who these villains are and what they would do if left to tromp around Earth.

Artists Gene Colan and Tony DeZuniga are on art again and really have had to stretch themselves this whole series. We are in the dingy back streets of Gotham and the surrealistic landscapes of Aethyr. I can't imagine anyone better suited for the job.

And as a side note, once again Supergirl is treated with tremendous respect getting into the main action sequences and quipping her way through clobbering the villains. Just great stuff.

Settle in once more for the weird!

Review: Phantom Zone #3

I continue my look at the origin of the Aethyr concept with this review of Phantom Zone #3.

It is hard to know where to begin in this introduction. In earlier reviews of this book, I have been saying that this book makes a big turn from superhero action to psychedelic insanity. And this is that book. 

That isn't to say that we don't get great hero action. Supergirl again is on the main stage as is Batman. They are trying to thwart the the freed Phantom Zone villains from running roughshod on the Earth.

But the main part of this book is Superman working his way through the unknown layers of the Phantom Zone. Writer Steve Gerber breaks out his E. Nelson Bridwell, working in some Kryptonian history and some prior stories as we get dive from one bizarre landscape to another. 

Gerber's delve into miasma gives art team Gene Colan and Tony DeZuniga the space to use their skills. Nothing says Colan more than the weird and he uses all the tools in his toolbox. Even the cover, showing a red masked woman becoming a planet that explodes, let's the reader know that this is going to be a wild ride.

And here is the kicker. It was incredibly hard to limit what to post here artwise because every page has something special. There is something incredible and warped on almost every page. I hope everyone can read this in floppy or trade or on the DC app (where I pulled the panels from).

Settle in folks. Things are gonna get nutty.

Digest Cast: Supergirl

You all have read my thoughts about Supergirl over the years here.

Have you ever wanted to HEAR my thoughts on Supergirl?

Over on the Fire and Water Network of podcasts, I was invited onto the DigestCast to discuss The Best of DC Blue Ribbon Digests #17 - The Many Lives Of Supergirl.

Here is the link for DigestCast so go and listen!

We review this great digest from 1981 showing the different periods of Supergirl's life.
There is orphan and secret weapon Supergirl in The Great Supergirl Mirage from Action Comics #256 (by Otto Binder and Jim Mooney).
There is revealed super-hero in The World's Greatest Heroine from Action Comics #285 (by Jerry Siegel and Jim Mooney).
There is college student Linda in Supergirl Goes to College from Action Comics #318 (by Leo Dorfman and Jim Mooney).
There is reporter Linda in Crypt of Frozen Graves from Adventure Comics #424 (by Steve Skeates, Tony DeZuniga, and Bob Oknser).
There is drama student Linda in Trail of the Madman from Supergirl #1 volume 1 (by Cary Bates and Art Saaf).
And finally there is Guidance Counselor Linda in Princess of the Golden Sun  from Superman Family #165 (by Elliot S Maggin and Art Saaf).

Whew ... a lot of great stories, many covered on this blog.

Not only do I help with the reviews, I talk about Supergirl's history and my love of the character.

But there is more.

Supergirl Digest

One of the things that I love about social media and even this blog is that I have met great people over time, people I may never meet in person but who I count as friends.

One of the first was Mart Gray, from across the pond, steward of the Too Dangerous For A Girl comic review site, Supergirl fan, and overall great guy! I have talked comics with Mart for a long time and think he is a wellspring of comic knowledge. If you are looking for great comic reviews for a multitude of books, you should head there!

Mart sent me a gift recently, something missing from my collection. The Best of DC Comics, Vol 3, No. 17, better known as the Supergirl digest! I have been looking for this book for a long time so this is truly a wonderful present.

The digest sports a nifty George Perez cover, Linda Danvers in the background switching to Supergirl, flying towards the reader. She looks outright graceful there.

The supra-title is 'The Many Lives of Supergirl' and it shows how varied Supergirl's life was back then.

 The back cover is just as wonderful with a playful and casual Supergirl leaning on the panels showcasing the stories on the inside. And what I love about it is that it concentrates on the Linda side of Supergirl's life. There is action in all these stories. Instead we see the different points in Linda's life they occur. From orphan to revealed super-hero to college student to reporter to acting student to guidance counselor, Linda was trying to find her place. This is a Linda cover!

I have reviewed the last 4 stories in this digest here over the years. Perhaps most surprising is that I haven't covered the second story, Action Comics #285, in which Supergirl's existence is revealed. How have I not covered that issue here??

The back cover does a nice job writing about how Supergirl's life meandered over the years at this point.

It was 1981 so she was starring in Superman Family. This was two years away from another turn in her life, as grad student in Chicago.

It is a shame there were no footnotes or issue references in this blurb. This was well before the internet. I might have liked to know what issue she discovers her family, etc.

Since I haven't covered Action Comics #285 in depth, I had to include this panel.

This might have to become a t-shirt.

An absolutely huge thank you to Mart for sending this my way! I owe you one, my friend!

Review: Adventure Comics #424 - Linda Danvers Quits Reporting The News!

This week in Superman #13, Clark Kent quits the news business, walking out on the Daily Planet because he feels they have lost their way.

Did you know that Supergirl had a similar moment in her history?

Adventure Comics #424 was the last issue of Supergirl's 3-plus year run as the headliner in that book. She was on her way to a short lived solo title Supergirl, which lasted all of 10 issues. With a new book coming out, my guess is that DC wanted the Supergirl title to be a bit of a soft reboot, bringing in a new supporting cast and a new locale.

This was something of a time of transition for Supergirl as a character. For almost 2 years in Adventure Comics, Linda Danvers was working as a news photographer/editor/junior reporter for KSF-TV in San Francisco. She had flirted with her boss Jeff and had an ongoing rivalry with Nasty Luthor (who held a similar position at the station). She seemed to love her job ... so what could have happened to make her leave?

'Crypt of the Frozen Graves' is one of the stranger stories in this Adventure run, and that's saying something! Written by Steve Skeates and drawn by Tony DeZuniga and Bob Oksner and the story starts out relatively normal before unraveling into a melange of seduction, ghost story, hysteria, bondage, torture, science fiction, and finally righteous indignation.

The story starts with Linda Danvers, junior reporter, getting a tip from a mob informant Bruce Ryan. Ryan knows Linda has Supergirl as a friend and he has been giving them both some small tips here and there. One thing he won't do is give up the name of the boss of the syndicate. Ryan knows that anyone who has tried to rat on or testify against the boss has 'mysteriously disappeared'.

Again, Ryan only tells Supergirl some small potatoes information, nothing major.

Later that night, Ryan calls Linda again. He sounds spooked and refuses to give either Linda or Supergirl anymore information.

And it seems like he was right to be scared. As Linda is listening, a shot is fired at Bruce.

One thing I like about this story is DeZuniga's art. He really has a good command of point of view, when to zoom in or out, and panel construction. In particular, as in these panels, he often blurs the boundaries having one panel's art overlap another.  I don't think this was that common back then.

Linda changes into Supergirl and goes to investigate. There is a bullet hole in the wall but no blood. Bruce escaped.

Luckily, even though he was feeding her information, Bruce never met Linda. When Kara discovers where Bruce is hiding out she thinks the best plan isn't to confront him wearing the big red S. Instead, she decides that the best way to get the 'ladies man' to give up the name of the syndicate boss is to seduce him.

Gone is 'sweet' Linda. Instead she will use her feminine wiles. And sure enough, dressed to kill and literally falling into Bruce's arms, Linda is able to start up a whirlwind romance with the mob enforcer.

Yep, this isn't Midvale any more!

So Linda and Bruce start a day and a night on the town including a wardrobe change into evening wear.

While out during the day, Bruce gets shot at and seems to toss Linda into harm's way as a human shield (of course he doesn't know this is Linda Danvers). And, as was common in early Supergirl comics, she finds herself attracted to him ... a surefire hint that he is either a bad guy or a magical centaur.

Why would she be attracted to a mob guy who is on the lam? Especially one that has no problem hurting others.

Now if that wasn't bad enough, while in the restaurant for a romantic dinner, the syndicate tries to kill Bruce by tossing a grenade into the dining area.

Here is where things get a bit weird. Instead of acting at superspeed or using her powers in any other way, Linda actually pauses to see if Bruce is brave enough to toss himself onto the grenade, a move that would surely kill him. Odd.

And when he shows his true colors by running out the back door, Linda has no choice but to toss herself on the grenade to save the people. She stops breathing and 'plays dead' until the restaurant is cleared by police and then she also sneaks out the back door. Wouldn't people be suspicious by the lack of blood or other injury from shrapnel? Would the authorities ever leave a dead body alone in a restaurant, alone enough for Linda to escape? Couldn't she have done something else so she wouldn't be stuck like this?

Now if that wasn't strange enough, Supergirl decides that the best course of action is to buy a ghost costume, apply some make-up, and appear in Bruce's apartment as Linda's spirit, an attempt to scare the name of the syndicate boss out of him. Really? That is the best plan she could come up with?

But before her fright tactics can work, the man who tossed the grenade suddenly materializes in the apartment as well, appearing  rather ghostly himself. Shocked by this, Supergirl pauses for a second, enough time for the ghost to pull out a very solid machine gun, riddle Bruce with bullets, and disappear.

Her lack of action here caused Bruce's death.

Overwhelmed with guilt about Bruce's death, especially since she was pushing this envelope in hopes of being promoted to a full-fledged reporter, Linda sulks at the TV station.

And, as if on cue, Nasty decides to be ... well ... nasty. Her emotional resolve frayed, Linda throttles Nasty something of a cat fight. The two need to be separated. Good thing to ... Linda is really hysterical, thinking to herself that she has lost all control of her emotions and might have injured Nasty.

Before she can say anything, the syndicate's button men, including the trigger man who killed Bruce, show up. They know that Bruce has been talking to Linda. And they need information about a stash of money Bruce had hidden. Hmm ... maybe they shouldn't have gunned him down if they didn't know his hiding spot?

Now if you think this story has had enough twists and turns, hold on to your hats, because things get really bizarre.

Linda is brought to the syndicate boss who decides to torture Linda in hopes of getting the information from her. They truss her up in a bondage position William Moulton Marsters would have been proud of. And then a man in executioner's garb uses a red hot cattle brand on her. As crazy as the plot twist is, I find it crazy that they show it in such dramatic fashion.

All that said, Linda still wants the information and so plays along, screaming in agony and pretending to pass out. The 'Pulp Fiction' gang decide that if brute force won't work, maybe 'The Professor' can use science to pry the location of the cash from her.

However, Linda scoffs at his attempt so he decides that the insult to his intelligence is too great. With no care for the potential money information, he uses his greatest device, a teleportation machine, to send Linda into space with all the other witnesses who have gone missing. This is the 'crypt of the frozen graves' in the title ... outer space!

Quite a crazy tour of literary genres and themes we are going through here don't you think?? From medieval torture to sci-fi nuttiness.

Of course, a trip home is nothing for Linda. She returns as Supergirl and shuts down the operation all together, smashing the teleportation machine, beating the thugs to a pulp, and bringing the boss to justice.
I have to say this is one angry Supergirl, unloading Kryptonian haymakers into the faces of the gangsters and tossing the boss at high velocity into a wall. It's pretty violent ... even as she ignores the boss's pleas for mercy and his cardiac condition.

Some of this is probably transference of her anger at herself for letting Bruce die.

She still can't get over that Bruce died because she was so absorbed in landing the big scoop. If reporting the news is bigger than the safety of those in the news, if that lure is enough to have her go to such lengths that she put protecting someone in the background and her job in the foreground, than she can't be part of it.

She quits saying she has 'better things to do with [her] life than stay in a business that exploits people'!! Ahhh ... righteous indignation! It smells like victory!

And so ... just like cousin Clark ... Linda leaves the 'anything for ratings' world of news.

In the subsequent solo book, Linda goes back to being a student, enrolling in the Vandyre drama school.

This is such a crazy story what with Linda vamping it up, jumping on a live grenade, pretending to be a ghost, and being subjected to bondage and torture. Add to that how emotionally labile she was and the outright violence she subjects mobsters to and it is an odd stew, to say the least. The story aside, DeZuniga's art is certainly interesting especially given the time the issue came out.

Despite the weird windings of the story, since this closed a chapter in the Supergirl character, I would rank it of moderate importance for a Supergirl collection. Copies of the later Adventure run are usually easy to find and relatively affordable. 

Overall grade: C