Supergirl Show: New Costume, Lena, & Season Five Trailer

The Supergirl show is in its summer hiatus but Season 5 has already started to film and news has started to leak. And between San Diego Comic Con and interviews and magazines, a lot has dropped. I will try to cover the big news here knowing a lot of other news (Mehcad Brooks leaving, Winn returning, Brandon Routh being Kingdom Come Superman in Crisis) also broke and could be covered.

One of the first media bombs to drop was that Supergirl will sport a new costume next season. Here is a link to that story:
https://ew.com/tv/2019/07/15/supergirl-melissa-benoist-new-season-5-suit/

Now I am a huge fan of the blue shirt/red skirt look for Supergirl. It;s my favorite version of the costume. And so I am sad to see it go.

I also think this new suit, now with blue pants, is fine. But in some ways it is a little boring to me. There isn't much color here. The cape being so far up and back even eliminates red from the upper body. Things could be worse. But this is just okay to me.

In some ways it reminds me of some of the costumes with pants we saw in the 1970's Adventure Comics run.

Mahmud Asrar Commission Of Variant Costume

As a Supergirl fan and a commission junkie, I love when Mahmud Asrar posts the commissions he has done for upcoming conventions. Earlier this week, he posted this on his blog: http://mahmudasrar.com/post/61755876929/no-rest-for-the-wicked-at-samara-beach

I have seen soooo many great commissions there. I would love to get one from Asrar. But seriously, this group, with Poison Ivy and Scarlet Witch, makes me think he would do any character justice. I have even seen fantastic ones of Saturn Girl and Dawnstar on his site.

Anyways, the Supergirl one in the back caught my eye.

Asrar posted it in total yesterday on his blog. Here it is up close.

That costume in the commission is one of Asrar's costume designs for the New 52. I talked about those costume designs last year here: http://comicboxcommentary.blogspot.com/2012/10/supergirl-trade-talk-costume-design.html

Kudos to whoever asked to this commission from Asrar. That is slick and original!

I will never get sick of seeing Mahmud Asrar draw Supergirl. 

Cat Staggs' Supergirl Smallville Costume And Cover Designs

It has been great to see Supergirl in the Smallville comic.

Writer Bryan Q. Miller has been able to tap into the strength of the character, showcasing the pro-active heroing that we saw on the series, so wonderfully portrayed by Laura Vandervoort.

I love getting behind the scenes stuff about the creative process in comics, so I appreciated seeing these pages in the last print issue of Smallville, looking at Cat Staggs' design of Kara's 30th century costume and a digital cover design.

The idea of Supergirl being the focus of a propaganda poster is fascinating. Seeing this regal, strong Supergirl standing in front of the Krypton flag looking out on to the horizon is a powerful visual.

I would love to have seen a more complete version of the first concept thumbnail up top. That really has a propaganda feel to it.

As for the print cover, I love Pete Woods 'Supergirl rallying cry' which ended up being the final one. But boy, I love concept A, a riff on Action Comics #1. I also love concept D, the super-cousins literally stuck between two worlds. Both would have worked.

I also liked Staggs' military-style costume that Supergirl sports in these issues. The duster overcoat is reminiscent of Trinity in the Matrix. For me, it gives an aura of impending crazy action. It also allows some cape-like movement and visuals without being a cape. Slick. Congratulations to Staggs for adding another variant costume to Kara's history!

I will say the back of the costume without the coat seems needlessly busy.

I do wonder if Pete Woods was thinking of Delacroix's Liberty Leading the People when he drew this cover.

Supergirl Trade Talk: Costume Design

The first trade collection for the DCnU Supergirl came out this week and collected the first 7 issues of the title as well as a few extras. At 160 pages, Volume 1 Last Daughter of Krypton, is something of a steal at only $14.99.

One of the things that struck me is that the issues read well when read in one sitting, obviously the benefit of trade treatment. While I am still struck that the first couple of issues are decompressed, the momentum builds through the seven issues. Once the trip to Argo happens and the World Killers show up, the story moves faster and feels weightier. There is more for the reader to sift through, trying to piece together the puzzle of her origin just as Kara is doing the same. There still might be a bit too heavy reliance on splash pages and it was a relatively quick read but the pacing of the story seemed much better when read en masse.

And the trade ends on just the right note, this uplifting page of a tired, proud, smiling Supergirl ... thrilled she has won this battle and helped save Earth.

I was glad to see some extras in the back of the trade. There are some preliminary designs of the World Killers by Mahmud Asrar. And there is an unused cover for Supergirl #6 as well. But for me, the best of the extras are some costume designs for the DCnU Supergirl that weren't accepted.

So here are some of the other designs that Jim Lee came up with for Supergirl. I am glad that these weren't chosen. I think Supergirl needs to have the S-shield and this free-floating S just doesn't do it for me.

Of any of these, the bottom one, which has a little Laurel Gand feel to it, works best for me.

And it seems those 'open-kneed' boots were always part of the equation.

I have to say, this one stuck out to me as being the most visually unappealing. The mish-mash of blue and red and the silver shoulders on the cape just seem distracting. A costume should be sleek and smooth. This is too visually jarring.

Add to that the boob mini-window, the open neck and shoulders, the elbows being exposed. Well it reminded me too much of this ...

I should never ever ever ever ever ever be reminded of this horrific Invisible Woman costume, perhaps the worst hero costume ever.

More intriguing is this page of costume designs by Mahmud Asrar.

I think the bottom right is interesting as it looks like a sort of fetal version of the current Power Girl outfit. The 8 in the S-shield is also a nice touch, reminding me for some reason of DC 1,000,000.

I don't think I would like the mid-riff, pants version.

But this one is actually quite fetching. The single piece dress is evocative of her first costume and multiple variants that have been seen recently. The larger symbol being incorportated into the cape and collar gives it a sort of regal feeling. And the boots lack the open knees. Add flourishes of blue and this is a winner.

Of all of Jim Lee's versions, I think the one chosen is the best. I am glad they went in this direction rather than any of the above Lee designs. This has enough classic elements to make it feel right.

Back Issue Box: Superman Family #199

In Supergirl #4 last month, villain Simon Tycho marvels at the stretchy and invulnerable uniform that Supergirl was wearing. He wonders what applications he use such a fabric for to turn a profit - diapers, towels, armor.

It isn't the first time I read about a scientist potentially trying to profit from Kryptonian textiles. So I figured I would turn back the clock to early 1980 and look at Superman Family #199.

Supergirl dominates the cover of Superman Family #199 (drawn by Ross Andru and Dick Girodano) and is seen stretching her cape over an exploding truck. But the tag line is that it will 'lead to big trouble of Supergirl'.

"The Case of the Cape Caper" was written by Jack C. Harris, drawn by Win Mortimer and inked by Vince Colletta. It opened up the book and is a pretty silly story that even a young Anj had some issues with. So here we go!

The issue starts with the ominous news that 'Organized Crime has come to Santa Augusta!', the Florida city that Supergirl resided in during this part of her career. Yes organized crime is a new and 'ugly blot on the flowering city' which also hosts the New Athens Experimental School where Linda Danvers was a guidance counselor.

And this crime wave has been so prolific that Supergirl has started doing extra patrols. And it seems to have paid off when she arrives to stop a daring daytime bank robbery. But the criminals are prepared. They have planted a bomb at a nearby building, the perfect distraction to keep Supergirl busy while they escape.

But matters get more mysterious when her cape bursts into flame! It is clear that the cape she is wearing is a fake. Someone has pulled a switch!

A corrupt scientist named Wells has been working for the local crime boss Jason Janson. Wells likes to be on the scene when one of his scientific/explosive crimes are pulled off. And sure enough, like on the cover, one of his crimes included an oil truck being destroyed as a diversion. This time Supergirl was on the scene and was able to protect the crowd by stretching and draping her cape over them.

And like Tycho, Wells immediately thinks about other applications for an invulnerable and elastic fabric. A cloth armor, a building cloak to smother fires, a drape to put over tanks. Even as a kid I knew a lot of this didn't make sense. Sure the cape might be invulnerable but it isn't stiff or durable enough to protect a car slamming into bricks. Wouldn't the car still suffer damage? Wouldn't the soldier still feel the kinetic energy of the bullet even if the round didn't penetrate?

I know ... I can buy the Supergirl's powers which defy physics but not these things?

Inspired to pull off the cape caper, Wells begins stalking Supergirl and taking pictures of her cape. He talks of his 'knack for calculating weight and textures' and so armed with the information gathered from his photos, he begins creating a copy.

He then leaks a phony tip to the police that a local zoo fountain will begin to spurt acid while the crime gang tries to steal a cage filled with rare and valuable monkeys! (Stealing monkeys!) Anyways, Supergirl drapes her cape over the fountain while she chases down the helicopter lifting the primate cage.

Seizing his chance, Wells pulls the switcheroo and obtains her Kryptonian cape!

Not surprisingly, Wells can't study the fabric. He can't test it, sample it, or replicate it. So his grand schemes for criminal greatness come to a quick end. But the cape still has it's intrinsic value, one Wells hopes to cash in on.

Meanwhile, the mystery of her cape continues to plague Linda's thoughts even when she is at work. This is one of the things that always endeared me to Supergirl. Her life isn't easy. She has to juggle all her responsibilities and it isn't easy. She isn't always successful. It makes her much easier to relate to than Superman who seemed to be able to juggle his Earth, galaxy, universe, and WGBS responsibilities without breaking a sweat.

But jeez, how would you like to be a superhero and get yelled at by a kid for getting too many lunches!

Meanwhile, Wells realizes that his best chance to gain something for stealing Supergirl's cape is to sell it to crime lord Janson. And to prove it's worth, Wells runs the gauntlet of protective measures that are built into Janson's headquarters. The cape easily deflects bullets and lasers. And luckily Janson's men have a strict 'no head shots' policy when it comes to shooting their enemies. Really?? A 'no head shots rule'??

Still, Janson sees the value of the cape and buys it from Wells for a million dollars cash.

Now wearing the cape, Janson decides to recoup his losses by killing Wells and reclaiming his cash. I guess there is no honor among thieves.

Luckily, Supergirl's hearing is always attuned to listen for gunfire and the recent volley of shots has brought her to investigate. She catches Janson with the literally smoking gun still in his hand.

But before Supergirl can grab him, Janson warns her about his failsafe device. He has a tamper-proof detonator strapped to his chest which if hit will set off an explosive Wells had placed under the Santa Augusta Police Department. If she doesn't let him walk, he'll kill the force.

Incredibly, Supergirl instead lunges across the room regardless of his warnings. And as he promised, he hits the switch.

Amazingly, the police department remains in one piece. And Supergirl reclaims her cape in this amusing way. That looks like it is straight out of a Looney Tunes cartoon. I just thought that panel was too precious to not scan!

But how?? How can the building remain standing?

It turns out that Wells had placed bombs beneath the Police Department building. But when Supergirl lunged at Janson, she closed the cape around him, blocking the radio signal from reaching the explosives.

And so, another unscrupulous crime boss and scientist fail to capitalize on Krypton's wonder fabric.

This is a pretty forgettable little story although it showcases some of the key features of a good Supergirl story. She strives to do what's right, she struggles a bit, but by persevering she emerges victorious. Harris' plot has some pretty big holes in it. Mortimer does a serviceable Supergirl ... nothing spectacular. For a Supergirl collection, this is of low importance.

Overall grade: C+

Fan Submitted Supergirl Costumes

Late last month, I reviewed Superman #137 here because it was an issue stuffed with homages and references to some comics history. Included in that was a future 'Supergirl' sporting a mod costume straight out of the Mike Sekowsky Adventure Comics run.

With that floating around my mind as well as the ongoing discussion around the DCnU Supergirl's new costume and blog friend Saranga (of the great Pai blog) rereading the Adventure run, I thought I would take another look back at those 1970's variant comics, specifically some pages acknowledging Supergirl fans and their submitted versions.

It all started in Adventure Comics #387, sporting this classic cover of Supergirl mulling over which new costume she should wear. It is a fun story I should review in total some day. In the issue, Kara heads to Diana Prince's fashion store and gets some help. The ultimate costume she chooses is the one sported in Superman #137. That costume was designed by fan Barbara Reader and sent in.

The next month was something of a transition month for Supergirl. Adventure Comics #398 had 2 stories, one in which she sported the classic Silver Age blue dress (as seen on the cover) and a second in the new costume.

In between, there were some page where Supergirl showcases some of the other costumes sent in.

I like the 'talking to the reader' moment here as Supergirl says 'Hold It ... Stop!', a way to jarringly let the reader now that things are going to be new, including an array of costumes.

At the end of the second story, Supergirl again thanks everyone who sent in their ideas while sporting the current 'new costume'.

A little over a half a year later, DC release Super DC Giant #24, a Supergirl issue reprinting her famous battle with her first arch-villain Lesla Lar. But the cover also has a Sekowsky Supergirl saying that more costumes are on the inside.

And again, Supergirl talks to the reader thanking those who sent in costume designs and commenting on some of the specifics including how 'groovy' they are and describing one of them as a 'boy chasing costume'.

On this page, she likes the top right costume as loungewear.

And here she digs the hip hugger belt on the lower left.

How great that back then fans could do such a thing and get some page time. I will admit that not many of these costumes grabbed me. Of course I was looking at these through a 90s and 00s lens as I was buying these back issues.

Bullet Review: DC Universe Online Legends #9

A hat tip to blog friend Talos who let me know a while back the Supergirl made an appearance in the DCU Online Legends #9. Knowing that this was Supergirl written by Marv 'Crisis on Infinite Earths #7' Wolfman, I wasn't expecting Kara to be treated right.

I admit I really have no idea what is happening here. I had no interest in this book. But it seems that Luthor and Brainiac have teamed up and have also created some power-draining exobyte robot things that are running rampant throughout the DCU. Also, Luthor has made the Daily Planet and all it's workers (including Lois) disappear. Superman seems on edge as Luthor does some effective psychological warfare without ever tipping his hat that he is involved.

Now this must tie into the DCU online video game. As such, this book might be the entry way for some new readers to come to comics. I can imagine gamers looking for a tip, or eager to read more about the universe they are gaming through picking up this book.

As such, shouldn't this be at least slightly in synch with the comic DCU, at least from a costume and power point of view, so that if the new readers want to branch out they won't be confused?

Not that I am complaining mind you. The DCUO Supergirl is wearing a modified movie/Matrix version of the costume. The full shirt, red skirt look is simply my favorite version of the costume.

In the story, Luthor needs to scan a Kryptonian so he can customize the exobyte to effect Superman. Rather than try to scan Superman, he scans the 'spare' Kryptonian on Earth. While Supergirl might look good in that costume, she is treated pretty shabbily.

Here she appears to be running away from Livewire.

And then she gets taken out by Livewire, knocked unconscious by an electric bolt.

And then scanned so Luthor can develop his evil weapon.

In an interesting moment, after the scan, Brainiac disintegrates Livewire. She served her purpose.

And then, as if being taken out by Livewire wasn't bad enough, she gets taken out by an 'enhanced' Killer Croc.

I guess I shouldn't expect much from Wolfman.

But I have to assume that this is what Supergirl will look like in the Online game. I don't play the game ... can anyone corroborate? I think it is great that the Matrix look continues to show up. I doubt we will see it soon given the relaunch and the new costume Supergirl will be sporting come September.

New Costume? (Edited x 2)

Don't know how legitimate this is, but over on the CBR Forums, they have posted this picture as the cover for Supergirl #1. There are also presumed covers for Superman #1 and Superboy#1. Here is the link:
http://forums.comicbookresources.com/showpost.php?p=13269766&postcount=36 

Also, if that link won't work, it is up on Bleeding Cool.

I don't mind the 'swimsuit look' especially given the red shorts look. I would have much preferred the red skirt version. And I like the high collared cape as it gives Supergirl an air of royalty. And the new snazzy 'S' shield. I think I'll be okay with it.

But the kneeless boots look completely off, almost like something you would find on an amecomi statue rather than on a superhero. Maybe the stuff above the chevron line will disappear when the book is finally officially solicited.

That is Mahmud Asrar credited on the cover. I wonder if he is doing the interiors as well.

If they were normal boots, I would be pretty happy with this cover. Of all the revamped costumes, this one (again other than the boots) works very well. Those high boots simply have to go.

And she certainly doesn't look to de-aged, one of my concerns. This could totally be the Supergirl from the current book.

Can I also say that I hope the rumor that this is some merged amalgam of Supergirl and Power Girl is wrong. I will be more than angry if that happens. The two characters are so different in attitude and experience and life. There hasn't been a sighting of Power Girl in the DCU, this Supergirl looks older ... it could be a merging. And that would be a complete insult to fans of both characters.

What does everyone think?

Supergirl Costume Changes?

 The 'new' DCU continues to be discussed all over the internet and, as usual, Bleeding Cool is breaking a lot of the news. One of their stories states that there is now an editorial edict that female characters wear 'practical clothing'.  Here is the link: http://www.bleedingcool.com/2011/06/01/flashpost-dc-women-to-wear-trousers/

 Now there might be a bit of baiting with the headline. The story says 'practical clothing', not 'only trousers'. But one quote from the story mildly irked me.

But the likes of Supergirl will be redesigned so they aren’t running around in a little skirt flashing their panties at every available opportunity either. Female superhero characters will have their legs covered.

I mean, why drag Supergirl into this conversation? Doesn't he know about the great 'Bike Shorts' debate? There hasn't been a Supergirl panty shot (at least in her own comic) in years.

Anyways, the pants headline is sure to rattle some people's cages. And it isn't like Supergirl hasn't worn pants before.

She wore red shorts from much of her career. This is the costume a lot of people think of when they think of Supergirl.

And in the 70s when she sported many costumes, some of them had pants like this one on Adventure Comics #412. There is almost too much happening on this cover to discuss at length.

And she sported pants in the Elseworld's Finest book by Barbara Kesel and Matt Haley.

Of course, we still don't know if there is a Supergirl book, let alone if her costume has been tweaked.

I am sure more news will be coming soon.

Supergirl Sighting In JSA All-Stars #17; Variant Costume

One of the fistful of comics I currently collect nearing cancellation is JSA All-Stars.

All-Stars has always been a sort of fringe title for me, one that I enjoy just enough to keep buying. I definitely like Power Girl, Star Girl, and Cyclone as characters. But I could not care less for Wildcat 2, Citizen Steel, or King Chimera. On the JSA side, I love Wildcat, Jay Garrick, and Dr. Fate.

Matt Sturges has concocted some fun stories for the All-Stars and I have enjoyed the down time scenes he has written for the team such as sparring, training, and having strategy meetings. But the big draw for me on the title and really the reason why I have stuck around has been Freddie Williams III's art. I just think it is great, stylish and energetic.

So how could I not post about a brief Supergirl sighting in JSA All-Stars #17?

In the issue, a super-being called The Prince tries to convince Power Girl that he comes from an alternate timeline. In the other timeline, the greatest hero was someone named Regal who led the Justice Guild and made a perfect world. A villain named Dr. Hate, the Prince's mother and Regal's mortal enemy and lover, has changed history such that Regal never existed, the Guild never eradicated evil, etc.

The Prince is sad because he is stuck in this absolutely flawed world when he knew the paradise of the Regal-led world. In that timeline, he and Power Girl were friends, he was married to Judomaster, and everyone was on this massive super-hero team that looks like a mix of the JLA, JSA, Titans, and a couple of others. It is nice that most of his discussion about his predicament is with Power Girl who actually might understand his feelings and simply wants the Prince to relax so they can talk.

Anyways, Freddie Williams III gives us this great double page spread of this mega-team. Just spectacular stuff. And look on the top left.

Yep, that's Supergirl on the team! And in a different costume. It is a sort of mix of Silver Age (blue dress) and Matrix (pointy belt). One thing I do know, if I ever run into Freddie Williams III at a convention, I am definitely getting a commission.

And as a fan of the Matrix costume and the red dress, I actually thought this looked very nice.

Another thing that I think is interesting is how this costume (full shirt and blue dress) or some close version of it keeps popping up here and there. Could the belly shirt be on the way out?

Just a couple of months ago I showed this panel from Red Robin #19 where Marcus To had the Supergirl avatar in the UnterNet leading an future JLA and dressed like this.

Or this one I posted from Titans #30 by Fabrizio Fiorentino? This is, in theory, in continuity.

And then there was this version from Supergirl #32 by Ron Randall ... again, a Supergirl from the future.Yes, there is no belt here and the cape is different, clasping on to the S-shield but the full blue dress is similar.

And while those are all timeline twisted or future versions of Supergirl sporting the full shirt and blue dress, the current Kara has at least thought about it. Remember this great panel from Final Crisis #3 where we got a look into Supergirl's apartment. Here she seems to be designing new versions of the costume.

There in the lower left is a very rough sketch of the solid blue dress.

I doubt that any costume change is going to happen any time soon. But it is interesting that we keep seeing this particular motif pop up every so often. After being a staunch supporter of the red skirt, I have to say the blue skirt look is growing on me.