Worries About Post-Flashpoint Supergirl?

Just yesterday I said I wasn't feeling uneasy about the future of Supergirl. What a difference a day makes. All this Flashpoint stuff, these rumors of reboots and rnumbering, without information about what comes after, it's disconcerting.

What will the DCU be like after Flashpoint?  Will the DCU be mostly like the current DCU but with some minor differences? Will Flashpoint be another event like Crisis on Infinite Earths where everything is shaken up? Is it a global reboot? The problem is no one knows ... and DC isn't talking. At least not until June 11 when Geoff Johns and Jim Lee will break the silence, at least about Superman: http://herocomplex.latimes.com/2011/05/23/geoff-johns-and-jim-lee-plan-to-drop-dc-bombshells-at-hero-festival/?dlvrit=63378   If there is a reboot of Superman, surely that will effect the rest of the Superman Family.

So what sort of Supergirl is going to come out of Flashpoint? Supergirl fans are usually a twitchy bunch. We worry. We want the character to be treated right ... and frankly since Supergirl #34 I think she has been treated right. It's a rare Golden Age for Supergirl. So the current uncertainty isn't sitting well with me. We don't know who the next creative team will be, so we can't even use that to help figure out the tenor of the book. And that, of course, is assuming there is going to be a Supergirl book.

All I want is Supergirl to continue on its current path, to keep the character moving in the direction that Sterling Gates put her on and James Peaty kept her on.

But I keep imagining Supergirl solicits for September. Frightening solicits. A dramatic change in the book.  These are what I am worried about ... and sadly, they all seem possible. From the pessimistic corners of my imagination ...

Supergirl #1
The DC Universe was almost an ugly place thanks to the machinations of Professor Zoom in Flashpoint. Supergirl isn't about to let anything like that happen again. The Girl of Steel decides to take the fight to the villains, breaking their spirits ... and bodies ... before they can strike. Can Superman talk his cousin out of her mission of Kryptonian justice? Not likely. Don't miss any of the blood-soaked mayhem! Guest starring Deathstroke, the Terminator.

or

Supergirl #1
Spinning out of Flashpoint! What would you do if you had the power of a god and a family tradition of doing what's right? If you're Supergirl, you simply want to be left alone to live a peaceful existence. But trouble seems to have a habit of finding her, forcing her to act. Follow the adventures of a reluctant hero who wants to find herself and leave the super-heroics to others. Guest starring Raven of the Teen Titans.

or

Supergirl #1
Girls just want to have fun. And Supergirl wants to have super-fun. Follow the adventures of the new girl in the big city as she tries to balance good times, a busy social life, and a family tradition of heroism. But when Metallo shows up to break up a rock concert, Supergirl has to dole out some chin music to the Kryptonite powered villain. Guest starring Starfire and Power Girl.

or

Supergirl #1
Flashpoint changed the DCU forever! In the new timeline, meet Kara Zor-El, a young girl destined to one day be the hero Supergirl. But she needs training before she can don the S-shield in the open. What better place to hide in plain sight than at Midvale Academy, a prep school just outside of Gotham. With nighttime training from Batman and weekend lessons from Superman, can Supergirl be a hidden hero, please her 'fathers', and survive High School?

I don't want to read any of those books. I don't want a bad grrl Supergirl, or a slacker Supergirl, or a cheesecake Supergirl, or a Silver Age reboot Supergirl. I want this hero on this hero's journey.

I guess I just have to play the waiting game until DC releases some info.

Sales Review: April 2011

April was a good month for comic sales with sales down about 1.5% in comparison to April 2010. The top comic Fear Itself from Marvel sold over 140K as well. As always, this information has been gleaned from ICv2. Here is a link to their list of the top 300 comics for April:
http://www.icv2.com/articles/news/20090.html

Comics are still down around 6% for the quarter, so as always stability in sales is to be admired. Which takes us to Supergirl #63.

Supergirl #63 was the penultimate chapter of the 'Good Looking Corpse' story arc. Remember, this arc started with the mini-upheaval at writer with Nick Spencer being ousted (leaving on his own?) in the middle of the first issue. I was worried that the loss of Spencer and the sense of uncertainty around the title might lead to a serious sales drop. Instead, Supergirl fans are holding strong. Supergirl #63 sold 21,598. Supergirl #62 sold 21786. That's a drop of less than 1% in a market where there is almost always attrition. That is the definition of stability.

I think it is also a testament to James Peaty and Bernard Chang. If this wasn't a good story I am sure some folks would have left.

It's funny, even with another new creative team, Kelly Sue DeConnick and ChrisCross, coming on for only 3 issues, I don't have that sense of unease about the title anymore. We'll see if upcoming sales mirror my new-found optimism.

August 2011 Solicits

The August solicits for DC Comics are up on their website. Here is the link to the main August page: http://www.dccomics.com/dccomics/comics/?dat=20110807&sort=date
This month is the beginning of Flashpoint and that meant the cancellation of a handful of titles. August is the end of Flashpoint, the end of another series that 'changes everything' and so I wonder what havoc will be wrought on DC's ongoing titles. Will September look very different? Because it sure looks like DC might be clearing the decks this month and I am only really looking at the Super titles.

Here are the solicits for August.

Supergirl #67

Written by KELLY SUE DECONNICK; Art by CHRISCROSS and MARC DEERING; Cover by RB SILVA and ROB LEAN

Between abductions, no chicken fingers in the cafeteria, and the killer robots, Supergirl has about had her fill of college. But before she can leave, first she has to save the kids of the Silk Pajama Society, stop the bad guy from unleashing his devastating plan upon the world, and attend one last orientation session!

On Sale August 17, 2011

This is the last issue of Kelly Sue Deconnick's short stint as writer. And the descriptions of the books make it sound like it will be a fun story to read. I definitely like the RB Silva cover which has a sort of reverse Sleeping Beauty feel to it.

This is the end of this arc.

But most importantly ... it does not say FINAL ISSUE, which was my big worry. So who is coming on board as the creative team next? I hope it is someone prepared to be here for the long haul, someone with a feel for the character.

Supergirl:Bizarrogirl Trade Paperback

Written by STERLING GATES; Art by JAMAL IGLE, MATT CAMP and JON SIBAL; Cover by AMY REEDE and RICHARD FRIEND

Enter Bizarro Supergirl! But how did she get to Earth and 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. Collected from SUPERGIRL #53-59 and ANNUAL #2.

On Sale August 24, 2011

This is a nice big trade collecting the end of Sterling Gates' great run on Supergirl. The trade will really run the emotional gamut from the depression of the early BizarroGirl issues to the optimism at the end of the Doll Maker run with a great palate cleanser of the Legion story in the Annual sandwiched in the middle. It really doesn't get better than this as Gates shook the New Krypton shackles off and gave us great Supergirl stories. Add to that the wonderful art from Jamal Igle, Bernard Chang, and Matt Camp and this is simply a winner.
I am hoping hoping ... begging really ... for an introduction or foreword by Gates and Igle. But I don't think I am going to get it.

Justice League of America #60

Written by JAMES ROBINSON; Art by DANIEL SAMPERE; Cover by IVAN REIS and JOE PRADO; 1:10 Variant cover by DAVID MACK

In the aftermath of "Eclipso Rising," the team faces an uncertain future. Be here for a tale of love, friendship and heroism when this incarnation of the JLA must decide whether they have anything left to offer the DC Universe. And the mystery of Jesse Quick's wavering speed powers is solved in a revelation that will shock everyone.

On Sale August 17, 2011

Sounds like the end of this League, doesn't it? Too bad. I was really happy to read about this group: Dick, Donna, Jessie, Jenn, and Kara. It felt like a fresh take on the JLA concept. And yes ... I know I am biased as a Supergirl fan. But my guess is we aren't going to see this lineup any more.
This is the end of this arc. Get ready to read that phrase a lot.

Action Comics #904

Written by PAUL CORNELL; Art and cover by KENNETH ROCAFORT; 1:10 Variant cover by JERRY ORDWAY

Earth has fallen. The multiple Doomsdays have defeated Supergirl, Superboy, Steel, and the Eradicator. Now it all comes down to a weakened Superman versus the monster known as Doomslayer in this, the epic finale of "Reign of the Doomsdays"!

On Sale August 24, 2011

The addition of someone called Doomslayer is enough to get my attention. And with no mention of the Cyborg Superman, I wonder if it is a merger of Henshaw and Doomsday. Too bad the Superman Family sounds like they are down for the count. But it usually comes down to Superman vs. Doomsday one on one.
I really can't wait to see Rocafort's interiors on these stories.

This is the end of this arc.

Superman #714

Written by J. MICHAEL STRACZYNSKI and CHRIS ROBERSON; Art by ALLAN GOLDMAN and EBER FERREIRA; Cover by JOHN CASSADAY; 1:10 Variant cover by EDDY BARROWS

Superman hits Seattle for his last stop on his "Grounded" walk across the country, and it is in that city where everything will come to a head! The mysterious woman who has been following Superman all year makes a desperate final move, one that may cost the Man of Steel that which he holds most dear!
On Sale August 3, 2011

Is this 'last stop' mean this is the last chapter of 'Grounded'? There is no mention of Lois so I wonder if there will be an epilogue after this issue where Superman patches up his relationships with everyone. But I could be wrong. This could be the end of this arc ... hurray?

I hope Roberson gets the chance to write some non-Grounded Superman.

Superboy #10

Written by JEFF LEMIRE; Art by PIER GALLO, PETE WOODS and CAFU; Covers by KARL KERSCHL

In SUPERBOY #10, learn how the threat currently facing Superboy and Smallville stretches all the way back to the time of ancient Atlantis! Guest-starring Arion and the Viking Prince, with art by Pete Woods and CAFU!

On Sale August 3, 2011

It's a double shot of Superboy this month. Frankly, I was just thrilled to see that my earlier guess that Arion was part of the plot here turned out to be right. And the Viking Prince! Love those Joe Kubert stories (or what I have seen of them in Brave and Bold reprints).

But add to that the very New Krypton art team of Gallo, Woods, and Cafu and I am very happy.

Superboy #11

Written by JEFF LEMIRE; Art by PIER GALLO, PETE WOODS and CAFU; Covers by KARL KERSCHL

In SUPERBOY #11, Jeff Lemire and Pier Gallo bring the saga of "The Hollow Men" to its explosive conclusion! Superboy, Lori, Simon and Psionic Lad must fight for the very soul of Smallville hundreds of miles beneath the town's surface!

On Sale August 17, 2011

And then the second part of the double shot. First off, nice homage cover by Karl Kerschl of Rafale Alberquerque's cover for Superboy #1. Only 10 issues later and an homage cover. Nice!

But it also sounds like this issue marks the end of Jeff Lemire's first big plot line. Hmmm, another ending of another arc.

DC Retroactive Superman: The 80s

Written by MARV WOLFMAN; Art by SERGIO CARIELLO; Cover by DAN JURGENS and LIVEAY

Fan-favorite writer Marv Wolfman revisits the legendary character he helped define in the 1980s in this epic tale of The Man of Steel. A true "lost tale," this issue connects to CRISIS ON INFINITE EARTHS in an exciting and unique way! Rounding out this issue is a tale from the 1980s, also written by Wolfman.

On Sale August 10, 2011

A Crisis related story? Think Supergirl makes an appearance? Gets mentioned? Anyways, I would love a Monitor-based story. I hope we see Monitor testing Superman and maybe get the reason behind Monitor's pick of Kal-L (not Kal-El) for his first team.

DC Retroactive Superman: The 90s

Written by LOUISE SIMONSON; Art and cover by JON BOGDANOVE

The epic Retroactive event continues as the fan-favorite team of Louise Simonson and Jon Bogdanove return for a "lost" adventure of The Man of Steel. As Lex Luthor is slowly losing his mind, he hatches a scheme that could increase his wealth and kill Superman – but will he destroy Metropolis in the process? Plus, don't miss a classic tale by the same team from the 1990s!

On Sale August 24, 2011

A re-teaming of the 'Steel' team from the 90s! I always thought Jon Bogdanove's art was warped and exaggerated but always compelling. And I think we are dealing with the red-haired and bearded Luthor, the 'son' of Lex. My guess is a wave of nostalgia is going to wash over me here.

Batgirl #24

Written by BRYAN Q. MILLER; Art by PERE PEREZ; Cover by DUSTIN NGUYEN

Stephanie Brown has done her best to put her past behind her, but as the Repears' mysterious client stands revealed, Batgirl's going to learn the hard way that those who fail history are doomed to repeat it. This issue has it all: Secrets unearthed! Alliances broken! Splash pages!

On Sale August 10, 2011

I am a sucker for 'has it all' issues. I can remember a bunch of 70s Marvel comics I had as a kid which trumpeted that. Plus, this cover looks like a Batgirl 80pg Giant doesn't it? I collect Batgirl already, but the inclusion of Supergirl would have made this a must buy.

By the way, this sounds like it might be the end of this arc for Batgirl, althought it isn't clearly stated as such.

Superman Beyond #0

Written by TOM DEFALCO; Art by RON FRENZ and SAL BUSCEMA; Cover by DUSTIN NGUYEN; 1:10 Variant cover by RON FRENZ and SAL BUSCEMA

From the hit comic series BATMAN BEYOND comes the adventures of The Man of Tomorrow in the DC Universe of the future. As Superman feels his super-powers beginning to decline, The Last Son of Krypton is called back into action to stop a villain more powerful than any he's faced before. This looks like a job for Superman Beyond!

On Sale August 24, 2011

I only know about Superman Beyond from the show Batman Beyond. He was a Starro controlled dupe on that show, although redeemed at the end. I am not reading the Batman Beyond book, but I like the show enough to give this Elseworld's sort of Superman story a try.

Flashpoint: Lois Lane and the Resistance #3

Written by DAN ABNETT and ANDY LANNING; Art by EDDIE NUNEZ; Cover by EDDIE NUNEZ and SANDRA HOPE

FLASH FACT: The Resistance has found Britain's last great hope, the enigmatic and immensely powerful Brittania. It's time to take back England!

On Sale August 24, 2011

I am hoping Flashpoint is good. I am hoping this mini is good. But there isn't much Lois in this description.  Is that Lois in the Union Jack armor?

Flashpoint: Project Superman #3

Plot by SCOTT SNYDER; Script by LOWELL FRANCIS; Art and cover by GENE HA

FLASH FACT: Subject Zero. Subject One. There can only be one.

On Sale August 24, 2011

Again, I am hoping thatFlashpoint will be good. And I am hoping this mini will be good. Gene Ha's art looks great. But I don't know the plot here. Moreover, is there a Supergirl in the Flashpoint universe?

So the end of Supergirl's arc, the end of Grounded (maybe), the end of Reign of the Doomsdays, the end of the Hollow Men story. Lots coming to a head in the Superman Family here. But with so many stories coming to an end this month just as Flashpoint comes to an end and with the DCU rebooting yet again(!),  I wonder what my post for September's solicits will look like.

Review: Supergirl #64

Supergirl #64 came out this week, the end of the 'Good Looking Corpse' arc by James Peaty and Bernard Chang.

This story has become a bit more complicated and convoluted as time went on with characters changing dramatically over the issues. In many ways, I think a lot of that is the lingering effect of Nick Spencer's story outline and portion of the first issue. Throughout this arc, I have felt that Peaty was scrambling a bit with Spencer's pieces, trying to make all the puzzle pieces fit. That said, the ending fell a little short of what I was expecting, partly because I have enjoyed the preceding chapters so much. Still, Supergirl is portrayed wonderfully throughout Peaty's story and that made me happy.

In the mean time, Bernard Chang continues to really shine on this arc, with original and captivating page layouts and panels. His stuff has just been solid and I hope he gets more DC work soon.

And Mahmud Asrar's cover is very slick. The 'heroes in the palm of the villain's hand' is a classic motif and works well here. Both of Asrar's covers could be the trade cover.

Last issue ended with the Dubbilex reveal. Here he starts the issue gloating over Supergirl.

It is an interesting start to the issue, with Dubbilex talking about the inception of Flyover as feeling long ago. And he is right, it really does feel like it was a while ago, the app becoming more of a footnote to this story despite having a huge buildup in the first issue.

And he talks about his chatty friends (my least favorite part of the first issue, in case I haven't drubbed people to death with that opinon) as being props to occupy him. Again, these 'friends' dominated much of the first issue.

Since both played such a big role in the first issue of the arc, I wonder if they were all Spencer's and needed to be mentioned here to remain a part of story, justifying their early presence. They really did feel like a long time ago; since Peaty took over solo this has read like a different story.

As I mentioned before, a couple of characters have changed over the issues. Catherine Devereux is one of them. Who exactly is she? Sympathetic Cadmus whistle-blower? Desperate mother? Grieving mother? Dupe of Alex? All of these?

She ends up being controlled by Alex, calling him the savior, and being restrained.

It is just tough to wrap my head around though. If he is in control of her, why would Alex let her go to Lois with data? Let his existence be known?

But that was in the first issue.

Alex, unfortunately, is the other character I am having a hard time figuring out. He has been cool, smug, analytical, overly emotional, hot-headed. He hates heroes. He loves 'humans' but he isn't one and he murders a child.

He says he loves Devereux like a mother.
He wants friends.
He creates a cold analytical computer he calls father. His 'Father' tells him that he is being emotionally unstable because his Kryptonian cells are depleted. Alex then destroys his 'father' in a fit of rage.

Alex really reminds me of a replicant in Blade Runner. He acts very young. He wants instant memories and family. He wants human experience. But he also shows disdain for humanity at times, and is highly volatile.

But what about that love of humans, hatred of young heroes ... where did that come from? Him? Cadmus? He is tricky to figure out.

Supergirl had been left in the clutches of Miss Martian while Alex regrouped. Miraculously, Supergirl arrives unscathed and pummels Alex. And when he tries to use his telepathy on her, it doesn't work. He's been cut off.

I love that second panel. This is a confident Supergirl who doesn't mind a little trash talking. Peaty's Supergirl really read like Sterling Gates'. That is a high compliment.

It turns out that Miss Martian wasn't really being controlled by Alex. She was faking it, slowly worming her way into his brain. She has shut down his telepathic powers.

These were my favorite pages in this issue, a 2 page spread with a huge image of Alex in the middle, warped panels showing how he was taken over by M'Gann. It is just a very nice design, especially with Alex in red, connoting his anger. That is just wondrous stuff by Chang.

But it also means that this victory is as much Miss Martian's as it is Supergirl's.

Telepathically handcuffed, Alex is helpless. Supergirl ends the fight with some of her 'handiwork', specifically a right hook.

Even better was a panel showing her crack her knuckles before taking Alex out. It again shows a little confidence in Kara, a nice subtle treat and definitely growth on her part given her insecurities in the first issue of the arc.

Just like that, it's over. That's the problem with telepaths, even Kryptonian augmented telepaths, they all have glass jaws.

Looking down at Alex' body, M'Gann scoffs at his earlier statement that he was born to lead. But it also shows Supergirl, maybe insinuating she is born to lead.

So all that's left is cleaning up all the plot lines.

Lois and Supergirl meet on the roof again to hash everything out. It really is a wonderful scene.
Flyover is shown to be shut down.

Alex was given to STAR Labs. The Cadmus story of using K-genes has been killed as Cadmus claims they were only trying to resurrect their hero Dubbilex.

It is interesting. Alex is still out there. It is only a matter of time before he gets someone else in a mind vice. He has a lot of potential as a villain. And Supergirl needs more rogues. I wouldn't mind seeing him again, maybe with a more streamlined persona.

I have to say, this is a very nice ending for Supergirl though. Victorious.

And the team she hand-picked all acknowledge, albeit in their own way, that Supergirl was the leader of this group. That she brought them to victory.

And even Supergirl realizes it a little. She tells Lois that she will be ready to step up to the 'majors' if anything happens to Clark. Now I know she has already done that (when Supes was powerless in 'One Year Later'), but this is a different Supergirl. And this shows more recovery from the trauma of New Krypton, more personal growth, and one more step on the hero's journey.

Even as Lois says they should celebrate, Kara is off to rescue a plane. It is a very very nice ending to this arc.

So this was a topsy-turvy storyline. It was tough to grasp Alex' motivations. As a result, he seems all over the place. No doubt he was a threat to Supergirl though and probably a new member of her Rogue's Gallery. But his part of the story was tough to wrap my head around.

But there were plenty of high points to this issue and this arc. I loved the Lois/Supergirl interactions, the trust Lois put in Supergirl. I thought this new part of Supergirl's mythos, being viewed as the de facto leader of the next generation of heroes, was wonderful. And throughout, Supergirl is shown to be smart and tough. The Supergirl parts of this arc were near perfect. Thanks to James Peaty for keeping Supergirl moving in the right direction.

And Bernard Chang really was light out great here.

Now how about we letter-bomb DC about how much we all love this book? Supergirl fans need to be vocal! Here is the link: www.dcletterspage.com 

Overall grade: B/B+

Supergirl Toon Tumbler

The Shrine continues to grow ... this time unexpectedly!

I was on my way out the door of the Boston Comic Con when I noticed a Toon Tumbler display. I was thinking of getting the Superman glass with the classic 'breaking the Kryptonite chains' image. Instead I was shocked to see this tumbler showing a Silver Age Supergirl picture.

I have never seen this before. And in going to the Toon Tumbler website I don't see it there either. What a nice little find!

The back of the glass shows the very 70's version of Supergirl title logo. Very nice.

The picture on the glass was first seen on Adventure Comics #410.

It was spotlighted in the upper corner of the cover, making it 'the' image of Supergirl for a short period of time.

But the origin of this version of the costume is inside Adventure #410 as well.

This was during the time period when readers were invited to send in to DC new versions of Supergirl's costume. Some of these costumes were subsequently used in stories in Adventures. There are plenty of these variants throughout the middle aspect of that run.

It turns out that this version was submitted by a reader John Sposato of Edison NJ. This version of the uniform became *the* uniform for Supergirl for the next decade. Sure there were some slight modifications. The pants were beaded on the bottom sometimes, then became longer, more like tennis shorts. The shoes went from ballet slippers to elf slippers to boots. But this feel was the uniform for a while. I guess decades late congratulations should go to Sposato for designing this.

Again, the glass was a nice little find.

Death Of Dubbilex

With Supergirl #64 comes out later today, the last part of James Peaty and Bernard Chang's 'Good Looking Corpse' story arc.

Last issue ended with the reveal that the Kryptonian-laced super-clone from Cadmus was Dubbilex!

Well, at least it is based on Dubbilex. There are enough clues to let us know that this isn't the original Dubbilex, the reserved hero and friend of the Guardian.

For one, we know 'Alex' (or Triplexxx) has some K-genes inside him, including heat visions powers. Second, in Supergirl #63, we see the Cadmus scientists standing outside a tube looking at 'Cadmus Unit X.X.X.'

But most importantly, we have already seen the original Dubbilex die in the Superman's Pal Jimmy Olsen one-shot from late 2008. Surprisingly, I didn't review this back then. In the book, Jimmy is just starting to uncover some dirt about Project 7734, an unknown government program back then and the Project's top gun Agent Assassin.

Part of his investigation leads him to Cadmus where he questions Dubbilex.

After a lot of questions, Jimmy realizes that fluid is leaking all over the floor, fluid which turns out to be Dubbilex's blood. Agent Assassin has already been there, mortally wounding the telepath.

In particular, I thought the last panels are touching as Dubbilex asks to be remembered as a man, not some cloned creature. The silent last panel just works.

But I do always wonder about these sort of scenes. So Dubbilex has a long conversation with Jimmy while he is bleeding to death? Wouldn't he say something like 'ask me anything you want in the back of the ambulance while workers try to save me'? Or are normal medical facilities useless?

Regardless, James Robinson does a very nice job with this scene, having Dubbilex die with some dignity.

Now we have Triplexxx to deal with. Can't wait to read the finale.

Review: R.E.B.E.L.S. #28

R.E.B.E.L.S. #28 came out last week, the last issue of this title in what is a tough month for DC's lower selling books. R.E.B.E.L.S., JSA All-Stars, and Doom Patrol, all on my pull list, all got cancelled this month. I always felt that this was the 'little book that could', a title that started with almost unknown characters followed by a period of hodge-podge middling characters that just never seemed to 100% gel. The book has been in flux for the last year as it tried to find the right roster and right feel. The better known characters added to the title pushed the newer ones into the background but didn't add to sales.

Still, Tony Bedard handled the book well because he kept Vril Dox at its center. Dox is such a great character; he was the tent pole that held this book up.

Despite that great characterization, the title is over. What amazes me is that I reviewed the first 2 issues because of a guest appearance by Supergirl. The hook in those early issues kept me here and kept me reviewing. In a lot of ways I am sort of sad to see this book end.

One last opening comment. Aaron Lopresti did the cover and it is just great. Lopresti better find a home on a DC monthly after Weird Worlds ends. I loved Lopresti's work on Wonder Woman. I really hope to see him on another DC book soon.

The book picks up in the middle of the attempted Starro take-over of Ranagar. While the original R.E.B.E.L.S. are on the Psion homeworld trying to get Lobo, the newer members of the team are fighting Starro's hordes.

Starro is pretty confident he is going to win, stating that he will make the Tamaranian sisters Starfire and Blackfire his concubines. Captain Comet, always a bit overzealous in his thought of Starfire, declares his intentions, claiming Kory is spoken for. I have to say, I have never quite understood Comet's powers. Here he shoots a beam of energy from his chest. I didn't know he could do that.

I love Komand'r's smug look as she ask Kory about his claim. But Starfire blushing seems out of character. She would probably have a sarcastic or perplexed look on her face by his statement.

Meanwhile, Lobo and Smite continue to drink on the Psion homeworld. The other R.E.B.E.L.S. are understandably confused. Aren't they supposed to be fighting? Even Smite states that he is looking for revenge for Stormdaughter. Lobo says her death is really on the hands of Starro for sending her.

Unfortunately, with the title ending, it seems Stormdaughter won't be revived or resurrected. Too bad, I liked her a lot.

After a quick discussion, the R.E.B.E.L.S. leave for Ranagar while Lobo and Smite stick around. Unfortunately, the subplot of the Lobo clones also will remain unanswered as we don't know what happened to them.

The fight on Ranagar seems to be slipping towards a Starro victory as Captain Comet falls to a face-hugger.

One thing I have liked about the last few issues has been the addition of the complex Komand'r. She is almost a reflection of Dox, an unlikeable hero. She is a fascist, power-hungry, sadistic. But she is also fiercely loyal to her people, has helped Dox maintain order, and has suppressed her desires to become part of the Ranagar world. Here she teams up with her Starfire while claiming she will always hate her. That depth of character has always been a strong part of R.E.B.E.L.S., everyone was three dimensional here. It is something I will miss when this title ends.

Luckily, Tribulus shows up with his psionic lightning and starts freeing portions of the enslaved populace including Dox. Now how his psychic lightning only affects the Starro starfish and not the host body, I don't know. Shouldn't the bodies be charred or hurt by such a blast?

Anyways, with his power levels dropping because of loss of slaves, Starro tosses out a bluff saying he will have all the Ranagarian slaves kill themselves (including Alana Strange and family). It is a clear bluff. If all the slaves die, Starro will be powerless. Also, I am pretty sure that the heroes won't be forgiving to a genocidal maniac.

It doesn't really matter because before he can actualize the bluff, the freed Dox takes control of Tribulus and batters Starro.

I don't think that Dox acted like a puppeteer in the past when he controlled Tribulus. I think he just mentally commanded him. Here, Tribulus mirrors Dox' movements. I thought this seemed a bit off.

The beaten Starro is then pushed through an open teleporter channel, sending him to the Psion homeworld where Lobo and Smite are eagerly awaiting him. My guess is this doesn't end well.

Back on Ranagar, Dox is reinstated as a hero and a ceremony links him Blackfire.

How great would it be to have read more of these two, explore their relationship. They are both manipulators. But they probably respect each other tremendously. Would they work together seamlessly? Or always have friction? I do like how Dox is now called Blackfire's consort.

Meanwhile, Komand'r knows that Kory isn't going to stick around and be with Captain Comet.She is simply too big a persona for someone like Comet, she is too much. Even here on the page she is bigger than life, existing outside of the panels. I love Comet's sad look, knowing it would be futile to try to hold on to her.

I thought this was a great closing page for the title. Look at this team, they don't look like they are having fun. They look more like weary reluctant heroes. Unlike the dramatic last pages of JSA All-Stars, or the humorous last pages of Doom Patrol (which I thought was a misstep by Giffen and crew), this seemed more like a resolute group who understands they need to plod on.

But it an interesting last page for other reasons. These were the original team members, they guys swept aside when the newer team members joined the book. Look at this group. Outside of Dox, none of them are on the cover. For me, these are the 'real' R.E.B.E.L.S.. You know that Starfire, Lobo, Adam Strange, and Captain Comet will all land somewhere else. These characters are probably destined for comic limbo and that's too bad.

R.E.B.E.L.S. was a fun ride, an nice look at some of the dustier corners of the cosmic DCU. But it was the early issues when Dox was making a team out of people who otherwise would kill each other that stand out for me. Too bad we won't see more of Dox.

Lastly, Claude St. Aubin should be commended for his art on the book, stepping in for Andy Clarke and giving the book a distinctive look.

Overall grade (issue): B
Overall grade (title as a whole): B