As I recently wrote, I'm somewhat new to
DC Comics. The
New Krypton story will be my first adult induction into the DC universe, and so far, I am really enjoying it. Among other positive features, DC writers seem to have a healthy, heaping serving of cynicism when it comes to the willingness of the press to calculate and manipulate in the pursuit of personal fame and good old cold hard cash. Idealistic humans seem to be few and far between in the DC universe. In the press, perhaps only Jimmy Olsen remains loyal to virtue and goodness.
But it's all new to me, and these books aren't written for newcomers. So I have to ask: does
Supergirl 35: New Krypton deliver surprising revelations and shocking intrigue to longtime readers? For a newbie like me it delivered a little more confusion and a worthy cliffhanger. I have puzzled over that last page for a week now! I think it's a good story when you care enough to keep guessing even after you've closed the cover and moved on to other things.
I could be wrong, but I suspect
Supergirl will be struggling to protect her reputation before it's all over.
The art in
Supergirl 35 is much improved over
Action Comics 871. The creative team had the good sense to keep the cast of characters small, so that the action sequences had some actual force in them. I loved the battle with the robot, even though the robot was entirely derivative of the first
Terminator. I suppose if you find something that works, for example a scary robot, then you stick with it. But I would prefer to see DC Comics create original scary threats, not merely copy the genius of others.
The only other two lapses were the look on Zor's face when he realized the truth behind Kara's memory lapses, and Cat Grant's state of undress at the office. They were both silly, and if I was reading the story correctly, "silly" is not the effect Igle and team aimed for. I imagine they intended horror and distress for Zor, but what they achieved was toothache. And in the case of Cat, I expect that their intention was to create an image of a woman caught up in her own sense of power. There should be intelligence and a lurking threat in those fake boobs rimmed with pink lace, but there isn't. It's because she doesn't appear to know that her shirt has nearly come off. There's nothing shrewd in her face. In fact, she looks kind of sweet.
But the story of Kara's cleansing and remembering is good, with no blunders in the emotions and moods conveyed by faces, or body language, or colors. The bubblegum pinks and blues that surround Kara reflect her young age and innocence. Her body language in the flashbacks shows the confusion a little girl would feel as her parents fight to protect her, while her body language in the present shows self-contained power and poise. Yet there is nothing arrogant about Kara. She is a fresh and natural teen, self-confident, and aware that she has a lot of questions to answer, and a lot of growing up to do.
She's a sweetie and I like her. I read that she's immensely popular, and I can see why. I wonder who that masked woman is! Kara? Alura? Cat? Someone I haven't met yet? Friend or foe? A wild card, or part of the conspiracy that is slowly coming to light? And in the end, who will pay the ultimate price?
Action Comics #883
Nighwing and Flamebird make their public debut and start the hunt for Zod’s most dangerous sleeper.
Blood and Water
Vampire stories are all the rage these days. Most are silly teenage romances, but every once in a while a vampire tale comes along that doesn’t, um…suck.
Secret Six # 15
Deadshot tries to come to terms with his homicidal impulses.
Blackest Night #4 (of 8)
Barry Allen does his best to rally the heroes, but will they be able to stand against the arrival of Nekron?
Superman: World of New Krypton #9
Jemm storms New Krypton’s High Council Chamber demanding an audience, Kal-El and Zod meet, and the first murder on New Krypton is committed.
Madame Xanadu #16
The return of series artist Amy Reeder Hadley also marks the start of a new, creepy, and great Matt Wagner story.
Superman #693
General Lane makes Mon-El an offer he has to refuse, but an unlikely ally might just save Mon-El’s life.
The Brave and the Bold # 28
The Flash travels back in time to World War II where he joins forces with the fabled Blackhawks.
Northlanders #21
A settlement along The Volga River in Russia deals with the onslaught of a plague in the start of a new story arc.
Superman: Secret Origin #2 (of 6)
Young Clark Kent experiences a bit of a super identity crisis, but manages to get by with some help from his parents and some new friends…Long Live The Legion!
Superman/Batman #65
The Scarecrow takes Superman, The Batman, The Joker, and Lex Luthor on a fear gas induced Halloween nightmare ride.
Azrael #1
The new Azrael’s ongoing series debuts with the death of a major character…
Supergirl #46
The Metropolis Three finally capture Reactron, Thara and Kara make up, and some more light is shed on Lana’s mysterious condition…
