It’s
interesting to witness how mass media – in this case television –
influences what we see in comics. Thanks to the Supergirl TV show, the character has undergone a significant
makeover in comics, the greater reflect what the television audience sees. It
happened with the Batman series in
1960s, and the Wonder Woman show in
the 1970s. The two venues feed off one another, contributing to the overall
mythology. In fact, much of what we take for granted with Superman first
appeared on the Superman radio show
in the 1940s – kryptonite, Jimmy Olsen, and his friendship with Batman.
So
even though I don’t watch the show, I have seen a few episodes. What I saw in Supergirl #13, was familiar, yet still
brought other elements of the DC Universe to play. The android Indigo, and the
Emerald Empress. Many Legion fans are excited at the prospect of the Legion of
Super-Heroes appearing on the CW series this fall. Many of us hope for a new
ongoing series, either on TV or in the comics.
More
and more elements from the Legion have been making their way into the DCU in
recent days. I have mixed feelings about this. On one hand, it suggests that
Legion fandom is alive and well. But one thing I’ve always appreciated about
the franchise is that it operates outside of the mainstream DC continuity. That
may change, if things keep up the way they have.
But
Supergirl #13 represents and end to
current events, and promises a new start for Supergirl #14. Her world is turned upside down, in ways a hero
should never experience. But that just ups the ante for the Girl of Steel. Perhaps
it’s a good time for casual fans to take a closer look.
Rating:
7/10