Supergirl #11 Review

Writer: Steve Orlando / Artist: Brian Ching / DC Comics

This what the hell I’m talking about! Do you see this cover?! For the first time in a long time, do you see Supergirl have weight? A degree of seriousness to counterbalance the dork-charm that lost its charisma too long ago? Supergirl flexing on the cover like she just won a round in Injustice 2 – this is what I came for. This is why I am here. And while the story does not live up to Bengal’s cover, it is another small step in the right direction by a series plagued with several challenges.

We left off with Supergirl, Batgirl, and Ben trapped in the Phantom Zone, and Supergirl diving into the mouth of a spiritual dragon that could very well kill her. It was an intense ending to issue #10, which culminated somewhat well – if not predictably – here, as Supergirl communicated with Gayle’s dragon form. The scene is reminiscent of Kara’s conversation with her mother back in Supergirl #4, closer to the beginning of Orlando’s run on the title. There, similarly, Kara had to use her influence rather than her fists. I generally appreciate this aspect of Kara’s personality – her frequent ability to talk someone down or plea for humanity through her characteristic optimism – so the dialogue between Kara and Gayle served its purpose to highlight the type of hero Supergirl is. The dialogue in other areas unfortunately fall flat, particularly between Batgirl, Ben, and Xa-Du as they exchanged some rather cringe-worthy lines atop a few panels where Batgirl’s constant expression might be best described as tight-lipped.

Supergirl #11 Panel

Overall, Supergirl #11 ends what was a promising arc with a story that is passible as it fails to fulfill its potential. As with other recent issues though, the ending raises the stakes enough to keep you reading and searching for what you want this comic to become.

7.1 out of 10

Reading Supergirl? Catch up on previous reviews here. Watching the TV show? Enjoy our Supergirl recaps after every episode.

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  • Jordan Calhoun is a writer in New York City. His forthcoming debut book "Piccolo Is Black" is a celebration of the common adaptations we made while non-diverse pop culture helped us form identities. He holds a B.A. in Sociology and Criminal Justice, B.S. in Psychology with a minor in Japanese, and an M.P.A. in Public and Nonprofit Management and Policy. He might solve a mystery, or rewrite history. Find him on Instagram and Twitter @JordanMCalhoun

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