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Writer: Steve Orlando / Artist: Brian Ching / DC Comics Supergirl has worked well in both its pace and, particularly, pivoting from the typical entry plot of adjusting to life as a young hero. There’s nothing wrong with that entry plot – outside of its overuse, perhaps – but I credit Orlando and this new run of Kara Danvers for fast forwarding through the teen-hero struggles as we typically know them, and finding a more unique angle to reflect Kara’s difficulty in finding her identity. At least for now there’s minimal high school antics or quick costume changes to hide her identity from her friends or Cat Grant, and I’m good with that, even if it’s only to come later. For now, instead, Supergirl’s identity crisis comes from being offered a beautiful lie in returning to a false Kryptonian home, or accepting the harsh truth that her family is dead.
The principle is relatable – whether to prefer a harsh truth or comforting lie – making Kara sympathetic by wondering which path you might take in her shoes. Kara actually decides relatively quickly though, and while I could say I would have preferred more time to see her inner conflict develop, my attention span would have likely failed honestly. This book is making the right decisions by keeping it pushin’, and I won’t complain about a speedy pace from a hero as old and familiar as Supergirl.
Supergirl’s panels continue to have creative layouts and dynamic angles that stay easy to follow, and while sometimes the art can be excess…
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Meet the author
Jordan Calhoun
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…
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