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 excessively toon-y for my taste, I can’t say it doesn’t fit. This book is doing well enough in every area to keep you reading whether you’re an old fan of Kara Danvers or a newbie who hopped on from the TV show and wanted more. And just like the TV show, it won’t knock your socks off in the grand scheme of things, but it’ll do its job by being fast, simple, and entertaining.
Reading Supergirl? Catch up on previous reviews here. Watching the TV show? Enjoy our Supergirl recaps after every episode.
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