Comic Book Review: Supergirl #55

Literary & Artistic Credits

Writer: Sterling Gates

Penciller: Jamal Igle

Inker: John Dell, Marc, Richard Friend

Colorist: Jamie Grant, Jim Devlin

Letterer: Jared K. Fletcher

Cover Art: Amy Reeder, Friend & Guy Mayor

My Awe-Inspiring Opinion

Supergirl wins again!  The title I mean.  Well, I guess I can’t say that yet as there are many other comics I’ve received this month that have totally blown me away.  But Supergirl #55 certainly continues the awesome tradition that Sterling Gates has established with this title by giving it both drama and humor all in one.

The book opens up in a sepia toned flashback of how Bizarrogirl came to be on Earth fighting the girl of steel.  Our dark colored, cracked skinned anti-hero continually makes references of trying to have a party and something about a Godship; clearly something is happening in the world of the Bizarro’s that is yet to be revealed.  Supergirl, being the persistent and caring person she is, seems determined to go to her clone’s home world and discover what exactly is threatening her and her kind.

One thing I can be certain of is how much Sterling Gates loves Supergirl.  So much heart and personality is put into every page of every issue ever since he came on board with this title.  Much like with Gail Simone and Wonder Woman, Gates has managed to create a Supergirl we can love, connect with, and have respect for that will linger on for years to come.  Gates keeps Supergirl as she is, a teenaged girl who constantly goes back and forth in her levels of maturity; she always has her heart in the right place, but she doesn’t always go about it in the right way.  And just like a teenaged girl, she’s very flaky and indecisive.  Granted, I would rather put my trust in this high schooler than, well, any other high schooler in the world, but she still has that teenaged mentality which is always bouncing back and forth.  The entire fight with Bizarrogirl showed us a Supergirl who was bound and determined to stop her clone from creating any more havoc, but at the last second she decides to punch her friend in the face and travel with Bizarrogirl to her home world because of how much Kara cares for living creatures.

Bizarrogirl is a delight to have around.  The Bizarro epidemic has been a repetitive and monotonous event every since the first Bizarro first showed up on the pages of Superman.  Yet Gates finds a way of making this Bizarro run-in seem fresh and vibrant, never dragging the story down with the overplayed nature of Bizarro.  Bizarrogirl, or “Arak” as Mart calls her in his blog “It’s Too Dangerous For A Girl”, (Just think about it for a sec, you’ll get it) not only has new powers that the original Bizarro doesn’t have, but they seem to be much more reflective of the opposite characteristics that both of the super beings share.  (I know, sharing ‘opposites’ doesn’t exactly makes sense, but in the context of the story, it actually does.)

Jamal Igle never wavers in his attention to detail; giving every hand gesture, footstep, facial expression, hair wave, fist punch, and paper wrinkle a realistic flavor to it.  There are moments where I wonder how the Hell Supergirl has survived so long without Igle’s artistic touch.  This is the way Supergirl needs to stay and not as some sex icon that she was made out to be when this series first began.  Igle keeps Supergirl and all of its characters as realistic as need be.

I was a bit distracted with some of the awfully corny lines Supergirl delivered, such as “That’s what I call a close encounter” and what not, (Will Smith, I love you, but man you’ve been a bad influence on the modern “cool” culture) but Igle certainly makes it reasonable and not out of place with the story and character.  And besides, it’s always fun to call back to the hokey days of comics right?

My Majestically Climactic Conclusion

Igle is definitely building up for his final days as the writer of Supergirl.  Why he would leave this title I’ll never know, but all the best to him.  I just can’t imagine anyone taking over where Sterling left off, but I guess I said the same thing about Gail Simone huh?

Rating: 10 out of 10

Writing: 10

Art: 10

Themes: 10

+ 2 Incentive Points.

Comic Book Review: Supergirl #54

Book Information

Written by Sterling Gates

Penciled by Jamal Igle

Inked by Jon Sibal

Colored by Jamie Grant

Lettered by Jared K. Fletcher

Cover by Shane Davis & Grant

My Awe-Inspiring Opinion

WHOA!  When did Olsen become a heart-throbbin’ biker boy?  Maybe I missed something by not following his two issue mini-series two years ago, but this was a complete shocker to me regardless.  This could quite possibly be the GREATEST entrance a comic book character has ever made in the history of the genre.  Olsen saving a kid from a fiery explosion while poppin’ a wheelie on his motorcycle, sheer awesomeness!  And he’s pretty swave while doing it too.  Does this mean Jimmy is actually going to start being cool?  Like...Fonzy cool?  say it ain't so!  But, I guess with that brown leather jacket and his greaser hair-do, he does have a little dreamy look to him...

Oh Jimmy, so dreamy...

Wait, what was I supposed to do?...Oh yeah, review Supergirl #54.  Gates once again brings everything to the table and holds nothing back, throwing every little plot twist, curve ball, and kick to the crotch he can think of.  Bizarrogirl, just like in the final page of last month’s issue, is terrifyingly freaky, even more so than the Bizarro Superman.  (Thanks Jamal Igle!)  There is a certain “mummified” quality to her; with the pale crackling skin, red lifeless eyes, and disgustingly black rotting teeth, it’s almost as if a gentle breeze would knock her on the ground, shattering her into bits.  Until, of course, you see her blow one big wholesome breath of hot air at Supergirl scorching the end of her cape.  Gates gave Bizarrogirl all the characteristics of Bizarro, but added a much more fierce and violent nature to her, making her exceptionally scary.

Oh Jimmy, So dreamy…

Now as much as I appreciate the fact that they aren’t drawing out this “I am Supergirl…no more” phase in Kara’s life, I found it odd that Kara missed flying around in her red and blue suit so much even though she’s only been “NOT” Supergirl for less than a day…if that.  But it did lead into a very interesting and identity revealing conversation between Lana and Kara over the phone.  I guess Cat Grant has found her way of getting even for that very rude moment Supergirl called the illustrious reporter’s boobs fake huh?  Oh the hassle of being a hot news reporter, and speaking of hot…

Oh Jimmy, so dreamy…

Remember when this run of Supergirl began, and Kara looked like a thirteen year old slut?  Yeah, Jamal Igle’s treatment of Supergirl is much more appealing.  If you like slutty looking girls, that’s fine, to each his own.  But Igle is perfect in making Kara cute and innocent looking while still giving her that sexy appeal.  I guess it’s true, nerd girls are the hottest girls in town.  Speaking of hot nerds…

Oh Jimmy, so dreamy…

Aside from Supergirl’s nerd sex appeal, Igle and Sibal’s team-up creates a genuinely seemless display of art that truly captures your attention.  It’s an incredible thing to make stunning pieces of art, it’s another for the art to make you feel exactly what the characters feel; I could sense the pain coming from Lana Lang and her bruised body, I could feel Bizarrogirl’s hand pushing up against Jimmy’s face keeping him silent, and I could taste the wind flowing through Supergirl’s cape while in the air.  Igle and Sibal have just pushed themselves up into the running for best comic book artists of 2010.

My Awesomely Climactic Conclusion

I was a little worried about the quickly dismissed new lifestyle that Kara wanted so badly for herself, but the bulk of the issue was so well done, that minor distraction didn’t affect me at all.  I loved this issue.  It was fun, tense, angst driven, and full of life.  Now all I have to do is dream of Jimmy…

Ratings

Writing: 10

Themes: 10

Art: 10

Overall: 10 out of 10

+ 3 Incentive Points

Comic Book Review: Supergirl #53

Book Information
Written by Sterling Gates
Art by Jamal Igle
Inked by Jon Sibal
Colored by Nei Ruffino
Lettered by Jared K. Fletcher
Cover by Igle & David Baron

My Awe-Inspiring Opinion
You know, just a few days ago I had a few friends make fun of me because I read Supergirl. They had even more trouble coping with the fact that it’s one of the titles I anticipate the most month by month, which caused them to throw out a few more attempts at belittling my masculinity because I read what they consider a “Girl’s” comic. (Of course they were later that evening getting with a band of friends to see Eclipse, but whose judging right?) I don’t know what it is, but something about having a Super “girl” out there fighting bad guys and super powered crazies where she’s constantly putting herself on the line just doesn’t seem to measure up to a “man” doing the equivalent. Oh well, Sterling Gates definitely shows that Supergirl is Woman enough for me.

Kara (or Linda I should say) is going through another phase in her life (darn teenagers) where she again questions the identity bestowed upon her vs. her actual heritage. With both of her parents dead and her entire planet destroyed, she wonders if now is the time to start anew; throwing her past behind her and taking her place as a female living on Earth like everyone else; NOT as a Super human alien fighting for truth, justice and the American way. She’s ready to be normal, but Lana wonders if Kara (damnit all…LINDA!) throwing away her cape, and red “S,” shield is the best course of action.

Gates poses a great question, what if someone does have great power but chooses not to use it? Could Uncle Ben have been wrong when stating that great responsibility comes along with having incredible power? Kara has decided to stop being a superhero, is she wrong for doing so? Lana sure does a great job at throwing a guilt trip on the female formerly known as Supergirl. But this is a dilemma we face everyday isn’t it? “You should be a basketball player” or “You should pursue a career in dentistry” or many other phrases that people constantly throw at someone whose dreams and ambitions do not cooperate with what the rest of the world thinks that that person should do with the rest of their lives.

The cover (as amazing as it is) doesn’t speak to the characterization within the pages of issue #53; we see Supergirl aggressively jolting towards us, flaunting the red “S” for all to see, but within is a conflicted Supergirl who has decided throw away her childhood and become someone different. This arc will most definitely be about choosing between what you want and what the people need. And we will most assuredly see if Supergirl decides to remain as Linda Lang or continue on as the “Girl of Steel.”

Jamal Igle is growing on me! I was really amazed at how vibrant and lively his art was in this issue. Bizarro Girl popping out at us was incredible and scary! Igle is really giving us some freaky stuff here with Bizarro Girl and the twisty, turny experiments Dr. Light was putting on Superwoman. Nicely done Igle, you deserve a medal!

My Profoundly Climactic Conclusion
I’ll keep my comments about this Bizarro Girl to myself until I see where Gates is taking this. I have my doubts about it, but Gates rocks, so I’ll wait.

Ratings
Writing: 10
Themes: 10
Art: 10
Overall: 10 out of 10

Comic Book Review: War of the Supermen #1

Book Information

Written by James Robinson, Sterling Gates

Penciled by Jamal Igle

Colored by Blond

Inked by Jon Sibal

Lettered by John J. Hill

Cover by Eddy Barrows

My Awe-Inspiring Opinion

War of the Supermen begins a cataclysmic event where Superman and company battle against Zod’s military.  As Supergirl tries to figure out her mother’s motives, Reactron pulls a double whammy and blows up the entire planet of New Krypton.  Now Superman stands upon the brink of a war between Earth and the survivors of New Krypton.

I knew Robinson and Gates were attempting an epic opener to the War of the Superman series, but I wasn't expecting them to blow up the entire planet of New Krypton!  But of course New Krypton and Earth could never have been totally at peace, New Krypton especially with all the animosity that has built up on both sides.  I always wondered how this new planet, being so close to Earth, would actually play out in the long run.  And of course, Robinson answers with the only possible solution… Blow it up!  That was a very nice and unexpected twist on the whole story.

 It seems like anytime Supergirl has a loud, verbal argument with someone, that person dies or becomes ill; her father, Lana, and now her mother.  I understand that Supergirl is still going through changes and dealing with her emotional issues, but I would honestly like to see her deal with her family problems without always crying about it.  I understand tearing up at loosing a mother, but to approach her mother about something she knows very little about seems to be Kara’s way of getting forcibly involved and creating unnecessary drama.

Jamal Igle didn’t do a terrible job with the art, but he definitely didn’t produce the quality work I’ve seen in the past.  He had some shinning moments however, such as Superwoman standing on the air over the Metropolis night sky, Krypton Blowing up, and Supergirl clenching Superman still in tears over the loss of her mother.  But other than that, I wasn’t that impressed.

My Profoundly Climactic Conclusion

Overall, this issue was fun and began a few interesting things within the Superman books.  Being the first chapter in the four issue miniseries, it can only build from here.

Ratings

Writing: 7.5

Themes: 9

Art: 5

Overall: 7 out of 10 stars

Comic Book Review: Supergirl #51

Book Information

Written by Sterling Gates

Art by Jamal Igle

Plot

Brainiac has sent his army of killer robots down to Kandor as a distraction while he prepares to, once again, bottle up the city.  With the Legion of Superheroes under arrest by order of General Zod, Supergirl and Superboy, who is also under suspicion, must now face the terrorizing robotic army and Zod completely alone. 

My Thoughts

Kara Zor-El is an interesting character.  Thanks to the efforts of Sterling Gates, Supergirl posses all of the powers of Superman, but all of the emotional baggage that comes along with being a teenager in the states.  Because of this, Supergirl has become one of the most realistic superheroes to come around in comics next to Batman.  As a teenager whose leadership abilities go beyond her years, she always seems to carry more weight on her shoulders than most others.  Combined with the fear of loosing her loved ones and conflicted as to whose side she is on, Kara is at that defining moment in her life where she’s discovering who she is but unsure if she is doing the right thing or not.  In this issue, Kara takes big strides in not allowing her emotions to dictate what she must do.

Gates brings out the best in Supergirl, portraying more emotions than one person should be able to handle at one time before going insane.  His ability to get at the heart of a character is unsurpassed only by Neil Gaiman and Alan Moore.  Gates gives Supergirl her most shinning moment ever as she persuades her mother to release the Legion of Superheroes as there are bigger things at stake and is not worth risking the lives of her fellow Kryptonians.  But none is she most loyal too than that of her mother...

Talk about funny moments!  Instead of Conner being caught seemingly sleeping with his best friend’s girl, he’s caught seemingly trying to pound Kara’s mother face in. 

As far as comic book romances go, I think I can live with Supergirl and Mon-El hitting it off.  I know that kiss was nothing more than a “good luck” kiss, but the suggestive nature of that moment is nothing less than intriguing.  Truly, this makes me ask “what if?”  Superman’s return to Earth inevitable so I want to know what will happen with Mon-El?  Is the plan to send him back to the Phantom Zone to suffer even more, or will he stick around as another addition to the incredible large Superman family?  My vote, keep Mon-El around and give Kara the much needed companionship she’s been lacking ever since the start of this run.  (Power Boy doesn’t count!)

Jamal Igle holds nothing back with his ever so emotional approach to this character driven title.  If there is anyone more talented on giving comic book characters a visual presence, it would only be Aaron Lopresti.  Igle, not impressing me when he first came in on this title, has forced me to reexamine his art quality and the quality of comic book art in general.  This panel certainly shows what type talent Igle brings to the table and shows that the smallest of panels in a comic can be the most moving…

Overall

A great issue.  Not perfect, but does beat out a lot of the comics I’ve read so far this month.

Rating: 8 out of 10 stars

Next Issue Coming April 21^st, 2010

Continued from ADVENTURE COMICS #10! Supergirl meets Brainiac 5 of the Legion of Super-Heroes for the first time! But Brainy has not only already met Supergirl, he's already loved and lost her. Confused? Not as confused as Supergirl! Plus, Brainiac unleashes a weapon that spells the end for New Krypton and only Superman and the Legionnaires can stop it!

Comic Book Review: Supergirl #50

Book Information

Written by Sterling Gates

Art by Jamal Igle

Plot

Supergirl finds herself bugged out by a familiar foe.  The Queen Bee returns in the form of Lana Lang!  Can she free her friend from the demon alien insect without killing her?  The decisions made by Supergirl in this issue may turn her life around for the worst.  One can only hope she knows what she’s doing.

My Thoughts

Sterling Gates, You’re my hero.  You were able to boost Supergirl to a new high where she was finally showing some maturity and adult-like behaviors.  It is because of you Supergirl has become one of the titles I anticipate the most on a monthly basis.  But what you did in this issue was almost a complete step back from what you’ve established within Supergirl’s world.

Granted, the bulk of the issue shows off Kara’s ability to lead and take charge of a situation.  I mean, good grief, She was instrumental of making the device that helped put a stop to Queen Bee’s evil plot.  (Who knew she was an inventor in addition to being a superhero?)  And the love she portrays towards Lana Lang and her drive to save her is deserving of the Maturity award of the year.  But how she handles Lana’s lie ruined the entire book for me.  I understand the need for trust among friends and family, but I also understand the necessity of not revealing everything in ones life.  The reason why Lana didn’t tell Kara everything is because, in the words of Prof. Dumbledore, “I care too much about you.”  And she’s right!  Kara had enough on her plate without having to worry about Lana.  I mean, Superman was willing to leave Earth for a very long time, leave his wife Lois and everyone he loves the most for a greater good.  I think Kara needs to re-evaluate her commitment to the “Super” family.  That or Gates decided he didn’t care anymore.

But the issue isn’t a total flop…far from it in fact!  Jamal Igle certainly holds nothing back in his artistic attempts.  While he isn’t my favorite artist and definitely has his flaws, no one can deny his attention to the smallest details.  Even the ripples in Supergirl’s outfit as she carries Gangbuster through the sky away from the Queens hive layer are sight to see.  And I must admit, he certainly knows how to make Kara a gorgeous girl…

It’s nice to see Superwoman return from what seemed like a fate worse than death.  Her character, at first, seemed a little strange, mainly due to her costume.  But given her history and the intelligent way Gates integrated her into the story, I’m glad to see Lucy Lane back in the red and Blue.

Overall

Apart from the very annoying ending, this issue keeps you wanting more.  Art and writing are fantastic.  It’s just disappointing to see Kara take a step back from her adult behaviors.

Rating: 7 out of 10 stars

Next Issue Coming March 17, 2010

"Brainiac and The Legion of Super-Heroes" Part 2! Amidst Brainiac's assault on New Krypton, General Zod has brandished the Legion of Super-Heroes terrorists and imprisoned them! Superboy will do his best to free them, but he'll have to go through Supergirl first! That's right, it's the Super-battle of the sexes you've been waiting for! Poor Ma Kent is going to be so disappointed in them…