Comic Book Review: Supergirl #46

Written by Sterling Gates and Greg Rucka
Art by Jamal Igle and Jon Sibal
Cover by Joshua Middleton

Plot
Supergirl, Flamebird and Nightwing fight for their lives as Reactron continues his dominance over the three. But as Nightwing learns that red radiation does not affect his telekinesis, the three are finally able to make a comeback in the fight. Meanwhile, Lana Lang and Lois Lane find a way to assist the three heroes but discover Lana bleeding from the nose. Unsure of what is wrong; Lana stays behind and goes back to her place.

As Lois catches up with the mighty three, Reactron takes a hit from an enraged Thara who has finally discovered her divine powers as the legendary Flamebird of New Krypton. Thara defeats Reactron and traps him in the phantom zone where he will never harm anyone again. (supposedly)

We end this issue with Thara and Kara forgiving each other and Thara embracing Nightwing as a lover. However, the end is has not arrived! Kara takes it upon herself to approach Lana about the secrets she (Lana) has been keeping about her disease. As we, the audience, have no knowledge of the extent of the illness Miss Lang carries, we have something to bring us back for November’s issue of Supergirl.

My Thoughts
As this “Hunt for Reactron” arc comes to a close, I think to myself, “What was the point of this whole thing?” As we already had a “HUNT,” I can’t seem to legitimize this arc in any way. It had some good parts to it, but overall it was a big waste of time. This ending was climactic, but unclimactic at the same time.

It was great to finally see Thara break out of her shell to finally become Flamebird and not hide in her armored suit. I hope to see Thara and Nightwing take over Action Comics and continue the partnership they have as a duo. Thara is such an incredibly religious and loving character, with Nightwing complimenting that union very nicely, it’s hard for me to imagine DC not taking advantage of this super hero team that’s become quite important.

Supergirl, in this book, tackles some pretty tough issues for anyone to face, forgiving yourself and others. Both Thara and Kara made their mistakes and the unnecessary accusations and held it in for so long that finally apologizing to each other was, I’m sure, exceptionally difficult for the both of them. But in that moment of embrace between them, it’s not hard to see why the two are best friends.

I was hoping for better art. The page where Thara bursts into her fiery flames was less than satisfactory. The art is still better than average, but it lacked that stunning sensation that I like to get in a climactic moment such as this. The team of Igle and Pansica are great with facial expressions, but the overall look did not impress me.

Overall
About Average, but I’m giving this issue a below average rating since this arc has technically already occurred. It’s hard for me to see how it’s relevant in the overall story of New Krypton. Yet, some very key and emotional events take place here that help us to understand the characters of Nightwing, Flamebird and Supergirl. I still maintain that this title is one of the best in the DCU right now, but this particular issue was up and down for me. I hope to see a little better next issue.

2 out of 5 stars

Next Issue Coming 11/18/09

Supergirl has finally brought Reactron back to New Krypton so he can be held accountable for murdering her father, Zor-El. While the debate about what to do with him rages among the people of New Krypton, the planet's ruler – and Supergirl's mother – remains unsure. Should Alura have Reactron executed? And will Supergirl allow it to happen if her mother decides to go that route?