Comic Book Review: Supergirl #57

Literary & Artistic Credits

Writer: Sterling Gates

Penciller: Bernard Chang

Colorist: Blond

Letterer: Travis Lanham

Cover Art: Amy Reeder, Richard Friend & Guy Major

Editor: Matt Idelson

My Awe-Inspiring Opinion

I’ve never been a huge fan of the whole Bizarro motif that tends to permeate wihtin the Super books.  Bizarro has always felt more like an annoyance rather than an enhancement for a story.  Never-the-less, Gates seems to have found a way to make it work in the world of Supergirl.

The bulk of the issue gives us an alien on alien death match where Supergirl tries her darndest to save the lives of the entire Bizarro race from a giant, insect-like monster.  With no one else to turn to, Supergirl uses Bizarro Girl’s “solid vision” to turn the Godship into a giant statue.  Leadership skills and a strong “girl-power” attitude is how this book achieves its Bizarro victory.  But what lies at the heart of this issue is not the outstanding win for the Bizarro’s, but rather the reflective talk Supergirl has with Bizarrogirl and how it helps them both see their lives in a new light.

When Supergirl began this volume in her self titled series, she was nothing more than a piece of underage eye candy for all the sexual predators and pedophiles to drool over.  The substance was lacking severely in the storylines and the writing was only somewhat appealing.  Sterling Gates came aboard and began rewiring the entire Supergirl mythos, giving her color and a maturity that was a much needed commodity.  But now, where does she go?  How much time can Gates spend on helping Supergirl to grow up?  At some point she has to apply everything she’s learn in some capacity of her superhero life right?  Well, thanks to Bizarro Girl whose very much a reflective part of the Supergirl that once was, Kara can now help use the experience she’s gained to teach another like her what it means to be brave and to care for others.  This is a fantastic way for Mr. Gates to end his time on Supergirl, by showing that she truly is ready to become an independent  Superwoman!

But we can’t forget about the talented Bernard Change can we?  His style of visual storytelling has always been a great addition to any comic.  But here, I find myself wondering if Bizarro Girl was a tad bit to pretty.  Sure the crack, black teeth and horrid blue/grayish skin tone was still there, but she wasn’t ugly or at least homely to look at.  Bizarro at least still looked like a dumb animal, but Bizarro Girl had maintained the pretty looks, which I’m not sure served the story in the way it should have. 

With that aside, Change was still able to deliver a great, overall artistic achievement that most artists can only dream about. 

My Majestically Climactic Conclusion

Another Sterling Gate’s masterpiece!  Gates has been one of the more consistently awesome comic book writers for DC this year, always bringing us stories filled with meaning and purpose.  And now, with only two issues to go before he throws in the Supergirl towel, what will happen with Cat Grant and her knowledge of the Langs?

Rating: 9 out of 10 stars

Writing: 10

Art: 7

Themes: 10