"Why the World Doesn't Need Supergirl" kicks off Sterling Gates and Jamal Igle's (and friends) stint on "Supergirl" in DC's attempt to make the title more relevant and consumer-friendly. Cat Grant provides the impetus for the title of this first issue, as she starts her own personal vendetta against Superman's cousin.
After hearing Sterling Gates and Jamal Igle speak, in tandem with some of their other Super-Team Family members (Geoff Johns and James Robinson) at the Baltimore Comic-Con this past weekend, I put down my marker to review this title. The enthusiasm with which Gates and Igle spoke of this title promised nothing short of an entertaining read.
Gates steps right in to the title and gives us a Supergirl in search of relevance. At one point or another, every single one of us has wondered why we're doing what we are doing, or if what we're doing is truly the right thing we should be doing. Supergirl finds herself with the same quandary. One major difference, however, is that she has a super cousin to help her sort things through. Of course, he proves to be extremely human in this issue, and that leads Kara to find a way to be human too.
Igle's lines are nothing short of wonderful in this issue. Having followed Igle on "Green Lantern" and "Firestorm", his work on this book is definitely part of my incentive to look at it. That said this is the work of Igle's career to date. Igle has always had a Mike Wieringo-like ability to draw attractive females that weren't hoochie, and that is exactly the recipe called for here. In addition to that, Igle renders a real world that surrounds Supergirl and her supporting cast. His knack for detail and crisp storytelling prove to be a grand addition to a story that could carry itself in prose.
This book is perched on the edge of a new beginning, and I sincerely hope that the team is able to capitalize on the momentum it is certain to gain from being part of the impending "New Krypton" storyline. I just hope it doesn't get lost in the miniature crossover that will sweep through the Supertitles in the next three months.
At the panel on Saturday, James Robinson offered some high praise for the writing and art on this book, and I can honestly say it delivered. The book doesn't stop there though. Robinson may have been praising the work of his panel mates, but they in turn received some astounding assistance from colorist Nei Ruffino (check out the splash/title page) and letterer Rob Leigh (who masterfully handled a nice range of voices and tones). Not to be overlooked, though, Matt Idelson (the Supereditor) added editor's notes to the repertoire of the title, giving the book a nice dose of nostalgia.
I found the book entertaining. Gates, Igle and company are crafting a nice little niche into the Superverse for themselves and I look forward to seeing what the future holds for this title. As for this issue, well, I'm going to have to get another copy, as my wife just walked off with this one. Maybe I'll get the Pasarin variant cover next time.
SIMILAR REVIEWS
Supergirl #49
Posted Wed, January 27th
Supergirl #47
Posted Mon, November 23rd
Supergirl #43
Posted Sat, July 25th
Supergirl #42
Posted Wed, June 17th
Supergirl #41
Posted Sun, May 24th