Supergirl #22 – Review

By: Michael Alan Nelson (writer); Diogenes Neves (penciler); Marc Deering, Oclair Albert, & Ruy Jose (Inks;) Dave McCaig (colors) 

The Story: The Cyborg Superman gives Kara a gift for the girl who has everything, but he wants one in return.

The Review: Supergirl’s a character that I think has gotten a bad rap. She’s been a household name for a long time now, but she’s never really become anything more than Superman’s cousin to most people. Well, if you’ve always scoffed at the idea of ‘girl Superman’ or never found the time or money to investigate Kara Zor-El, may I suggest doing so now.

While she doesn’t have the same spunk that made Power Girl such a hit before the reboot, the New 52 Supergirl is hardly the Kansas farm girl that many presume her to be. In fact, I’d risk it to say that she’s actually one of the best representations of a teenager looking for her place in comics right now.

Rather than play her for humor, Michael Alan Nelson gives Kara real troubles and writes them with all the seriousness they deserve. Supergirl has always suffered most when defined, in this order, by being a girl and by being a teenager, but here Kara is a hero who just happens to be young and just happens to be a girl.

But lest you think that this is a grim n gritty read, I assure you that the book nails Kara’s moments of confusion, bringing a different but enjoyable brand of comedy and character into the series. When the Cyborg Superman reveals his plan, Kara responds beautifully, (beat) You want to say that again? I couldn’t hear you over all the creepiness coming out of your mouth!” This is a young woman who feels alone in the universe but that doesn’t for a second get in the way of the her certainty of what she feels. Whether it amounts to conviction or foolhardiness, Kara’s precarious but unwavering self-confidence makes her feel like a real teenager.