Supergirl #3
Written by Michael Green and Michael Johnson
Art by Mahmud Asrar
Review by Bobby Shortle
The great heroes are born of pain and strife, they become heroes not because they seek glory but because its the only thing they can do to have the world around them make sense. That’s why the Kryptonian super beings have always left me a little cold. Sure their home planet was destroyed but that never seemed to be the driving force behind their good deeds. They always seemed to fight just because it was the right thing to do. That has changed in the new 52. It is no surprise that Grant Morrison is achieving his goal of make Superman a more virile super hero. The true revelation is what Michael Green and Michael Johnson are doing with Supergirl.
This is a book about loss and sadness. It’s about a character who is marooned in a hostile land that she does not understand. But more than any of that this a tale of acceptance of your place in the world and how holding onto a dead past can lead to trouble. I love the character of Kara Zor-el. Her inner monologue, which has shades of strength and vulnerability, continues to be a standout among superhero books. The tone of her thoughts is consistent yet varied and this helps to paint the portrait of a complicated and interesting character.
Mahmud Asrar’s art is a painting in comic book form. I find myself staring at each panel after I read it just absorbing how each character and environment sits beautifully on the page. The detail work in the suits for both Sueprgirl and Superman are especially wonderful. There is a texture and beauty there that I don’t think I’ve ever seen in the costume of a hero.
VERDICT
Buy It – After three issues this sits as one of the achievements of the new 52. Sharp, effective writing mixed with stunning art make this a can’t miss book.
