Review: DC Comics Bombshells Volume 2 - Allies

As the otherworldly Tenebrae descends upon England, the Bombshells are dispatched to eliminate the evil force once and for all. With the combined might of Baroness von Gunther, Edward Nygma, and Nereus on its side, it becomes quite clear that lives will be lost and sacrifices must be made in order to defeat the Tenebrae.

DC Comics Bombshells Volume 2: Allies collects DC Comics: Bombshells #7-12, written by Marguerite Bennett and illustrated by Laura Braga, Mirka Andolfo, M.L. Sanapo, and Marguerite Sauvage.

Allies is the thrilling conclusion to the first year of DC Comics: Bombshells and finally sees the title’s heroines assembling together to fight the Tenebrae. Writer Marguerite Bennett builds towards this final confrontation through a series of interconnected vignettes that develop the protagonists’ arcs and establish the villains. For instance, Stargirl learns the truth about her parentage while Supergirl and Mera team-up to do battle against the Tenebrae beneath the waters surrounding London. Meanwhile, Catwoman and Huntress free Batwoman from the clutches of Brother Night and Wonder Woman does battle against Baroness von Gunther. Each of these narratives are brimming with action and punchy dialogue, particularly the segments featuring Batwoman. Bennett is to be commended for being able to give these characters distinctive voices and for reinventing them for the time period this book is set in.

I am continually impressed by and engrossed in the character work that Bennett does in Bombshells. Mera and Stargirl prove to be the runaway stars of this particular collection, as both are given important arcs and contribute greatly to the final fight against the Tenebrae. We learn that Mera has effectively misrepresented her past, which comes back to haunt her and it threatens to harm the people she cares most for. With Stargirl, she vacillates between her unshakeable desire to be a hero and her deepening insecurities over being a human in a world of superhumans. For both characters, they demonstrate heroism in through selflessness and determination. It’s both endearing and poignant, particularly during the climax (which left me rather teary-eyed). Beyond the inspirational aspects to these characters, Bennett also injects a lot of fun into them as well. Mera’s dialogue is very playful and she even reveals herself to be Wonder Woman’s first kiss. She’s also written to speak in song, which is a really unique quirk.

Mirka Andolfo provides a highly stylized aesthetic that is vibrant and whimsical. It has a vague shoujo-like quality to it, which pairs really well with the tone of Bennett’s dialogue. Marguerite Sauvage’s art is comparable to this as well. It’s very cute and feminine, but she really nails the toughness of these characters (especially Batwoman). Laura Braga’s art is more traditional for the superhero genre, but is certainly amongst some of the best in contemporary comics. I absolutely adore the way she illustrates Wonder Woman and admire just how beautiful all of her characters are. Her action sequences are particularly memorable as well. Lastly, Sanapo captures the pin-up origins of Bombshells quite well with her style. It manages to be both playful and sexy.

DC Comics Bombshells Volume 2: Allies is great fun. It’s fresh, hip, and irreverent, but also retro in all of the right ways. Bennett’s dialogue is dynamic, her character work is nothing short of brilliant, and the action is blockbuster-sized. There’s a lot of depth in Allies as well and it has its fair share of moments that tug on your heartstrings (provided you’re as sensitive a reader as I am). This series also showcases female talent at its finest. The art is polished and electric, while the story itself is cohesive and epic in scale. In an ideal world, Warner Brothers would greenlight a Bombshells movie ASAP and hire Bennett as the screenwriter. Yes, this series is that good.

RATING: A

Review: DC Comics Bombshells Volume 1 - Enlisted

With World War II in full swing, government bigwig Amanda Waller puts together an elite squad of untapped resources – women – to contribute to the war effort. Dubbed the Bombshells, these incredible heroines are sent behind enemy lines in order to undermine the Nazi regime.

DC Comics Bombshells Volume 1: Enlisted collects issues 1-6 of DC Comics Bombshells, written by Marguerite Bennett and with art by Marguerite Sauvage, Laura Braga, Ming Doyle, and various others.

Based off of the popular DC Collectibles line of statues, DC Comics Bombshells re-imagines the iconic women of the DC Universe as World War II era heroines. While the statues were quite obviously created to superficially portray them as little more than sexy 1940s style pin-up girls, the world that Marguerite Bennett and her artists build in this series is nothing short of brilliant. Bennett takes cues from the statues – such as initially portraying Batwoman as a baseball player – and manages to create something wholly unique in the process.

Enlisted largely serves as an origin story for the Bombshells. It introduces each member individually, but focuses primarily on the narratives of Batwoman, Wonder Woman and Supergirl. Batwoman, as mentioned previously, is portrayed as a baseball player who spends her nights combatting crime as a masked vigilante. She is one of the first to be recruited by Amanda Waller and is tasked with venturing to Europe in order to rendezvous with Contessa Selina DiGatti (the DC Comics Bombshells version of Catwoman).  Bennett writes a wonderfully layered Batwoman, examining her relationship with Maggie Sawyer and utilizes her as an almost James Bond-esque kind of a figure within the narrative. Standout moments include her banter with Selina, as well as the gorgeously drawn vignettes of Kate’s time with Maggie prior to her enlistment (Marguerite Sauvage is a total artistic goddess!). Wonder Woman, perhaps as a result of already being a World War II era creation, is left largely unchanged within this universe. Her story plays out much the same – Steve Trevor lands on the Amazons’ island and Diana going off to fight bad guys in Man’s World. What is different here is the inclusion of Mera as Diana’s closest friend and the Amazons seem even more disconnected than usual. Finally, we have Supergirl – who crash-landed in Russia rather than America. Kara, along with her adoptive sister Kortni, enroll in the Night Witches program. When she is discovered to have superpowers, she and Korti become the Russian heroes Supergirl and Stargirl. It’s a fascinating twist, particularly since it allows readers the opportunity to see beyond the American or British involvement in the Second World War. Bennett clearly shows that she’s done her research in that respect. I also love that she seems to reference Justice League Unlimited (or at the very least Justice League United) by linking Supergirl and Stargirl in this way.

I thoroughly enjoyed Enlisted. Its focus on the women of the DC Universe is great, but it’s ultimately the world that Bennett and her artists build that drew me in. I found myself curious as to how she’d re-imagine each Bombshell and seeing how she’d take inspiration from their statues. For instance, Zatanna is a cabaret performer in Berlin who works under duress due to her Jewish-Romani heritage. Bennett also rather hilariously works in Constantine being turned into a rabbit (a rather prominent feature of Zatanna’s Bombshells statue). Beyond that, the dialogue is a major strong point of this series. Bennett really captures the punchy way in which we often envision this era, which creates a constant electric interplay between the characters and injects the book with some rather clever (and often queer) double-entendres and subtexts.

DC Comics Bombshells is fairly unusual as a series for quite a few reasons. It’s outside of the main canon, it’s set in an imagined past and it has a high rotation of artists. That last point is somewhat contentious, as it invites quite a bit of inconsistency in terms of quality. Some artists, unfortunately, aren’t as good as others in this collection and it ends up taking away from the overall aesthetic of the world being built around these characters. That said, I absolutely adore the sheer amount of female talent that explodes out of this book. Bennett is joined by a host of ridiculously talented female artists and, if anything, it ends up proving that badass female artists are not as hard to come by as the industry pretends they are. Marguerite Sauvage handles the art chores in the first issue and totally knocks it out of the park. Her style is very fresh and cute. It seems strange, but I’m also in awe of how she draws hair. Another favourite of mine is Mirka Andolfo, who brings us the art for Harley Quinn’s section of the book. Her style is extremely expressive and vibrant. She’s a perfect match for the zany Harley. Then there’s Bilquis Evely, who is primarily responsible for the Supergirl and Stargirl sections. Her aesthetic is sketchier, but there’s a quality to it that seems to mimic the setting in which those sections are set. Other standouts include MLSanapo and Laura Braga, both of whom get to draw Wonder Woman. Their style is much more traditional in its approach to comic book art.

Aside from the inconsistency in quality brought on by rotating artists, I could not find or admit to a single flaw in DC Comics Bombshells. I love the direction, tone, and dialogue present in this title. Bennett creates an absolutely fascinating world of whimsy and wonder, which is further brimming with a pop art sensibility thanks to its talented artistic creators. There’s also a welcome sense of gravity to it, as Bennett further explores the harsher realities of World War II since some of the book’s characters are Jewish (notably Batwoman and Zatanna) and since a queer character is placed at the forefront (again, Batwoman). As someone who fits squarely into an LGBTQ+ readership, Bennett and DC Comics Bombshells itself offer a sense of both representation and of normalcy amidst such a turbulent setting. In essence, this is the book we need and deserve. DC Comics Bombshells Volume 1: Enlisted is quite possibly one of the best comic book trades I’ve read in a good long while! It’s a must-read for sure!

RATING: A+

Review: Justice League United - The Infinitus Saga

With the galaxy in turmoil as a result of the menace known as Infinitus, the Legion of Super-Heroes travel 100 years into the past in order to prevent him from ever coming into being. There’s just one thing standing in their way – the newly formed Justice League led by Martian Manhunter. He and his teammates are unwilling to accept that an innocent life should be snuffed out due to the possibility of it turning evil later on. Thus begins a battle of wills between the Martian hero and the Legion’s Brainiac 5.

Justice League United Volume 2: The Infinitus Saga collects Justice League United #6-10, Justice League United Annual #1, Justice League United: Futures End #1 and Justice League: Futures End #1. It is written by Jeff Lemire, with art by Jay Leisten and Neil Edwards.

As a whole Justice League United has all the right components to be a successful book. It’s colourful, action-packed, and full of punchy dialogue. It also has arguably the most creative line-up for a Justice League splinter team Post-Flashpoint. From DC Comics’ beloved archer Green Arrow to the new heroine on the block Equinox, the roster is really unique. Of course, it certainly helps that writer Jeff Lemire develops tangible relationships between the characters. Animal Man and Stargirl act like siblings, while the latter forms a father-daughter type of bond with Martian Manhunter. There’s also a slight banter that exists between Green Arrow and Animal Man (unsurprising given the fact that Lemire has written both of their solo series).

The scale of The Infinitus Saga is grand enough to give this book a sense of gravitas. In other words, the events feel like they have substance and consequences. The Justice League aren’t just saving a city or even Earth, they’re saving the universe and the future. I can really appreciate this as too many comics these days get caught up in trying to be trendy or cute or funny to really give its protagonists a conflict that highlights their importance as heroes. Here, our protagonists duke it out on Earth and in space, as they battle against the Legion, Byth and (eventually) Infinitus. The conflict is very real and the stakes are high.

Where The Infinitus Saga falters is in its massive over-sized cast, which is largely due to the presence of the Legion of Super-Heroes. Now, I’m actually a fan of the Legion and think that as a whole they’re a fascinating section of the DC Universe. However, there are so many of them that Lemire himself has to write in jokes to acknowledge this. Their presence in the narrative clutters the flow and distracts from the main characters, which is a shame since the protagonists are truly worthy of further development. My biggest issue, and this is not directly solely at Lemire but at Legion stories in general, is that the Legion of Super-Heroes all too often seem like an amorphous blob of colourful heroes who are defined exclusively by their powers.  Because there are so many of them, there’s literally no way of distinguishing their personalities and developing them equally or even in a hierarchy. In The Infinitus Saga, Brainiac 5 is clearly the star. He’s the most fleshed out member of his team and has a distinct personality. Dream Girl and Wildfire are also given opportunities to shine. Other characters have moments (particularly showing off their powers), but this book will leave those unfamiliar with the Legion lost when it comes to understanding who these characters are.

At its core, Justice League United: The Infinitus Saga is a great sci fi adventure featuring a team-up between a rookie team of fan-favourites and the Legion of Super-Heroes. There’s tons of great action and funny dialogue to keep any reader engaged. This collection has its shortcomings, but it has heart. I can appreciate what Lemire was doing with this book, especially since it captures the optimism, spirit and overall do-right attitude necessary for any incarnation of the Justice League. It’s a solid effort that’s worth a read.

RATING: B

Review: Justice League United Volume 1 - Justice League Canada

While making an appearance at a convention in Toronto, the superheroes Stargirl and Animal Man agree to investigate the disappearance of an anthropolist’s assistant in Northern Ontario. Before long, they are whisked off to space, alongside Justice Leaguers Martian Manhunter and Green Arrow, where they discover a Thanagarian criminal known as Byth intends to unleash a biological weapon upon the universe. Without skipping a beat, the heroes band together to stop this intergalactic menace.

Justice League United Volume 1: Justice League Canada collects Justice League United #0-5, written by Jeff Lemire and illustrated by Mike McKone.

Since their Silver Age debut, the Justice League has had many incarnations and spin-offs. Despite the success of the Justice League International era, none have quite managed to click quite as well with readers as the original seven. Thankfully, Justice League United is more International than Extreme Justice. Lemire depicts the team as a ragtag group of heroes, whose interactions with one another are light and quippy, bringing to mind the humorous underpinnings of what made Keith Giffen and J.M. DeMatteis’ take on Justice League so memorable. Stargirl and Martian Manhunter form the nucleus of the group. Having both been members of the Geoff Johns-penned Justice League of America, they’ve already formed a sibling-like bond that adds stability to this line-up. Likewise, Green Arrow and Animal Man have a teasing brotherly dynamic that’s reminiscent of Blue Beetle and Booster Gold. The focus on developing these two should really be no surprise, given the fact that Lemire was responsible for both of their solo ongoing series.

As far as this collection is concerned, Lemire is at his best when he is developing characters and writing dialogue. He knows how to build relationships, which works well towards forming an organic team dynamic. He’s got a great line-up of heroes and he utilizes them quite well. The problem, however, is in the story itself. The main plot deals with our heroes’ battle in space against the alien Byth, while the subplot explores the struggles of a Cree teenager Miiyahbin Marten as she comes to terms with her unique abilities. The former is terribly generic. When teams are formed, it seems it’s almost always due to some kind of alien plot or invasion. As a villain, Byth is far from being a Darkseid or Despero. He’s not particularly menacing and his alliance with Lobo seems more random than anything else. By contrast, Miiyahbin’s story is gripping and acts as the saving grace for this volume.

From her design to her backstory, Miiyahbin stands out as one of the more unique heroes created in recent years. That’s why it’s so unfortunate that she gets relegated to subplot status. It’s made worse by the fact that her story is rushed to its conclusion, speeding through her origins and confrontation with the antagonist. The opening arc to Justice League United would have been so much more interesting had Lemire inverted the plots, placing a focus on Miiyahbin’s and turning Adam Strange’s origin into the sub. Truth be told, DC Comics would have done well to introduce Equinox in a solo ongoing series as a way of competing with Marvel’s Ms. Marvel series.

Justice League United has potential. It features a strong roster with room for a lot of character growth. Sadly, this first collection simply lacked the excitement and originality necessary to set it apart from other team books. Given the fact that subsequent issues appear to focus more on science fiction than fantasy, it’s really no surprise as to why United was never really able to find an audience.

RATING: B-

Top 10: Greatest Women of DC Comics

In 1941, DC Comics revolutionized the world of comic books when they introduced the very first female superhero -- Wonder Woman. After her triumphant debut in the pages of Sensation Comics, Wonder Woman became a hit amongst readers and she would go on to inspire the creation of countless other superheroines.

Consequently, DC Comics has remained dedicated to promoting their heroines by placing them in the spotlight and giving them the chance to shine through a plethora of ongoing solo series.

This article focuses on the ten greatest women of DC Comics as chosen through The Women of the DC Universe Poll.

10. Huntress

Real Name: Helena Wayne (I), Helena Bertinelli (II)
First Appearance: All Star Comics #69 1979 (Wayne), The Huntress Vol. #1 1989 (Bertinelli), Huntress Vol. 3 #1 2011 (The New 52)
Special Abilities: Archery, Martial Arts, Marksmanship

On the alternate Earth known as Earth-Two, Helena Wayne was the only daughter of Batman and Catwoman. By day she was an unassuming attorney, but at night she was the costumed vigilante known as the Huntress. Motivated to take up crimefighting after the tragic death of her mother, Huntress used her keen sense of morality and killer aim to dish out her own brand of justice.

Following the soft reboot of the DC Universe in the mid-1980s, Huntress was revamped as Helena Bertinelli. As the heiress to a mafia dynasty, Helena was the sole survivor of a massacre that all but eradicated the Bertinelli family. Vowing vengeance, Helena took on the mantle of the Huntress to destroy the mafia.

As one of DC Comics' most enduring heroines, Huntress has become a modern icon and fan-favorite who has gone on to headline several mini-series. She has also been a key member of the beloved Birds of Prey comic and has been adapted into such hit series as Justice League Unlimited, Batman: The Brave & The Bold and Arrow.

09. Starfire

Real Name: Princess Koriand'r of Tamaran
First Appearance: DC Comics Presents #26 1980 (Classic), Red Hood & The Outlaws #1 2011 (The New 52)
Special Abilities: Superhuman Strength, Superhuman Durability, Energy Projection, Flight

Princess Koriand'r was the youngest daughter of the royal family of the planet Tamaran. During a conflict with a neighbouring planet, she was used as a bargaining chip to reach an agreement. After years in captivity, Koriand'r escaped her imprisonment and fled to Earth where she became the superheroine known as Starfire.

As one of the new characters introduced in Marv Wolfman and George Perez's seminal The New Teen Titans, Starfire's free-spirited nature and Amazon-like appearance made her an instant hit. Despite this, the character wouldn't really reach A-list status until she was adapted for the children's cartoon Teen Titans. While this adaptation made her a household name, it also created a lot of misconceptions about her due to the extreme liberties they took with her. Regardless, Starfire is currently the sole female member of the Outlaws and is more powerful and independent than she's ever been.

08. Power Girl

Real Name: Kara Zor-El

First Appearance: All-Star Comics #58 1976 (Classic), Mister Terrific #1 2011 (The New 52)

Special Abilities: Heat Vision, Super Hearing, Enhanced Vision, Flight, Invulnerability, Superhuman Strength, Superhuman Speed, Super-Breath

As Superman's cousin from another reality, Kara Zor-El found herself stranded in a strange land. Never one to be comfortable in the shadow of her more famous relative, she would go on to blaze a trail for herself as the brash and bodacious heroine known as Power Girl.

Perhaps best known for her controversial cut-out costume, Power Girl has established herself as both a sex symbol and problematic feminist character. Despite the divisive nature of her physical appearance, she continues to be a fan-favourite due to her sassy personality and relatable persona. Whether she's debuting cutting edge technology as the CEO of Starr Industries or chilling at home watching horror movies, Power Girl has readers hooked.

07. Supergirl

Real Name: Kara Zor-El

First Appearance: Action Comics Vol. 1 #252 1959 (Classic), Supergirl Vol. 6 #1 2011 (The New 52)

Special Abilities: Heat Vision, Super Hearing, Enhanced Vision, Flight, Invulnerability, Superhuman Strength, Superhuman Speed, Super-Breath

After years of believing himself to be the only survivor of Krypton's destruction, Superman discovered that one other Kryptonian had survived when his cousin Kara Zor-El crash landed on Earth. Bearing the familiar S-shield, Kara proved herself as the champion Supergirl through a series of trials and has established herself as one of Earth's greatest heroes.

As one of the earliest examples of a female version of a prominent male hero, Supergirl set the standard for plucky teen heroines. Her popularity led towards her headlining the pages of Adventure Comics, as well as several self-titled ongoing series. While her origins may have fluctuated over the years, Supergirl's status as an icon is undeniable and has only been further bolstered by her appearances in Superman: The Animated Series and Smallville, not to mention a planned live-action series based off of her adventures.

06. Zatanna

Real Name: Zatanna Zatara
First Appearance: Hawkman Vol. 1 #4 1964 (Classic), Justice League Dark #1 2011 (The New 52)
Special Abilities: Sorcery via spells spoken backwards

As the only daughter of the legendary magician Giovanni Zatara, Zatanna followed in her father's footsteps and became a popular stage magician. Her mystical abilities also led her down the path of heroism, using her unique talents to investigate magical mysteries and fight crime as a member of the Justice League.

Despite being one of the most prominent female members of the Justice League, Zatanna was inexplicably relegated to the fringes of the DC Universe for decades. Due to her appearances in Batman: The Animated Series, Justice League Unlimited and Smallville, as well as her role in the controversial limited series Identity Crisis, interest in the character was renewed. This increased recognizability helped establish her as an A-lister, leading towards her critically-acclaimed self-titled ongoing series and membership within Justice League Dark.

05. Catwoman

Real Name: Selina Kyle
First Appearance: Batman Vol. 1 #1 1940 (Classic), Catwoman Vol. 4 #1 2011 (The New 52)
Special Abilities: Acrobatics, Thievery, Martial Artist

Orphaned at a young age, Selina Kyle turned to thievery to survive on the streets. She perfected her craft by stealing from the rich, using these spoils to lead a new life as a pampered socialite. Inspired by her affection for cats and the vigilante known as Batman, Selina donned a catsuit and became the master thief Catwoman. A constant thorn in Batman's side, Catwoman has been both the Dark Knight's foe and ally.

Debuting a full year before Wonder Woman, Selina Kyle began her career as The Cat. From these humble beginnings, she would go on to become Batman's most prominent female antagonist. Earning the moniker of the feline fatale, her enigmatic persona and undeniable sex appeal made her a favourite amongst readers. Multiple incarnations and adaptations later, she has earned the right to be considered a true comic book legend.

04. Harley Quinn

Real Name: Dr. Harleen Quinzel

First Appearance: Batman: Harley Quinn 1999 (Classic), Suicide Squad Vol. 4 #1 2011 (The New 52)

Special Abilities: Psychology, Gymnastics

Once an ambitious young psychiatrist, Harleen Quinzel sought to establish a name for herself by helping to rehabilitate the sociopathic Joker. Persuaded by his lies and manipulations, Quinzel fell for the villain and gave up her life to become his costumed associate Harley Quinn. Harley's toxic relationship with the Joker wouldn't last, encouraging her to strike out on her own and becoming a key member of the Suicide Squad.

Originally created for the beloved Batman: The Animated Series, Harley Quinn won audiences over with her hilarious antics and quirky persona. Her popularity saw her official introduction into the comics, where she's become one of DC Comics' most prominent villains. She has since gone on to become a modern icon thanks to appearances in video games like Batman: Arkham Asylum and Injustice: Gods Among Us, as well as her roles in television adaptations like Birds of Prey and The Batman. If that weren't enough, she's also set to be one of the leads in the upcoming Suicide Squad film.

03. Black Canary

Real Name: Dinah Lance

First Appearance: Flash Comics Vol. 1 #86 1947 (Classic), Birds of Prey Vol. 3 #1 2011 (The New 52)

Special Abilities: Canary Cry, Master Martial Artist

Trained from a young age in the ways of hand-to-hand combat, the heroine known as Black Canary has used the combined might of her fists and distinctive sonic scream to fight crime as a vigilante. As the field leader of the Birds of Prey, she has taken down terrorists and supervillains alike.

As one of DC Comics' earliest heroines, Black Canary has kicked more collective ass than most other superheroes (male or female). She's been a member of the Justice League, the Justice Society and has led the various incarnations of the Birds of Prey for nearly three decades. She's also become a favourite amongst casual fans due to her numerous appearances in adaptations, some of which include Justice League Unlimited, Smallville, Batman: The Brave & The Bold, Young Justice and Arrow. This is one birdie you can't keep down.

02. Batgirl

Real Name: Barbara Gordon
First Appearance: Detective Comics Vol. 1 #359 1967 (Classic), Batgirl Vol. 4 #1 2011 (The New 52)
Special Abilities: Martial Arts, Eidetic Memory

Inspired by the exploits of Batman, Barbara Gordon donned the mantle of Batgirl in pursuit of bringing peace and justice to the streets of Gotham City. Though she was crippled for several years by the Joker, Barbara recovered and resumed her career as the thrill-seeking Batgirl.

Barbara Gordon is easily one of DC Comics' most inspirational and recognizable feminist heroes. Whether swinging from rooftops as Batgirl or hacking sophisticated computer systems as Oracle, she has proven herself to be an independent woman who is the equal of her male contemporaries. From her iconic portrayal in the live-action Batman series to more recent incarnations in Batman: The New Adventures, The Batman and Young Justice, Batgirl continues to be a household name whose exuberance and spunky personality have earned her a devoted fanbase. 

01. Wonder Woman

Real Name: Princess Diana of Themyscira

First Appearance: All-Star Comics #8 1941 (Classic), Wonder Woman Vol. 4 #1 2011 (The New 52)

Special Abilities: Superhuman Strength, Durability, Speed, Reflexes, Agility and Stamina, Flight, Enhanced Healing Factor, Master Hand-to-Hand Combatant

As the daughter of the Queen of the Amazons, Princess Diana left her island home to fight for truth and love in "Man's World" as the costumed heroine Wonder Woman. Known for her compassion and strong sense of morality, Wonder Woman believes wholeheartedly in equality and works tirelessly to promote world peace.

There's no disputing that Wonder Woman is the most iconic superheroine of all-time. Her impact is undeniable, having inspired the creation of countless others over the years. She has proven that women can be taken seriously as heroes and that they can be just as captivating as their male counterparts (if not more so). Her recognizable star-spangled costume and her unique accessories make for an instantly iconic look, while her ideals have endeared her towards the LGBTQ and feminist communities. It's no wonder she's number one.

Review: Supergirl Volume 4 - Out of the Past

After defeating the villainous H'el with a Kryptonite dagger, Supergirl is left poisoned and has only a short time to live. Not wanting to spend her final days on Earth, she takes off into space in hopes of finding some closure and peace only to wind up in the middle of one of Brainiac's schemes.

Supergirl Volume 4: Out of the Past collects issues #21-25 of Supergirl and Superman #25, with writing by Michael Alan Nelson and Scott Lobdell, as well as art by Diogenes Neves, Paulo Siqueira and Kenneth Rocafort. 

With Michael Alan Nelson officially taking over the writing chores for Supergirl in this collection, there's been a notable shift in the tone of both the title and the character. Previously, Supergirl focused on the character's adjustments to living on Earth and was built upon finding a niche for her in this new world. She was also more wide-eyed and demure, despite having a wild and aggressive streak. Nelson moves the title into space and begins writing her as being much more angst-ridden and sassy. It's rather jarring, especially during a scene where Supergirl and Siobhan get into an argument. The move into space and Supergirl's sudden attitude adjustment feels inorganic since it takes away much of what made the comic so enjoyable in the first place.

The overall premise for this collection sees Supergirl being taken in by (a new) Cyborg Superman and she is given hope that she can live out her final days surrounded by a simulacrum of Krypton. The general narrative of Supergirl slowly dying is bogus, as readers know they're not going to kill off the titular heroine. It's a contrived storyline that just doesn't fly. Furthermore, Nelson begins to shift his focus from tending to Supergirl's thoughts and feelings regarding her impending death and instead focuses almonst entirely on Cyborg Superman. This is especially evident in the included Action Comics #23.1, where Supergirl is present for all of one page. Yes, the issue was one of the villain-centric releases from the Forever Evil lead-ins, but it serves as a reminder that Supergirl has been written as a supporting character in her own title.

Following the conclusion of the Cyborg Superman arc, the final two issues in this collection focus on the Krypton Returns crossover. To put it nicely, these issues are a mess. A casual reader will not be able to follow the narrative, strictly due to the fact that the issues included are only two parts of a four-part crossover. Immediately, the reader has to begin piecing together the holes in the plot and must desperately try to play catch-up. Much like with H'el on Earth, this crossover is a diversion from the main events of the series and does nothing to build upon Supergirl's character. The only good thing about the Krypton Returns issues is the amazing art. Both Paulo Siqueira and Kenneth Rocafort are superstar artists, so they bring their A-game and deliver the most stunning art present in the New 52 Supergirl trade paperbacks since Mahmud Asrar left the title.

If there's one thing Supergirl: Out of the Past teaches us as comic book readers, it's just how important a strong creative team is. Under Mike Johnson's pen, the title was one of the best DC Comics had to offer as part of the New 52. Mahmud Asrar's art only made it that much better. With a different writer and artist, the title really failed to keep its momentum. These creative team shifts paired with the title's inclusion in Superman crossovers haven't really done it any good. Sadly, this is nothing new for Supergirl. The preceding series she headlined suffered much of the same fate. Can't a Maid of Might ever catch a break?

Rating: C

Review: Supergirl Volume 3 - Sanctuary

While still coming to terms with the loss of her home planet, Supergirl meets a Kryptonian named H'el who promises that he can travel back in time to save their doomed world. Despite Superman's warnings, Supergirl decides to place her trust in H'el. In doing so, she may have condemned Earth to the same fate as Krypton.

Supergirl Volume 3: Sanctuary collects Supergirl #13-20, with writing by Mike Johnson, Frank Hannah and Michael Alan Nelson, as well as art by Mahmud Asrar. 

This collection starts where the previous one left off. Kara has been led to an underwater fortress, where she encounters her first foe Simon Tycho. She discovers that this lair has been left for her and that she must defeat Tycho in order to assume control of it. The issue is, in essence, one giant fight. Thus far, this title has done very well with its battle scenes and Kara's fight with Tycho is no exception. Tycho does a great job of pushing Kara's buttons and this serves to heighten her resolve to win. In the end, Tycho is taken care of and Kara gets her own version of the Fortress of Solitude (until it's destroyed in issue #20… sad face).

Much of Sanctuary is comprised of Supergirl's issues from the Superman crossover H'el on Earth. Without the Superman and Superboy parts of the narrative, it's easy to get lost when it comes to the plot. There are inevitably some plot holes, given that much of the action takes place outside of what is collected here. It interferes with the experience and jettisons Supergirl's book by making her a supporting character in a Superman storyline. What's worse is she falls for the bloody villain of the piece. It's terribly cliché and seems rather forced.

Even though Supergirl's parts of the crossover act as a subplot to the action in Superman, Johnson does an admirable job of keeping the reader up-to-date on the plot and tries his best to ensure that there's as little confusion as possible. Interestingly enough, the two best issues in this collection are filler for the crossover. Issues #16 and #17 feature Supergirl taking on the Flash and Wonder Woman respectively. Both issues are packed with relentless action as Supergirl takes on two of the most powerful members of the Justice League, but do nothing to move the plot along. The hero vs. hero narrative has been done many times over, but it's refreshing to see Supergirl be taken seriously as a contender. Johnson and Asrar also deserve props for not turning Supergirl's battle with Wonder Woman into a silly cat fight, as well as not forcing a win on Supergirl's side just because it's her book.

The three issues that follow the crossover are penned by Frank Hannah, Mike Johnson and Michael Alan Nelson respectively. This arc serves as the aftermath to H'el on Earth, which sees Lex Luthor observing Supergirl as she encounters Power Girl for the first time. It's glee-inducing to see Supergirl and Power Girl team-up to thwart a shared foe, as well as interact with one another once the battle is done. A point is made that they're like twins and the sisterly dynamic they form is a fantastic direction to take them in. There is one small problem though. When Power Girl changes her costume to her now-familiar boob window look, Supergirl tells her that she looks beautiful yet in the following issue Supergirl insists that Power Girl is "too old" for the costume. The problem here is inconsistency and this stems from the fact that Johnson wrote Supergirl to respond to the costume one way, while Nelson writes her reaction as the opposite. It's a little off-putting to see Supergirl acting so hostile towards Power Girl when she was very receptive in the previous issue.

Unlike preceding collections, Supergirl Volume 3: Sanctuary is a mixed lot. While the art is great throughout, the writing is inconsistent at times and the plot relies heavily on the presence of guest stars. It's difficult for the issues here to stand on their own since the majority of them are parts to a larger storyline. As such, Sanctuary is much less accessible than the first two trade paperbacks and the switching of writers towards the end fumbles with the aftermath of H'el on Earth. Though not nearly as impressive as its predecessors, this collection still has its moments of fun and has its share of epic battles. While its usage of guest stars can feel a little excessive, it's actually pretty cool to see Supergirl being connected more to the DC Universe. Plus, the world always needs more Supergirl/Power Girl team-ups.

Rating: B

Review: Supergirl Volume 2 - Girl in the World

After meeting an enigmatic young woman named Siobhan Smythe, Supergirl discovers that her new friend is hiding a dark secret -- that Siobhan's father is the villainous Black Banshee. Tragically, this mystical foe may be too much for the Maid of Maid to handle.

Supergirl Volume 2: Girl in the World collects Supergirl #8-12 and #0, written by Michael Green and Mike Johnson with art by George Perez and Mahmud Asrar.

After fighting off the Kryptonian warriors known as the Worldkillers, Supergirl is once again confronted by authorities. Thankfully, she's saved by Siobhan Smythe. This punk rocker becomes Supergirl's first ally and serves as an ambassador for the titular heroine. This is the first person aside from Superman that is able to understand Kryptonian and she begins Supergirl's process of acclimatizing to Earth's culture. Beyond her narrative function, Siobhan is a fun character who lightens the tone of the book. Most interestingly, however, is the fact that she's revealed to be the Silver Banshee. Once a classic Superman foe, the Silver Banshee is re-imagined here and made to be a hero. The antagonist is instead Siobhan's father, which was a very interesting choice especially given his creepy character design.

Green and Johnson do a great job of building a world around Supergirl. It enables her to become more grounded and provides her with the perspective she needs as to what she's fighting for. They are also to be applauded for adding magic into the mix. The sequence in which Supergirl faces off against the Black Banshee on a mystical plane is executed well and adds visual variety to the battles we see in this book. It's also worth noting that Siobhan and her brother Tom are excellent supporting characters. In addition to Siobhan's infectious attitude and status as the Silver Banshee, her brother's positioning as a potential love interest for Supergirl makes this cast really workable and loveable. That's why it's so disappointing when they're discarded so quickly from the narrative (don't worry they don't get killed off!).

On top of the main narrative of the series, Girl in the World collects issue #0. This story recounts Supergirl's last few hours on Krypton from the perspective of her father Zor-El. This glimpse into the character's family life is fascinating and shows Zor-El as someone who is willing to do anything to protect his daughter. The issue also helps to fill in some holes regarding plot points that were brought up earlier, but also brings up a new set of questions. As such, it does the task of both satisfying readers and teasing them at the same time.

With this collection, Supergirl continues its reign as one of the most captivating titles in DC Comics' The New 52 stable. The Black Banshee arc is a total page-turner and the inclusion of the Smythes as temporary supporting characters is a brilliant choice. Green and Johnson keep readers on the edge of the seat not only through intense action scenes, but through cliffhangers and subtle mysteries as well. Beyond the impeccable writing and tone of the book, Asrar continues to impress with his art. He knows how to masterfully set a scene and illustrates such a wide variety of settings. All in all, Supergirl Volume 2: Girl in the World is a satisfying read and will no doubt convert quite a few people into fans of the Maid of Might.

Rating: A-

Review: Supergirl Volume 1 - The Last Daughter of Krypton

Mere moments after crash-landing on Earth, the Kryptonian Kara Zor-El is attacked by mechanized mercenaries, clashes with a man claiming to be her baby cousin and is captured by a ruthless businessman. With little recollection as to what transpired before her landing, Kara is dazed, confused and very pissed off.

Supergirl Volume 1: The Last Daughter of Krypton collects Supergirl #1-7, written by Michael Green and Mike Johnson with art by Mahmud Asrar.

Without a doubt, The Last Daughter of Krypton is the best origin story for Supergirl to date. Green and Johnson do an impeccable job of organically telling the story of an alien's arrival on Earth, especially since Kara doesn't instantly speak English and she's extremely disoriented. This is only made worse by the bombardment she faces when humans attempt to capture her. In a way, this is about as realistic as you can get in a genre where aliens, magic and demigods are the norm.

In this collection, Kara is constantly kept on her toes as danger lurks everywhere she goes. It is action-packed and filled with a wide array of carefully choreographed battle sequences. Kara's fight against Superman is especially memorable, as it allows Kara to unleash her full fury. Despite the fact that she attacks him rather irrationally, it's easy to excuse her given the context of her situation. The relentless pacing moves us effectively from Earth to space and back to Earth again. The writing duo doesn't waste time by extending plots or scenes longer than they need to be. The first half of this collection is loosely held together by the business tycoon Simon Tycho's attempt to study Kara, while the second half deals with the Kryptonian warriors known as the Worldkillers. The latter antagonists are executed rather well and their origins are quite intriguing. They also prove to be rather dangerous foes for Kara, but her victory and their subsequent departure is admittedly a little rushed.

Green and Johnson make it easy to root for Kara. She's stranded on a planet she knows nothing about and within her first 24 hours on Earth she is attacked, has her transportation stolen, is exposed to Kryptonite and witnesses just how far humans are willing to go to study an alien. Beyond that, there's a greater sense of loss and tragedy for her character. Unlike her cousin Superman, she grew up on Krypton and knew her birth parents. The most poignant scene in this collection comes when she finally realizes that Krypton and her parents are gone. In a panel that takes up nearly the entire page, Kara falls to her knees and cries out in agony over what she has lost. It's quite stirring.

Aside from the amazing writing, the art for The Last Daughter of Krypton is stunning. Mahmud Asrar's pencils are gorgeous and incredibly dynamic. He truly excels at action scenes and delivers some of the most eye-catching fights in DC Comics' New 52 initiative. Asrar is also to be commended for his depiction of Supergirl. He gives her a smaller stature and doesn't exaggerate her form to the extend that it's all T&A. This is further helped by Jim Lee's rather nifty costume design for Kara, which thankfully doesn't expose her midriff or feature a mini-skirt. Sure the crotch triangle is a little weird, but it's a small sacrifice for having a costume that doesn't depict the character as if she's some kind of intergalactic cheerleader.

For anyone looking to learn more about Supergirl, Supergirl Volume 1: The Last Daughter of Krypton is the best place to start. It's incredibly accessible and is the ideal starting point for the character. Unlike her Silver Age origin, this collection feels more organic and believable. Similarly, it outshines more modern versions of the character as she is much more sympathetic here and is given the opportunity to shine on her own without having guest stars jammed into her book. Supergirl is one of the best books from DC Comics' First Wave in their New 52 initiative. It's fast-paced, action-packed and features a protagonist we can root for. For new and old fans of the Maid of Might, you do not want to pass up this book.

Rating: A