Top 5: Best Pop Albums of 2014

With "Let It Go" being played non-stop all year long and Taylor Swift selling millions of copies of 1989, it's safe to say that 2014 was dominated by the ladies. This past year women reigned supreme in the world of pop music, delivering some of the finest ear candy in recent years.

The following list counts down the five best pop albums of 2014 from this year's fiercest divas.

05. Cher Lloyd, Sorry I'm Late

STANDOUT TRACKS: "I Wish," "Sirens," "Killing It," "M.F.P.O.T.Y," "Alone With Me"

As the hotly anticipated follow-up to her debut album Sticks & Stones, Cher Lloyd's Sorry I'm Late is a satisfying mix of club-hopping party anthems and emotional ballads. On this album, Cher relies less on her lady rapper schtick and shows her growth as a singer by stretching her vocal chords. The maturity she shows on Sorry I'm Late illustrates the makings of a true artist and makes for an interesting listen.

04. Jessie J, Sweet Talker

STANDOUT TRACKS: "Ain't Been Done," "Sweet Talker," "Bang Bang," "Personal," "Keep Us Together"

After the North American release to Alive failed to materialize, Jessie J set to work on a brand-new album to offer Stateside. Bolstered by the success of the Ariana Grande and Nicki Minaj collab "Bang Bang," Sweet Talker became the big voiced songstress' highest charting album on the US Billboard 200. The album brilliantly showcases Jessie J's signature vocals and adaptability, belting out a variety of club thumpers and sweet R&B ballads. Her diversity as a singer is commendable and the sass she lays out on this record is as impressive as it is incomparable.

03. Ariana Grande, My Everything

STANDOUT TRACKS: "Problem," "Break Free," "Best Mistake," "Love Me Harder," "My Everything"

With her debut album becoming one of the best albums of 2013, Ariana Grande's sophomore effort My Everything had a lot to live up to. Thankfully, the pint-sized pop star delivered yet another solid set of infectious radio-friendly songs. From the saxophone-driven "Problem" to the Katy Perry-esque "Break Free," Grande ruled the charts with her growing pop repertoire. Still, Grande is the most impressive on My Everything's downtempo tracks, laying out some of this year's finest vocal work on the album's title track.

02. Kylie Minogue, Kiss Me Once

STANDOUT TRACKS: "Into the Blue," "Sexy Love," "Sexercise," "Les Sex," "Kiss Me Once"

While 2014 may have seen younger acts like Taylor Swift and Ariana Grande dominating the charts, the legendary Kylie Minogue proved that age is irrelevant in making good music. As one of the most eclectic albums this year, Kylie's Kiss Me Once ranges from feel-good ear candy ("Into the Blue") to seductive sex jams ("Sexercise"). The album is also notable for featuring a mix of downtempo tracks, making Kiss Me Once the first studio album of hers to do so since 2007's X. These retro ballads are among some of her more interesting and act as brilliant homages to her PWL era.

01. Cheryl, Only Human

STANDOUT TRACKS: "It's About Time," "Crazy Stupid Love," "Waiting for Lightning," "Only Human," "Stars," "Throwback," "Fight On," "Beats N Bass"

To say that 2014 was a good year for the newly mononymous Cheryl would be an understatement. She returned to the judging panel on The X-Factor, broke records when she became the first British female solo act to have five number one singles in the UK and subsequently released her fourth top ten studio album Only Human.

Only Human is arguably Cheryl's strongest solo effort to date, featuring a cohesive collection of pop gems and affecting ballads. On this record she is as fierce as she is vulnerable, showing swag on hair-flippers like "Beats N Bass" and emotional transparency on downtempo tracks like "Only Human." While all the albums on this list may not be excellent start to finish, Only Human is near perfection and proves itself as pop masterpiece.

 

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

X-Men 101: The Essential Storm Stories

As one of the greatest X-Men of all-time, Storm is a barrier-breaking pioneer whose cultural importance has turned her into an icon. She was one of the first Black superheroines in comics and was the first woman to ever lead a major superhero team. Heralded for her keen sense of justice and desire to do good, Storm is a complex character who is an equal mix of untouchable goddess and down-to-earth big sister.

To celebrate this icon, here are twenty of her most memorable storylines. These narratives span the course of her illustrious comic book career and is a perfect starting place for newbies, as well as a pleasant stroll down memory lane for veteran readers.

Deadly Genesis

Giant-Size X-Men (Vol. 1) #1

When the X-Men are trapped on a mysterious island, Professor Xavier recruits seven new mutants to help rescue his students.

Storm would make her very first appearance in this groundbreaking one-off issue and this would mark the changing point in the X-Men's careers. From this point forward, they would forever be considered one of Marvel's most successful and critically-acclaimed properties.

Who Shall Stop the Juggernaut?

X-Men (Vol. 1) #102-103

While visiting Ireland, the X-Men are attacked by the insidious Black Tom and his associate Juggernaut. Trapped in the confines of the castle, Storm is crippled by her claustrophobia and must re-visit the painful memories of her past to overcome her fear.

The Hellfire Gambit

Uncanny X-Men (Vol. 1) #151-152

After the White Queen's humiliating defeat at the hands of the X-Men, the femme fatale hatches a plan to tear the X-Men apart from the inside out. She switches bodies with Storm and proceeds to wreak havoc with her newfound weather manipulating abilities. This would create a long-standing rivalry between the White Queen and Storm, which wouldn't be resolved until decades later.

Night Screams

Uncanny X-Men (Vol. 1) #159

When the legendary vampire known as Dracula ventures to New York City, he becomes determined to make Storm his bride. He intends to turn her, but her famed willpower proves to be a challenge perhaps even the greatest vampire of all-time cannot overcome.

The Brood Saga

Uncanny X-Men (Vol. 1) #162-167

Upon being kidnapped by a group of aliens hellbent on colonizing the universe, the X-Men are infected by the Brood's spawn and will be transformed into beings like their captors. Fearing the complete loss of her identity, Storm sacrifices herself in space. Before she can die, she is rescued and subsequently overcomes her infection just in time to save the day.

To Have and Have Not

Uncanny X-Men (Vol. 1) #169-173

After the X-Man Angel is abducted by the underground mutants known as the Morlocks, Storm leads a small group of X-Men to rescue their captured ally. To secure his release, she challenges the Morlocks' leader Callisto to a duel. Storm's brutal defeat over Callisto results in her becoming the Morlocks' new leader and begins a dramatic shift in her character.

As her uncertainty in her identity continues to slip, Storm becomes more unpredictable and aggressive. On a trip to Japan, she befriends the mercenary Yukio and adopts a shocking new punk look.

Lifedeath

Uncanny X-Men (Vol. 1) #185-186, #198

With new teammate Rogue feeling down regarding her place on the team, Storm attempts to cheer her up by voluntarily allowing Rogue to absorb her powers. The two mutants are then subsequently attacked by government officers who fire a weapon towards Rogue with the intention of stripping her of her powers. Storm jumps in front of the blast and is left powerless.

Storm is then taken in by the weapon's creator Forge, whose guilt over the event makes him especially protective of the now powerless mutant. While spending time together, the pair fall deeply in love. When she learns of Forge's part in the invention of the weapon, she angrily leaves him and embarks on a trip to Africa to rediscover her roots.

Duel

Uncanny X-Men (Vol. 1) #201

Having returned to the X-Men from Africa, Storm challenges Cyclops for leadership of the X-Men. In this epic battle, she uses her wits and resourcefulness to best the X-Man and wrench control of the team from him. This issue would forever answer the question to "Who would win in a fight -- Cyclops or Storm?" Interestingly, Storm didn't even need her powers to win.

The Fall of the Mutants

Uncanny X-Men (Vol. 1) #225-227

With her fellow X-Men locked in a battle against the Adversary, Storm returns to Forge in hopes that he'll be able to restore her lost abilities. When her powers are finally reawakened, Storm aids her teammates in stopping the Adversary and makes a deal with the goddess Roma to fake the X-Men's death to allow them to escape their continued persecution.

Gambit

Uncanny X-Men (Vol. 1) #265-267

After being transformed into a child and losing her memories, Storm encounters the thief known as Gambit. He takes the young mutant under his wing and the pair become partners in crime. This friendship would become one of the most meaningful ones for Storm and her trust in Gambit would eventually lead towards his induction into the X-Men.

Generation of Evil

Uncanny X-Men (Vol. 1) #325

When the villainous Marrow and her mutant terrorist group Gene Nation implant bombs on innocents, the X-Men step up to stop her. Since the only way to deactivate the bombs is to remove Marrow's heart, Storm does the unthinkable and rips out Marrow's heart to save the lives of those she has sworn to protect.

Storm

Storm (Vol. 1) #1-4

Grieving the death of Marrow, Storm retreats into herself and begins to question her actions. When she learns of a Morlock ceremony to honour the dead, she heads into the abandoned tunnels beneath New York City to perform the ritual and unknowingly opens a portal to another world. Storm must fight her way out of this strange land and find her way back home.

Invasion from Dimension X

X-Treme X-Men (Vol. 1) #11-19

During an invasion led by the conquerer Khan, Storm is gravely injured and is taken as a political prisoner. During her captivity, Khan intends for Storm to become his bride. To find her way back to her fellow X-Men, Storm must battle jealous concubines and Khan himself while still injured. By the end, she is left clinging to life and is only brought back with the help of her dear friend Jean Grey.

Schism

X-Treme X-Men (Vol. 1) #20-23

After a young mutant is accused of murder, Storm and her X-Men are appalled when they learn that Emma Frost has granted him immunity at Professor Xavier's school. When Storm confronts Emma about it, it re-ignites their longstanding rivalry and results in the formation of an uneasy alliance between the two mutant leaders.

I Dream of Africa

Uncanny X-Men Annual (Vol. 2) #1

When the superhero Black Panther proposes to Storm, she ventures back to Africa to work through the ghosts of her past before considering his offer. The ensuing adventure results in her taking on a group of terrorists and reconnecting with her long-lost maternal family.

Bride of the Panther

Black Panther (Vol. 3) #14-18

At the height of a Civil War between America's superheroes, Black Panther and Storm rekindle their childhood romance. The Wakandan King and part-time superhero is expected to marry, which leads him to asking Storm for her hand in marriage. After much careful consideration, Storm says yes and marries her one-time love in a lavish ceremony. 

Worlds Apart

X-Men: Worlds Apart (Vol. 1) #1-4

Now the Queen of Wakanda, Storm's duties are split between her kingdom and her role as an X-Man. Seeking to exploit this schism, Storm's long-time nemesis Shadow King takes possession of her teammates and forces Storm to face off against the X-Men alone.

Blank Generation

X-Men (Vol. 3) #30-33

With the X-Men divided up into two factions by Cyclops and Wolverine, Storm finds herself unable to trust both parties. Upon forming a team of her own, she faces an ancient race of mutants who have been revived by a mad scientist. Despite the protests of her fellow teammates, Storm decides to keep these events secret and further drives a wedge between herself and Cyclops.

Let It Bleed

Uncanny X-Force (Vol. 2) #1-6

After a devastating the war between the Avengers and the X-Men, Storm's marriage to Black Panther is annulled and she's left to pick up the pieces of her life. With a new look and a new purpose, Storm reclaims X-Force in an attempt to bring her friend Psylocke back from total darkness.

Return of the Goddess

Storm (Vol. 3) #1-3

Having been a member of several superhero teams over the years, Storm finally strikes out on her own as a mutant ambassador to spread her message of peace and unity. Along the way, she encounters ghosts from her past (hint: Callisto and Forge).

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-