11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Fantastic Debut for Writer and Artist on Supergirl, November 24, 2009
This review is from: Supergirl: Who is Superwoman? (Paperback)
Sterling Gates took over the writing reins of the months Supergirl strip and has proceeded to deliver a new spin on the Girl of Steel that I love. In the issues he's written, Kara has become a real person, a teen that reminds me of the daughter I raised, as well as her friends. Not only that, but with Geoff Johns and James Robinson's leadership into the world of New Krypton, Gates is also building on the deeper Kryptonian heritage that Kara possessed and young Kal-El (Superman) did not.
With the present storyline underway in the Superman book, Kal-El is torn and challenged, but Kara's memories and place within the New Krypton community is more frail and more fully realized. There are definite responsibilities and expectations.
But I digress. Some of the above is backstory that you'll need to get from other graphic novels to better understand what's taking place in this one. The first issue collected in this graphic novel is very much a standalone piece that sets Gates's vision of Supergirl in the minds of the fans. I enjoyed the vulnerable side of Kara, seeing how easily she was hurt by words when bullets, bombs, and buses didn't do the trick.
From there, though, Gates delves deeply into Superman lore and brings an old character from the Superman universe into the forefront. Lucy Lane is Lois Lane's sister, and she was once the girlfriend of Jimmy Olsen. That lucy is gone however. In her place is Major Lucy Lane, a military officer that's a hard-as-nails, by-the-book kind of person that is, quite frankly, a little scary.
Then there is the mystery of Superwoman. Although Kara wants to trust this superpowered heroine that's stepped into her life and has helped her with issues regarding living among Earthlings, Supergirl hasn't quite been able to trust her.
In addition to the New Krypton storyline and Superwoman, Gates spins in other characters from the Superman books that provide touchstones for things going on over there, and embellishes on Kara's personal world as the "niece" of Lana Lang, another character that's stepped back on stage in the Superman universe.
I enjoy the dialogue and the way Gates sets up his comics pages. The last panel of every page entices the reader to flip to the next to see what's going to happen. And there's a lot of story squeezed onto the pages as well. A lot of things are going on, a lot of relationships are explored. This is great storytelling and there's a lot of vision behind the events that come to fruition in the graphic novel, while leaving enough tantalizing threads dangling to ensure fans will come back for the next collection if they're not following the monthly books.
One of the best things about the current Supergirl art is Jamal Igle, the penciler. He complements Gates's scripts with stunning visuals and action sequences that take the reader's breath away. Cat Grant's sexuality oozes from the pages. Lois and Clark's relationship is given depth in the way they're drawn standing together. And Jimmy Olsen's classic geekiness and naiveté stands out. The man just can't draw a bad panel, or one that I wouldn't want to go back and see again and again.
If you're new to Supergirl, or haven't read the strip for a while, I urge you to pick up Who Is Superwoman? and try it out. I think you'll find the story and art to be among the best out there, and Supergirl in the hands of these two storytellers is an entrancing character.
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4.0 out of 5 stars
Terrrific!, October 26, 2011
This review is from: Supergirl: Who is Superwoman? (Paperback)
Honestly, I was going to give this three stars (as there's no provision for 3.5 stars) but then I already saw some good ratings for this book and then I thought "Why not?" and gave this a 4!! :)..Anyway , I did enjoy this book..immensely, to say the least!!
All the supergirl graphic novels that I had read before this were, to be frank, crap! The storylines were sub-standard and no character-development for supergirl..I had almost given up on supergirl....DC was completely neglecting the character.And then I read this! I must once I started reading, I just couldn't stop till the last page!
The first issue is about Supergirl trying to fit it with the other (regular people. She's trying to help others but somehow ends up creating trouble. To make things worse, Cat Grant gives lot of reasons for people to hate her, in her column, in the "Daily Planet". This issue is pretty decently written with a nice twist in the end of the issue.
The main story starts from the second issue. From this issue onwards, its a roller-coaster ride! The story ties in with the "New Krypton" storyline from this issue. Gates has done a "Sterling" job! I had no idea before reading that this book would be so thrilling and entertaining! The story goes at just the right pace. And there are quite a few twists and turns. Gates has handled all the characters excellently. Superwoman is bad (I mean it in a good way! and Reactron is Evil personified!!(I felt Reactron is one of the best Villains DC was produced since a long time!) The story has a great emotional appeal too! Even the action is good! One of the few times you see supergirl on the winning side!! :)
I'll just wrap up by saying that this is definitely worth buying! A new reader might be be confused as a bit of background, about the story, is required while reading this book, but for the regular fans, especially for those who had given up on supergirl, I'd just say that Sterling Gates has put some Life and Excitement into the series..so pick this up right away!
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