Summer of Supergirl Special #1 is a perfect introduction to the Woman of Tomorrow and her comics ahead of her DCU premiere. It is not uncommon for comic book publishers to print tie-in books like this to coincide with the release of a movie. However, this comic centered around Kara Zor-El has the benefit of connecting to her monthly comic. Additionally, it offers a variety of stories from DC Comics creators who have some experience writing the Maid of Might.
The first story, “Main Man’s Best Friend,” is written by current Supergirl writer Sophie Campbell, with art by Belén Ortega. As the title implies, the action involves an unlikely encounter with Lobo. The two wind up on trial together after Krypto and Lobo’s dog Dawg trash a theme park together. This results in Kara being placed in charge of both dogs after Lobo is sentenced to therapy for his crimes. However, this leads to Lobo going on the warpath after Dawg becomes “a good boy” in his absence.
The second comic, “Lost Girls,” is written by Gail Simone, with art by Emma Kubert. This story teams Supergirl with Mary Marvel against a new power-copying Amazo robot. However, once the fight is over, the two heroes talk and discover some surprising common ground beyond their powers.
The final comic “Who is Supergirl?” features art by Cian Tormey and a script by New History of the DC Universe writer Mark Waid. The story centers around a team of young heroes reorganizing the Justice League staff records after a cyber attack. This leaves them confused given the seemingly scrambled accounts of Kara Zor-El’s life. However, with a little help from Martian Manhunter and Batman, they soon figure things out.
Why Summer of Supergirl Special #1 works as a Supergirl starting point
Supergirl is a complicated character, thanks to various reboots, revamps, and adaptations. Some stories paint her as a cheerful innocent. Others as a jaded cynic. This conflict is explored in the new DCU film, which shows that Kara, while a hero is not as idealistic as her cousin. However, the current monthly Supergirl comic goes a step further in embracing the mess. This special continues in the same spirit, offering explanations alongside some intense action.
“Main Man’s Best Friend,” for instance, showcases that Kara is capable of being more than one thing. The same young woman who can kick Lobo’s keister can also cheerfully great a child, even as she literally crashes her birthday party. By contrast, “Who is Supergirl?” explores the many visions of Kara Zor-El, painting her as a conflicted woman who had trouble finding herself. While continuity heavy, this story also offers a clear history for Kara, even as it jokes about her unlikely career path and how often she moved in the Pre-Crisis comics.
“Lost Girls,” however, is the emotional high-point of the anthology. It is less concerned with history and more concerned with exploring who Supergirl is when she isn’t saving the day. This leads to a new friendship with fellow orphan Mary Marvel, who also has some issues with a famous family member overshadowing her.
Summer of Supergirl Special #1 does everything a movie tie-in comic should. Beyond exploring Kara Zor-El’s character in the comics compared to the movie, it also showcases why she deserved a solo DCU film. This is a must-read comic for all Supergirl fans, old and new.
Grade: 10/10.
