Supergirl S-Shield And Sasha Calle In The Flash Movie

Back in February, the world learned that Supergirl will be in the upcoming Flash movie, played by Sasha Calle. Given the rumors that the plot of the movie is Flashpoint, I can see this Supergirl being on the main DCEU Earth or in one of the other timelines opened up by the Flash's time trips.

Last week, director Andy Muschietti gave us the smallest of peeks at Supergirl's S-shield in the upcoming movie.

That sort of textured rubberized Henry-Cavill feel is definitely present, as is the Kryptonian scripts curling through the body of the S.

There are some subtle changes in theglyph itself, the lower portion of the S curving up lower and also tapering to create a new feel.

But the big thing for me is the prominence of red above the shield, a look many Supergirl fans probably recognize. And then, some shots of Calle in the costume leaked.

Supergirl On The Big Screen! Sasha Calle Announced!

The comic internet sort of exploded last week when it was revealed that 26 year old Latinx actress Sasha Calle was announced as Supergirl in the upcoming DCEU Flash movie.\

This included this ZOOM call footage of director Andy Muschietti telling Calle she got the role. 

I haven't seen Calle in anything. She is an interesting choice given the diversity she brings to the role. I will admit that I hope that she dyes her hair blond. But she seems quite delightful. And those who know her from The Young and The Restless seem to think she is a star in the making.

I guess in some ways I am burying the lede! Supergirl is going to be in the big screen DCEU. Now most people know that I have pretty significant issues with the Zach Snyder movies. At one point I actually hoped that Supergirl wouldn't be included in this DCEU out of pure fear. As the Flash movie seems to be based on Flashpoint, Calle could be a Supergirl from any sort of universe or part of the main universe. And Muschietti is a solid director. I liked It. He was attached to a live action Robotech at one point. He is in line to do an update of the Howling. That all sounds good. We'll need to wait and see.

There is a bit more info out there about the Calle announcement, for example here on Deadline: https://deadline.com/2021/02/supergirl-young-and-the-restless-actress-sasha-calle-the-flash-movie-dc-1234697190/

Leviathan Wednesday: Flash #22 and Manhunter #9

Welcome to what has basically become Manhunter Wednesday, my deep dive into the Mark Shaw character as I try to show how his history leads him to become Leviathan.

Last week, I reviewed Manhunter #8, an Invasion crossover. This week I cover, as quickly as I can, Flash #22 and Manhunter #9, more Invasion information.

This is a decent story if you look at it from the viewpoint of Shaw seeing how secret organizations and duplicity lead to disaster. Remember, Leviathan is all about destroying spy organizations and abolishing secrets. What better storyline to hammer home that than a secret invasion by shape-shifting aliens. Moreover, let's throw in an immature hero like the then Wally West who almost gets taken in by it all. Shaw learns he can't trust heroes to see through these things.

Writers William Messner-Loeb, John Ostrander, and Kim Yale give us a pretty crazy story. Within the issues, Fidel Castro gets a lot of lines. In some ways, Castro almost gets a sympathetic voice. That is kind of odd. I don't delve into that too much here as I am concentrating on Shaw. But that stuck out to me.

The art is by Greg LaRocque in the Flash issue and he gets to showcase his talents nicely. There is a costume party in the issue with everyone in superhero or villain garb. LaRocque has different invitees pair off in the boozy atmosphere so we see Superman and Starfire flirting, etc. As a fan of his Legion work, it was nice to see his stuff here. Frank Springer and Pablo Marcos give us some solid if uninspired work in the Manhunter half.

Settle in. It's a two issue review so it'll be long but I'll try to keep it brief!

Amazing Heroes #91 - Special Post-Crisis Issue Part 1 - A Death Done Well

Almost 4 years ago I did an in-depth 30th anniversary review of Crisis on Infinite Earths, focusing in on Supergirl's role, her death, some of the decisions which led to her death, and ultimately her legacy after Crisis.

I thought it was about as thorough as I could get.

Turns out I was wrong.

About a month ago I went to the North East Comic Con and there I stumbled upon Amazing Heroes #91, a special post-Crisis issue with an insane amount of goodness in it for a Crisis historian like myself. For a Crisis fan, this is a treasure trove. For a Supergirl fan, it is an interesting time capsule, once again looking back at what the reaction to Supergirl's death was on the comic scene.

I knew Amazing Heroes had done a lot of Crisis commentary back in the day, and it wasn't all kind to Supergirl in the aftermath of her death.With news of her impending death already out,  Amazing Heroes #74 had a requiem that was really more a diatribe about how pathetic Supergirl was as a character. And Amazing Heroes #78 had a review of Crisis on Infinite Earths #7 as it was on the stand by noted reviewed R.A. Jones. Jones was clearly a Supergirl fan and this review is more sympathetic (if not downright angry).

And then less than a year after Crisis ended, Amazing Heroes #91 came out and we were diving back into the pool again.

I bought this from a $5 and issue, 5 for $20 box. It might be the best $4 I have spent.

Flash Ep 217: Duets

I have been watching the Flash show since the first season's premiere and overall have loved the show. The characters, their interactions, the deep dives into the DCU, and the personal plot lines have all made the show a winner.

You knew there was going to be a but, right.

But this season has been a bit more morose than I am used to with this show. Yes, there has been a lot of drama and depression in the first two seasons, revolving around the death of Barry's mom, the multiple supporting characters dying, the betrayal of Zoom, etc. This season has really wallowed in the depression and sadness. Everyone seems a little more sullen. Everyone is carrying some emotional burden. Barry hasn't been acting the hero.

In other words, the charm of the earlier seasons hasn't been there this season. And it was that charm that made this show such a winner.

This week, the Flash aired 'Duets', the much anticipated musical crossover with Supergirl. (It is Kara's presence that has me reviewing the show here.) And thankfully, this was a rollicking good time. The charm was back. Characters were smiling. Everyone seemed to be having a grand old time. That fun and charm just oozed off the screen.

I love that we learn how much Kara loves The Wizard of Oz, a perfect musical for her, with a female hero trying to recapture her home after being sent to someplace strange.

And perhaps most amazingly, even though this was a 'side mission', the episode moved both shows plots forward.

Suffice it to say, the family and I basically grinned for an hour. Now it doesn't hurt that the Anj household likes musicals. Maybe we were the perfect target audience.

CW Upfronts Announce Supergirl

At the end of last week, The CW Network held their upfronts, discussing the upcoming seasons of their programming.

Looking at the network's schedule, I am amazed at how much DC programs will be available. Our favorite heroes dominate the 8pm hour Monday through Thursday. And it all kicks off on Mondays with their new show Supergirl.

As I said recently, I am thrilled the show got renewed. I am glad that the cast and staff seems (for the most part) intact. And I love the fact that it retains its day and time. Supergirl will remain appointment watching on Monday, kicking of the week in a super way.

I love this image, the promotional shot for the show. I like that Supergirl is staring straight into the camera in this iconic flying pose. Just fantastic.

On to the coverage!

"Why CBS Would Be Right To Cancel Supergirl" - A Rebuttal

I have been doing this blog for some time and I am a lifelong fan of Supergirl and the character has had a resurgence in popularity and much of that is thanks to the CBS television show.

I have said it many times in many episode reviews here - the show runners and writers get the character. They get she is learning. They get that she can fail and pick herself up and try again. They get that she is bright and optimistic and sees the best in people and wants to help. They also get that there is a passion in her for justice and she will fight ferociously to defend people.

At times it hasn't been easy being a Supergirl fan. I have joked about it in the past. I have talked about the low times of the character. I have talked about new incarnations which don't understand who the character is and what she represents. I have seen new articles and think pieces crop up about her, written by people who think that 'traditional Supergirl' means Jeph Loeb's version or the New 52, forgetting her origins. And I have done my best to defend the character and showcase what I love about her.

So when the idea of Supergirl is twisted into something it isn't, I fell I have to speak up.

I read an article by Nicholas Yanes over on Sequart.Org which was titled 'Why CBS would be right to cancel Supergirl: A ratings and narrative analysis". Here is the link. http://sequart.org/magazine/63190/why-cbs-would-be-right-to-cancel-supergirl-a-ratings-and-narrative-analysis/

Now usually when someone has to point out their fan cred before an article, it means something - that they are going to try to destroy the topic of the piece. And then, when academic credentials are sprinkled throughout the article, it usually means someone is saying something that doesn't make much sense and they have to point out their pedigree so you take it seriously. So when Yanes starts the piece by saying he "is a Supergirl fan" and a feminist, and holds a PHD - well, I was wondering where this article was going and worried.

The piece starts as a very detailed look at ratings and, from that viewpoint, Yanes shows why CBS, from a financial point of view, might be justified in canceling the show. And frankly, if Yanes had stopped there, I would have said it was a very good article bringing in hard numbers that I hadn't seen represented so starkly. I was impressed.

Sigh.

But then Yanes decides he needs to pick apart the show he said earlier that he enjoyed. And not just nit pick but cut down to the bare bone.

He brings up old arguments which I feel have been refuted already. We hear about the SNL Black Widow sketch .. again. And we hear about the word 'Supergirl' ... again. As if those elements, from a year ago, somehow are impacting week to week viewing in the spring of 2016.

He writes about how the feminism in the show isn't highbrow. But I get a show where four women are placed in positions of authority - Supergirl, Cat Grant, Alex Danvers, and Lucy Lane.  We have a show where the men tend to be the sidekicks and comic relief.  The women in charge of their own lives. And trust me, my daughters aren't asking for a thesis statement on feminism. They see what is possible play out on the screen.

Then Yanes argues that Superman has to be present as a deus ex machina, the all mighty answer to be called in. That's right, he wants the man to come in and solve the problems of the woman instead of having the woman solve her own problems. Can you imagine the 'mansplaining' criticism that would be happening if each episode Kara said 'let me make sure Superman agrees with what I am doing' or 'let me tell Superman my problems so he can come and solve them'. The show had Superman say (albeit in IM) that he is around if Kara needs him to be but he trusts her to do what's right on her own. And this is Supergirl's story ... not his.

Ahhh, but things get a little more wonky then that misinterpretation of the show itself. He then says how he would 'fix' the show. It becomes a writer's pitch. And that is where he completely lost me.

Here are some excerpts.

First, I would have explicitly depicted Kara as a refugee. By this I mean that she did come to Earth because her planet was wiped out by a natural disaster and she is one of the only two Kryptonians left. While Supergirl depicts Kara as a somewhat well adjusted adult who has friends and lives a fairly emotionally healthy life, I would have had Kara’s isolation from her people limit her emotional attachment to Earth.  Superman was raised on Earth and doesn’t have nearly the emotional connection to Krypton that Kara would have. As such, I would have Kara largely detached from humanity with the only people she’s emotionally invested in being Superman and her adopted family. (The relationship she has with her foster sister is one of the best parts of Supergirl.)

I find it a little intriguing that Yanes' first option is to go the 'isolated' Supergirl route. Fans of the character will know that this never ever works. Whether it is Loeb's Kara that didn't want to be a hero, or Joe Kelly's Supergirl who was sent to kill Superman and wanted nothing to do with her family, or Michael Green and Scott Lobdell's 'hell on wheels' Supergirl who just wanted to be alone, or Michael Nelson's Kara who wanted to sit in solitude on the bottom of the ocean, or even Jeff Lemire's 'bullheaded loner' who was the contrast to Stargirl's optimism, one thing is true. A brooding, isolated, disconnected Supergirl never works.

It never works because the basis of her character is her desire to want to help people and to see the best in people. She personifies hope. The show has played up the refugee angle Yanes brings up, using the word throughout the season to describe her and J'onn. But that status doesn't make Kara shy away from being a hero.. It compels her to be one, so others won't have to suffer the way she has. To think that Kara would be better without emotional connections is asking that she be a completely different character. And if that is what you want, write a new show with a character that has 'woman' in her code name.

The lure of making Supergirl something different than who she is? It's a trap. It has never worked. And it shows a fundamental misunderstanding of who the character is.

But there's more.

Alex Danvers (Kara’s foster sister) would be the one that pushes Kara (now 20 or 21 years old) to become a hero. As an agent in the Department of Extra-Normal Operations, Alex would be aware of rising metahuman activity – both good and evil. Realizing that this new generation of metahumans needs a leader, Alex would encourage Kara to put on the S. I imagine that although Kara would be reluctant at first she would eventually accept the responsibility after she learns of Fort Rozz and its connection to her..).)

Again Yanes, would have Supergirl idly sitting by while a rising tide of evil threatens the planet. It is only at the insistence of Alex that she decides to do something. Because that is what we want from our lead character. We want her to not make her own decisions on doing good. We want her to be goaded into doing what's right.

Fourth, the final scene of the pilot will be a flash forward to several years into the future. With a newscaster’s voice over explaining that an alien attack on Earth was stopped, but now the world is wondering if Superwoman is dead.

This setup and ending provides much of what I feel Supergirl needs as a series. It gives the series a story arc for season one (Fort Rozz) and the entire series (the Crisis coming to Earth). It also solves the problem with calling her Supergirl. She first accepts the name because she’s not attached to the idea of becoming a hero, but the ending flash forward communicates that at some point she grows to see the importance of her legacy and becomes Superwoman. It also gives her a clear arc for emotional growth. Instead of her having to develop her confidence as if she was in a teen-movie, she will grow to see that humanity is worth fighting and dying for..).)

And then he would end the show with Supergirl being 'killed' in a Crisis. And become Superwoman. That is how people will be inspired by her ... by her dying.

He is a fan of Supergirl and would kill her off, sort of.

But does Yanes really think that the impulse to become a hero and the growth  in confidence she has had as a character this season is the equivalent of a teen-movie character's motivations? That is an insult to the writers and to Melissa Benoist's performance. Does he think that lessons in 'For the girl who has everything' and 'Truth, Justice, and the American Way' (to name two episodes) would work in a teen movie?

He starts the article saying he likes the show. But I really don't think he does. But he continues.  

So here’s how I think Supergirl should be brought to the Arrowverse. A villain decides to create a device that will bring all the aliens and creatures trapped in the Phantom Zone to Earth. In the process of stopping this villain, the device becomes unstable and will blow up. Supergirl grabs the device and flies far enough above the city so that when it detonates no one is injured. Unfortunately, Supergirl disappears and is presumed dead.

Similar to The Flash’s explosion at Star Labs, this explosion exposes dozens of people to exotic matter that causes them to become metahumans. Realizing that metahumans are appearing across the world, Alex (Supergirl’s adopted sister) and the DEO decide to find these superpowered beings and train them in the use of their powers. The show will feature a montage of Alex finding people who have used their new powers in heroic ways. Asking why they acted like heroes they all (boys and girls, and men and women from all races) respond with the same statement, “because I want to be just like Supergirl.” Cutting back to Supergirl as the bomb goes off. We see her scream in pain and then begin to fall back to Earth. Kara crashes near a sign that says “Welcome to Central City, Home of The Flash.” Kara, grateful that Star Labs took her in, could take on the last name of Starr for her new identity, and become Karen Starr – the civilian identity for Power Woman (not Power Girl) of Earth 1..) 

It is one thing to deride the characterization of Supergirl in the series, the characterization that most long term Supergirl fans say is spot on. It is another thing all together to decide to make her into another character. He wants a device to make metahumans on Kara's current world, a plot point he admits he stole from the Flash. And then he wants Kara to be on the Flash's Earth as Power Woman. Because he assumes that Kara and Karen are the same character.

Look, Yanes piece is a thought piece, his subjective evaluation of the show. So I guess I should have read it and moved on. So I apologize if this feels like an attack. I don't want it to be.

I just want to point out where I believe some of the fallacies of his narrative analysis are. I don't know if he quite understands the character of Supergirl. And when that happens, I can't sit idly by.

Sorry if this was something of a rant.

Supergirl Episode 18: Worlds Finest

Supergirl Episode 18, titled 'Worlds Finest', aired this week. The episode was the much anticipated crossover with the Flash television show and was about as close to a comic book I have seen a show be. This was the classic 'heroes team up to beat villains who have teamed up' trope I have seen in comics over the years. And it nailed that storyline completely.

But more than that, this was an episode that seemed to embrace the notion of comic books. There was joy here. There was ice cream and races and quips. There were hugs and superhero nicknames.There was mentoring and friendship. There was smiles and fun. There was sunlight and lens flares.

And this couldn't have been aired at a better time, as another hero 'team-up' is being shown on the big screen. The dark, dour, depressing mess of 'Batman V Superman' stands in stark contrast to this near perfect illustration of what makes comics wonderful. I can't help but wonder if Greg Berlanti and Ali Adler were looking at the calendar and planning this out from day one.

Much of this rests on the shoulders of the actors. Melissa Benoist and Grant Gustin have such easy chemistry throughout the show. They are similar heroes, hoping to inspire and driven to do good. They interact so effortlessly. I love that The Flash is the veteran hero here, giving Kara pointers and being a role model.

We still await news of a second season for Supergirl. But I will repeat what has become a mantra for me. This show has been everything a Supergirl fan could ask for. And this episode might be the jewel in the crown.

Sighting On The Flash

The news of a Flash and Supergirl crossover spread like wildfire just last week. Everyone was giddy with the prospect of that episode of Supergirl, airing in late March. Would there be singing? A race for charity? Romance?

Well on this week's episode of the Flash, we got a glimpse into that reality. It was a fleeting moment but it made my night.

As Barry, Cisco, and Harrison Wells cross through the breach tunnel to head to Earth 2, they are overcome with visions of other realities.

Supergirl and Flash To Crossover!!

When the Supergirl show was first announced and Greg Berlanti was named as the producer, one of the first questions asked was if the show would crossover with the Flash. After all, Berlanti produces that show as well. It was revealed that it was in the contracts that such a crossover could happen. The question seemed less about if it would happen and more of a 'when will it happen'.

Well now we know. Yesterday afternoon, CBS announced that the Flash will appear on the March 28th episode of Supergirl. Here is a link and a blurb:
http://www.cbspressexpress.com/cbs-entertainment/releases/view?id=44531

The Flash is speeding to National City! THE FLASH star Grant Gustin, in his role of Barry Allen/The Flash, will cross over to SUPERGIRL in an episode to be broadcast Monday, March 28 (8:00-9:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network. Details of the episode will be announced at a later date.

“We are so incredibly excited to announce something that we have dreamed of happening since we starting making SUPERGIRL – THE FLASH and SUPERGIRL are teaming up!” said THE FLASH and SUPERGIRL Executive Producers Greg Berlanti and Andrew Kreisberg.  “We want to thank Grant Gustin for making the time to come visit (on top of his already immense workload) and all of the folks at CBS, The CW, Warner Bros. and DC for working this out. And finally, thanks to the fans and journalists who have kept asking for this to happen. It is our pleasure and hope to create an episode worthy of everyone's enthusiasm and support.”

I don't think words can convey the joy I experienced when I read this.

First off, I think it is great that Berlanti acknowledged the fans as helping to drive this. We're here for you!

These two shows are just so fantastic. They show just how fun and cool and inspiring comic books and superheroes can be. The stars are phenomenal and the episodes well acted. Grant Gustin is perfect for Barry Allen. And Melissa Benoist is just perfect as Kara.  And now I get to see them team-up.Putting them together won't be additive joy, it will be exponential joy.

Given that both are Glee alums, there better be a karaoke scene. And there better be a race.

Since the above pics from a May issue of Variety I have been wondering when this would happen and assumed it would be next season.

But like everything with this season of Supergirl, it is happening earlier than I anticipated.

And then the title page of the script got leaked.

Worlds Finest is a great name. No apostrophe means we are talking alternate universes, more than one world. But it plays on the classic comic name perfectly.

Someone on line said this was going to be the opposite of Batman V. Superman. I don't think it is coincidence that it is airing the Monday after that movie is released.

I simply can't wait!!

Supergirl Comic Being 'Rushed'

Since the announcement of the Supergirl television show and the cancellation of the last book, fans have been wondering when Kara would end up getting her own book again. As publicity of the show grew to supernova intensity, the questions about a book grew louder and more frequent. What was DC thinking? Didn't they realize this was a nonsensical decision?

Well, maybe DC heard all the buzz from fans. Or maybe they just realized they weren't being savvy. Regardless, the news came out on Bleeding Cool that a Supergirl book is being rushed to production. Here is the link:

http://www.bleedingcool.com/2015/11/06/supergirl-comic-being-rushed-out-asap-but-in-the-meantime-heres-the-tp-bundle/

Now there isn't much to go on here but a couple of things stuck out to me.

One, this is described as being digital first which makes me think that this is going to be a tie in to the show. I wouldn't mind seeing a book about that Supergirl and that universe. We are at the beginning of world building, so why not learn more. And DC has a track record with similar Flash and Arrow books.

Second, it is described as being female friendly. While I hope that means that a woman will be on the creative team, it isn't a necessity for me. Sterling Gates is out there. So is K. Perkins. Both wrote a great Kara.

Lastly, why not flood the market if the show is successful. Give us a DCU Supergirl. Gives us an all ages Supergirl. I mean, her book was selling 26K when it got cancelled. Landry Walker and Eric Jones want to do a Cosmic sequel.

I doubt we'll get a Kara DCU book while Kal is depowered (we could never have Supergirl stronger than Superman). But at least we are getting something soon.

Geoff Johns Discussing The Supergirl Show

There has been a lot of minor news about the upcoming Supergirl show recently. From discussion about her suit design to newly added minor characters listed on the role call, it seems that interest in the show is still high. I can't believe we have to wait until November and not September to finally get to talking about the episodes themselves.

Anyways, a recent article about Geoff Johns' reactions to the show's trailer caught my eye. Johns has significant credibility from a comic point of view. But more importantly, I believe he likes Supergirl. It was, after all, Johns who began the rehabilitation of the character when she was in the quagmire of angst that Jeph Loeb and Joe Kelly had her drowning in. In Brainiac, Johns brought back a young, optimistic, heroic Kara. He brought back loving parents, shrunk and stuck in Kandor after being rescued from a floating Argo City. And I believe it was Johns who helped steer DC into having Sterling Gates write the book. From a Supergirl perspective, I tip my hat to him.

Here, on IGN, he discussed the Supergirl trailer, the folks who hated the trailer, and what he hopes the show will accomplish. For the full article, here is the link:http://www.ign.com/articles/2015/06/05/supergirl-dcs-geoff-johns-on-those-snl-black-widow-comparisons

And then a couple of blurbs which caught my eye:

“When they first saw his suit, when we cast [Flash actor] Grant [Gustin], people were like, ‘That’s not the Flash!’ and now people are like, ‘Oh my god, he is the Flash!’ I’m so proud of that show and -- in so many ways the Flash was my favorite character growing up -- to see it realized and to see people embracing it. And it truly is a Flash TV show, we’re not shying away from anything. We jokingly said, yeah we’re doing Gorilla Grodd and I think people were like, ‘Okay...’ Yeah, no, we’re doing Gorilla Grodd! And we’ve got a lot of great plans for Supergirl in the same vein as that.”

I am glad that he brings up the Flash and the initial reaction to its first images and trailer. I will say that I was one of those fans who saw the maroon suit with  the lack of white around the chest lightning bolt and no yellow boots and said 'here we go again'. I thought this was going to be a show in the same vein as Man of Steel. So he's right, people lost their minds thinking that show would not be good and now it is revered.

More importantly, I think that the Flash is filled with rom-com moments and relationship talk and even problems with his office job. You could cut a trailer for the Flash show and make it look like Dawson's Creek. So I am glad he kind of shoos those concerns away as well.

People love The Flash. The same people are making Supergirl. Let's all take a deep breath.

“I think the greatest thing about the Supergirl show we’re working on and the thing I’m most proud of is it embodies the character and the Superman mythology in a really strong, accessible way that I think carries at least the tone and spirit with what we’ve done with The Flash. And Melissa Benoist is an amazing Supergirl and Kara Danvers. I’m just excited for people to see it." 

There is no doubt, even in the sliver of time that we have seen her, that Melissa Benoist is made for the part, just exuding optimism and heroism and the inexperience of a young hero trying to do what's right.

But I also think Johns' is right that this show is a very accessible way for people to learn about the Superman mythos. We are going to learn about Krypton, and Zor-El and Lara, and Jor-El, and probable all sorts of stuff. I think it is safe to say that it will be relatively close to the comic continuity, in the way that the Flash is stuffed with Easter Eggs. And, while I am guessing here, I think this show will be something all the Supergirls at home can watch, even the 11 year old.

In contrast, I don't want my kids to see Man of Steel. That isn't the Superman they know or should know.

Anyways, I am excited for the show and hearing Johns talk about it this way makes me even more optimistic!

Back Issue Box: Super-Team Family #11

Three has been a lot of recent talk about a possible television crossover between the current Flash program and the future Supergirl show. The Supergirl show is probable one and a half seasons away but the internet is already intrigued given the massive coverage of one sentence that *maybe* there would be some universal continuity between The Flash, Supergirl, and Arrow.

It got me thinking about the Flash and Supergirl crossovers in comics. While not a true team-up they are both well known for being the 'big deaths' in Crisis On Infinite Earths. And they tussled in the recent H'El on Earth arc.

But I thought I would cover this lesser know crossover from Super-Team Family #11, a story which also included the Atom.  "The Other Side of Doomsday' was written by Gerry Conway with art by Alan Weiss and Joe Rubinstein. It is something of a crazy story and that makes it perfect for a review. And it is a whopping 34 pages long for a mere 60cents!

As I said, the story is insane with feints, inconsistencies, the need to suspend disbelief even for a superhero story, and leaps of faith by the reader. But the art is just fantastic. I have always been a fan of Alan Weiss and he does not disappoint in this issue. I love his brash and confident Supergirl in this issue. The cover above is my book as I was lucky enough to meet Joe Rubinstein at last year's Rhode Island Comic-Con and got him to sign the cover.

On to the story!

I don't know about you all but a team-up of Flash, Supergirl, and the Atom seems a bit random to me. So I had to chuckle when this spectacular is called 'the greatest team-up blockbuster of all time!' That is a pretty big boast!

And that claim is even more dubious when the opening scene is the Flash and Atom beating up some low level crooks dressed up like pirates! Maybe we start at a ridiculous low point and build from here.

The Flash and the Atom are surprised to see Supergirl swoop in and end the fight in one panel. I was a bit surprised that the Leaguers were taking so long to dispatch these Smees. And I was not surprised that Supergirl wrapped things up quickly.

Unfortunately, since she wasn't invited to the party, Supergirl didn't know that the plan was for the heroes to let one pirate escape and lead them to the head of the crime family. It actually annoys The Flash and The Atom who think Supergirl is immature ... acting like a 'pushy teenager' even if she is older now.

The Supergirl in this issue seems brash, but always with her eye on the prize. She wants justice. She wants to punish evil. And she leaps into action. I don't mind that brashness. She is still learning to be a polished hero.

Supergirl is in Ivy Town for a Women's Career Symposium in her Linda Danvers identity.

More than just attending, Linda is on a panel, one which includes Jean Loring, the Atom's girlfriend and Iris Allen, the Flash's wife. But before the Q&A session can start, a strange beam bathes the three women and teleports them away.

Now I can understand Jean and Iris being on a panel together. Jean is a local accomplished lawyer and Iris is a national reporter. But Linda? A guidance counselor in an experimental school in Florida? Seems more like an easy way to keep the plot moving.

Barry and Ray are in the audience to support their significant others and spring into their heroic identities to investigate. And, not surprisingly, battles ensue.

Large mostly featureless metal humanoids appear on the stage and battle the Flash who dispatches them. And the Atom shrinks down to a submicroscopic size and ends up fighting similar beings but on that dimension. As if that isn't strange enough, the defeated metal men, whether big or small, decompose into some sort of soil like dust.

With a clue to follow, the heroes leave to investigate.

Meanwhile, Linda wakes up in a glass tube in what looks to be the laboratory of an evil scientist. With Jean and Iris unconscious, Linda switches to her Supergirl identity and decides to do some investigating on her own.

Weiss really draws her wonderfully. I loved this page with Kara being initially thrown around by a tank-like robot only to strike a pose and dismantle the thing.

She then frees Jean and Iris and they begin to look for a way out of this place. But, like some weird tesseract, the place seems endless.

Meanwhile, the Flash and the Atom are able to deduce that the bits of metal emit a certain radiation. By vibrating at a certain frequency, the Flash can see the trail of energy which leads to an electric plant in Central City. The two split up to enter in a flanking move.

I guess I just have to accept that the Flash can see radiation.

But the fact that this started in Ivy Town and heads to Central City, the fact that Jean and Iris were kidnapped. This is starting to see less random. This is a calculated attack on the heroes.

And the place that the women are in is a nightmarish land where nothing is what it seems. This lab is endless. It is filled with machinery and defense systems. This includes this rather icky tentacle scene where malleable metal like tendrils grow from the walls and ceilings and bind Supergirl, Iris, and Jean.

This place also seems to odd in that things like mere metal or machines should be so difficult for Supergirl to overwhelm. This isn't a normal evil lab.

In fact, the women are confronted by an unseen villain who is able to knock them all out with a beam of some sort. A ray that knocks out Supergirl?? What is this place?

Meanwhile, the Flash and the Atom have to fight more metal men who, again, dissolve into odd dust. But this time, the Flash is able figure out that these things come from another dimension. And vibrating at a specific frequency (again) he is able to teleport himself and the Atom to these automatons' homeworld.

And we finally meet the villain of the piece. It's T.O. Morrow! Now why Morrow, normally dressed in a white lab coat is now wearing a Spartan helmet and a festooned marching band outfit is beyond me.

It turns out that last time Morrow was seen in DC Comics he disappeared, apparently ceasing to exist.

Get ready for a big leap. This place isn't Earth. And Morrow was teleported there by forces he cannot comprehend.

In other words, Conway couldn't explain how Morrow got here. So instead it just sort of happened.

And then Morrow pulls out his weapon, a wand of some sort that gives him complete control over his environment. He can turn the floor to tar, make metal humanoid defenders, make tentacles come out of the walls.

And, strangely, he can make an anvil appear out of thin air to fall on the Flash's head. Talk about loony? Or should I say Looney?

Morrow wanted revenge on the Flash and the Atom for his losses against the League. And since he (somehow) knew their secret identities, he kidnapped Iris and Jean to lure the heroes here. Supergirl being taken with them was a mistake.

Against Morrow's new power, the heroes are quickly defeated.

Okay, the heroes are here. They are unconscious. Get your revenge Morrow! Do it!

Nope.

Instead the heroes and Jean and Iris awaken in a medieval appearing dungeon, chained to the wall. So we went from a scientist's lab with incredible technology to a medieval dungeon?? What the heck is this place? And how can the chains be so dense or strange that neither the Flash nor Supergirl can break free. And how is Morrow able to warp the reality so easily?

One thing I have to note is that this was a time when Jean Loring was recovering from a 'nervous breakdown'. And this nightmarish place is frightening enough to send Jean into some sort of psychological shock. (I show this because Jean's psychological makeup is an important point in DC's history given the Identity Crisis series.)

The Atom figures the whole thing out. He has Supergirl blast the floor of the dungeon with her highest intensity heat vision. The whole environment shakes wildly and then the prison simply melts away to reveal this ... a living planet.

Somehow Morrow was teleported to this living planet in another dimension and figured out how to control the matter of this world. This explains how things act differently, how the surroundings can change, and why a heat vision blast shook the foundations. This place can be hurt.

Ooooo-kayy.

I guess I just have to roll with this. Because there is no way I can explain it.

And the solution to this problem? To give this planet a seizure or a stroke by sending the Atom directly into it's brain.

That seems cruel. And unusual.

(And I had to cringe again as it reminded me that such an attack was how Jean killed Sue Dibny in Identity Crisis. I wish I would stop remembering that book.)

With the planet seizing, Morrow is powerless. And Supergirl takes things into her own hands, knocking him out with a left uppercut.

The villain is defeated. But things get worse.

During the attack, Jean suffered another nervous breakdown. And the planet, susceptible to mental anguish, teleported her away. What ??? Okay, one more thing for to me to just roll with.

And there is no way to know exactly where Jean was sent to. This is The Atom's quest. To find her.

In fact, this 'search for Jean Loring' continues for some months. I don't have any other issues of this arc but I have heard it discussed in the past and would love to hear from people in the know.

This issue is one crazy mess of wild ideas and insanity. It is hard to understand everything that happens. But it is fun to see these two staid veteran heroes work with the young and powerful Supergirl. And the artwork is just beautiful.

I don't know if this issue is an important one for a Supergirl collection from a continuity point of view. But it is a rare issue in this time when she had the spotlight and teamed up with other heroes. For that alone, I think it is worth owning. And if you don't love that page with the defiant Supergirl saying she's mad and then dismantling a giant robot, you aren't a Supergirl fan. That page alone is worth the $5 you'd need to part with at a con.

Overall grade: B/B+ (nudged up based on artwork)

Supergirl Television Show In a DC Universe?

I am late to the game I know.

But a couple of weeks ago, Supergirl producer Greg Berlanti let it slip that the Supergirl of the TV show Supergirl could exist in a television DC Universe and cross over with Arrow and the Flash. Here is the link:http://www.ksitetv.com/supergirl/supergirl-could-possibly-exist-in-the-same-world-as-arrow-flash/48575

And the relevant Supergirl news:

Later in the afternoon at his other officeon the Warner Bros. lot, Berlanti meets with fellow producer Ali Adler and Oscar-winning costume designer Colleen Atwood to go over looks for their upcoming revamp of Supergirl. The show will follow 24-year-old Kara Zor-El, Superman's cousin, and with a twist that that could melt fanboy brains, Berlanti says it's possible this Supergirl could enter the worlds of Arrow and The Flash.

I don't watch Arrow but I do watch the Flash. And it is the upcoming crossover of those 2 shows that will lead me to finally watch an episode of Arrow. The idea of a continuity, a universe, is appealing ... just like it is in comics.

The thing going against this happening is that Supergirl is on CBS and Arrow and The Flash are on the CW. I can't imagine that one network wants to lead viewers to another. But that only needs to happen if there is a true crossover. I can see things like supporting characters and super-villains appear on the other shows. As long as there isn't a 'To Be Continued' on another channel, things should be okay. That would be fantastic.

But the other thing that got me here, that wasn't mentioned in the coverage, is Colleen Atwood helping with costumes. Atwood helps on Arrow. But I expect Supergirl to be more colorful, splashier, a daytime Superhero show rather than Arrow's nighttime street level costumes. Atwood did costumes on Tim Burton's Alice In Wonderland, Big Fish, and Lemon Snickety's A Series of Unfortunate Events. The costumes there were fantastic.

I wonder just what she'll do for Supergirl's costume? There better be a classic S-shield.

And given the hint of a Flash/Supergirl team-up, I have a review in mind for next week!

Another Reason Why Mark Waid Is One Of My Favorite Creators

I have always been a fan of Mark Waid. I can rattle off innumerable runs of books and mini-series he has done that are cherished parts of my collection. From Flash to Superman Birthright to Kingdom Come to Brave and the Bold to Daredevil, almost everything I have read that Waid has written has been great.

I recently began rereading my Waid run of  Flash, devouring the issues. It is these issues that made Wally West the Flash for me. It isn't Barry. It's Wally ... that Wally.

I am also enjoying reading the letter columns, a part of comics that I miss in this internet driven world. In Flash #102, a letter writer commented that Waid must have a special someone in his life given how he can write the loving relationship between Wally and Linda.

Here is editor Brian Augustyn's response.

Waid's special woman was Kara Zor-El.

Remember, at this point in DC history, we were in the Matrix Supergirl era, a year before PAD's title.

There was no Kara Zor-El.

How great to hear that a creator I admire has an unabashed love for Supergirl.

Not that this should come as a surprise ...

Waid was the editor on Christmas With The Super-Heroes #2, the famous issue with 'Should Old Acquaintance Be Forgot'. That is the issue where Kara tells Deadman to continue being a hero, even if no one knows you are doing it, even if no one remembers you.

I have written about that story as have many others. For Supergirl fans, it was a balm to our battered fandom, a eulogy for Kara.

I have heard rumors that Waid 'got in trouble' for that story.

Waid also added Supergirl to his Legion of Super-Heroes run ... a mix of my two favorite DC properties.

In her own book, Supergirl was a petulant, immature, selfish, angst-ridden young woman. With Waid, she was a hero, leaping into action and trying to help. While I struggled with reading Joe Kelly's book, Waid reminded me about all the things I love about Supergirl.

I am hoping to meet and chat with Waid at the Boston Comic-Con. I just want to thank him for being in Supergirl's corner all these years.

Happy Valentine's Day

I have always loved this Valentine.

It is a great classic Supergirl in the hot pants costume. And the fact she is paired with the Flash is so interesting given the Crisis awaiting both. Why would these two be teamed up on a Valentine's Day card?

Anyways, hope you all have a Happy Valentine's Day!

And glad there are so many friends on this site.

Review: Supergirl #16

Supergirl #16 came out this week and was another chapter in the H'El on Earth storyline. I have complained in the past that Supergirl is being treated pretty shabbily in this arc, falling for everything the villain is saying just a bit too easily and sliding a bit too close to the Jeph Loeb/Joe Kelly bad girl who stands alone, hates everyone and is hated by everyone. Sadly, not only does this issue continue that trend but adds another low for the character, making her fight a hero in a rather inane and inefficient manner.

Now this issue isn't all bad for Kara as there are a couple of nice moments where you can see that Mike Johnson has a grasp of who he wants Kara to be. But I fear that there is an edict from above to make Supergirl the patsy here, isolating her further from the DCnU while Superboy gets closer and closer to Superman. 

Supergirl characterization aside, I also have to say that I am getting a bit tuckered out with the H'El story. We are now 7 issues in, 2+ months of chapters, and while there has been a lot of bluster and some grains of backstory we still don't know much of what is happening here. Who is H'El? What is his plan? Besides going back in time, how does he plan to save Krypton? Why the El connection? I know we still have a whole other month to go in this arc and that revealing too much too soon is just as troublesome as a reader. But it seems all we are seeing here is fights and bickering and not much progression.

As for the art here, Mahmud Asrar continues to do a superb job here. In particular, some of the super-speed scenes are well constructed. And the quieter moments with Kara always seem to shine. On to the review.

The issue starts with a flashback, the arrival of H'El on Earth, staggering bloody from his ship. I still don't quite know what to make of the backwards S on H'El's chest. At times it is there, at times it isn't. Here, it looks like it was scratched in, maybe by H'El itself.

As if things aren't nutty enough in this story, as if the writers and editors don't have enough to explain and wrap up in a satisfactory way, now we have added the Stormfront Horn-Blower and his announcing/signaling the Oracle to arrive as well.

Is H'El part of the Oracle's plan? Or is this coincidence?

As we saw in Superboy #16, the Flash has been sent into the Fortress to try to 'rescue' Kara, to get her out of there and away from H'El. Of course, the heroes don't know that Supergirl is there of her free will, having bought into H'El's plans to go back in time and save Krypton. Now I have lots of questions about this, but they are better asked later.

Right now, Supergirl just wants to toss the Flash out. At the very least, Mike Johnson has her realize the seriousness of her situation. Supergirl says that if she attacks the Flash there is no turning back. Unfortunately, despite realizing that, she attacks anyways.

As for the Flash, too much of his dialogue in this issue starts with 'Superman said' or 'Superman told me'. Still, I liked how he brings his power set to bear against Supergirl.

Here is Asrar at his best, a nice splash page showing Supergirl and Flash sparring. Nice composition all around.

Now I do think it is a bit odd that Kara would decide to fight the Flash on the ground in a test of speed, a fight on his terms with the advantage all his. You would think she might fly above, bathe him with heat vision, solar flare him, or use any other of the powers she has. Perhaps she doesn't want to win here?

In the end she does win, by kneeing the Flash in the face.

Again, Kara says the right thing here, says she doesn't want to hurt anyone. But it is just words since she follows it up with an emphatic 'I will do anything to stop you'. I just think it is a shame that this bright intelligent and strong Supergirl has become such a pawn here.

Realizing that Supergirl won't go willingly, the Flash resorts to Plan B, remove her by force.

That initially takes the two into Superman's intergalactic zoo.

There is something endearing about the Flash being surprised about this.

Again, Kara actually helps the Flash here, zooming him out of the pens before he can be hurt. There is this underlying belief in the sanctity of life in Supergirl, a desire to do no harm. And that makes it all the more frustrating that she is in so deep with H'El.

Here was my favorite moment in the book.

While stomping through the Fortress, Supergirl and the Flash get the attention of Krypto. He initially runs in to defend but that all changes when he sees Kara. What a great reunion, maybe even more meaningful than his reunion with Kal. After all, Kara was old enough to pet him, play with him, cuddle with him back on Krypton.  Look at how happy he looks in that first panel.

But this makes matters worse. Reminded of more things she has lost, Supergirl seems more determined than ever to get back Krypton.

I told you there was a lot of 'Superman told me' dialogue here.

Krypto or no, the Flash is going to bring her in. Even if that means using a super-weapon from the Fortress armory. But before he can use it to any great effect, the Flash is teleported away by H'El.

A bit too easy of an out.

And so here is my big problem with this Supergirl characterization. Not once has she asked H'El exactly what his plan is. How is he getting the energy for this thing? (We know it is by imploding our solar system.) What is he going to do to save Krypton once he gets there?

Don't you think after everything we have heard that Kara would stop this plan if she knew the price was everyone's life on Earth? Shouldn't she be asking this stuff?

Moreover, maybe one of the things Superman should have told the Flash was to tell Kara about H'El's plans. Maybe that would sway here more than being shot at.

And H'El's romantic lines, slathering on stuff about being in awe of Kara, knowing he won't be alone ... all that stuff ... seems a little bit too much too soon. I can't believe she is buying that stuff so easily either.

Still, before attacking her cousin and his friends, a line she knows is a big one to cross, you would think she might want some details.

Oh yeah, and the Oracle is heading our way.

I think I have already said everything I need to say. I just can't stomach Supergirl being played as the patsy here.  Regardless of her love of Krypton, of her grief, I just can't believe she hasn't demanded more from H'El. And I can't believe that Superman told the Flash to rescue her, to use force to remove her, and even where a special gun is hidden, but didn't tell the Flash to clue her in about exploding the sun.

If DC was hoping for that alienated, isolated, angry young Supergirl, this story arc will get her there. And it is a shame because I don't think that is how Mike Johnson sees her. I keep wondering if Johnson has her saying the right thing while the powers make her keep doing the wrong thing.

Just where will this Supergirl be after H'El on Earth? I get the sense in a worse place than she was before.

Overall grade: C