Book: Supergirl volume #4: Out of the Past (issues #21-27) by Michael Alan Nelson (issues #21-25), Scott Lobdell (issue #25), Justin Jordan (issue #25), Tony Bedard (issues #26-27)
Illustrations by Diogenes Neves (issue #21-24), Chad Hardin (issue #23), Paulo Siqueira (issue #25) and Yildiray Cinar (issues #26-27)
Color by Dave McCaig (issues 21-22), Dan Brown (issue #22), Guy Major (issues #23-24), Hi-Fi (issue #25) and Dan Brown (issues #26-27)
Edition: Single Print Issue
Description:
In the aftermath of H'EL ON EARTH, Supergirl's world has been shattered in every way possible. Kara Zor-El searches the stars for a new home, but in doing so, encounters one of Superman's deadliest enemies in his New 52 debut: Cyborg Superman!
Rating: 4 1/2 stars
Review:
This was like a breath of fresh air, the Supergirl series was finally back to being an interesting read. This almost makes up for having to suffer through reading volumes #2 and #3. And the good thing is despite the multiple writers, this group of issues showcased a Supergirl who is likeable and is finally starting to learn from her mistakes and grow. She still has a problem with easily trusting people but she is learning.
In issues #21-24, Kara who was still dealing with kryptonite poisoning decided to leave Earth. She didn't want to die there, she was leaving because she wanted to live out her last days somewhere that would be more pleasant. But before she left, she went to say goodbye to her friend Siobhan. However, Siobhan who was irritated by her current living situation didn't have time for Kara to be whining about her problems or running away from them as she saw it. Her friend is usually very understanding and she would have been even more so if she knew Kara was dying but she was tired of Kara's self-centeredness and only thinking she's the only one with problems. Everyone has them as Siobhan pointed out to her.
Meanwhile out in space, Kara answered a distress call that had a greater connection to her than she could have possibly ever imagined. Finding I'noxia brought her into contact with beings that could do great things. They gave her a chance to relive Krypton but her pleasant moment was ruined when Cyborg Superman asked a truly unreasonable request. Something good came out of this terrible situation with Cyborg Superman, Supergirl was cured of kryptonite poisoning in an interesting way. Also, the villain Brainiac also factored into this story.
Issue #25 was part of the Krypton Returns crossover which found Superman, Supergirl and Superboy going back in time to ensure that Krypton was destroyed. I will be reviewing the entire Krypton Returns storyline at another time.
Issues #26-27 found Supergirl returning to Earth after her ordeal with Cyborg Superman and the events of Krypton Returns. While she was speaking with Dr. Veritas you could tell that she had undergone a change. She had started to let go of some of that anger she had been holding on to.
But while that was happening, Dr. Veritas' lab had received an unexpected visitor, Lobo. Yeah, I'm not a fan of the "new " Lobo but that's a discussion for another day. Anyway, it didn't take long before Supergirl faced off against Lobo but he tricked her and found a way to be brought into the lab. Remember I said that it seemed like Kara was letting go of her anger well that's true but there is also a bit of rage that is slowly starting to effect her. And it's manifesting even more the longer she has to deal with Lobo. Issue #27 ends with Supergirl angry and ready to go up against Lobo.
This volume turned out to be a good read and that's all thanks to the writing improving immensely. Not since the first volume have I enjoyed reading a New 52 Supergirl story. This was very well-written with the story being concise and exciting. I didn't have too many problems with the artwork either. Despite there being so many different artists, the style changed a bit but the changes weren't too noticeable or looked poorly drawn.
Besides the writing the other improvement was Kara's character growth. It was time for her to stop thinking with her fists actually start to think before she act. Something I do wish that would change is how she continues to think of Superman and Superboy in such a negative way.
With only two volumes left in this series, I plan to have those reviews up soon.
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