Supergirl #6, titled “Demon Night,” drops Kara Zor-El into a psychological battle against her own inner darkness, all while navigating a seemingly normal Halloween night. Written by Sophie Campbell, with art by Rosi Kämpe and Campbell, colors by Tamra Bonvillain, and lettering by Becca Carey, this issue blends classic Supergirl themes of hope and heroism with a genuinely frightening exploration of personal trauma and self-doubt.
Sophie Campbell really nails the balance here. On the surface, it’s a seemingly normal Halloween night, but underneath, Supergirl is dropped into a terrifying “Innerverse” where her powers are gone and her Supergirl identity is meaningless. This surreal, non-super nightmare is the lair of the brand-new menace, Nightflame.
Nightflame is the real star of the show (or maybe the villain you love to hate). She’s the literal manifestation of all of Kara’s darkness and self-doubt, a “sister in shadow” born from that wild moment she briefly became Satan Girl. This foe isn’t about crushing buildings; she’s about exploiting deep-seated wounds: the destruction of Krypton, the loss of her family, and the loneliness of being a secret. She just wants Kara to “submit to the gloom roiling inside you,” preying on the pain she carries.
The strength of this issue is in that psychological depth. Nightflame is a mirror, forcing Supergirl to confront everything she’s been running from, all the pressures of training Lesla, patrolling Kandor, and just trying to move to Midvale.
And speaking of fun, the issue gives a nod to the iconic Red Lantern Supergirl, which was a fantastic moment in comic history and so great to see acknowledged again. I mean, let’s be real, which hero wouldn’t look better with a Red Lantern ring for those moments when they just need to vent? It’s pure comic book fun!
Now, full disclosure: Nightflame’s origin story is ridiculously Silver Age. She’s basically pulled out of nowhere, and if you think about it too hard, it makes no logical sense. But who cares? It’s exactly the kind of silly, over-the-top comic book fun that makes this a blast. Don’t overthink it, just enjoy the ride.
The artwork by Rosi Kämpe and Campbell is a standout, capturing the “Innerverse” with this awesome, unsettling, jagged energy. And a huge shout-out to Tamra Bonvillain’s colors, especially the lurid pinks and greens of the psychic battlefield, contrasting with Supergirl’s classic vibrant costume. Additionally, Becca Carey’s lettering lends Nightflame a chilling, distinct voice that greatly enhances the drama.
The climax is where it truly becomes a Supergirl story. A mental lifeline from Luna and a message from Lesla (“tell her… that we love her!”) empowers Kara. She realizes the darkness isn’t a weakness, but a source of “strength.” This revelation (that she can have darkness and still be loved) is such a nuanced and genuinely satisfying moment for the character.
Supergirl #6 is essentially a character study disguised as an action-packed comic. It blends classic themes of hope and heroism with a genuinely frightening look at inner darkness.
Review: Supergirl #6 Facing Inner Darkness, Nightflame & Red Lantern Fun
Supergirl #6 is essentially a character study disguised as an action-packed comic. It blends classic themes of hope and heroism with a genuinely frightening look at inner darkness.
