Returning to her beloved hometown of Midvale, writer and artist extraordinaire Sophie Campbell pens a fresh chapter for Kara Zor-El in Supergirl #1, marking the powerful Maiden of Might’s return to the very place that fostered her heroic identity. However, this homecoming is immediately complicated by another Supergirl? As Kara grapples with this startling debacle, the central question looms: can the real Supergirl unmask this impostor before they completely usurp her long-awaited fresh start and life in Midvale?
Supergirl’s return throws her right into the thick of things, starting with a splashy save from the bizarre Princess Shark in Metropolis. Quickly pivoting to Kandor, Kara deals with a menacing Lar-On, showcasing some classic Supergirl action. A call from her adoptive mother then pulls her back to the familiar setting of Midvale. However, this is where things get interesting. Weeks after deciding to head home (the travel time feels a tad stretched), Kara arrives to find a new Supergirl already a local sensation. This sets up a compelling identity crisis, as the real Kara Zor-El is met with disbelief when she finally makes her appearance, especially with the arrival of the new Supergirl and her super-powered bunny. The issue cleverly leaves both Kara and the reader questioning who the genuine Girl of Steel truly is.
Credit: DC Comics
Supergirl’s history in comics has been… complicated. As Superman’s famous cousin, you’d think her character would be more firmly established, but years of retcons and varying creative choices have left her a bit less defined than someone like Robin. That’s why the opening of Supergirl #1 by Campbell feels like such an interesting move. Instead of jumping right into a new status quo, Campbell throws us a curveball with an imposter, using this mystery to explore the very confusing nature of being Supergirl. Honestly, it works, I’m intrigued, even if I’m a little in the dark about what’s really going on.
Visually, this issue is a knockout. Campbell’s linework is sharp and confident, and her Supergirl looks fantastic. The redesign by Stanley ‘Artgerm’ Lau is a real winner, blending elements from different eras of the character into something that feels fresh and modern. Colorist Tamra Bonvillain deserves major props, too. The colors are crisp and vibrant, really bringing the world to life. Midvale feels like the charming, idyllic town it should be, with lush greens and colorful houses providing a beautiful backdrop to Kara’s striking red and blue costume. Even the imposter Supergirl looks great, with a design that cleverly echoes Kara’s while still being distinct. It’s clear Campbell and Bonvillain are a powerful artistic team.
The only slight drawback for me is the pacing. The issue feels pretty quick, and it seems like Campbell is taking a very deliberate, slow approach to rebuilding Supergirl’s story. While I understand the desire to lay a solid foundation, I was hoping to be thrown right into whatever the new direction is. This slower burn, while intriguing, does feel a little deflating in the short term.
Credit: DC Comics
Supergirl’s return to Midvale in Supergirl #1 is immediately complicated by the emergence of another Supergirl, setting up a compelling mystery around identity and belonging. While the artwork and premise are strong, the deliberate pacing might leave some readers wanting a quicker dive into the new direction of Kara’s story.
‘Supergirl’ #1 Review: Seeing Double in Midvale
Supergirl’s return to Midvale in Supergirl #1 is immediately complicated by the emergence of another Supergirl, setting up a compelling mystery around identity and belonging. While the artwork and premise are strong, the deliberate pacing might leave some readers wanting a quicker dive into the new direction of Kara’s story.
