Tyler Gibson
Prepare to be captivated by the first issue of Supergirl: Survive, a compelling new interpretation of the Girl of Steel. This fresh Elseworlds miniseries doesn’t just rehash the story of how Kara Zor-El becomes a hero. Instead, it delves into aspects of her character that other Superman comics have often overlooked.
Our journey begins on Krypton, with the birth of Kal-El. Teenage Kara adores her baby cousin, but she’s also grappling with her own adolescent issues. She’s crushing on her classmate Ben-Lo and trying to secure her spot on the school’s barrageball team. The political unrest and daily atomic attack drills seem like distant concerns compared to her immediate worries.
However, all of this changes when the long-dreaded war led by General Zod breaks out. Suddenly, Kara and her cousin are thrust into an experimental rocket, destined for an unknown world. But things don’t go as planned. Instead of landing on Earth, Kara finds herself stranded on a different planet, devoid of the powers we associate with Supergirl.
Supergirl: Survive delves into the seldom-explored facets of Kara Zor-El
Supergirl: Survive introduces several significant deviations from the classic Superman origin. Notably, Krypton is destroyed by atomic war rather than a natural disaster, and the cousins share a spaceship. But what truly sets this series apart is its nuanced portrayal of Kara Zor-El.
Most Supergirl origins gloss over Kara’s life on Krypton. Even Woman of Tomorrow, despite its exploration of Kara’s survivor’s guilt, didn’t delve into her identity beyond her heroism. In contrast, Survive begins like a slice-of-life young adult novel, then morphs into a gripping sci-fi disaster tale. This approach amplifies the impact of the story, as we truly grasp the magnitude of what Kara loses.
The script by Ethan Parker and Griffin Sheridan masterfully sets the stage and defines this unique version of Supergirl. Some Superman purists might balk at elements like Kryptonian teens texting, school active shooter drills, and Kara’s typical teenage reactions to her parents. But these touches lend authenticity to the story, making Kara feel like a real teenager, even as her family devises a desperate plan to save their children.
The artwork by Rod Reis is equally subtle and evocative. Color is used strategically, with the drab neutral tones of Krypton contrasted by the vibrancy brought by Kara and other spirited characters. The combination of light pencil work, thin inks, and bright colors creates a distinctive visual aesthetic throughout.
Supergirl: Survive #1 is an ideal introduction to Kara Zor-El for young readers intrigued by the Supergirl movie. At the same time, it offers a fresh perspective on the classic origin for seasoned Superman fans. Its only minor drawback is that the entire first issue is spent setting up what DC Comics promises will be a survival story. Only time will reveal how it unfolds as a complete narrative, but this first chapter has me thoroughly engrossed.
Grade: 8/10
Supergirl: Survive #1 is now available at comic shops everywhere.
