DCU Comic Book Reviews

SUPERMAN/BATMAN #8

The Supergirl From Krypton, Part One:  Alone

May 2004

Written by Jeph Loeb

Pencils by Michael Turner

Inks by Michael Turner

Cover by Michael Turner

Synopsis

After the explosion of the Kryptonian meteor, Superman is sent to the Hidden Fortress while the rest of the heroes gather up the pieces the fell to Earth.  In Gotham Harbor, Batman is retrieving pieces that fell into the water when he finds a spaceship.  Suddenly, someone takes off with the batship and drives it to the city.  It is a woman, who wanders around the city, showing displays of incredible strength, heat vision, and the ability to fly.  Batman tracks her down and knocks her unconscious with a piece of Kryptonite.  In the batcave, tests confirm his suspicions of her origin.  This is further cemented when Superman is able to talk to her and learn her name:  Kara Zor-El, Kal-el’s cousin from Krypton.

Review by Binkley (e-mail)

If there is one thing I will give Jeph Loeb credit for is that he has the ability to craft intriguing, brilliant beginnings to all of his stories.  This issue was no exception.  Kara’s appearance was well done; we knew based on the solicitations and the cover on this issue that this was the story of a new Supergirl, this time from Krypton rather than some protoplasmic glob from a different dimension (or whatever she was).  So, when we first meet here we see her exhibit abilities similar to Superman, which confirms what we already knew.  Yet, we don’t know her actual identity, the true “who” that she is (although it is logical to assume she would be Kal-el’s cousin, it was not a given and, in fact, still may not be true), was kept dark until the very ending.  

Unlike a lot of Loeb’s work, the minimalist approach in the storytelling worked to the issue’s advantage.  There was no over-blown battle or dire consequences with alternating narrative panels; watching Kara stroll through the city sets the tone for the book and gives us a glimpse into the character without the usual Loeb clutter.  Plus, the use of Kryptonian language conveys the sense of alienation Kara must have felt and the fact that we don’t understand it adds to our own feelings of alienation about her, especially when she and Superman are talking to each other.  It is easy to understand Batman’s frustration. 

I am always very mixed about Michael Turner’s artwork.  I am often appalled at his body dimensions and the thick eyebrows always make me laugh a little bit.  But the scene of Batman coming out of the water is awesome and some of the facial expressions for Kara during her walk through downtown effectively shows her confusion and fear.

 

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