REVIEW: Kara Zor-El, Superwoman #1

Future State continues with Kara Zor-El, Superwoman #1, and ever since I saw the preview for this issue I have been intrigued and that’s mostly down to the artwork. This is actually the first Supergirl/Superwoman review we have on the site, but as I said before we are extending to the wider Superman family. Before we get into the issue itself though, let’s take a look at the covers.

The standard cover is by Paulina Ganucheau and I absolutely love it. I love that it’s the perfect mix of power and strength, but with a feminine touch. I feel it portrays the character and captures this issue perfectly. I have to say I adore the suit worn by Kara. We had a first glimpse of it in Superman Of Metropolis #1, but my god we see it in all of it’s glory here. This is a beautiful cover.

The variant cover is by Alex Garner and it is out of this world… literally! Garner really brings the realism with this cover as we get a glimpse of what Kara could and would look like in real life. It’s safe to say she looks majestic and full of confidence. The staging of the atmosphere behind her is beautiful too, and I have to say it is the bright light of the Sun and her flowing red skirt that really draws you in to this cover.

Kara Zor-El casts herself to The Colony On The Moon to help protect those that have been ‘displaced’ from Earth, when she comes across a new and unknown visitor, Lynari Lili’Alo. Their relationship blossoms as Kara see’s herself as a sort of mentor to Lynari, teaching her ways to a new student, but that doesn’t quite go to plan as bitter memories are stirred up.

As a reader of comics I’m new to the scene with Kara Zor-El, I’ve always focused on Superman, but from what I know about Kara, this is a completely different side to her. Writer Marguerite Bennett really digs into her feelings and thoughts as to what’s happened in the past, what she has been forced to miss out on, and that has almost made her bitter yet incredibly relatable. With that said I am sure there is more to this story and portrayal that we will find out as the story progresses, but I am always up for a different take on a character. Back when we knew her as Supergirl she was optimistic and full of hope, just like her cousin, Superman. In this issue she is rational, realistic and that hope seems to have faded away, so I am very intrigued to see this story piece together some questions that I have.

With that said, Kara Zor-El, Superwoman #1 really sets up the upcoming story perfectly, and we get a great introduction to a new character that I’m sure most readers haven’t yet made their mind upon. I loved seeing Superwoman take on the role as a mentor, the things that she is trying to teach Lynari is really reminiscent of the values that her cousin, Superman have, so it’s great to see her honour that despite what she has been through. As a Superman fan I always love to see how Superman inspires and rubs off on those around him, so I really appreciated that.

There are some really unique styles of story telling in this issue, well in this case it’s used to portray the feeling of the character and I think it is a great and unique touch. The dialogue is sometimes accompanied by Emoji’s, and to some it may sound silly but it really works with the tone of this issue. It’s a fun way to portray it and it adds a bit of humour to the scene.

The artwork is by Marguerite Sauvage and it is magnificent! This style of artwork is so unique, I admit I have never seen anything like it before in comics, so for me it is a complete breath of fresh air. Her style has a really lovely feminine and playful touch to it and I absolutely love the numerous textures used throughout the issue. It adds such great detail to every single panel. The pastel colour palette really adds a classic vibe to the artwork, which works perfectly with this issue.

I have to say, the costume design is stunning, this is a completely different look for Kara and I adore it. Though the series is set in the future, the costume has a slight 50’s feel to it, which I love. It’s elegant and regal, and damn I love that collar design!

Kara Zor-El, Superwoman #1 is an incredibly unique take on a sometimes overlooked character. This issue is a great start to the series and I cannot wait to find out more about Superwoman and what led her to this stage in her life.

Haven’t picked up Kara Zor-El, Superwoman #1 yet? You can get the standard cover by Paulina Ganucheau here (UK), or here (US).

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