REVIEW: Supergirl: Woman Of Tomorrow #3

Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow #3 is a slow burn with a very powerful conclusion. This is the darkest issue yet in a series that meticulously pushes the envelope, as Kara is certainly tested emotionally like never before.

The main cover created by Bilquis Everly and Matheus Lopes looks to be inspired by The Wizard of Oz and in particular the Yellow Brick Road. I love how this Alien settlement has been modelled after a sleepy American town, from its architecture right down to its residents attire. Seeing the town featured on the cover is a wonderful touch considering what an important role it will play. Kara and Ruthye look to be perilously navigating there way around which ties in beautifully with the overall narrative.

The variant cover is created by industry legend and personal favourite of mine, David Mack and it is simply breathtaking. This is a gorgeous pin up piece that sees Kara gazing out thoughtfully into the distance. Space is sectioned off into beautiful spheres of deep, rich colour that make up the backdrop. David Mack’s experimental art style lends itself perfectly to such a multifaceted series such as this. 

Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow #3 sees Kara and Ruthye follow Krem to the planet Coronn and to the village of Maypole where all is not quite as it seems. This issue is all about the build as Kara and Ruthye discover a gruesome secret that the townsfolk have attempted to keep hidden.

Ruthye’s intricate and descriptive dialogue adds layer upon layer to her surroundings as well as the inhabitants that dwell within. We learn so much about what we are seeing through her eyes and her own lived experiences. I love how with each new encounter we garner more and more information about the town and what lurks beneath the surface.

Much of the issue sees Kara and Ruthye attempt to uncover this mystery from a number of angles. This really is a unique take on Kara, Tom King’s interpretation of the character is a lot more rougher round the edges than what we are used to. Kara swears and certainly doesn’t mind getting her hands dirty. This is the only version of Supergirl I can see taking on this quest. Seeing Kara protect Ruthye while being showered in bullets is oddly relaxing, there’s a real sense of calm and serenity washed over this scene and this is definitely due to Ruthye’s relaxed demeanour in the arms of Kara. 

Tom King has really cultivated a beautiful relationship between these two beings who couldn’t be more different from one another. The pairs ever growing connection and bond is a consistant highlight for me that I love to see develop. Seeing Kara talk Ruthye through the process of them flying together highlights this point perfectly. 

Its not long after this beautiful exchange that Kara learns the full extent of what has transpired in this sleepy town and just how Krem is involved. The following pages are truly harrowing to say the least and the unmitigated horror that had taken place is truly overwhelming. Ruthye’s reaction to this is just so heartbreaking, she truly makes you feel her sorrow.

Tom King has created a very detailed and thorough story that truly leaves no stone unturned. Kara is extremely edgy and more relatable than ever and seeing her lose her temper is just so refreshing. I feel this is a deliberate move on behalf of the writer, as Tom King is a master at grounding our beloved characters and having them be effected by the same emotions as you and I.

Bilquis Evely and Matheus Lopes as a team compliment each other perfectly. The sleepy town architecture and pacific northwest habitat is just so authentic. This issue is full of inventive page layouts bursting with dynamic artwork. I love seeing Kara fly at speed over Maypole, you can almost feel the speeds that she is reaching, and the combination of clouds and motion lines create a real sense of speed and trajectory.     

Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow #3 feels very much like an interlude, this is certainly not a bad thing as Tom King continues to world and character build expertly. This is one of the most thoughtful issues I’ve read in a while.

Haven’t picked up Supergirl: Woman Of Tomorrow #3 yet? You can get the standard cover by Bilquis Evely and Matheus Lopes here (UK), or here (US).

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