REVIEW: Supergirl: Survive #1

The beginning of Supergirl: Survive #1 feels so similar to our current world that it almost reads like an eerie prophecy about where society could be headed. At the same time, it offers a fresh take on this Elseworlds version of Supergirl’s story.

Written by Ethan S. Parker and Griffin Sheridan, the Eisner-nominated writers of Kill Your Darlings, with art by Rob Reis (New Mutants) and letters by Lucas Gattoni, the issue introduces us to who appear to be the stars of this series: teenage Kara Zor-El and her baby cousin, Kal-El. Elseworlds stories have always given readers familiar heroes in unfamiliar territory, and this one quickly places Kara in a world filled with pressure, uncertainty and danger.

This series introduces us to a Kara Zor-El dealing with typical teenage problems: a best friend pushing her to step out of her comfort zone, a boy she likes and the nerve-racking idea of asking him to an upcoming dance. However, those relatable issues are surrounded by much larger problems: clashing ideas between the adults in Kara’s life, random but consistent drills at school and a fiery political environment among Kandor’s citizens. In that sense, the world of Kandor feels uncomfortably familiar.

Before we pack our survivor’s gear and follow Kara and Kal deeper into this new journey, let’s talk about this issue’s beautiful covers. The standard cover by Reis looks like a powerful action movie poster or the first book in a new sci-fi novel series. Kara stands armed and defiant as she holds her sleeping baby cousin, instantly establishing herself as both protector and survivor. Her father, Zor-El, stands near her, while General Dru-Zod and his forces loom behind her, adding danger and political tension. To Kara’s left, a green, irradiated planet hangs in space, serving as a haunting reminder of Zod’s devastation. This cover screams sci-fi action-adventure, and I am absolutely here for it.

The Taurin Clarke variant cover gives us a traumatizing look at the emotional impact of being placed inside a rocket to escape a dying planet. Kara looks stunned while baby Kal, complete with his signature S-curl, cries and clings to his cousin as she cradles his head. Radioactive fragments of Krypton fly past the rocket, pieces that regular continuity would identify as Kryptonite. It is a heartbreaking moment likely etched into Kara’s memory forever, even if Kal is too young to remember it clearly.

The Homare variant cover feels like a classic sci-fi movie or novel brought to life. Kara looks as if she has stepped out of her spacecraft and is cautiously greeting a strange new world. Behind her, baby Kal sleeps inside the ship, unaware of the danger around them. The lighting gives the scene a mysterious quality, almost as if someone — or something — has placed Kara and the spacecraft under a spotlight. Or is it the light of Krypton exploding before her very eyes, as a red planet is reflected in her helmet’s visor? It is quiet, cinematic and full of suspense.

There is also a variant cover available from Guillem March.

Reis is an amazing artist who brings out character emotions so clearly that readers instantly understand what is being conveyed. From the curiosity on young Kara’s face when she is introduced to Kal for the first time, to the fear and shyness conveyed as her best friend encourages her to ask Ben-Lo to a formal, the emotional storytelling is strong throughout the issue. The frustration on Ben-Lo’s face as he works up the courage to ask Kara, along with General Zod yelling through a television screen, are standout examples. Even panels without dialogue are powerful, and the placement of certain objects speaks for the characters.

There is a reason Parker and Sheridan are Eisner-nominated writers, and that reason is clear in this issue. They understand how to pace a story and reveal characters’ intentions, fears and desires quickly. I feel like I learned a lot about Kara and her world: the people she loves, the people she fears, her inquisitiveness and her heart. I felt the anguish of her family as they prepared Kara and Kal to escape Krypton’s fate, as well as the overwhelming relief as the four adults watched them escape Krypton’s atmosphere. That powerful dialogue, combined with Reis’ artwork, is award-worthy material.

(10/10) Supergirl: Survive #1 is the right book at the right time, especially with the new Supergirl movie releasing later this month. This issue can work hand in hand with the film by welcoming new readers and fans into the world of Kara Zor-El and her baby cousin. More importantly, it reminds readers that Kara is not just Superman’s cousin. She is a survivor, a protector and a hero with a powerful story of her own.

I’m hooked. I’m ready for this story, and I can’t wait to see what lies ahead for the “Cousins of Krypton.” Will they become Superwoman and Superboy? Or Superwoman and Superman? That is part of the excitement. Supergirl: Survive #1 raises compelling questions, teases major destinies and gives readers every reason to come back for more.