Michael Alan Nelson’s run on Supergirl got off to a pretty great start with #20, thanks to a fun and unique voice. Unfortunately, Issue #21 loses some of the lighter elements in favor of the typical doom and gloom plaguing the Superman family.
Written by Michael Alan Nelson
Illustrated by Diogenes NevesIt’s Supergirl vs. the mysterious Mekka—but what is the secret of this new menace? And what is Lex Luthor’s envoy Alphina planning against Kara?
Last issue’s fun interplay between the Kara’s of two worlds made for a great done-in-one story. Unfortunately, that done-in-one setup means the slate is cleared in issue #21, where we pick back up on lingering ‘H’el on Earth’ plot threads.
The issue begins in media res, with Supergirl cruising the cosmos on a space motorcycle, a la Lobo. In this illogical way, she comes upon the planet I’Noxia, currently under assault. The I’Noxians, a robotic race falling somewhere between the revamped Brainiac and the Metaleks of Grant Morrison’s “Action Comics.” These influences are worn on the book’s sleeve, and the derivative nature of these mysterious beings of ambiguous report makes for an utterly unsatisfying read.
In a brief interlude, Nelson touches base with Supergirl’s friend Shioban. In doing so, he establishes Supergirl’s state of mind in the aftermath of ‘H’el on Earth,’ particularly the effects of her kryptonite poisoning. While the scene serves its purpose, it does so with a level of catty angst suitable only for the CW. We’ve seen Nelson write convincing conflict between female characters, but for some reason that isn’t the case here.
Mahmud Asrar, the lone throughline of Supergirl in the New 52, is absent from this issue and his presence is sorely missed. Diogenes Neves is no slouch in the art department, as seen by his recent work on “Demon Knights,” but the pairing with inker Richard Bonk is quite unflattering. The entire issue feels rushed, most noticeably in the character’s strangely misshapen faces. In all likelihood the creative team was in fact rushed, as the slight inaccuracies of the solicitation text suggest at least a few story rewrites. Whatever the case, this isn’t the team’s best work.
The last page reveal of a fan-favorite Superman villain works well in the context of the story presented. With the New 52 erasing much of said character’s history, it will be very interesting to see what Nelson has in store. Unfortunately, that potential, as well as the good will instilled by last issue, does little to help this droll chapter.
Final Verdict: 4.5 – Browse. While lacking in heart and delving into melodrama, this issue still presents some promise.
