Do a new creative team and a new Main Man make “Supergirl” #26 worth checking out. You’ll have to read on to find out. Sorry. Not Sorry.
Written by Tony Bedard
Illustrated by Yildiray CinarFollowing the stunning conclusion of “Krypton Returns,” Supergirl arrives back on Earth with a new mission and a clearer understanding of her place in the universe. But a striking new foe prepares to welcome Supergirl home: LOBO! What could the mysterious new character want from Supergirl? Find out as the hot new creative team of writer Tony Bedard (GREEN LANTERN: NEW GUARDIANS) and artist Yildiray Cinar (EARTH 2) launch Supergirl into the next stage of her life in the DC Universe!
“Supergirl” #26 is significant for two reasons. The first is that the issue marks debut of the book’s third (or fourth?) creative team; Tony Bedard and Yildiray Cinar. Interestingly, this marks the third time Bedard has tackled the character, having short stints on “Supergirl and the Legion of Superheroes” and the previous volume of “Supergirl.” The second key piece is the first appearance of the new Lobo outside of the divisive Villain’s month issue. One of these works, the other not so much, and even that’s not cut and dry.
For what it’s worth, Marguerite Bennett and Ben Oliver’s take on Lobo is the best thing that’s happened to the character since the Church of the Triple Headed Fish God (though it doesn’t come anywhere near that masterpiece). “Justice League” #23.2 was above average on the New 52 scale, and made a strong case for the ongoing tales of the slimmed-down Czarnian.
On that note, “Supergirl” #26 works well as the continuation of Bennett’s story. In fact, if one’s name wasn’t emblazoned across the cover, you might have a hard time deciding who the star of the issue is. Bedard spends just as much time acquainting the reader to Lobo as he does the Girl of Steel, before the two are thrown together for the inevitable fisticuffs. Fortunately, Bedard does a great job matching the tone and voice laid down by Bennett, right down to the “Sorry. Not Sorry.” If you were one of the ones who enjoyed the Villains Month issue, then you’ll likely enjoy this as well.
However, this being a Supergirl book, the issue must ultimately weighted accordingly. One thing become abundantly evident when reading “Supergirl” #26; the Superman family of books is a huge mess. That’s shouldn’t be a shocking revelation, but when the entirety of this run gets summed up in a two page spread, it’s like opening an old would. Rather than working toward redefining the character, Bedard spends the majority of the issue reconciling the events of the last year’s worth of stories. The result is not as new or exciting as one would hope for a new creative team’s debut.
Also, it seems really strange for a character, having just relived the destruction of her home-world, to be so down about being ditched by her roomie. The economy!
Artistically, the issue is solid. Cinar’s style is fairly well bound in the DC house style, similar to contemporaries Eddy Barrows and Ivan Reis. From Supergirl’s menacing but majestic entrance, it’s clear that Cinar is a fantastic match for the character. His characters are dynamic and expressive, his panels detailed, and Dan Brown’s colors feel suitably “Super.” The biggest problem is the extreme shadowing on certain pages. However, while technically good, the art doesn’t make much of a lasting impression. Still, Cinar and company are off to a great start, and it should be a treat to see the artist come into his role.
As a Lobo book, “Supergirl” #26 is pretty good. As a Supergirl book, it’s more than a little wanting. Even the cliffhanger has more weight towards the latter, with the Scouge o’ the Cosmos seemingly meeting his match. Of course, fans know that it’ll take more than a measly Kryptonian to keep him down. It’s not the most promising start to their run, but many of the necessary pieces are in place for a good “Supergirl” yarn. That is, if Bedard and Cinar can nail down the book’s identity a little more neatly.
Final Verdict: 6.4- Browse. A solid Lobo story disguised as a Supergirl book.
