Supergirl #16: Kingdom Of Zod Part 1 Review

 

Supergirl #16: Kingdom Of Zod Part 1 Review

Writer: Sophie Campbell & Joe Casey

Artists: Joe Quinones, Paolo Villanelli & Dan McDaid

Colorists: Joe Quinones, Arif Prianto & David Baron

Letterers: Josh Reed, Becca Carey & Troy Peteri

Cover Artist: Guillem March

Variant Cover Artists: Mark Spears, Noobovich, Stephanie Hans & Joe Quinones

Editors: Jillian Grant, Kathleen Wisneski & Paul Kaminski

Publisher: DC Comics

Price: $3.99/$4.99 Card Stock

Release Date: August 12, 2026

 

Despite her best efforts to shine in Midvale, Kara Zor-El has struggled. But after the Science Council’s repressive rule sparked civil war in Kandor, Kara realizes she cannot leave the House of El to fend for itself in Superman's absence. As Lesla-Lar oversees the rebuilding of her miniaturized Kryptonian city, Kara knows her friends on Earth have her back. But will Kara's relatives follow where she leads? And is Kara's Super Force ready for what awaits them in El Caldero? Let’s leap into Supergirl #16: Kingdom Of Zod Part 1 and see!

 

Story

Kara recognizes the importance of leading her friends in a worthy cause. But when she tries to include her Kryptonian relations, Conner Kent objects to Superboy-Prime’s inclusion. Recently, Conner has seen Batman, Wonder Woman, and Captain Marvel ram their Villain Amnesty program down the Justice League’s throats. He objects to protecting the world alongside former criminals and killers. But Conner refuses to have anything to do with the man who killed him, even if that will strengthen the House of El. And especially if that includes the murderer currently filling Superman's shoes.

 

Supergirl #16: Kingdom Of Zod Part 1 begins with a glimpse of past events on New Kandor, as originally told by Joe Casey in Kneel Before Zod. Like Kara Zor-El, Dru-Zod once tried to rebuild the majesty of his House. Instead, his Kryptonian dreams slipped through his fingers again. Then Sophie Campbell transports readers to the present as Kara travels to El Caldero. She senses the battle ahead. Yet the closer she gets, her connection to the Sun Crystal grows. Kara recognizes her responsibility to her team and her Kryptonian heritage. Yet she also recognizes that if she is going to interfere with events in another country, she has a responsibility to its inhabitants.

 

As Sophie Campbell interweaves the events that prompted the mission to El Caldero, Kara also grapples with the demands of leadership. Not everyone on her team is accompanying her. Among those who are, Kara wants to exude confidence and caring, while being forceful when needed to keep everyone in line. One team member tries once again to make amends for a friendship-shattering error in judgment while helping her team survive the dangers of the Kryptonite Kingdom.

 

As Kara Zor-El travels to El Caldero, she also brings with her someone who needs her protection. Superman may currently be missing. But when her cousin returns, Kara knows Kal-El won’t be happy if she allows anyone to harm Lois Lane in Supergirl #16: Kingdom Of Zod Part 1.

 

Art

As Kara stares out the window at the clouds floating over the Pacific Ocean, she imagines recent events through transparent green crystals. A splash page of Kara in Earth’s orbit, with the sun’s rays glowing around her, suggests the leader she wishes to be. As a star forms near the smoke rising from Lois’ apartment, Tomorrow Man and Thundergirl shield people on the streets from falling debris. Then Kara attempts to intervene as Conner and Superboy-Prime tear through the atmosphere.

 

As Dan McDaid conjures a light-blue city rising beneath a red sky, David Baron clothes a white leader in red and black. But yellow and orange invade his world as his civilization collapses. While Joe Quinones and Arif Prianto adorn Joe Quinones and Paolo Villanelli’s art with bright colors in Supergirl #16: Kingdom Of Zod Part 1, they also leave room for darkness. As Conner and Superboy-Prime fight, their red emblems glow, while their blue fades to dark gray. The yellow stars surrounding them evoke Zod's fight in New Kandor, and his inability to bring peace to his troubled world. Greens and blues link Kara's willing and hopeful team. Yet while Lois Lane wears a violet blouse, Zod's Krypto-Knights wear violet armor.

 

Troy Peteri relays the destruction of New Kandor via large white letters in black boxes. Becca Carey fills white dialogue balloons with black uppercase letters that grow bold for intonation, swell for raised voices, and shrink for lowered voices. Kara's thoughts fill cloudy balloons as she ponders what may lie ahead, while white letters in red boxes convey off-panel thoughts. Lois frowns as an orange holographic projection conjures a white balloon with a lightning-bolt arrow, while Kara's sensitive ears pick up transmissions inside white balloons with yellow borders. Sound effects enhance battles in Metropolis and El Caldero as Zod proves he is his own worst enemy. Thanks to DC Comics for sharing this story with us.

 

Final Thoughts

Kara Zor-El has a responsibility to the House of El. But she also has responsibilities to Midvale, Kandor, and the Earth. When she uses Lois Lane's invitation to enter El Caldero, Kara risks an international incident, warfare between the Houses of El and Zod, and being unable to protect the world from Dru-Zod’s master plan in Supergirl #16: Kingdom Of Zod Part 1.

 

Rating 9.7/10

 

To look inside see my preview of Supergirl #16: Kingdom Of Zod Part 1. 

DC x Sonic The Hedgehog 2: The Metal Legion #4 Review

 

DC x Sonic The Hedgehog 2: The Metal Legion #4 Review

Writer: Ian Flynn

Artist: Adam Bryce Thomas

Colorist: Matt Herms

Letterer: Becca Carey

Cover Artist: Pablo M Collar

Variant Cover Artists: Min Ho Kim & Daniele Di Nicuolo

Editors: Michael McCalister & Katie Kubert

Publisher: DC Comics

Price: $3.99 US/$4.99 US (Card Stock)

Issue Length: 32 Pages

Release Date: August 5, 2026

 

Dr Eggman and Lex Luthor controlled two worlds. Yet they couldn't wait to outsmart each other. When Dr Eggman launched the Legion of Doom Headquarters into orbit, Lex and the Legion retreated to Sonic's world. Then, in one of life's little ironies, Lex released the Justice League heroes he had trapped in Null Space to attack Dr Eggman.

 

Dr Eggman may have robot versions of the "Doomers" at his command. But can his Metal Legion withstand the might of two worlds' heroes? And can Lex Luthor retain control of the LEXEGG Gates to hold both worlds to ransom? Let’s leap into DC x Sonic The Hedgehog 2: The Metal Legion #4 and see!

 

Story

After Dr Eggman tried to take over Metropolis, Superman and Knuckles hunger to take him down. Sonic and his friends regularly foil Dr Eggman’s schemes. So, he suggests they take on his metal creations, while the Justice League tackles Dr Eggman. But like Lex Luthor, Dr Eggman is a global threat. And after enhancing his technology with Lex Luthor’s, Dr Eggman proves a formidable foe for Superman and his friends.

 

In DC x Sonic The Hedgehog 2: The Metal Legion #4, the action takes place aboard Dr Eggman’s Doomegg. Yet the situation forces the heroes to think on their feet. Up until now, the friends from two worlds have paired up to meet the challenges they faced. But when the two groups combat Dr Eggman and his Metal versions of the Legion of Doom, they fall back on what has worked for them before.

 

As Sonic’s friends and the Justice League grapple with how to vanquish Dr Eggman and his metal minions, Ian Flynn’s story focuses on what Lex Luthor and Dr Eggman want. Just as they thought they could buy Catwoman and Rouge’s loyalty, the story also highlights how Lex Luthor and Dr Eggman each thought they could gain what they wanted without giving their rival an advantage. But when they struggle to achieve their objectives, the two villains reveal how vicious they can be in DC x Sonic The Hedgehog 2: The Metal Legion #4.

 

Art

Viewed from behind Dr Eggman's armored foot, Superman and Knuckles look insignificant as they hurtle toward him. Adam Bryce Thomas tilts the camera to portray Sonic and his friend defying gravity as they pursue Metal Cold. After Metal Knightfall dominates a page featuring Tails, Knuckles, and Shadow's battles with Dr Eggman, two Justice League heroes attack him on the next. Yet a two-page fish-eye view inside the Doom Egg demonstrates the perils of underestimating Dr Eggman.

 

As Matt Herms adorns the action-packed art in DC x Sonic The Hedgehog 2: The Metal Legion #4 with a vibrant palette, red, blue, green, and yellow dominate scenes. Red and blue adorn heroes and villains, unleashing yellow firepower. Yet green links Dr Eggman and Lex Luthor with John Stewart and Silver as they exert their willpower. Silver links Tails with Cyborg and Wonder Woman as they demonstrate their leadership abilities. Despite her concerns regarding his temperament, dark gray links Batman with Rouge and Shadow, as all three confront a grim reality.  

 

Becca Carey fills balloons and boxes with uppercase black letters. Intonation makes letters bold, while louder voices and laughter make them swell. Words in yellow boxes introduce the story, while white names with yellow outlines and arrows identify metal minions. Sound effects enhance this story about switching tactics to find the winning strategy. Thanks to DC Comics for sharing this story with us.

 

Final Thoughts

The introduction of their LEXEGG system can make Dr Eggman and Lex Luthor the richest people in two worlds. When properly maintained, the gateway system symbolizes cooperation between Earth and Sonic’s world. Yet when the two geniuses refuse to work together, the Justice League discovers why the interlinked dimensional gateways gave Sonic bad vibes in DC x Sonic The Hedgehog 2: The Metal Legion #4.

 

Rating 9.8/10

 

To look inside see my DC x Sonic The Hedgehog 2: TheMetal Legion #4 Preview. 

 

For what happened last time, see my preview of DC X Sonic The Hedgehog: Metal Legion #3.

For what happened before that, see my review of DC X Sonic The Hedgehog: Metal Legion #2.

For how this series started, see my preview of DC x Sonic The Hedgehog 2: The Metal Legion #1. 

 

Action Comics #1100: Game Night Review

 

Action Comics #1100: Game Night Review

Writer: Sophie Campbell

Artist: Dan Mora

Colorist: Tamra Bonvillain

Letterer: Becca Carey

Cover Artist: Ryan Sook

Variant Cover Artists: Mark Spears; David Talaski; Jim Cheung & Jay David Ramos; Rahzzah; Daniel Sampere & Tomeu Morey

Publisher: DC Comics

Price: $5.99 US/$6.99 US Card Stock/$7.99 US Foil

Release Date: July 22, 2026

 

Kara Zor-El has mentored a fellow Kryptonian. She has built a circle of friends in Midvale. Yet Kara has struggled to cope with what she has lost. And she has found it difficult to forgive her friends and move on when they disappointed her.

 

Recently, Kara formed a team of friends with unique abilities to help her carry out a new mission. But is she ready to be a team leader? And after sharing her life with Clark Kent, what does Lois Lane think of Kara's leadership style? Let's leap into Action Comics #1100: Game Night, and see!

 

Story

With the help of Lesla-Lar, Lena Luthor, Conner Kent, and Thundergirl, Supergirl has freed Kandor from Black Flame’s reign of terror. But since Lesla-Lar told her about the Sun Crystal in Caldero, Supergirl has felt obliged to step up in Superman’s absence and represent the House of El on Earth. Still, before they travel to the Kryptonite Kingdom, Kara Zor-El and her friends take a moment to relax and recharge with Jon Kent.

 

Sophie Campbell’s story begins through Lois Lane’s eyes. While overseeing the Daily Planet’s global activity, she urged Jon to follow in his parents’ footsteps. When a younger version of her son appeared, Lois struggled to cope with raising a young superpowered boy without Clark's help. Now, Lois has her teenage son back, and she wants to let him find his own path. Yet just having Jon, Kara, Conner, and Thundergirl over for a relaxing evening stresses Lois out.

 

Game Night shows how much Lois has struggled in Clark's absence. She is strong and resilient. Lois endured a bout with superpowers she didn't want and fought to prevent the destruction of her planet. Yet Kara Zor-El and Lois Lane find that coping with family, even when they are getting along, can be stressful in this third story in Action Comics #1100.

 

Art

When Lois Lane returns after a long day at the Daily Planet, clothing, sporting goods, toys, books, and food litter the floor. Beverages clutter the bar in the kitchen. She kneels in her suit to sponge up the spill, observing the mess around her. Then, Lois finds Jon and his friends in his bedroom, clustered around the flatscreen TV. As her son and his guests play or watch the game, one of the posters on the crowded walls suggests inspiration for Jon’s recent secret identity.

 

As Dan Mora portrays Lois amid her family, Tamra Bonvillain adorns Action Comics #1100: Game Night with vibrant colors. Despite Clark's absence, Lois Lane's green suit hints at her determination to carry on. Her attire also links her with Thundergirl, who could prove more amenable to her guidance than Jon. Orange and yellow herald confrontations, while red signals rage amid another Game Night that could end in a deadly contest.

 

As black uppercase letters fill dialogue balloons, Becca Carey's dots and clouds reveal Lois' thoughts. The letters grow bold for intonation and change color amid tense situations. A besieged combatant speaks into cloudy dialogue balloons amid angry cries as the action heats up in Action Comics #1100: Game Night. Thanks to DC Comics for sharing this story with us.

 

Final Thoughts

As Master Txyz told Jon Kent recently, Superman shines so brightly that he puts the other members of the Super-family in the shade. The Justice League recognizes his importance, and Booster Gold is determined to find his friend. While Superman is absent, Kara Zor-El has a chance to shine. But to demonstrate her ability to lead the House of El, Supergirl must earn her teammates' respect and achieve a significant accomplishment before her cousin returns to reclaim the spotlight in Action Comics #1100: Game Night.

 

Rating 9.6/10

 

For Booster Gold's search for his friend, see my review of Action Comics #1100: Superman Meets Superboy. 

 

For Superboy's battle with Epoch, see my review of Action Comics #1100: Mission Failure. 

 

For Kara and Lesla's battle to free Kandor, see my review of Supergirl #15. 

 

For Lois Lane's struggles in Clark's absence, see my review of Superman Unlimited #15. 

Absolute Superman #21 Review

 

Absolute Superman #21 Review

Writer: Jason Aaron

Artist: Rafa Sandoval

Breakdowns: Zander Cannon

Colorist: Ulises Arreola

Letterer: Becca Carey

Cover Artist: Rafa Sandoval & Ulises Arreola

Variant Cover Artists: Jerome Opeña, Gabriel Hernández Walta & Marguerite Sauvage

Editors: Ash Padilla & Chris Conroy

Publisher: DC Comics

Price: $4.99/$5.99 Card Stock

Release Date: July 22, 2026

 

They battled across the planet. Hawkman defied Talia al Ghul to fight alongside Superman. John Henry proved he deserved a better life than working in a slaughterhouse. Yet as King Shazam unleashed storms and natural disasters, Superman simultaneously protected people from the once and (perhaps) future king's fury.

 

As Ra's al Ghul knew, King Shazam refused to listen to reason. But will Superman? Or will Kal-El take Hawkman and John Henry's advice and kill King Shazam? Let's leap into Absolute Superman #21 and see!

 

Story

After Superman took Hawkman’s mace and John Henry’s hammer, and hurled Teth-Adam to the moon, the story returns to those tense moments before Teth-Adam returned to the shuttered Lazarus Corp building. Kal-El called Lois Lane and Jimmy Olsen to warn them that they would arrive soon. Their friend realizes he must step up his attacks like never before. But in case he doesn't survive this final battle, Kal-El gives Lois and Jimmy a final request.

 

While the primary battle takes place on the moon, Absolute Superman #21 weaves Lois, Jimmy, and Talia al Ghul’s battle into the narrative. Amid all the fighting, it also shows how far Hawkman has come. Yet these are battles between people who have lost everything. Like Kal-El, even if they survive this conflict, they must chart a path to their new normal.

 

In Jason Aaron’s story, Teth-Adam and Kal-El have much in common. Both lost their parents and their worlds. Yet while the young boy sought to protect his people, Kal-El used his powers to help and protect strangers.

 

Perhaps Teth-Adam has suffered more than Kal-El. He was tantalized with the power to protect people from aggressors. As King Shazam, he transformed his world. Then, he endured the trauma of 3,000 years of imprisonment. He may have killed Ra's al Ghul. Yet, Teth-Adam also believes that safety can only be achieved through strength. But in Absolute Superman #21, Kal-El cannot accept that holding power over anyone will ever lead to peace.

 

Art

The twisted metal framework of the damaged building frames Lois standing on the shattered floor. Immobilized, Talia sits and watches. Jimmy charges down a flight of stairs as he implores Kal-El to save himself. Yet in space, Kal-El holds a hammer and mace. A storm of energy swirls around him, obscuring his features as it transforms his appearance.

 

Aided by Zander Cannon’s breakdowns, Rafa Sandoval stretches the action across pages as Kal-El's armor covers him with spikes. The thorned warrior glows amid the energy storm. Yet Teth-Adam’s features also change. Freed from the Father Box, Teth-Adam has grown younger. But while battling to build his perfect world, cracks race across his skin as he and Kal pound regolith into rubble.

 

Ulises Arreola frames the first page in orange as the red dust of Krypton merges with yellow energy. Lois bears orange on her shoulder, while indigo and green surround Jimmy. The green links Jimmy with Talia, as they once fought together in the Omega Men. Orangish red and yellow rage on the moon as the combatants’ hands and feet glow, and the symbols they wear with pride burn in their chests. Yet the blue void surrounding the fighters darkens, until a storm of power swirls amid Kal-El’s darkest night in Absolute Superman #21.

 

Becca Carey fills white dialogue balloons with black uppercase text. The letters shrink for lowered voices and grow bold for intonation. Rage-fueled yells swell letters and deform balloons. Two characters speak into black fields, while large white letters indicate time and location. Yet Lois’ narrative fills beige boxes, guiding readers through the tragic events. Vibrant sound effects enhance the battle of two supermen wielding weapons fit for the gods as they shake the heavens. Thanks to DC Comics for sharing this story with us.

 

Final Thoughts

Like Sol, Kal-El’s fallen friend, most people believe that the Earth is hopelessly flawed. Perhaps if they had the power, they could make it more balanced. Yet Kal-El saw the Klerics of the Science League destroy Krypton by rigidly controlling every aspect of their world. So, as he strives to protect his adoptive planet, Kal-El fights not to install a perfect system, but to protect imperfect people in Absolute Superman #21.

 

Rating 9.8/10

 

To look inside see my preview of Absolute Superman #21. 

 

For what happened last time, see my preview of Absolute Superman #20.

For what happened before that, see my review of Absolute Superman #19. 

For what happened even before that, see my preview of Absolute Superman #18.  

For more on Hawkman, see my previews of Absolute Superman #16 & Absolute Evil #1. 

 

Supergirl #15 Review

 

Supergirl #15 Review

Writer, Artist & Cover Artist: Sophie Campbell

Colorist: Tamra Bonvillain

Letterer: Becca Carey

Variant Cover Artists: Rahzzah, Karl Kerschl & Kris Anka

Swimsuit Variant Cover Artist: Ariel Diaz

Editors: Jillian Grant & Brittany Holzherr

Publisher: DC Comics

Price: $3.99/$4.99 Card Stock

Release Date: July 8, 2026

 

When Zora Vi-Lar, aka Black Flame, went on the warpath, Kara Zor-El risked everything to warn Lesla-Lar. And when Kara didn't return from the miniature city of Kandor, Conner Kent and Lena Luthor ventured inside without knowing if they could escape. While Zora gave Conner a beating, Lena and Lesla helped Kara reclaim her Supergirl status. And even if Zora gave Lena her freeze breath, Lesla became Luminary once again.

 

Can Kara and Lesla free Kandor from Zora's tyranny? And can Kara and her friends breathe life into the recently rediscovered Argo City? Let’s leap into Supergirl #15 and see!

 

Story

Finding her miniaturized home city inside Kandor should have been a dream come true for Kara Zor-El. Yet its inhabitants were long dead, and the city lay in ruins. Still, Lesla-Lar led Kara to a chamber where she learned that a Sun Crystal existed on Earth. But before she can reclaim this aspect of her Kryptonian heritage, Kara must quell Zora’s rebellion in Kandor. By using Thundergirl’s solar reservoir, Lesla has become Luminary again. But Zora still wears the Yellow Ring of Kandor. And in her anger, the Black Flame seems intent on incinerating everyone and everything.

 

Lena Luthor remains frozen in place. But in Supergirl #15, Kara leads Conner Kent, Thundergirl, and Lesla-Lar in a battle to save Kandor. While each member of her team demonstrates their strengths, Kara soon realizes that she must tackle Zora alone. Like Lesla, Zora disagreed with the Science Council’s leadership. But while Lesla poured her energies into scientific invention, Zora embraced anarchy. Kara recognizes that Zora has let her anger at the Science Council's rule consume her. So, she lures Zora away from the others to give the Black Flame the power she craves.

 

While Sophie Campbell’s story focuses on Kara and Zora’s battle for power, it also reveals the result of the Science Council’s repression. Bry-zan and Lesla-Lar’s parents sought to preserve their Kryptonian heritage. But they used their political power to prevent their society from evolving. With their miniaturized city in rubble, the people of Kandor must decide what their future will look like. And as Kara contemplates her own future, she wants to help Kandor rebuild. But first, she must prevent Zora from destroying the last vestiges of Kryptonian society in Supergirl #15.

 

Art

As Supergirl and Luminary battle the Black Flame in the cracked and crumbling chamber, Zora lashes out at Superboy as he struggles to rise behind his frozen friend. When Thundergirl finds her voice, Zora trails smoke as she flees Argo, while sunlight streams around Supergirl and her friends as they pursue her. The fibers Rust excretes from its Super-Substance body cover the wrecked buildings of Kandor. As Zora uses her heat vision to incinerate Lesla’s solar reservoir, Kara falls, trailing yellow smoke from the device that allowed her to fly.

 

As Sophie Campbell portrays Kara Zor-El’s fast-paced defense of Kandor and her friends, Tamra Bonvillain adorns Supergirl #15 with an appealing palette. Inside the bottle city, Rust's orange Super-Substance strung between the broken buildings evoked the majesty of desert hoodoos. Yet from inside the Fortress of Solitude, the strands of orange filling the bottle reveal the depths of Zora’s avarice. While Lesla and Bry-Zan both wear indigo, they disagree on how to best care for their fellow citizens. Despite their green attire, Thundergirl and Lesla’s parents seem unsure how to move forward. Still, although broken, the sapphire city remains a home that the Kandorians love. Still, the yellow on Supergirl's new uniform echoes the air inside Kandor, while the blue links with Earth's atmosphere.

 

Becca Carey fills white dialogue balloons with black uppercase letters that grow bold for intonation and shrink for lowered voices. Zora’s balloons deform as she lashes out at everyone around her. Sound effects enhance the high-flying battle, while text in black balloons recalls a villain who threatened Midvale. Zora may have stripped Thundergirl of her solar reservoir. Still, Thundergirl surprises herself when she summons blue letters that help her become the hero her city needs. Thanks to DC Comics for sharing this story with us.

 

Final Thoughts

Kara Zor-El didn’t think she could mentor Lesla-Lar. When Lesla had to return to Kandor, Kara thought she had failed her. Disappointments and betrayals may have marred Kara and Lesla’s relationship. But when it really matters, Lesla inspires Kara to forge a new future and helps her fight for others in Supergirl #15.

 

Rating 9.6/10

 

To look inside see my preview of Supergirl #15. 

 

For what happened last time see my review of Supergirl #14.

For what happened before that, see my preview of Supergirl #13.

For how Kara became a cyborg, see my review of Supergirl #12.

For how this story arc started, see my preview of Supergirl #11. 

 

 

Summer of Supergirl Special #1 Review

 

Summer of Supergirl Special #1 Review

Writers: Sophie Campbell, Gail Simone & Mark Waid

Artists: Belén Ortega & Cian Tormey

Penciller: Emma Kubert

Inker: Sandra Hope

Colorists: Tríona Farrell, Trish Mulvihill & Alex Guimarāes

Letterers: Becca Carey, Ariana Maher & Steve Wands

Cover Artist: Belén Ortega

Variant Cover Artists: Pablo Villalobos & Tula Lotay

Supergirl Movie Variant Cover Artist: Mahmud Asrar with Mike Spicer

Editors: Jillian Grant & Brittany Holzherr

Publisher: DC Comics

Price: $5.99 US/Variant $6.99 US (cardstock)

Release Date: June 24, 2026

 

When the weather turned cold amid the holidays, Kara Zor-El started to feel down. How could Kara enjoy time with her new family and friends when all the people she knew in Argo City are dead? Yet, life has its rhythms. And even though Kara has taken a few beatings, when trouble shook the miniaturized Kryptonian city of Kandor, she arrived to save the day.

 

After Lesla-Lar offered Kara a means of regaining what she lost in Kandor, Kara also discovered something that could give her more power than before. But when she interrupts Lobo during his first job following his self-imposed isolation on Azzplaque Major, Supergirl's fate seems to intertwine with the newly reinstated bounty hunter. Will they frag each other into extinction? Or will Supergirl, Lobo, Krypto, and Dawg team up for an extraordinary mission together? Let’s leap into Summer of Supergirl Special #1 and see!

 

Main Man’s Best Friend: Story

After sitting in a jail cell, Lobo, Kara, Krypto, and Dawg attend a hearing. As they face the judge, Lobo pleads innocence, while Kara Zor-El contends they are both guilty.

 

When fate separates them, Dawg returns to Midvale with Kara and Krypto in Summer of Supergirl Special #1. Lobo’s best friend even helps as Kara uses her powers to aid others. But Dawg misses his master. And unlike Lobo, he doesn’t understand the reasons for their separation.

 

As Sophie Campbell examines the bond between a pet and its owner, she also illustrates how Kara’s attitude influences the people around her. Lobo remains the petulant child who didn't want to conform to rules on Czarnia. Yet a little love can go a long way in encouraging good behavior, turning enemies into friends, and helping make the world a better place.

 

Main Man’s Best Friend: Art

As a judge sits beneath an enormous seal, Lobo raises his chain-wrapped forearm. Beside him, Kara smiles at Lobo’s antics. As Kara’s counsel hovers before the judge, his dispassionate discourse infuriates Lobo. Yet as Krypto, Dawg, and Leegra follow Kara’s lead, Lobo’s counsel slumps and supports his head on the table.

 

As Tríona Farrell adorns Belén Ortega’s cheery art with a bright palette, blue creeps into the green courtroom as Kara makes her case. Red tinges Lobo’s retelling of events, and the evening sky on Plinko Astra. Yet as Crush’s red attire seems linked with her father’s antics, stars twinkle in the violet air when she meets Leegra in Summer of Supergirl Special #1.

 

Becca Carey fills white dialogue balloons with black uppercase letters, while Kara’s thoughts fill white clouds. White offscreen dialogue appears in colored boxes. Sound effects accompany more property damage than the night of Clarissa Giltedge’s No Beer New Year party, while enlarged yellow letters help Kara appeal to Lobo’s deeply buried good side.

 

Lost Girls: Story

Taking an exercise break is a great way to relieve stress. But when Brad uses the company mascot to make a statement, Supergirl worries that it will hurt others. Yet instead of getting a good workout, Kara discovers she may have bitten off more than she can chew. When another hero arrives to help, Supergirl still wants to blow off steam. But by sharing her struggles with a like-minded person, Kara’s tension lessens, helping her reconcile with her painful past and look toward the future in Gail Simone’s story.

 

Lost Girls: Art

When a futuristic female robot tears through a concrete wall and a chicken-wire fence, guards brace to fire, while a fireman warns people of danger. As they gaze through a window, Brad’s coworkers look concerned and aghast, while his expression makes an unintended comparison with a supervillain. After Supergirl’s face reflects off the robot’s smooth metal face, Emma Kubert and Sandra Hope combine a tilted silhouette scene with a close-up of the robot’s attack.

 

When the gold robot induces fear, the guards respond with yellow-and-orange gunfire. While the red in her costume links Supergirl with the emergency responders, her gold belt suggests empathy for the robot’s plight. As Trish Mulvihill adorns this ten-page story in vibrant colors, Supergirl shares two colors of her costume with the hero who comes to her aid.

 

As Ariana Maher fills white balloons with black uppercase letters, the robot speaks in a machine font. Small black letters in a yellow banner locate the reader in time and space. Kara begins her tale by sharing her white thoughts in blue boxes. But her narration gradually disappears as Kara interacts with the similarly minded hero.

 

Who Is Supergirl: Story

Having regained a physical form, Red Tornado’s consciousness no longer inhabits the Justice League Watchtower’s computer systems. So, when he needs to recheck the data in the personnel files, Red Tornado asks Conner Kent to review the Super-Family archives. In Mark Waid’s story, Jon Kent finds Steel helping Conner with his assignment. Yet while both belong to the Super-Family, they are puzzled by contrasting entries. Jon may enjoy teasing Conner about living in the past. Yet as he recognizes Conner and Steel's concerns, Jon realizes he can help them understand Kara's place in the Super-Family.

 

Who is Supergirl: Art

As Jon enters the immense room, Kara's numerous costume changes fill a wall monitor in Summer of Supergirl Special #1. A white-and-indigo hologram showcases her origins, while a color photo displays Kara's arrival on Earth. Alex Guimarāes adorns Kara’s early choices with yellow, orange, and brown. But as Kara takes on more color, Cian Tormey’s blue line drawing of all the people who helped Kara appears behind her. 

 

Steve Wands introduces characters and the location with black uppercase letters in yellow boxes. Black uppercase dialogue fills white balloons as they debate Kara’s position in the Super-Family. Offscreen dialogue in white and colored boxes helps the trio realize the breadth and depth of Kara’s contributions to the people around her. Thanks to DC Comics for sharing this story with us.

 

Final Thoughts

Kara Zor-El may always feel like an outsider. Yet her vibrant spirit and positivity help her make friends wherever she goes. Lesla-Lar’s memory lingers as Kara protects Midvale while advocating criminal reform. And as friends bond over similar interests, histories, and food, Superman's son helps encapsulate Kara's rich history in Summer of Supergirl Special #1.

 

Rating 9.7/10

 

To look inside see my preview of Summer of Supergirl Special #1.

 

For how Lesla-Lar offers to help Supergirl power-up, see my review of Supergirl #14.

For Supergirl's encounter with Lobo, see my preview of Lobo #4. 

For Clarissa's No Beer New Year party, see my review of Supergirl #9. 

For the latest entry in DC's Elseworlds Universe, see my review of Supergirl: Survive #1. 

 

End Of Life #5 Review

 

End Of Life #5 Review

Writer: Kyle Starks

Artist: Steve Pugh

Colorist: Chris O’Halloran

Letterer & Designer: Becca Carey

Cover Artist: Gerald Parel

Variant Cover Artist: Matt Taylor

Editors: Matthew Levine & Chris Conroy

Publisher: DC Comics

Price: $3.99 US/Variant $4.99 US (cardstock)

Release Date: June 17, 2026

 

Richard Smiley hasn't had much reason to smile lately. After losing his status as a national treasure and the income from his Wrong Dog theme park, the cartoonist forms a gang to terrorize his hometown. Then, into Pluto walks Eddie Stallion. And when he protects Leona and her son Trent from Richard's thugs, Eddie gains two friends for life.

 

Unfortunately, Eddie's received a death sentence from his former employer. After he helped the Murder Brothers raid the Raven's home, all the Menagerie's hired killers are gunning for him. Can Eddie evade the masked murderers long enough to rescue Trent from Richard Smiley? And after the Menagerie's top tracker visits George Stallion's home, does Sophie, Eddie's ex-girlfriend and a hospice nurse, need to visit Eddie's father in the future? Let's grab a gun and a mask, leap into End Of Life #5, and see!

 

Story

Eddie’s life used to make sense. But now, nothing adds up. He can’t adjust to small-town life. Nor is Eddie used to rescuing people or tracking them down. When Leona demands that he find Trent and bring him back to her, Eddie declaims any responsibility for Leona’s woes. So, Leona reminds him why she won’t let her son play in the woods anymore. And with the corpse of the Menagerie’s latest arrival near the gas pumps outside her minimarket, the police are only one phone call away. If Eddie hasn’t returned her son by the time they arrive, she may suggest the cops take a tour through the surrounding woods.

 

Without a handler to handle the details, Leona puts Eddie in a pressure cooker in End Of Life #5. The clock is ticking until the police descend on Pluto and create enough radio traffic to let everyone in the Menagerie know his whereabouts. Eddie realizes he must cobble together a game plan fast. He may not be a Menagerie tracker like Drahthaar. But even if he didn’t want to be there and tried not to get involved in people’s lives, Eddie listened to them and discovered their interests.

 

As Eddie gathers information, formulates his strategy, and launches into action, Richard Smiley also struggles to think on his feet. Like Eddie, he thought money could solve all his problems. As he rose to prominence, Richard believed his success would last forever. He may not have raided a Menagerie boss’s mansion. But after he lost his career through his poor choices, Richard realizes he’s made another one in Kyle Starks’ story. 

 

He abducted Trent in the heat of the moment. Now, the cartoonist doesn’t know what to do with the boy. As both men scramble to make the best out of a bad situation, Eddie Stallion and Richard Smiley both stand to lose in End Of Life #5.

 

Art

While Leona lashes out at Eddie, Kodiak’s corpse lies between them as Richard Smiley’s signature creation looms in the background. When she responds to his question with shock, Eddie’s jaw drops as realization strikes. As she demands he act, Eddie rubs his styled hair and looks away. Steve Pugh shows the SUV leap over a rise like a Rally car. While Rico urges calm, his boss has a meltdown. But Trent, who longs to tap on trees with sticks, gazes around and enjoys the ride.

 

As Chris O’Halloran lavishes bright colors on End Of Life #5, Leona’s green blouse links with Richard Smiley’s sweater as both people grow determined to resolve the situation. While Rico drives the indigo SUV, he urges Richard to let Trent go. Like another person who wears a blue shirt, Trent ignores their conflict and looks forward to what the next minute will bring. A person wearing an orange shirt misses the good old days when she had more than she has today, while a yellow map reminds Eddie that little time remains before the worst occurs. He may be angry that everyone blames him for the situation. Yet as violet fills the sky, Eddie races to save the day in his red suit and sneakers.

 

Becca Carey fills white dialogue balloons with black, uppercase letters. The words grow bold for intonation and shrink for whispers. Fear swells words while shock turns them red. Metallic clicks signal danger, while booms signal that death has arrived in Pluto. Thanks to DC Comics for sharing this story with us.

 

Final Thoughts

After his mother left, Eddie Stallion never got along with his father. Growing up, he felt fatally flawed. Becoming a Menagerie killer helped Eddie develop a sense of self-worth. But after mastering his job skills and living the high life, Eddie discovers that his father invested his earnings much more wisely. Sadly, it may be too late for this Wrong Dog to learn new tricks in End Of Life #5.

 

Rating 9.6/10

 

To look inside see my preview of End Of Life #5. 

 

For what happened last time, see my preview of End Of Life #4.

For what happened before that, see my review of End Of Life #3.

For how this series began, see my review of End Of Life #1. 

 

Supergirl #14 Review

 

Supergirl #14 Review

Writer, Artist & Cover Artist: Sophie Campbell

Colorist: Tamra Bonvillain

Letterer: Becca Carey

Variant Cover Artists: Terry Dodson & Rachel Dodson; Bruno Redondo; Chrissie Zullo-Uminga

Supergirl Movie Variant Cover Artist: Jim Lee

Editors: Jillian Grant & Brittany Holzherr

Publisher: DC Comics

Price: $3.99/$4.99 Card Stock

Release Date: June 10, 2026

 

Dr Kim-Da turned Kara Zor-El into a cyborg. The Science Council grew Team Thunder in the lab to kill Zora Vi-Lar and Lesla-Lar. Yet in her wanton attack on the Science Council bunker, Zora unleashes destruction that threatens her followers. While Zora attacks Team Thunder, Kara Zor-El rescues the Black Flame’s supporters. Then, realizing that she cannot defeat Zora, Kara goes to warn Lesla-Lar that the Science Council, including her parents Lan-Lar and Lora-Lar, has signed her death sentence.

 

Lesla-Lar admits Zora is using her to achieve her own ends. And Kara's willingness to forgive Lesla's betrayals wins Lesla-Lar over. So, when Lesla agrees to help Kara, she reveals something that means nothing to Zora, but could mean everything to Kara. But is there time for Kara Zor-El and Lesla-Lar to save Kandor from destruction? And after Zora also sent her plummeting to her death, will Lena Luthor share Kara's fate? Let’s leap into Supergirl #14 and see!

 

Story

Kara Zor-El never belonged on Earth. And when she arrived to protect Kal-El, only to find he had grown up, she lacked a purpose. But worse by far was the destruction of Argo City. Despite all her accomplishments on Earth, Kara could never forget all the people she loved who had died.

 

In Supergirl #14, Lesla-Lar reveals that Argo City still survives as a miniaturized city. As Lesla transports her inside, Kara realizes that everyone she knew and loved during her childhood is still dead. And like her broken and violated body, Argo City lies in ruins.

 

While Kara battles despair, Lesla-Lar encourages her. And although Kara may not realize it, Conner Kent and Lena Luthor have risked their lives to help her. After battling seasonal depression, when Lesla and Lena conspired to ruin Clarissa’s No Beer New Year Party, Kara couldn’t deal with their betrayal. But even after she cut them out of her life, when Kara faces her blackest night, Lesla and Lena still strive to help her in Supergirl #14.

 

Art

As the Super-Substance Science Scouts gaze down with concern, Rust looks the most horrific. Yet Lena awakens upon a netting of fibrous metaplasm extruded from Rust’s body. When Sophie Campbell switches the action from Kandor to Argo City, Kara and Lesla walk along a flooded street. With her unreliable cyborg implants, Kara may regard the empty city as a shadow of its former self. Yet the surviving architecture conveys the former grandeur of Kara's home.

 

While Tamra Bonvillain lavishes a vibrant palette on Supergirl #14, orange links Rust with Lena’s jacket. As long spikes sprout from Cut’s body, the Scout’s blue skin connects it with Argo's towers. Melt's violet skin links the Super-Substance Science Scout with its creator's clothes. Yet it also connects the Scout with Zora's hair and the costume of the hero created in Dr Kim-Da’s lab to kill Zora and Lesla. Still, yellow binds Lesla's most lively creation with an object that could herald Kara's brightest day.

 

Becca Carey fills white dialogue balloons with black uppercase letters that grow bold for intonation and shrink for lowered voices. Kara's thoughts fill white clouds, while sound effects enhance the battle for the future of two Kryptonian cities. Thanks to DC Comics for sharing this story with us.

 

Final Thoughts

No civilization is perfect. And as Lesla-Lar transports Kara Zor-El to her long-lost hometown, she reveals another example of the Science Council’s injustices. Yet as a younger generation fights for reform, some embody responsible change, while others protest for less noble motives in Supergirl #14.

 

Rating 9.8/10

 

To look inside, see my preview of Supergirl #14.

 

For what happened last time, see my preview of Supergirl #13.

 

For how Kara became a cyborg, see my review of Supergirl #12.

 

For how this story arc started, see my preview of Supergirl #11. 

 

For Lesla-Lar and Lena Luthor's betrayal at Clarissa's New Year's Party, see my review of Supergirl #9.