Friday, July 3, 2026

Remembering Katharine Trowbridge (Carroll)


 

 

Here's an announcement from our friends at Titan:

 

 

Titan Publishing Group's 

Katharine Trowbridge (Carroll)

dies at 68

 

 

Katharine Trowbridge (known professionally as Katharine T. Carroll), US Publicity Director for Titan Publishing Group, died Sunday, June 28. She was 68.


Trowbridge, who worked with Titan Publishing Group across Titan Books, Titan Comics, and Hard Case Crime for nearly two decades, was a force of nature at the helm of the company’s publicity in the US, bringing a career of media expertise to her work across a changing landscape, while championing authors with support and guidance. She was dearly beloved by her colleagues within Titan and around the world.


Trowbridge began her publicity career with Time Inc. in 1980, spending a decade working across campaigns with Time, Life, People, Entertainment Weekly and more, before launching her own publicity consultation company - KTCommunications - in 1990, where she worked with a range of magazines, authors, and publishing companies.


She began working with Titan Publishing as the US Publicity Director in 2008 and was instrumental to the company’s significant growth and presence throughout the US over the last 18 years, working closely with the Hard Case Crime imprint after it was acquired in 2011. She was the native New Yorker heart of Titan Entertainment’s New York Comic Con booth over the years and brought her warm, lively personality to interactions with countless fans and readers.


In recent years, Trowbridge spearheaded new investments in touring authors around the US and was fundamental in connecting US journalists and booksellers with key Titan successes such as Dreadful by Caitlin Rozakis - Titan’s first-ever US original fiction title to hit the New York Times bestseller list.


“We are devastated by the loss of Katharine,” said Titan Entertainment Group co-owners Nick Landau and Vivian Cheung. “She had the warmest of personalities and cared deeply for all her authors as well as her colleagues on both sides of the Atlantic. She glowed whenever she discussed any aspect of publishing and had a phenomenal knowledge of all facets of publishing. Her contribution to Titan enabled us to grow far faster in the US than we ever thought possible. We will miss her dearly.”


Titan Books Editorial Director Laura Price added, “Katharine was an absolute delight. A consummate professional, she coupled charm and grace with an infectious sense of humour. She will be missed terribly.”


Trowbridge is survived by her three children, Sarah, Emily, and James Carroll; her two grandchildren, Madelyn and Rowan Moore; her mother, Marty Trowbridge; and her two siblings, Stephen and Mary Trowbridge.

 

Condolences to Katherine's relatives, friends, the Titan family, and everyone whose lives she touched in the comic community. 

 

Green Lantern Corps #18 Preview

 


Everyone had their expectations of Guy Gardner. And it didn't help that they worshiped him as the Allsight. So when the Manhunters devastated his team, abducted Aya's body, and used her improved design to stage a takeover of the emotional spectrum, Guy felt like it was all his fault. Reeling emotionally, and struggling to respond to the crisis, his life went sideways as he fell into a black hole. But instead of finding all the matter gravity would suck inside, instead Guy Gardner confronted himself. 

Now he's back on Oa. Time has rewound. Can the Green Lantern Corps prevent Oa's sun from going supernova? And will Guy Gardner demonstrate the qualities that drew the emotional entities to him in the first place?

Here's all the info from DC Connect: 

 

Green Lantern Corps #18 Preview

Writer: Morgan Hampton

Artist & Cover Artist: Fernando Pasarín & Oclair Albert

Variant Cover Artists: Jorge Fornés & Rian Gonzales

Publisher: DC Comics

Issue Length: 32 Pages

Price: $3.99 US/Variant $4.99 US (card stock)

Release Date: July 8, 2026

 

 

The Manhunters Attack!

 

 

Powered up from his time in the Emotional Expanse, Guy Gardner and leaders from the other Corps work to fast-track Corps Leader Jessica Cruz’s plan to unify all emotion as the rest of the Lanterns hold off an armada of super-advanced Manhunters in Aya bodies on their way to Oa!

 

 

Now, let's take a look inside:

 

 

 


 

 




Thanks to DC Comics for sharing this preview with us.

 

For what happened last time, see my preview of Green Lantern Corps #17

For what happened before that, see my review of Green Lantern Corps #16. 

 

JSA #21 Review

 


JSA #21 Review

Writer: Jeff Lemire

Artist: Diego Olortegui

Colorists: Luis Guerrero

Letterer: Steve Wands

Cover Artist: Pete Woods

Variant Cover Artists: Matt Taylor

Editors: Marquis Draper, Andrew Marino & Katie Kubert

Publisher: DC Comics

Price: $3.99/$4.99 Card Stock

Release Date: July 1, 2026

 

As Alan Scott readily admits, everyone has done wrong. Yet condemnation must always be mixed with compassion to achieve justice in any society. In Jim Corrigan, the Spectre found a Human host who could protect people while tempering its outrage at their misdeeds. But after Darkseid attacked the Spectre, the embodiment of God's wrath seeks to punish everyone as it searches for a new Human host.

 

As the JSA combats the Spectre in New York City, Dr Fate, Stargirl, Jakeem Thunder, and Kid Eternity search for Jim Corrigan. Can they find the police officer who served society so ably in the past? And how many people will the Spectre punish before it finds a permanent host? Let’s leap into JSA #21 and see!

 

Story

In their search for answers, Dr Fate led his teammates to a swamp, where they found the House of Mystery. While they didn't learn Jim Corrigan's whereabouts, Kid Eternity reclaimed a fragment of her missing past. But like her life before she freed Hawkman from Hell, someone or something shields Jim Corrigan's presence from the most perceptive eyes.

 

Despite not achieving their objective in the house that Dream built, Dr Fate and his teammates receive aid from an unexpected source. Metron offers to lead them in their search. But instead of transporting them to Jim Corrigan’s current residence, Metron reveals the origins of the Spectre in JSA #21.

 

As Metron transports the search party on a journey through time, Jeff Lemire weaves contemporary events in New York City into his story. While Alan Scott, Jay Garrick, and the team attempt to forestall the Spectre’s judgment of New York, each demonstrates their willingness to sacrifice for their friends. Their acceptance of the situation contrasts with Dr Fate, Kid Eternity, Stargirl, and Jakeem Thunder, who bristle at the need to understand the Spectre's history before they can find Jim Corrigan. Yet in their desire to secure someone else to resolve the crisis, neither the young heroes nor their mentors considers whether Jim wants them to find him in JSA #21.

 

Art

As a bundle of white energy spins at a furious pace, the atom resolves into an angel plummeting through darkness. Feathers fall from Aztar’s wings as Metron and the young heroes watch. Diego Olortegui reveals the events that forged Aztar’s character across two pages. Two additional two-page spreads showcase the battle that severed Aztar from his Human host. A splash page reveals heroes working together to dispel the darkest nights. Yet as Metron and the kids hover in space, Aztar reveals the magnitude of his power by holding the Earth in his hand.

 

As Luis Guerrero lavishes a bright palette on JSA #21, yellow light reveals Alan Scott and Jade’s concern for Obsidian. Darkseid’s burning red eyes showcase his determination to control all of reality. Metron, riding in his glowing blue chair, offers the searchers hope of finding Jim Corrigan. Yet after losing his wings, glimpses of green Aztar throughout time demonstrate his willingness to fulfill his God's wishes.

 

While Steve Wands places black uppercase words in white balloons, yellow borders Dr Fate's dialogue. The Spectre’s words fill green balloons with serrated edges, while Darkseid’s red conversation fills black balloons. As Metron’s off-camera dialogue fills white boxes, words in green boxes reveal the Spectre’s locations. But while the letters grow bold with intonation and swell for volume, Jim Corrigan's location proves more elusive. Thanks to DC Comics for sharing this story with us.

 

Final Thoughts

When Aztar chose ambition over peace, he turned against his creator. Since then, the angel's spirit has known pain as he carried out his purpose. When Jim Corrigan linked with the Spectre, he likewise knew pain as he carried out his purpose. Now that they’ve separated, Jim Corrigan can finally know peace. But for the former police officer to rest in God's peace, someone else must accept his life of duty and pain. And as the embodiment of God's wrath searches for a new host, it seeks a young hero filled with ambition in JSA #21.

 

Rating 9.6/10 

 

To look inside see my preview of JSA #21.

 

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

For what happened before that, see my review of JSA #19

For how the Spectre helped Jay Garrick and Alan Scott in 1940, see my review of JSA #18

For Darkseid's attack on the Spectre, see my preview of DC All In Special #1

 

 

 


Thursday, July 2, 2026

Marvel's Venom: The First 40 Years Preview

 


If anyone didn't know Venom before his recent movie trilogy, they do now. But the alien symbiote first arrived on the big screen in 2007's Spider-Man 3. Sam Raimi's film took its cues from Marvel Comics history, in which Peter Parker first dons the symbiote suit. But that's far from the full story.

Before it had a consciousness, "Venom" was Marvel's attempt to upgrade Peter Parker's costume. It was just one change among many as the bullpen planned what would become one of the most iconic crossovers in Marvel history. Who conceived Peter Parker's new look? And how did Spider-Man's black suit become the Venom we know, love, and fear today?

Here's all the info from Titan Comics: 

 

 

MARVEL’S VENOM: THE FIRST 40 YEARS

Writer: Natalie Club

Editors: Jonathan Wilkins, Jake Devine, David Leach, Phoebe Hedges, Louis Yamani, Ibraheem Kazi & Holly Smith

Designers: Dan Bura, David Colderly & Matt Bookman 

Publisher: Titan Comics

Hardcover Price: $24.99

Book Length: 128 Pages (Full Color)

Release Date: July 1, 2026

 

 

Villain or Anti-hero?

A fusion of Man and Alien Parasite

As Unpredictable as he is Dangerous

 

 

This DELUXE BOOK explores the comic book history of Venom, from his origins as a foe in the Spider-Man comic book to his greatest battles, deadliest enemies, and his unlikeliest allies. Lavishly illustrated with stunning art, this tribute to one of Marvel’s most iconic characters also includes profiles of the talented creators behind Marvel’s deadliest anti-heroes’ ongoing adventures.

 

 

Now, let's take a look inside:

 

 

 


 








Thanks to Titan Comics for sharing this preview with us.

Batman/Green Arrow/The Question: Arcadia #4 Review

 


Batman/Green Arrow/The Question: Arcadia #4 Review

Writer: Gabriel Hardman

Artist & Cover Artist: Gabriel Hardman

Colorist: Romulo Fajardo Jr

Letterer: Simon Bowland

Variant Cover Artist: Tonci Zonjic

Publisher: DC Comics

Price: $5.99 US (All Covers Card Stock)

Release Date: July 1, 2026

 

Bruce Wayne never confused Emil Rotha with the good guys. Still, he wanted to believe that the new owner of Queen Industries could help Humanity survive global warming. But when Captain Billings and his soldiers start killing his exploited workforce, Bruce fights alongside Green Arrow and the Question to help the captured migrants escape.

 

The Question came to the Arctic to find redemption. Green Arrow wanted to discover what Emil Rotha was doing at Queen Industries. Batman agreed to help Emil Rotha because he didn’t want Gotham to become a submerged city. But now, all their lives are on the line. Can the trio help the indentured servants escape from this remote part of the world? Or will Batman, Green Arrow, and the Question lose sight of what's important amid the whiteout conditions? Let’s leap into Batman/Green Arrow/The Question: Arcadia #4 and see!

 

Story

After the explosion at the construction site, Emil Rotha thinks his workers are out to get him. So, until his people uncover who was culpable, he tells Captain Billings to judge everyone guilty until proven innocent. The Question and Green Arrow tried to get a third of the workers off Alk. But after the Rotha’s private army shot them down, they set fire to the wrecked C-130.

 

In Batman/Green Arrow/The Question: Arcadia #4, the heroes manage to herd the survivors into a Cold War silo. But now they're trapped inside, and Rotha's people know the exits. Ashti, whose people endangered Emil Rotha's life, helps them determine what to do next. And Pinter, who didn’t alert Rotha when Batman searched his Records room, also wants to help. But as the Question remains mission-focused, Oliver Queen envies Bruce Wayne. Oliver fought the good fight and lost everything. But Bruce, who hides behind his mask, has the world by its toes.

 

Oliver Queen may have a chip on his shoulder. But like Emil Rotha, he and Bruce belong to the social elite. While their social and financial status sets them apart from others, Vic Sage had to borrow money for airline tickets to investigate why Queen Industries is exploiting the worsening conditions in Hub City. The reporter, who has gone by several names and covers his face with a featureless mask, dismisses Emil Rotha's intelligence. But the names Rotha gave his project, the subsidiary tasked with building it, and the terrorist group frustrating his operation illuminate Rotha’s views on the future he is trying to build, and his place in it, in Batman/Green Arrow/The Question: Arcadia #4.

 

Art

As Rotha's soldiers fire on the fleeing workers and set fire to the downed plane, they also unload their rifles on the canopy of Batman's Batwing. While Green Arrow lays down cover fire, the Question urges workers into the surface hatch, and Batman shields two people with his armored cape. After Gabriel Hardman devotes the biggest panel to this act of sacrifice, Batman owns a full-page spread. Batman also suffers perhaps his greatest trial amid the issue’s sole two-page horizontal layout. But while thin, wide panels provide a cinematic feel, and insets offer close-ups of the action, fraught scenes featuring Oliver Queen feature diagonal layouts.

 

As Romulo Fajardo Jr adorns Batman/Green Arrow/The Question: Arcadia #4 with a nuanced palette, soldiers attempt to break into the orange and yellow Batwing cockpit while setting fire to the C-130. While the fires rage on this small island off the coast of Greenland, the surface hatch glows sapphire as Batman helps Ashti inside. As the two study a yellow map, Batman and Ashti glow yellow, while the green workers clutch weapons and make Molotov cocktails. Oliver Queen gets his view on Bruce off his chest before a red spot of light in the darkness. Yet despite how he treats his workers as he has struggled to complete his project, Emil Rotha still tries to build a better future amid the blue ice and snow.

 

Bold black uppercase letters reveal the Question's thoughts, while red letters in beige boxes convey responses from the Batwing's control system. The uppercase dialogue in white balloons occasionally shrinks, grows bold with intonation, and swells for raised voices. Simon Bowland's sound effects enhance the brutal fighting, as autocannon rounds burn into Batman's armor, helicopters thunder over the snowfields, soldiers employ heavy equipment to reach harried workers, and explosions rock the former military facility. Thanks to DC Comics for sharing this story with us.

 

Final Thoughts

As Bruce Wayne told Oliver Queen, sometimes villains can accomplish good. Bruce was considering how best to safeguard Gotham and the world when he supported Emil Rotha. Yet as people fight and die while trying to build a better future, and heroes argue the merits of full disclosure, a masked reporter strives to give his readers the unscripted truth in Batman/Green Arrow/The Question: Arcadia #4.

 

Rating 10/10

 

 

To look inside see my preview of Batman/GreenArrow/The Question: Arcadia #4

 

For what happened last time see my preview of Batman/Green Arrow/The Question: Arcadia #3.

For what happened before that, see my preview of Batman/Green Arrow/The Question: Arcadia #2

For how this series started, see my preview of Batman/Green Arrow/The Question: Arcadia #1

 


Wednesday, July 1, 2026

Will Eisner Awards at San Diego Comic-Con

 Here's an announcement from the good folks at San Diego Comic-Con:

 

The 38th Annual Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards 

to Be Held July 24 at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront

 

SAN DIEGO, CA (July 1, 2026) Comic-Con® International is proud to present the 38th annual Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards ceremony, to be held Friday night, July 24 in the Indigo Ballroom at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront, just a short walk south from the San Diego Convention Center.

 

Named for the pioneering comics creator and graphic novelist Will Eisner, the Eisner Awards, considered the “Oscars” of the comic book industry, will be given out in 32 categories for works published in 2025. Hosting the ceremony this year are voice actor Phil LaMarr (Futurama, Samurai Jack, Justice League) and actor/writer Thomas Lennon (Reno 911, Balls of Fury, Night at the Museum). 

 

The major sponsor of the 2026 Eisner Awards is Lunar Distribution, with the pre-show sponsor being ComicsPro. The principal sponsors are Arsenal Comics & Games, Cape & Cowl Comics, Comic Shop Assistant, Comixology Originals, and Fantasy Books Inc. Supporting sponsors are Atlantis Fantasyworld (Santa Cruz, CA), DSTLRY/Neon Ichiban, and Midwest Tape/Hoopla Distribution. The afterparty is sponsored by HarperAlley/Morrow. The print sponsor is Tiny Onion.

 

The Eisner Awards evening will also include the presentation of several other special awards. Since 1984, Comic-Con has been bestowing the annual Bob Clampett Humanitarian Award (to be presented by Bob’s daughter Ruth). This year’s recipients are Richard and Wendy Pini. The nominees and winner of the Russ Manning Promising Newcomer Award, which has been handed out since 1982, will be announced by past Russ Manning assistant Bill Stout. Also being presented is the Will Eisner Spirit of Comics Retailing Award, presided over by Joe Ferrara.

 

This is the 22nd year for the presentation of the Bill Finger Award for Excellence in Comic Book Writing. The 2026 recipients are Jenny Blake Isabella (Black Lightning, Ghost Rider, Iron Fist, Hawkman) and the late Martin Pasko (Justice League of America, Star Trek, Dr. Fate). The Finger Awards will be presented by Mark Evanier and Bill Finger’s granddaughter Athena Finger. The major sponsors for the Finger Award are DC Comics and Marvel Comics. Supporting sponsors are Heritage Auctions and Maggie Thompson.

 

Also being announced will be the Will Eisner Hall of Fame inductees for 2026, given out in a special ceremony on Friday morning at 10:00 in Room 29CD. 

 

On Friday night the doors of the ballroom will open at 7:45, and the ceremony will get underway at 8:00. Attendance at the event is free to all Comic-Con members with badges. Advance seating for VIPs (nominees, sponsors, presenters) will begin at 7:00. The ceremony is expected to run until about 10:30, to be followed by a VIP reception in the Indigo Ballroom foyer. 

 

The Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards are operated under the auspices of San Diego Comic Convention, parent organization of the Comic-Con International convention.

 

Comic-Con and the Comic-Con logo are registered trademarks of San Diego Comic Convention.

 

The SAN DIEGO COMIC CONVENTION (Comic-Con International) is a California Nonprofit Public Benefit Corporation organized for charitable purposes and dedicated to creating the general public’s awareness of and appreciation for comics and related popular art forms, including participation in and support of public presentations, conventions, exhibits, museums and other public outreach activities which celebrate the historic and ongoing contribution of comics to art and culture.

 

Thanks to San Diego Comic-Con for sharing this announcement with us.

 

For the books and creators receiving nominations, see the Eisner Awards page at SDCC's website

Absolute Green Lantern #16 Preview


 

Guy Gardner and John Stewart have received training. Hal Jordan, Jo Mullein, and Tomar Re are forging their own paths. Despite their differences, they all wield powers they're only beginning to understand. Yet as they confront the Blackstars, the Controller, and the deadly sentient planet Mogo, they still aren't working together as a team. 

They may not like each other. Not all of them get along. Still, they are the only ones who can prevent the destruction of Earth. Can Tomar Re and Jo Mullein stop battling each other and focus on the enemies before them? And can John Stewart use his Eureka moment to defend his homeworld?

Here's all the info from DC Connect:  

 

Absolute Green Lantern #16 Preview

Writer: Al Ewing

Artist: Sid Kotian

Cover Artist: Jahnoy Lindsay

Variant Cover Artists: Carlo Pagulayan & Jason Paz; Eric Canete; Matías Bergara

Publisher: DC Comics

Issue Length: 32 Pages

Price: $4.99 US/Variant $5.99 US

Release Date: July 1, 2026

 

 

Enter: Sinestro!

 

 

Tomar Re and Jo Mullein find themselves face-to-face with the Blackstars at long last, but they are not prepared for the might of Sinestro!

 

 

Now, let's take a look inside:

 

 


 

 


 


 


 

Thanks to DC Comics for sharing this preview with us.

 

For what happened last time, see my review of Absolute Green Lantern #15

For what happened before that, see my preview of Absolute Green Lantern #14.

 

For life from Overseer Shade's perspective, see my review of Absolute Green Lantern #13

 

 

Geniearth TP Vol 1 Review

 


Geniearth TP Vol 1 Review

Writer & Artist: Rensuke Oshikiri

Translators: Motoko Tamamuro & Jonathan Clements

Letterer: Jazael Manahan

Editor: Louis Yamani

Designer: Oz Browne

Publisher: Titan Manga

Paperback Price: $12.99

Kindle ebook: $8.99 

Release Date: June 30, 2026

 

As a helicopter flies overhead, a reporter spots a lone figure emerging from the burning police station. The teen strides across the street, where ranks of police wait in riot gear. Clad in monk's clothes, he asserts that weakness breeds corruption. The teen invites the cops to attack him.

 

Then, his phone rings. He raises a finger and says, "Hang on. I'd better take this." Who is this angry young man? And why does he believe that nature demands that he exterminate all inferior breeds of people? Let’s leap into Geniearth TP Vol 1 and see!

 

Story

His friend, watching the TV coverage at home, urges him to stop acting like a teenager. In response, Fuedo apologizes to his friend for leaving without telling Suzuki his plans. Fuedo assures his friend that he will always be grateful to him. Then he ends the call, taunts the police, and awaits a chance to unleash his anger.

 

After Geniearth TP Vol 1 portrays Fuedo's outrage at society, Rensuke Oshikiri introduces Shinjuro Kai. The High School freshman seems a readymade target for bullying. But while students and even teachers find ways to hurt him, Genpachi Taira marks him for death. The bully has a long history of abuse. Genpachi Taira finds weakness unsettling. Like Fuedo, he must unleash his anger on those he consigns to a lesser species. Yet no matter how much Genpachi Taira hurts him, Shinjuro Kai remains silent, meek, and accepts his abuse.

 

Linking people like Fuedo and Shinjuro Kai is the enigmatic Hajime Suzuki. The teen stays inside all day and only ventures out to procure food. He may claim that he lacks the mutants' different genes. Still, Hajime Suzuki offers them friendship, advice, food, and whatever else they need, even if he realizes that a new day is dawning.

 

The government may have been aware that a new breed of mutants was emerging. Then the TV news showed Fuedo destroying a police station and tearing through ranks of armored officers. Now, mutants are on everyone's radar in Geniearth TP Vol 1.

 

Art

The Earth spins through space as the age of mutants dawns. DNA strands glow in the darkness, while gray figures and silhouettes rise amid the fog. After introducing Fuedo, snapshots of mutant teens culminate in a boy sitting at home watching a TV set. As he watches the violence unfold, tears escape his long, thin eyes.

 

Rensuke Oshikiri enhances his rapid-fire action with extensive shading. Yet the pace slows, and children and teachers laugh when they find Shinjuro Kai awaiting them in class. In his blood-splattered clothes, he regards them silently as he kneels on the teacher’s desk. A push broom forces his bound arms into a crucifixion pose. Close-ups amid battles reveal facial features compressing, bones breaking, and teeth falling from mouths as fists and feet strike. Yet the mutants' features also transform when they unleash their abilities, evoking gods and demons in Geniearth TP Vol 1.

 

Jazael Manahan places uppercase letters in white balloons as the mutants discuss their struggles and battle the aggressors in their lives. These balloons become stars amid frantic cries as encounters grow violent. Narrative boxes provide insight into the characters and reveal the forces provoking their aggression. Giant words arise before the background action as characters' thoughts explain the outbursts of anger, while sound effects enhance the sounds of persecution and recrimination. Thanks to Titan Manga for providing a physical review copy.

 

Final Thoughts

The teen years can be a cauldron of frustration and anger as people struggle to find their place in the world. A history of violence can transform teens into victims or abusers. While taking an unflinching look at childhood abuse, bullying, and anger management, Rensuke Oshikiri ponders how society might respond to an emerging generation of superpowered teens in the Geniearth TP Vol 1.

 

Rating 9.2/10

To look inside see my preview of Geniearth TP Vol 1

Find Geniearth TP Vol 1 at Amazon

Supergirl: Survive #2 Review

 


Supergirl: Survive #2 Review

Writers: Ethan Parker & Griffin Sheridan

Artist: Rod Reis

Letterer: Lucas Gattoni

Cover Artist: Rod Reis

Variant Cover Artists: Taurin Clarke & Ethan Young

Editors: Chris Conroy, Matthew Levine & Andrew Marino

Publisher: DC Comics

Price: $4.99 US/$5.99 US (Card Stock)

Release Date: July 1, 2026

 

Before General Zod's speech, Kara Zor-El's biggest worry was whether Ben-Lo would invite her to the Equinox Formal. Sadly, Zod's vitriolic speech proved to be the final straw for Krypton. As the fragile strands that bound society frayed, their parents packed Kara and Kal-El into a spaceship. Then they sent it off toward a distant planet that had yet to repeat Krypton's mistakes.

 

Instead, Kara and her cousin have arrived elsewhere. Who inhabits the glowing green moon that serves as a constant reminder of Krypton's faults? And can Kara protect young Kal from any adults who threaten them? Let's leap into Supergirl: Survive #2 and see!

 

Story

As violence erupted on Krypton, their small, homemade spaceship malfunctioned, sending Kara and Kal crashing down on the devastated moon. As Kara crawled from the broken craft that was supposed to send them to a planet in Sector 2814, a giant brute bore down on her. Kara raised her blaster. But clad in a bulky spacesuit and carrying her cousin in a pod, Kara struggled to defend herself against the sudden attack.

 

While revealing this event in flashback, Supergirl: Survive #2 opens 158 days later. Kara Zor-El clutches Kal-El as they navigate a crowded spaceport. The girl carrying her young cousin struggles to find their way among the other travelers and refugees. And a big man seems to lurk behind them, as they navigate the corridors of Station Grand.

 

While Ethan Parker and Griffin Sheridan's story focuses on Kara and Kal, it also introduces other players. As a team of Lanterns meets to discuss cosmic threats, one of them wishes the Corps were more proactive. But like the authorities in Station Grand, they only assist people after they've lost everything.

 

This lack of a central authority casts its shadow over Kara and Kal as they float in the tide of people seeking a new home. As in any crisis, opportunists seek to profit from the suffering of others. But the Lobo Gang has earned a formidable reputation. And as Kara seeks to fulfill her vow to Kal, she must decide how best to protect him in Supergirl: Survive #2.

 

Art

As Kara carries Kal through the spaceport, a cloak covers her spacesuit. While ships arrive and depart, a downward view across the terminal reveals all the travelers and an immense spaceship passing outside the wall windows. A man in a long coat stands out amid a crowd of many species. Yet the brim of his hat casts his features into shadow.

 

As Kara grows anxious amid the turquoise and blue surroundings, her fellow travelers lose their distinctiveness. In Rod Reis’s art, the people struggling to reach their departures become blue blurs with red outlines. Desperate for help, Kara begs for help from a silhouette in Supergirl: Survive #2.

 

Compared with the blue-green of Station Grand, the surface of Krypton's moon glows yellow-green. A gray monster attacks, his cracking skin disfigured with boils and bone spurs. As Kara stumbles back, her brass gun produces yellow sparks. But while Krypton burns red, and Wegthor glows green, all the colors of the spectrum fill Oa’s atmosphere. Despite the futuristic architecture and radiant atmosphere, Lanterns meet in a dark, cavernous room. Yet a yellow-and-orange world evoking a bygone age influences Kara and her cousin's future.

 

Lucas Gattoni places uppercase black letters in white dialogue balloons as Kara endures another day of endless waiting. Blue letters in white balloons direct refugees to gates, while bigger letters in white erased areas locate readers in time and space. Text in colored narrative boxes conveys offscreen dialogue, while a hovering robot addresses Lanterns using green text. Amid the sounds of confrontation, battle, and death, the giant red letters that fill the air illuminate another sad fact of refugee life. Thanks to DC Comics for sharing this story with us.

 

Final Thoughts

Kara was supposed to attend her school's Equinox Formal with Ben-Lo. Then, she and her infant cousin were to forge a new life on a planet that hadn't yet made Krypton's mistakes. Instead, Kara Zor-El and Kal-El endure an eternity of waiting in a universe where everyone does the best they can, even if people fall through the cracks in Supergirl: Survive #2.

 

Rating 9.4/10

 

To look inside see my preview of Supergirl: Survive #2

 

For what happened last time, see my review of Supergirl: Survive #1