Reviews

Supergirl: Being Super, 1 of 4 by Sandu Florea, Joëlle Jones, Mariko Tamaki

acord's review

adventurous lighthearted relaxing fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

nanceoir's review against another edition

4.0

I'll admit, I come to Supergirl through the TV show, not through the comics, so while I have some familiarity with the story, there's a lot of background that I'm missing. That said, it didn't hamper my enjoyment in the slightest.

This version of Supergirl is fantastic. I love her attitude, I love her mom, I love her friends. I love how real she feels, even with superpowers.

I also love the artwork. I love how people look like people and aren't particularly cookie-cuttery. There's also a lot of fantastic facial work in this. It's all feels really grounded, which allows for the super to shine through.

All in all, I thought this was great.

theohume's review against another edition

emotional hopeful fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Loveable characters? Yes

4.5

crookedtreehouse's review against another edition

5.0

There aren't many Superfamily stories that interest me but I'll read anything Mariko Tamaki is working on. This is Supergirl's origin story, and it's very similar to the Clark Kent Superman origin story but Tamaki's excellent understanding of characters and ear for dialogue make this much more interesting than any Superman origin I've ever read. It does have a bit of a CW drama feel but it really works with the story, not against it.

I would recommend this for anyone looking for a new superhero title, Supergirl fans looking for a new origin story, people who enjoy female protagonists that actually talk and behave like actual women as opposed to men's fantasies, modern Archie fans who wish Betty was Kryptonian.

iffer's review against another edition

4.0

This was a very good, solid origin story. Mariko Tamaki's script was believable and emotionally resonant, which is, unfortunately, uncommon in female superhero novels because they tend to be written by men who are idiots, for other men. As usual, Joelle Jones knocks it out of the part with the art, with exceptionally confident linework, and art depictions of refreshingly varied-looking teenage girls with appropriate (not much) sexiness, though we all know Joelle Jones kills it when it comes to drawing confident, sexy, complex women.

ericawrites's review against another edition

5.0

This is such a great retelling of Kara's origin story. Perfect YA situations. The ending wasn't as strong as the rest of the book, but overall, an incredibly solid look at Kara.

(FYI: doesn't match the current TV show. But I don't think TV show fans will be incredibly disappointed.)

snchard's review against another edition

3.0

The writing and the art are both great, and will please fans of Supergirl as well as those completely new to the character. Mariko Tamaki's take on Kara makes her feel as human as possible while still doing the whole coming-of-age thing where she discovers how to control her powers, etc. As an origin story, it's not exactly new, but Kara's relationships with her friends and with her parents make this one worth reading.

tinasbooknook's review against another edition

4.0

This was rather delightful! I had no idea what to expect and I really enjoyed it. Great art, fabulous characters, and a neat story line. And the ending!
I will definitely continue reading this series and look forward to the next bind-up:).

elturko64's review against another edition

4.0

This took me by surprise. The whole point of this volume is to show that Supergirl is a teenager living in the midwest with everyday problems and challenges. And it's amazing. Its a mixture of coming of age, teen angst, and a solid superhero story. The writing and the art are great and it feels fresh. I haven't been this excited over a teen superhero book since 'Ms. Marvel'. A must read.

rouver's review against another edition

4.0

Supergirl's origin story. This is the first book I've read about her, so I have no idea how she's been written in other DC books. I've become a little leery of spin-offs like this, as they have the habit of referring to other comics you need to read to really be on top of all the story lines. I don't have time for that. That being said, I loved this book. It was beautifully illustrated, and it focuses on a group of teen girls that aren't just horrible stereotypes.

A tragedy befalls the small town where Kara lives, when five locals are killed. Even though she has superpowers, they fail her at the exact moment when her friend falls into a huge pit that opens up due to a mysterious seismic event. Kara learns that Lexicorp is tracking down and experimenting on Kryptonians. She meets a fellow Kryptonian and sets him free. However, he's been tortured for nearly 20 years and has a different outlook on Earth than Kara does.

On the run from Lexicorp & the military, Kara seeks out another mysterious being who has been purportedly been doing acts of good over in Metropolis....

I'm hopeful that these series can continue to focus on Kara and not get bogged down in the massive amount of pre-existing stories about Superman & the rest of the DC universe. I'm eagerly awaiting the next set of volumes!