“You’re selfish. You’ve always been selfish! You’re a time bomb!”
In the final issue of Power Girl, Paige travels to Asgard, where she realizes that the man she was dating in the previous issue is basically the Indiana Jones of Asgard. A vision through one of his relics leads her to find her roommate Lilith Clay alone and in distress. This issue is Omen’s solo adventure detailing how Paige got to the moment she saw it, finally giving us a much-needed glimpse into the tortured mind of Power Girl’s quirky girl best friend. It’s a bit tedious, but it doesn’t disappoint.
The issue focusing on former Titan Lilith Clay was no surprise, as Leah Williams had been gradually placing more emphasis on the character since she and Margaret Sauvage wrote Power Girl’s backup story in Action Comics. What’s surprising, however, is how Williams uses this issue to lay the groundwork for the series moving forward, as issue #5 sowed the seeds for the two-part “Journey Into Ferimbia.” Unlike that arc, we’re greeted with the introduction of a new villain, Ejecta, whose character mirrors the Naltorian aesthetic and precognitive abilities of the seed of the Legion of Super-Heroes’ Dream Girl. Williams frequently borrows from Keith Giffen’s style of humor, and this is no exception, as issue #13’s script is full of camp-oriented comedy.
Direct current
Williams approaches this story as a dissection of Omen’s character, which both helps and complicates the story. It raises questions about why Power Girl and Axel are in this book after the last issue, or why the latter are absent as the date from the last issue is unresolved. This focus complicates Steel’s presence somewhat, as we see Natasha Irons and Lilith go to a Perry White political rally after Paige and Axel’s disastrous date on Earth before disappearing to Asgard. What makes Natasha’s presence work in this story is the lore-building presented to the reader about Perry White and his stance on the terrorist organization Blue Earth, introduced in Action Comics by Philip Kennedy Johnson and Rafa Sandoval. This is a solid issue for Omen’s characterization, as we see more callbacks to her personality from her time as a Titan, and it makes her intriguing in her current position as Power Girl’s co-star.
Williams is attempting to portray The Omen as dependent on its heroine, and in so doing, accidentally plays into the idea that the two are more compatible romantically than Paige and Axel, who, despite being featured on Yannick Paquette’s cover, has no presence in the story beyond a passing mention. Since the beginning of the series, Williams has shown that Lilith and Paige share a strong bond, as they live in marginal domestic environments and have a desire to be together, but this issue tests that by showing Lilith feeling lost without Paige, reflected in an emotionally heavy showdown with Ejecta. Whether intentional or not, there is a strong romantic connection between the two characters that becomes more and more apparent with each storyline.
All of this is elevated by Adriana Mello’s art, which adds a touch of bittersweet sadness to every frame of her usual girly-girl aesthetic. Mello’s Omen wanders through the story as a character who is lost and searching for someone to give her reassurance and comfort, and Mello does a great job of conveying just that. Mello also knows when to lean into the more bombastic elements of Williams’ script, and there are plenty of visual gags in the art, such as Streaky’s inner world and Natasha’s charmingly awkward demeanor.
Direct current
Additionally, Mello’s art is greatly improved thanks to Romulo Farjado Jr.’s coloring, further enhancing the overtly girly aesthetic of the book. The two are a great artistic duo for this book, helping to continue the hyper-femme vibe that resonates with themes that the book has had since Power Girl was reinvented for this series. Sauvage left an impact with her fashion-focused art style and hyper-femme take on the character as a counterpoint to the regal style of Bilquis Avry from Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow. Mello and Farjado Jr. continue that vibe and find the right balance.
In Power Girl #13, the creative team reversed the relationship between Paige and Lilith, where previously the latter had comforted the former. The issue has some notable weaknesses among their previous works, further deepening the intrigue in both Paige’s love life and the bond she shares with her telepathic roommate. Ending on a solemn note wraps everything up perfectly before we return to regular programming next month, but this issue was a necessary sidebar before we get back to the action.
Power Girl Issue 13 delves into Omen’s troubled mind
Power Girl #13
This issue has some notable weaknesses among the installments so far, further deepening the intrigue of both Paige’s love life and the bond she shares with her telepathic roommate.
The focus on Omen brings much-needed context and depth to a character who was far from alone until now.
This issue sees the romantic atmosphere of the series reach its climax.
Mello’s art is further enhanced by Romulo Farjardo Jr.’s coloring, both of which add to the book’s overtly girly aesthetic.
This issue, like the aforementioned issue starring Streaky, is a great sidebar from the main plot.
Steele, while fascinating alongside Lilith, plays little role beyond world-building in the overall Metropolis story.
Axel does not appear in this issue, raising questions about the abrupt end of his and Paige’s unresolved date.
