Sophie Campbell started Kara Zor Elle’s high octane storyline in Supergirl #1. In addition to being a fun love letter to Kara fans, Campbell shows no signs of slowing down in Supergirl #2.
Supergirl #1 focused on restoring the classic status quo of the honorable heroine, which was undoubtedly needed by the Steel girl after DC Comics struggled for a while to get her feet back. Restoring Kara to a more iconic status quo includes retrieving Linda Danvers’ identity (with brown hair), Midvale’s adopted family (though the new 52 version), and Superpet, Streaks and Crypto.
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Campbell delivered Kara’s illustrious classic history with Spades, but did not ignore her new enemy and spoofing in Midvale. Fans may get off by giving Supergirl the recently given storyline to Power Girl (her Earth 2 counterpart) in her own book by Leah Williams, but fans will want to stick with issue 2. Campbell not only reveals Fake Supergirl’s identity very early on, but also explores the tragic circumstances of this character’s heel turn.
The shocking obvious thing about Fake Supergirl’s identity is not who she is, but the way he met Kara. Originally a citizen of the bottled Candor city, Fake Supergirl is a young woman who was saved from a short visit to the city with Kara No. 1. But what really shines in Supergirl #2 is how she fleshed out the backstory of this villain and drove the sad path she ultimately took.
Through Issue 2, Campbell cleverly revisits the negative impact it has on Crypton’s elitist science community and on the citizens of Crypton who do not measure their standards. Campbell plays the trope of the superhero envy in the taste of silver, but she doesn’t ignore the very human reasons for the villain who wants to take away Supergirl’s identity.
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In just one issue, Campbell briefly examines the consequences of consistent invalidation for young people and the maladaptive methods they can address. In the case of Fake Supergirl, the need for validation is clearly stated that you need to live the lives of others. Campbell further analyzes this idea by showing more of the thought process in Fake Supergirl.
This creates an exit juxtaposition with Kara, a character who is already verifying himself. It is true that Kara has a strong support system in the form of a super family, but she is also in her place in her life where she is not afraid of rejection from others. This also means that she will not save her life from the need to prove herself to anyone, but from her desire to do good things in the world like other families.
As Kara learns the true identity of her spoofer, this leaves the Steel Girl with more complicated issues than she is ready to deal with. The dilemma Campbell establishes for Kara here is fantastic. Because it’s not a problem that she can get out of or fix her heat vision.
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Kara realizes she needs to be clever in how she deals with her spoofing so that she doesn’t make the already bad situation even worse. However, this establishes another core difference between the two women of steel. Meanwhile, Kara is motivated to find a way to help this troubled young woman, but the latter just wants to double the need to trust Kara.
The absolute great thing about the way Campbell captures this descent into the villain is that he portrays this behavior as a weakness known to the fake Supergirl. This comes at the quiet moment in question when she is alone with her pet rabbit, Candy. She embraces the animal in a way that strongly confirms the need to be loved. Campbell’s journey as a villain will undoubtedly be at the heart of the future issues of the comic.
In addition to the story itself, Campbell throws some Easter eggs for Kara fans in the form of a pre-crisis suit for the character. She eventually settles into something that 1970s Supergirl fans enjoy, but she also throws another iconic look from the 1980s. Fans are easy to identify. Overall, Supergirl continues to fly Sky High in terms of story and art.
“Supergirl” #2 raises interests in shocking ways
Supergirl #2
Midveil’s Fake Supergirl identity has been revealed, but she is not the Cookie Cutter villain. She is a troubled young woman, and Kara needs more help than her punches need.
Sophie Campbell’s art and writing remain strong throughout the second issue.
Campbell explores the importance of validation and acceptance with her villain.
Campbell gives Kara Zor El a dispute that cannot be resolved by the power of her Crypton.
