The Superman brand is enjoying a strong renaissance in 2025. Not only is James Gunn’s Superman film round the corner, but even the Superman family of comics is bolstering the game. DC Comics doesn’t just promote Man of Steel at the Summer of Superman event, but the majority of the book tells the best stories with talented creators.
It’s Sophie Campbell’s Supergirl who continues that trend, and issue #3 still exceeds expectations. Continuing the “Midveal’s Misfortune” storyline, Kara Zor Elle now knows that she motivates Lesla Lar to take away her identity and her adoptive family, Dunbar. Kara thinks Lesla is driven by loneliness, but in reality, she is craving validation. This is consistently at the forefront of Lesla’s character arc, with Campbell portraying childish pranks and her attention-grabbing attitude.
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This prank is also best captured in the overall stupidity of Lesla’s scheme, such as using black kryptonite to elicit Kara’s dark impulses as Satan Girl. Lesla’s Satan Girl Gimmick is an opportunity to explore Kara’s own frustration, as she is always “good” as she is doing “good” as she is always “good” as she is always “good.”
Kara’s short stint as a girl in Satan also shows her desire to be seen as her own person, not as an extension of this, but as a person. This is a feature she shares with her Earth 2 doppelganger, a power girl, and chose a different name and outfit for that same reason before the crisis against the endless earth that destroys her world. What’s great about this setup not only shows Kara’s contradictory feelings of wanting to be her real self, but also shows that she feels responsible for using her Crypton’s powers forever.
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The juxtaposition with Lesla unleashes Kara’s dark impulses and how she handles the aftermath, showing how important the relationship to the emotional growth of young people is. Campbell captures this brilliantly by portraying Kara as being angry at Lesla and not resent. Rather than being driven by Maris, Kara recognizes the need for Lesla’s friends.
Another way Campbell briefly explores the importance of his relationship with emotional growth is in Kara’s own relationship with Dunbar and Lena Luther. Not only has he been accepted by the Danvers, but he has helped him build self-confidence to the point that he doesn’t have to validate Kara’s confidence from the public, but being able to verify herself allows him to pursue a heroic lifestyle for honest reasons. Additionally, Campbell shows that Dunbar is not a pushover. When they realize what is going on, they are shown that Lesla is responsible for her actions – especially since she has taken away the choice to take her.
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In Rena’s case, Kara has reason to distrust Luthor, who is recognized in this storyline. But rather than running on the assumption that all Luther is a selfish narcissist, Kara and Rena’s relationship is used to show how much she has grown since she arrived on Earth. Although she was initially shown to be very distrustful of others (at least if her new 52 origins are still Canon), her relationship with Kara with Rena shows how much she cherishes her friendship and that she gives people the opportunity to get to know her.
Artistically, Campbell continues to provide energetic and extremely attractive pages. All characters are expressive and each scene can speak for itself, even without the text that contextualizes what is going on. Campbell is not only good at communicating various emotional states, but also skillfully drives action through panel layouts and character poses. As if things can’t get better, Campbell finishes out the main cliffhanger issue #3, which promises even more exciting issue #4. Particularly because it suggests a return to Kandor and further exploration of Crypton culture and its judicial system.
Overall, Campbell’s Supergirl continues to set the gold standard in comic storytelling. It is a manga that tells a modern story while celebrating the heroine’s roots in the Silver Age. Campbell also does an excellent job of providing character depth while balancing the stupid aspects of the Silver Age elements of the story.
“Super Girl” #3 remains the gold standard
Supergirl
Supergirl continues to exceed expectations as Sophie Campbell continues to explore the need for validation of the villain, and continues to explore the contradictory feelings of Karazole Elle’s constant need for good, but still need to use her powers responsibly.
Sophie Campbell continues to give her character depth while not afraid of fun.
Campbell explores topics such as the importance of relationships and self-examination.
Campbell’s art continues to be extremely attractive and energetic.
