SUPERGIRL: SURVIVE #1 (DC COMICS)

Krypton’s time is coming to an end. The fate of the Els is in the hands of Kara Zor-El.

The planet is on the verge of self-destruction. It is a familiar set-up fans know but how different this will all be.

In this version, there’s no easy way to Earth. Kara and her infant cousin Kal-El have literally one mission to do.

Survive!

SUPERGIRL: SURVIVE #1 by Ethan S. Parker, Griffin Sheridan,Rod Reis & Lucas Gattoni sees the Maiden of Might challenged in this DC Elseworlds tale.

Let’s take a closer look at this debut.

SUPERGIRL : SURVIVE #1 by Ethan S. Parker, Griffin Sheridan, Rod Reis & Lucas Gattoni (DC Comics)

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

The writing lures readers in with the more traditional teenage themes. The older cousin who doesn’t want to be responsible for the baby of the family. School drama & growing emotions. These ultimately pass into more upbeat stages. The dialogue is sharp and shows Kara trying to life a normal Kryptonian life. This all goes sideways when a well known thorn in the El’s side emerges. His presence creates an uneasiness matched by his speech. Readers sense how things will shift. This speeds events to its destined final spot The dialogue hits the sadness of Kara knowing her family will be gone. It comes to a boil with Krytpon’s true fate at hand.

This is where things take a fun twist. Parker & Sheridan throw Kara into uncharted territory. It casts a heavier weight on her shoulders. The writing shows her struggles to deal with the reality. It leads to a strong final page with much more curiosity behind it.

MORE DC ELSEWORLDS!

Reis dabbles in the teenage angst that Kara is dealing with. The opening panels show her dislike of handling her baby cousin. This quickly melts away when she makes eye contact. Panels hit school and play off her emotions around her crush. The expressions here show an innocence to what is coming. Even with a formal date planned, Kara’s happiness is short lived. Once she returns home, the mood changes.

A rebellion takes her television screen. The rogue’s convictions of his proclamations make an impact with readers. This only grow further when Kara hears an alarm. Her eyes scream danger as the planet starts to countdown. The range of emotions here sell the frantic pacing. It leads to an emotional farewell sequence. Reis hits readers with a series of full page spreads. Each show Kara’s pain in seeing her planet explode. The attention to her eyes watching jumps out. This leads readers into the climactic finish. A huge exclamation point is put on this chapter, leaving readers wanting more.

FINAL GRADE: 8.6

Kara Zor-El’s future is thrown off-course with one simple mission statement to live by. Parker & Sheridan push Kara to her breaking points with the writing. Reis locks in on the ever-changing reactions to a collapsing world. A bold & unique twist onto the vision of the Maiden Of Might.

Let me know your thoughts on SUPERGIRL : SURVIVE #1 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!