Issue #45: Comic Books For The Week of Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Supergirl #38 (New Krypton #41) (DC)
Noble Causes #39 (Image)
Invincible #59 (Image)

Supergirl #38 (New Krypton #14) (DC) * * * *
The cover carries the Omens & Origins banner.This issue opens with the battle between Supergirl and Superwoman, begun on the last page of the previous issue. The investigation into the death of Agent Liberty takes an interesting turn. There is a nice scene between Kara and Lana. We also see what happens between the guy with flowers and his girlfriend, as well as Superwoman's search for Reactron. And finally we find an interesting clue to the identity of Superwoman. The Supergirl Origins & Omens back up story gives some hints to upcoming plots in Supergirl. Now that I've gotten an idea what the Origins & Omens feature, which is just hints at upcoming plots of whatever title it appears in, it's lost its appeal. The plots hinted at are interesting, and it's obviously tied into the upcoming Darkest Night story in Green Lantern, it's not as big of a deal as I originally thought.

Supergirl continues to be a great title involving Kar and New Krypton. While I've just been reading Supergirl during the New Krypton story, and will drop the book at the conclusion of the Superwoman story in issue #41 (if that ends Supergirl's involvement in the New Krypton story), I've read how previous issues seemed to wander without a clear vision for Kara. During New Krypton that does not seem to be a problem. Kara is faced with hard choices that will have long term repercussions on her life, no matter which side she takes. It's a great way to grow the character.

Noble Causes #39 (Image) * * * * *
Well, just one more issue to go. My enjoyment of this issue was the retro cover, looking like a 1960's or 1970's romance comic (which I never read; they were beneath a sophisticated super hero comic book reader like me). The flashback pages are done in a similar style, with yellowed pages and the crude coloring of that era, when compared to today. In this issue we learn the origin of her relationship with Colonel Comet. The issue ends with a very interesting conversation with someone I won't mention here. And the ending of this issue will lead into an interesting last issue indeed.

Invincible #59 (Image) * * * * *
This issue deals with something most super hero comics ignore, collateral damage and the people hurt by it. This is the most interesting villain origin I have read in a long time, no melodramatic delusions of world domination, just a very personal motive. It also shows how events from long ago can affect a super hero. Also, the consequences of the battle in this issue are heart rending in a way most hero comics aren't. That's a Krrkman strength, showing how a super hero affects even everyday life.

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