Supergirl #39 Review

Written by: K. Perkins and Mike Johnson
Art by: Emanuela Lupacchino
Cover Price: $2.99
Release Date: February 18, 2015

Clone High

I have really enjoyed Supergirl since Perkins, Johnson and Lupacchino took over.  That's why I was so sad to find out that the book had been canceled to make way for the new titles in June.  It's a damn shame too because this Crucible story has been so much fun and will end with so much unfulfilled potential.  While I'm sure that we will see Supergirl in the future (probably coinciding with the TV Show), I want this Supergirl with this creative team.  I don't think that's in the cards so I'll just have to live with what DC is giving us...two more issues.  How will the team wrap up the Crucible story and is it any good?  Let's find out.

Last issue ended with an action packed ending.  After a big fight with Roho and his gang of rebels, Supergirl and Maxima are fighting each other.  It's all over a boy...well, actually a clone.  Yep, after doing his best Caine from Kung Fu impersonation, Kon is back in action.  Poor Superboy can't catch a break, though, since everybody is always trying to get a piece of him.  This time it's Maxima trying to take him back to the Crucible.

We head off to the Crucible and quickly see that things are going bad for Preceptor Amata.  She was against this whole Superboy thing from the beginning, but went against her gut feeling when sending the students off on the mission.  Here's a tip Amata, don't go against your gut.  Your gut is your friend.  Everything blows up in her face and she goes on a forced sabbatical.  Actually, she is kidnapped and hidden away.  Same thing, right?

Perkins and Johnson have been doing a good job keeping the reader guessing about the true intentions of the Crucible.  I don't think it's a surprise to anyone that they are shady, but the mystery is just how shady.  That question is easier to answer after this issue even if it still involves a moral grey area.

Back on Earth, Supergirl takes a hurt Comet to the only one she trusts...Mike!  When Kara left for the Crucible, I thought we would never see Mike again.  I'm so glad I was wrong.  After an awkward introduction, Kara leaves Comet in Mike's care.  Then after a kiss that made me think Mike is now in the Friend Zone (which we all know is worse than the Phantom Zone.  Say it ain't so!), Kara ports back to the Crucible.  The old school has changed a bit since she last walked the halls.

The school is on lockdown and Kara is immediately attacked by Roho.  Roho?  What gives?  What gives is Korstus is now in charge and he has big plans.  Of course, he thinks he's doing the right thing...by building a Clone Army.  I think that everyone reading this knows how that's going to turn out.  I'm looking at you, Palpatine.

I don't know how things work behind the scenes, but I'm guessing that Perkins and Johnson had to ramp up the speed to get this story done by next month.  I give them so much credit for doing so without this issue feeling rushed.  I'm still sad that it has to end so soon because this story has so much potential and could have lasted five times the issues we are getting.  Damn you DC and thank you K and Mike.

Thanks also goes to Emanuela Lupacchino for her great art.  This issue is all about the character work and it is really good, especially the expressions.  Since Lupacchino jumped on this book she has become one of my favorites each month.  A shoutout to my favorite colorist, Hi-Fi, who kicks ass as usual.

Bits and Pieces:

This penultimate issue of Supergirl was really good and only made me mad that it's all ending next month.  I wish we could get more because it is worthy of a longer arc, but to their credit, Perkins and Johnson are ending it in style.  Lupacchino's art is stellar as usual and I can't wait to see how it all ends next month.

9.0/10