Supergirl #9 Review

Written by: Steve Orlando
Art by: Brian Ching, Michael Atiyeh and Steve Wands
Cover Price: $3.99
Release Date: May 10, 2017

I have not been a huge fan of this book since it started which is a shame because I love Supergirl as a character.  However, I won't let that love cloud my vision and make me believe this run has been good.  Even if Steve Orlando writes a strong Supergirl, the story surrounding her is anything but strong.  With Batgirl back this issue (and in an increased role), there is hope that this issue can turn it all around.  So, does it?  Let's find out...


The issue opens with Barbara Gordon running into Ben Rubel and it's all talk of Gordon Clean Energy.  It seems that Ben is a big fanboy and we do get some answers as to whether Barbara completely stepped away from her company.

After a quick discussion between a busy Eliza and Kara, Supergirl is off to the Energy Expo.  She meets up with Barbara and Ben and after an odd and uncomfortable exchange with Babs, heads off to Tychtech's big show.

It's all about the new Tycho Eidolon that generates Phantom Energy.  Like that won't cause any problems, right?  The demonstration is interrupted by a flying spear that Supergirl catches, but still touches the machine...which causes it to start up.

Yea, everything so far was just forced and ridiculous.  I usually grin and bear Steve Orlando's dialogue, but the interactions in this book are just ridiculous.  Plus, nothing is setup properly.  Ben and Barbara's relationship seemed out of left field, Supergirl's almost hate for Barbara was odd and the unknown spear activating the unknown machine was just plain ridiculous.

Of course, the machine turn into a Phantom Projector and sucks everyone into it except Batgirl and Supergirl who then start fighting Magog.  All of this has nothing really to do with the Tycho Eidolon, but Magog's hate of Supergirl.  It's more of the "you are bad in the future" nonsense, but without a proper introduction to Magog, it's just confusing.  The worst part, though, is Supergirl taking him out with the snap of her fingers.  I don't mean it was easy...I mean she actually caused a sonic boom by snapping her fingers!

After Batgirl jumps into the Projector, Kara follows suit and she is immediately reunited with Batgirl and Ben.  After Supergirl confirms they are in the Phantom Zone, we end the issue by seeing the Phantom King is very happy to have a Kryptonian within reach.

This is just another ridiculous issue in a bad series.  Sure, we get two pretty cool villains, but Steve Orlando turns Magog into a total joke and just throws Xa-Du at the reader.  I just don't see how we get from point A to point B in this issue as it just feels like a series of mishaps that get us to the end. I'll repeat that i am a Supergirl fan, but this book does her zero justice and continues to come off as a bunch of ideas thrown together for no rhyme or reason.

I am not a Brian Ching fan at all, but this isn't his worst issue.  There are so many other things wrong with this issue and the art isn't in the top three.  Take that for what you will.

Bits and Pieces:

Supergirl #9 may be a new arc, but the same problems remain...poor dialogue, forced storytelling and inadequate setup.  The reader is left to fill in the blanks on their own which might be a good thing because when Steve Orlando does it, things quickly go awry.  If you are a Supergirl fan (like me), you don't have many other options, but anything is better than this.

4.5/10