Comic Related - If It's Comic Related, You'll Find It Here!

Chuck Kennedy on the issue

I think if I would have known how this week was going to shape up I might not have volunteered to pick this week's Hot Shot of the Week. The initial offerings in my pull box were slim and a nasty week of migraines kept me home and saw my wife pick up my comics for me. She's great but it meant I didn't get my Green Lantern rings and I couldn't do a casual viewing of the offerings and see if something grabbed my eye; which is bad because I've pulled in many a gem that way.

So this week I am recommending Supergirl #47 that continues the massive reshuffling of the Superman mythos under the direction of Geoff Johns, or the Anti-Bendis as I like to call him (or if Marvel is your Flavor, I guess you could say Bendis is the Anti-Johns since they both seem to be directing a massive proportion of their respective companies story directions these days). But no matter what your view is on that matter, Johns is definitely remodeling the Kryptonian aspect of the Superman myth, and this week's issue of Supergirl focuses squarely on events that are transpiring on New Krypton.

After running amok under the xenophobic direction of General Lane, super-powered sociopath Reactron has finally been captured and brought to New Krypton to face judgment for the murder of several Kryptonians, the most prominent of which is Zor-El, Supergirl's father. The legal proceedings are led by the Kryptonian leader Alura, widow of Zor and Supergirl's mother and opposed by generic Kryptonian #45576786.29 (whom we will probably never hear from again). His argument oddly seems to be based on legal foundations that are similar to US law and involves the right of extradition. Before any legal resolution can take place an angry mob of wronged Kryptonians storm the court and attempt to kill the defendant, despite facing execution.

Without spoiling the ending, why should anyone care or want to read this issue? Because it is helping to make Superman new and interesting that's why. For years now people have complained that Superman was boring and could offer nothing new and whether you agree or not with the editorial decision to free the citizens of Kandor comic fans are being given exactly what they have sought for years, and that's a serious threat that Superman can't punch his way out of.

I believe Sterling Gates has expertly woven together the plot (although weaker than I'd have liked) with a great insight into Alura and Kryptonian Culture. By examining the unique structures of the social system of their society he is also showcasing that the basic emotions and feelings of humans are indeed universal and can exist in unfamiliar settings. You might think I'm stretching it a bit, but being able to witness the courtship of Alura and Zor through flashback serves to illustrate these themes and makes the threats of Kryptonian and Earth conflicts more personal and in my opinion more relatable.

Written by: Sterling Gates
Art by: Matt Camp
Cover by: Joshua Middleton
Published by: DC Comics

Supergirl has finally brought Reactron back to New Krypton so he can be held accountable for murdering her father, Zor-El. While the debate about what to do with him rages among the people of New Krypton, the planet's ruler - and Supergirl's mother - remains unsure. Should Alura have Reactron executed? And will Supergirl allow it to happen if her mother decides to go that route?

PRICE: $2.99
IN STORES: November 18, 2009