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Supergirl by Peter David
Supergirl: Book One
From writer Peter David (THE INCREDIBLE HULK, X-FACTOR) and artist Gary Frank (ACTION COMICS, JUSTICE LEAGUE) comes the start of the classic series that created a revolutionary new identity for the Maid of Might!
WHO IS LINDA DANVERS?
To her parents, Linda is a former good girl who now dabbles on the wrong side of the law. To her friends, she’s a struggling artist and the ultimate Supergirl fan. To her boyfriend, Buzz, she’s an eager accomplice as they try to harness dark forces more powerful than either of them can control. And after Buzz tries to use her to summon a demon, Linda Danvers is...dead?
To save Linda’s life, Matrix, a protoplasmic version of Supergirl, uses her powers to fuse the two of them together. Now, sharing memories, sharing superpowers, the entity formerly known as Linda Danvers is something else entirely. Is Linda still a human with the same damaged soul? Or has Supergirl done the unthinkable and stolen a new life for herself?
There are no easy answers, but Linda knows she must use her new powers to atone for her past sins. Because whatever else she may be, for now, she’s...
SUPERGIRL!
SUPERGIRL BOOK ONE collects SUPERGIRL #1-9, SUPERGIRL ANNUAL #1, SUPERGIRL PLUS #1 and a story from SHOWCASE ’96 #8.
WHO IS LINDA DANVERS?
To her parents, Linda is a former good girl who now dabbles on the wrong side of the law. To her friends, she’s a struggling artist and the ultimate Supergirl fan. To her boyfriend, Buzz, she’s an eager accomplice as they try to harness dark forces more powerful than either of them can control. And after Buzz tries to use her to summon a demon, Linda Danvers is...dead?
To save Linda’s life, Matrix, a protoplasmic version of Supergirl, uses her powers to fuse the two of them together. Now, sharing memories, sharing superpowers, the entity formerly known as Linda Danvers is something else entirely. Is Linda still a human with the same damaged soul? Or has Supergirl done the unthinkable and stolen a new life for herself?
There are no easy answers, but Linda knows she must use her new powers to atone for her past sins. Because whatever else she may be, for now, she’s...
SUPERGIRL!
SUPERGIRL BOOK ONE collects SUPERGIRL #1-9, SUPERGIRL ANNUAL #1, SUPERGIRL PLUS #1 and a story from SHOWCASE ’96 #8.
302 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 15, 2016
18 people are currently reading
213 people want to read
About the author
Peter David
3,576 books1,368 followersaka David Peters
Peter Allen David, often abbreviated PAD, was an American writer of comic books, novels, television, films, and video games. His notable comic book work includes an award-winning 12-year run on The Incredible Hulk, as well as runs on Aquaman, Young Justice, SpyBoy, Supergirl, Fallen Angel, Spider-Man, Spider-Man 2099, Captain Marvel, and X-Factor.
His Star Trek work included comic books and novels such as the New Frontier book series. His other novels included film adaptations, media tie-ins, and original works, such as the Apropos of Nothing and Knight Life series. His television work includes series such as Babylon 5, Young Justice, Ben 10: Alien Force and Nickelodeon's Space Cases, which he co-created with Bill Mumy.
David often jokingly described his occupation as "Writer of Stuff", and he was noted for his prolific writing, characterized by its mingling of real-world issues with humor and references to popular culture, as well as elements of metafiction and self-reference.
David earned multiple awards for his work, including a 1992 Eisner Award, a 1993 Wizard Fan Award, a 1996 Haxtur Award, a 2007 Julie Award and a 2011 GLAAD Media Award.
Peter Allen David, often abbreviated PAD, was an American writer of comic books, novels, television, films, and video games. His notable comic book work includes an award-winning 12-year run on The Incredible Hulk, as well as runs on Aquaman, Young Justice, SpyBoy, Supergirl, Fallen Angel, Spider-Man, Spider-Man 2099, Captain Marvel, and X-Factor.
His Star Trek work included comic books and novels such as the New Frontier book series. His other novels included film adaptations, media tie-ins, and original works, such as the Apropos of Nothing and Knight Life series. His television work includes series such as Babylon 5, Young Justice, Ben 10: Alien Force and Nickelodeon's Space Cases, which he co-created with Bill Mumy.
David often jokingly described his occupation as "Writer of Stuff", and he was noted for his prolific writing, characterized by its mingling of real-world issues with humor and references to popular culture, as well as elements of metafiction and self-reference.
David earned multiple awards for his work, including a 1992 Eisner Award, a 1993 Wizard Fan Award, a 1996 Haxtur Award, a 2007 Julie Award and a 2011 GLAAD Media Award.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
January 6, 2025
Okay, where to start?
My knowledge of Supergirl is limited to the TV show starring Kara Danvers and her appearance in the 2009 (i think?) Superman/Batman series. There, I think her name was also Kara? So, this whole thing was confusing.
Supergirl is Mae who is...? Matrix? I wiki’ed it and that wasn’t super helpful. Anyway, Supergirl merges with Linda Danvers, a former cult leader and Linda tries to redeem herself through being Supergirl. As a plot line, that’s semi interesting. However, it didn’t make it any less confusing.
Her superpowers were interesting? Shapeshifting, TK, flight and superstrength. The plot lines (for the most part) were pretty interesting. That’s about where this stops for me.
I wasn’t super intrigued by Linda as a character and I’m not sure why Matrix was a complete non character for most of this. The cast of characters are all pretty one note. Matty’s dialogue was painful. I wasn’t sure why Mr. Danvers was a dick. Mrs. Danvers was painfully annoying. There was too much of the reporter I didn’t care about and wayyyy too much of the demon guy. I understand he was the main villain but I felt like there was too much focus and he was never as intimidating as Peter David wanted him to be.
Now, the worst part of this series was the short one shot issue with Mary Marvel. It was fucking tone deaf. Spoilers past this point:
So, once again, we have a comic that I think would’ve been better executed had a woman written it. I find it hard to believe a female writer (aside from Devin Grayson) would write such a tone deaf issue and I think Linda would’ve been a more interesting, well fleshed out character.
So, this is not a recommend from me. This is actually the only Supergirl solo I’ve read and it doesn’t encourage me to read more, unfortunately.
My knowledge of Supergirl is limited to the TV show starring Kara Danvers and her appearance in the 2009 (i think?) Superman/Batman series. There, I think her name was also Kara? So, this whole thing was confusing.
Supergirl is Mae who is...? Matrix? I wiki’ed it and that wasn’t super helpful. Anyway, Supergirl merges with Linda Danvers, a former cult leader and Linda tries to redeem herself through being Supergirl. As a plot line, that’s semi interesting. However, it didn’t make it any less confusing.
Her superpowers were interesting? Shapeshifting, TK, flight and superstrength. The plot lines (for the most part) were pretty interesting. That’s about where this stops for me.
I wasn’t super intrigued by Linda as a character and I’m not sure why Matrix was a complete non character for most of this. The cast of characters are all pretty one note. Matty’s dialogue was painful. I wasn’t sure why Mr. Danvers was a dick. Mrs. Danvers was painfully annoying. There was too much of the reporter I didn’t care about and wayyyy too much of the demon guy. I understand he was the main villain but I felt like there was too much focus and he was never as intimidating as Peter David wanted him to be.
Now, the worst part of this series was the short one shot issue with Mary Marvel. It was fucking tone deaf. Spoilers past this point:
So, once again, we have a comic that I think would’ve been better executed had a woman written it. I find it hard to believe a female writer (aside from Devin Grayson) would write such a tone deaf issue and I think Linda would’ve been a more interesting, well fleshed out character.
So, this is not a recommend from me. This is actually the only Supergirl solo I’ve read and it doesn’t encourage me to read more, unfortunately.
January 31, 2018
Let Peter David and Gary Frank take you back to the wacky, grungy mid-1990s with 3.5 stars.
What I find surprising about David's Supergirl, despite Gary Frank's bright and poppy artwork, is the dark, supernatural, and philosophical tone. Not what I'd expect for Supergirl in the 90s. This has the cult feel of Morrison's Invisibles. Not to that level, but it tries to be within the confines of a mainstream DC comic.
The 90s writing, as people often generally complain about, can be pretty cheesy, dated, and ridiculous. Demons? De-evolutionary monkey plague? PSI-blasts? The dialog includes such phrases like "as if," "whatever," and the subtle "come as you are." And worse yet are the cheesy one-liners like "I should pulp you here and now." That said, I love this cheesy shit. It's hilarious.
All that aside, Peter David's big, heavy-handed theme deals with Christianity and occultism, angels and demons, salvation and damnation. While Linda Danvers is a devout if naive Christian (like her mother Sylvia and most of Leesburg), her creepy boyfriend Buzz Aldrin (yes, subtle) is a practitioner of Thelema ("do what thou wilt"), magick, and other occultism like demon worship. This is far from a new theme, and while I'm surprised to find this in a 90s DC comic, I'm confused about David's point.
On the one hand he seems to criticize Christianity pretty harshly, with Buzz's rants on hypocrisy, and characters like wife-beating and cheating Reverend Meeke. Then there’s Sylvia Danvers annoying glass-half-full outlook despite all of the nonsense happening in Leesburg, like Linda's occultist kidnapping, inviting a demon to dinner, and her being thrown through a stained glass window during monkey plague. She's just a total dummy dependent on faith. And Linda is a perfect example of a "fallen angel" or Eve-type figure, at first wide-eyed innocent turned downright evil, and totally hypocritical.
On the other hand, using Buzz who's an evil creep with a rapist's wit (and worse, if you read to the end) to represent occultism isn't flattering either. After finishing the book, I can only surmise that Peter David's point is this: a belief system is only as "good" as its believers, but humans are inherently evil, therefore most belief systems are inherently evil...? I mean, look at Supergirl. She was temped, like Jesus, but failed like Eve.
Then again, maybe there is no point. It's just angels and demons in a Supergirl comic.
That being said, the story is interesting if dated and overwritten. Gary Frank's illustrations aren't his best, but they're clean and bright and good for the time. If you're interested in a weird cult approach to a generally "angelic" super heroine, and you don't mind 90s writing, give Supergirl a try.
May 31, 2025
new review: definitely better than the first time I read this years and years ago. however, if I'm being honest with myself, it's still one of Peter David's weaker works. I think the main thing is that I don't really feel for Linda where I would hope I would more. And some of the story lines while they're strong and have a good underlining message. they're missing the funness that he usually has and his other titles. also, this one's really weird. a 2.5 or 3 out of five.
old review: Ah, I tried. I really tried. Are there ANY good Supergirl books to get?
This is just boring. You got this Matrix Supergirl who can shapeshift but combines with a young lady who now becomes Supergirl and Linda Denvers at the same time. I just felt like it was confusing, and characters change on a whim to the plot, and most of the plot is 80's feel of "OH NO BAD GUY BEHIND IT ALL".
I liked most of the art, and the question of purpose, but overall this was a big boring mess of a collection with odd things happening every few issues. Dropping this one sadly.
old review: Ah, I tried. I really tried. Are there ANY good Supergirl books to get?
This is just boring. You got this Matrix Supergirl who can shapeshift but combines with a young lady who now becomes Supergirl and Linda Denvers at the same time. I just felt like it was confusing, and characters change on a whim to the plot, and most of the plot is 80's feel of "OH NO BAD GUY BEHIND IT ALL".
I liked most of the art, and the question of purpose, but overall this was a big boring mess of a collection with odd things happening every few issues. Dropping this one sadly.
January 5, 2025
I struggled to get through this. The tone is all over the place. At times it covers serious issues such as sexual assault and murder, which it does very poorly. However, it is filled with snarky dialogue, which is supposed to be funny (it isn't), which makes it feel like the writer isn't really taking these issues seriously. Additionally, it's hard to take a story seriously when the main villain is an edge lord demon named Buzz. I'd recommend avoiding this.
March 16, 2021
As a longtime fan of both superheroes and Star Trek, Peter David is among my favorite writers. Whether in prose or comic form, his versions of everyone from Riker and Troi to Tobey Maguire's Spider-Man were well-written and gripping; at times, better than the original television episodes or films. Years ago, I had a blast with his 2099 adaptation of Spidey. It's rare that I haven't enjoyed something of his...
...but, this is one such case. Between the sultriness, the profanity, and especially the mockery of the Christian faith, this one was a definite dud. It's a shame; not only is Peter David an amazing talent, but, these stories come from the nineties, the time of many of my favorite entertainment franchises: Home Improvement, Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, the Star Wars Expanded Universe, etc.
(I give it two stars because, despite the negative content, at least the artwork was fabulous. I can't draw to save my life, but, I know from friends who were/are artistically talented that such drawings take a lot of time and effort. If only all that work had been spent on something more worthwhile...)
...but, this is one such case. Between the sultriness, the profanity, and especially the mockery of the Christian faith, this one was a definite dud. It's a shame; not only is Peter David an amazing talent, but, these stories come from the nineties, the time of many of my favorite entertainment franchises: Home Improvement, Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, the Star Wars Expanded Universe, etc.
(I give it two stars because, despite the negative content, at least the artwork was fabulous. I can't draw to save my life, but, I know from friends who were/are artistically talented that such drawings take a lot of time and effort. If only all that work had been spent on something more worthwhile...)
September 21, 2022
This was … interesting. I generally love Peter David's work, but I'm not sure that this book is the best example of it.
Part of that may just be me. I'm a long-time comics fan, and unfamiliar with this version of Supergirl. I'm used to the Kryptonian version, not this more recent telekinetic incarnation. So I was off balance going in.
And then, early on, we suddenly begin an issue seemingly most of the way through the story ("And No Dawn to Follow the Darkness.") Flashbacks help, but it still feels like there's an issue or two missing from the run. Perhaps this was part of some multi-issue crossover event? I know that fans seem to love them, but they generally mess with the various series in annoying and unpleasant ways.
And the resolution of the main storyline feels unsatisfying. It builds well, but the last few pages fall kind of flat. Certain decisions seem unmotivated by anything preceding them, let's just say.
I don't want to sound like I'm trashing the entire book. I love the basic setup. Yes, Linda Danvers' ex is a bargain basement John Constantine, but I do like the premise of Supergirl trying to redeem her sordid past. I loved the return of Chemo. And the story with Mary Marvel. And the final issue of the main storyline, "My Dinner With Buzz," is wonderful except for, as I said, those last few pages. I even enjoyed the backup stories that round out the volume.
On the whole, I'd say this was flawed but enjoyable.
Part of that may just be me. I'm a long-time comics fan, and unfamiliar with this version of Supergirl. I'm used to the Kryptonian version, not this more recent telekinetic incarnation. So I was off balance going in.
And then, early on, we suddenly begin an issue seemingly most of the way through the story ("And No Dawn to Follow the Darkness.") Flashbacks help, but it still feels like there's an issue or two missing from the run. Perhaps this was part of some multi-issue crossover event? I know that fans seem to love them, but they generally mess with the various series in annoying and unpleasant ways.
And the resolution of the main storyline feels unsatisfying. It builds well, but the last few pages fall kind of flat. Certain decisions seem unmotivated by anything preceding them, let's just say.
I don't want to sound like I'm trashing the entire book. I love the basic setup. Yes, Linda Danvers' ex is a bargain basement John Constantine, but I do like the premise of Supergirl trying to redeem her sordid past. I loved the return of Chemo. And the story with Mary Marvel. And the final issue of the main storyline, "My Dinner With Buzz," is wonderful except for, as I said, those last few pages. I even enjoyed the backup stories that round out the volume.
On the whole, I'd say this was flawed but enjoyable.
January 19, 2023
This was a mess I was bored reading it.
July 12, 2023
É. Nem sempre Peter David é sinônimo de quadrinho bom e indispensável. Essa série da Supergirl/Matriz é bastante zoada. Ela tinha tudo para dar certo, afinal um combo de David e Gary Frank funcionou extremamente bem no Incrível Hulk. Mas aqui, parece que David fugiu do humor comum ao Hulk e também do inusitado que gera as situações cômicas e foi ser o adultão do rolé, misturando pactos satanistas, com alienígenas e anjos. A verve católica de David acaba prejudicando muito esse quadrinho. Mesmo quando ele vai abordar abuso infantil num encontro entre a Supergirl e Mary Marvel, o tiro sai pela culatra. Pela primeira vez fico feliz que a Panini Comics Brasil não vai dar continuidade a uma série praticamente inédita no Brasil. Fora tudo isso, é complicadíssimo para o leitor de primeira viagem entender a zoeira que é a Supergirl Matrix susbtituindo o corpo assassinado muitilado de Linda Danvers num ritual satânico, sendo que ela é uma contraparte da Supergirl de uma realidade alternativa que já tomou a forma do Superman e agora é Supergirl. Ufa! Complicado até de escrever isso. Fico abismado em saber que a série tenha durado tanto lá fora! E ainda gerado uma continuação em outra editora!
July 27, 2024
Supergirl: Book One
Linda Danvers got caught up in ritual magic that cost her her life. Too late to save her, the Supergirl Matrix joined with Linda's physical body and is now on a path to redeem two lost souls. Supergirl has been reborn!
David has written an amazing reintroduction of Supergirl to the DC Universe and, coupled with some wonderful artwork, has redefined the character for a new generation.
Linda Danvers got caught up in ritual magic that cost her her life. Too late to save her, the Supergirl Matrix joined with Linda's physical body and is now on a path to redeem two lost souls. Supergirl has been reborn!
David has written an amazing reintroduction of Supergirl to the DC Universe and, coupled with some wonderful artwork, has redefined the character for a new generation.
October 22, 2016
"Grunge Supergirl." Until the current TV series, DC has always been hit or miss with the Supergirl character. In the '90s, she wasn't Superman's cousin or even from Krypton. This "new" Supergirl was a shapeshifter created by Lex Luthor, and in this collection of her solo series, she merges her body and mind with misguided teen/twentysomething Linda Danvers, assuming Linda's life, friends, parents, and secrets... as well as her skateboard and flannel shirts! I actually really liked "Matrix," the shapeshifter character, when she was introduced in earlier Superman comics. I had high hopes because Peter David is a good writer and the concept, though convoluted, isn't really a bad one as Supergirl tries to find her own humanity living the life of a human girl she never knew. But the stories start out bumpy and then go completely off the rails. My biggest problem is with her adversary - a satanic flan-eating demon named Buzz Aldren who manipulated the original Linda Danvers. He's just a ridiculous undeveloped bore (chore?) who is doing evil things that have to do with cults and demons and angels because he is evil and has vague evil motivation. As he creeps along in the background, being evil and boring, there's a 2-part story involving Gorilla Grodd and the entire sun going out - I assume this had something to do with a crossover running in other DC comics at the time, but it's never explained. Suddenly there is just NO SUN and a mind controlling gorilla shows up in town. Same with the Rampage issue, which seems to carry over from a storyline in a Superman book, and the Man of Steel even makes a guest appearance, but again - why is this happening and what does it have to do with Supergirl's story? It's just all really choppy. The highlight for me was a story featuring Mary Marvel, Shazam's protege, who runs away from home and befriends, then challenges Supergirl. I think that was the best issue in the whole bunch! I don't know that I've ever seen these 2 characters appear together, so I liked seeing their interaction. I also really liked the "day in the life of Linda Danvers" vignette, which was beautifully illustrated and more down to earth, with Supergirl pondering the old Linda's mistakes and worrying about how to get money for rock concert tickets. I really, really wish more of the stories had been like this. What the Supergirl TV show gets so right about the character is that it's her soul and her goodness and her hope that make her a true hero, not her powers, and these two stories tap into that feeling. Then Buzz comes back and it's more boring evil games for the sake of boring evil.
If you're a fan of the TV series and looking for some Supergirl comics to read, I'd suggest The Daring New Adventures of Supergirl collection. They're older stories from the very early 1980s and a bit hokey, but at least they're hopeful and all-ages-friendly and they do feature the version of Supergirl who is Superman's Kryptonian cousin. These Linda Danvers stories from the '90s are just dark and a downer, which is too bad because there are moments when her light shines through - but they are few and far between. I still love her skateboard and flannel shirts though!
If you're a fan of the TV series and looking for some Supergirl comics to read, I'd suggest The Daring New Adventures of Supergirl collection. They're older stories from the very early 1980s and a bit hokey, but at least they're hopeful and all-ages-friendly and they do feature the version of Supergirl who is Superman's Kryptonian cousin. These Linda Danvers stories from the '90s are just dark and a downer, which is too bad because there are moments when her light shines through - but they are few and far between. I still love her skateboard and flannel shirts though!
December 5, 2022
Leave aside that David is one of my LEAST favorite writers, his work being repetitive as an I Love Lucy rerun, and over-formulaic to boot, the art here is simplistic PAST the point of a golden-age Daffy Duck comic.
February 8, 2018
This is what every female oriented comic book should aspire to be, I wish BatGirl could have been this amazing. It really blew me away.
April 14, 2025
Matrix Supergirl merges with a troubled woman, Linda Danvers, leading their shared life to become a gigantic struggle of identity and faith. An overbearing family and a bizarro Constantine villain are the cherry on top to Supergirl's messy life. This is such a fun read as long as you don't take the religious elements too seriously and just see them as the entertainment they are. I found the portrayal of the female characters to be decent and there was no part that seemed inopportune or sexist, at least to my sensibilities.
The negatives of this book are first, the art. It was very inconsistent and almost amateurish? The character of Buzz is especially remarkable, as he looks completely different at the start of the book vs in the last few issues, to the point I wasn't even sure if he was the same guy. The stories at the end were terrible, there was no context to them and I don't see why they had to be included.
The negatives of this book are first, the art. It was very inconsistent and almost amateurish? The character of Buzz is especially remarkable, as he looks completely different at the start of the book vs in the last few issues, to the point I wasn't even sure if he was the same guy. The stories at the end were terrible, there was no context to them and I don't see why they had to be included.
July 31, 2017
This book is a mess. The Christian overtones never make sense to the world we are dropped into, the writing is incoherent and made me wonder at times if there were missing pages from my edition to the point that I would do page counts of several issues. As bad as the main issues were the "Legends of a Dead Earth" stories that conclude this collection are even worse with genuinely ugly art and reductive story telling.
March 26, 2021
Pretty far from Peter David's best work: The religious thing doesn't mesh with the identity crisis inherent in Matrix/Supergirl (inadvertently) melding with Linda Danvers. Gary Frank is a shadow of what he will become as a penciller, but even that shadow does really nice work which is really the only saving grace of this volume.
December 17, 2018
1.0 out of 5 stars
I have very little knowledge about supergirl but what little knowledge I did have I was basically told I was wrong in knowing that in this graphic novel and it just didn’t make me like it. Not continuing with the series
I have very little knowledge about supergirl but what little knowledge I did have I was basically told I was wrong in knowing that in this graphic novel and it just didn’t make me like it. Not continuing with the series
July 26, 2023
Man, this art is painfully outdated. It screams 90s, but honestly it would have even been a bit dated then.
Because of the art, at best this book would have been 4 stars, but the story just isn't that great. The earlier parts are a bit compelling, but overall, this just falls really flat. Disappointing considering this gets spoken of so highly.
Because of the art, at best this book would have been 4 stars, but the story just isn't that great. The earlier parts are a bit compelling, but overall, this just falls really flat. Disappointing considering this gets spoken of so highly.
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September 25, 2024the Dark Age redeemed...fire walk with me...
April 3, 2018
I had fond memories of this series, a different take on the standard Supergirl story, which dives into the concept of religion and morality. What exactly Supergirl is this time around is only hinted at by this point, but it was a promising start.
That said, this book did also contain a reprint of an unrelated annual from this time, so, you know, the last few stories are much more forgettable and have nothing to do with the rest of the book.
That said, this book did also contain a reprint of an unrelated annual from this time, so, you know, the last few stories are much more forgettable and have nothing to do with the rest of the book.
March 9, 2022
Obvious product of the satanic panic, religion propaganda throughout. Supergirl comics in this age we're not worth reading.
May 19, 2018
In Super Girl: Book One sind die Ausgaben #1 - 9 der Supergirl-Serie von Peter David enthalten, zusätzlich Supergirl Plus #1, Supergirl Annual #1 und Geschichten aus Showcase ’96 #8.
Im Endeffekt eine mittelmäßige Leseerfahrung. Es handelt sich bei diesem Supergirl nicht um Kara Zor-El, sondern um "Matrix", eine künstlich erzeugte Version von Lex Luther, deren umständliche Entstehungsgeschichte ich hier nicht weiter erläutere (und in der Serie bisher keine Rolle spielt). Bei dem Versuch, die junge Laura Danvers vor dem Tod zu retten, verschmelzen ihre beiden Körper und Persönlichkeiten zu einer. Fortan kann sich Laura Danvers in Supergirl verwandeln, sofern sie ihre Kräfte benötigt, und sorgt damit in ihrer Heimat Leesburg für Ordnung. Ich kenne nicht die Hintergründ der Entstehungsgeschichte von Laura Danvers, aber wenn ich richtig liege, hatte die Verschmelzung mit Supergirl wahrscheinlich den Hauptgrund, Matrix zum klassischen Alter Ego zu machen und eine Serie mit ihr zu tragen.
Laura Danvers bringt dabei natürlich ihre problematische Vergangenheit mit sich, die auch zu ihrem Beinahe-Tod führte, nämlich die Beziehung zum mysteriösen Buzz Aldrin. Dieser strickt die Serie über im Hintergrund die Fäden, auch wenn nicht alle Hefte die Haupthandlung voranbringen, einfache Filler ohne allzu großen Mehrwert quetschen sich ab und an dazwischen.
Die Konstellation von Laura Danvers und dem "dark Romeo" Buzz kann den Vorwurf der Klischeehaftigkeit nicht ganz abweisen, generell wird leider bei Figuren und deren Beziehungen oft nur die Oberfläche angekratzt. Es ist nicht, dass da keinerlei Potential gewesen und genutzt worden wäre. Immer wieder bringt Peter David Themen auf, die über ein reines Action-Gekloppe hinaus gehen, aber so richtig kam der zündene Funke dann doch nicht.
Totalausfälle gab es für mich bei den zusätzlichen Geschichten aus Showcase, die paar Seiten hätte ich mir sparen können ...
In ihrer Aussage deutlich kritischer sehe ich die Geschichte mit Mary Marvel, bei der ich nicht nachvollziehen kann, was letztendlich die Intention des Autos war. Es geht um einen mutmaßlichen sexuellen Übergriff auf ein Kind, der letztendlich nicht geklärt wird und in dem sich u.a. Supergirl ziemlich seltsam verhält, auch wenn die Situation keine einfache ist. Grundsätzlich ist zwar die Perspektive, dass in einer aufgeheizten Stimmung Handlungen auch über- bzw. falsch interpretiert werden, definitiv eine diskutable, aber a.) fehlt hier die Auflösung und b.) empfinde ich es als sehr befremdlich, wie stark Supergirl die Meinung Mary Marvels relativiert, nur weil der Cop "ein guter Kerl" sei. Ganz heißes Eisen, an dem sich der Autor ein paar Finger verbrannt hat.
Die beiden Nachfolgebände habe ich bereits hier stehen, als nächstes fasse ich aber lieber etwas anderes an. Leider ist die Serie bisher recht spannungsarm, für Komplettisten bietet sich mit den TPB aber eine gute Möglichkeit, die Peter Davids Supergirl zu vervollständigen.
Schade ist auch, dass es keinerlei redaktionellen Teil oder auch nur ein Inhaltsverzeichnis gibt.
2,5/5
Im Endeffekt eine mittelmäßige Leseerfahrung. Es handelt sich bei diesem Supergirl nicht um Kara Zor-El, sondern um "Matrix", eine künstlich erzeugte Version von Lex Luther, deren umständliche Entstehungsgeschichte ich hier nicht weiter erläutere (und in der Serie bisher keine Rolle spielt). Bei dem Versuch, die junge Laura Danvers vor dem Tod zu retten, verschmelzen ihre beiden Körper und Persönlichkeiten zu einer. Fortan kann sich Laura Danvers in Supergirl verwandeln, sofern sie ihre Kräfte benötigt, und sorgt damit in ihrer Heimat Leesburg für Ordnung. Ich kenne nicht die Hintergründ der Entstehungsgeschichte von Laura Danvers, aber wenn ich richtig liege, hatte die Verschmelzung mit Supergirl wahrscheinlich den Hauptgrund, Matrix zum klassischen Alter Ego zu machen und eine Serie mit ihr zu tragen.
Laura Danvers bringt dabei natürlich ihre problematische Vergangenheit mit sich, die auch zu ihrem Beinahe-Tod führte, nämlich die Beziehung zum mysteriösen Buzz Aldrin. Dieser strickt die Serie über im Hintergrund die Fäden, auch wenn nicht alle Hefte die Haupthandlung voranbringen, einfache Filler ohne allzu großen Mehrwert quetschen sich ab und an dazwischen.
Die Konstellation von Laura Danvers und dem "dark Romeo" Buzz kann den Vorwurf der Klischeehaftigkeit nicht ganz abweisen, generell wird leider bei Figuren und deren Beziehungen oft nur die Oberfläche angekratzt. Es ist nicht, dass da keinerlei Potential gewesen und genutzt worden wäre. Immer wieder bringt Peter David Themen auf, die über ein reines Action-Gekloppe hinaus gehen, aber so richtig kam der zündene Funke dann doch nicht.
Totalausfälle gab es für mich bei den zusätzlichen Geschichten aus Showcase, die paar Seiten hätte ich mir sparen können ...
In ihrer Aussage deutlich kritischer sehe ich die Geschichte mit Mary Marvel, bei der ich nicht nachvollziehen kann, was letztendlich die Intention des Autos war. Es geht um einen mutmaßlichen sexuellen Übergriff auf ein Kind, der letztendlich nicht geklärt wird und in dem sich u.a. Supergirl ziemlich seltsam verhält, auch wenn die Situation keine einfache ist. Grundsätzlich ist zwar die Perspektive, dass in einer aufgeheizten Stimmung Handlungen auch über- bzw. falsch interpretiert werden, definitiv eine diskutable, aber a.) fehlt hier die Auflösung und b.) empfinde ich es als sehr befremdlich, wie stark Supergirl die Meinung Mary Marvels relativiert, nur weil der Cop "ein guter Kerl" sei. Ganz heißes Eisen, an dem sich der Autor ein paar Finger verbrannt hat.
Die beiden Nachfolgebände habe ich bereits hier stehen, als nächstes fasse ich aber lieber etwas anderes an. Leider ist die Serie bisher recht spannungsarm, für Komplettisten bietet sich mit den TPB aber eine gute Möglichkeit, die Peter Davids Supergirl zu vervollständigen.
Schade ist auch, dass es keinerlei redaktionellen Teil oder auch nur ein Inhaltsverzeichnis gibt.
2,5/5
July 4, 2021
I understand that the writers at DC often feel the need to take dramatic steps to distinguish Supergirl from Superman. I get that; it's very easy to fall into the trap of making Supergirl a simple distaff knock-off of the Man of Steel, playing out similar adventures with a similar tone. So I see why a writer would want to come up with a distinctive hook if they were going to tackle the Girl of Steel, just to keep the book from feeling to redundant.
... That said, I have NO idea what Peter David was smoking when he decided to turn his run on Supergirl into an "edgy" supernatural horror comic.
To begin with, this book is so '90s that it hurts. The cover image, with Supergirl clutching a skateboard while wearing flannel, is just a taste of the dated aesthetics and dialogue to be found within. I felt like this book was going to pull a muscle trying to be hip and trendy.
This might also explain why all of its concepts feel so derivative. The notions of supernatural evil being summoned in a small town; a hero with partial amnesia and buried sins; the dark, sordid underbelly of suburbia; and a young woman who battles supernatural monsters... it sincerely feels like David just took Twin Peaks, Spawn, and Buffy the Vampire Slayer and threw them in a blender. There's so much going on all at once, and it really doesn't gel... ESPECIALLY when there's a superhero in a blue-and-red cheerleader outfit flying around, who doesn't seem like she fits into this equation at all.
And that's really the worst part of this. Post-Crisis Supergirl was already kind of a strange character to begin with; rather than being a Kryptonian, she was an artificial protoplasmic being named Matrix who could shape-shift to LOOK like a female Superman, and mimic some of his powers. Then at the start of this book, Matrix ends up merging with a human college student named Linda Danvers, and she spends the rest of the book in a navel-gazing existential funk about whether she has a soul or not, whether she's actually Linda or just Matrix imitating Linda, whether human beings are worth saving or if they're damned by their natures (thus damning HER by contaminating her with Linda's nature)... and y'know, that's interesting stuff! That sounds potentially great as a character hook! But, well...
... that's not Supergirl.
(... Oh, and the less said about the truly repugnant team-up issue with Mary Marvel, the better. "Tasteless" is putting it CHARITABLY.)
... That said, I have NO idea what Peter David was smoking when he decided to turn his run on Supergirl into an "edgy" supernatural horror comic.
To begin with, this book is so '90s that it hurts. The cover image, with Supergirl clutching a skateboard while wearing flannel, is just a taste of the dated aesthetics and dialogue to be found within. I felt like this book was going to pull a muscle trying to be hip and trendy.
This might also explain why all of its concepts feel so derivative. The notions of supernatural evil being summoned in a small town; a hero with partial amnesia and buried sins; the dark, sordid underbelly of suburbia; and a young woman who battles supernatural monsters... it sincerely feels like David just took Twin Peaks, Spawn, and Buffy the Vampire Slayer and threw them in a blender. There's so much going on all at once, and it really doesn't gel... ESPECIALLY when there's a superhero in a blue-and-red cheerleader outfit flying around, who doesn't seem like she fits into this equation at all.
And that's really the worst part of this. Post-Crisis Supergirl was already kind of a strange character to begin with; rather than being a Kryptonian, she was an artificial protoplasmic being named Matrix who could shape-shift to LOOK like a female Superman, and mimic some of his powers. Then at the start of this book, Matrix ends up merging with a human college student named Linda Danvers, and she spends the rest of the book in a navel-gazing existential funk about whether she has a soul or not, whether she's actually Linda or just Matrix imitating Linda, whether human beings are worth saving or if they're damned by their natures (thus damning HER by contaminating her with Linda's nature)... and y'know, that's interesting stuff! That sounds potentially great as a character hook! But, well...
... that's not Supergirl.
(... Oh, and the less said about the truly repugnant team-up issue with Mary Marvel, the better. "Tasteless" is putting it CHARITABLY.)
August 8, 2017
This book collects Issues 1-9 of Supergirl as well as the first annual and some back-up stories/supplementary material that appeared in Showcase 96 #8 and the Supergirl plus #1 team up with Mary Marvel.
Matrix, a protoplasmic version of Supergirl, joined with the dying Linda Danvers in part to save her and in part because Matrix Supergirl was unsure if she had a soul. Now, that she's combined with Linda, she's not sure that she got a good soul as she begins to discover wasn't just a victim of a satanic cult but a member and perhaps a killer.
The main Supergirl story has problems. There are moments that come off as over the top or absurd in their attempts to manufacture melodramatic bleaknress. There's also some lame jokes such as when the book tries to lamely riff on Mary Jane Watson's "You Hit the ing in the mixJackpot, Tiger" line from Amazing Spider-man for...reasons. On the other hand, the storyline does have some some interesting features. The consequences of what Matrix did is explored thoroughly with some great questions being raised as to what her nature is now, what Linda's past is, and what about her creepy boyfriend. And how does the new Linda/Supergirl relate to Linda's parents. You also have a big name DC villain getting in the mix even while mystery swirls around her new hometown.
It deals with religion and while some of the images are disturbing, I give it credit for not being totally dismissive and derisive of faith and Christianity in general.
The Supergirl Plus #1 finds Mary Marvel running away and running into a cop that tries to bring her alter ego in...or is he trying something far more sick. It's a somewhat uncomfortable topic, but I give David credit for exploring it.
The Annual has three different stories. The annual's art is awful and the stories range from just misses to pretty bad.
Overall, this isn't great but it holds my interest and me curious to read what comes next.
Matrix, a protoplasmic version of Supergirl, joined with the dying Linda Danvers in part to save her and in part because Matrix Supergirl was unsure if she had a soul. Now, that she's combined with Linda, she's not sure that she got a good soul as she begins to discover wasn't just a victim of a satanic cult but a member and perhaps a killer.
The main Supergirl story has problems. There are moments that come off as over the top or absurd in their attempts to manufacture melodramatic bleaknress. There's also some lame jokes such as when the book tries to lamely riff on Mary Jane Watson's "You Hit the ing in the mixJackpot, Tiger" line from Amazing Spider-man for...reasons. On the other hand, the storyline does have some some interesting features. The consequences of what Matrix did is explored thoroughly with some great questions being raised as to what her nature is now, what Linda's past is, and what about her creepy boyfriend. And how does the new Linda/Supergirl relate to Linda's parents. You also have a big name DC villain getting in the mix even while mystery swirls around her new hometown.
It deals with religion and while some of the images are disturbing, I give it credit for not being totally dismissive and derisive of faith and Christianity in general.
The Supergirl Plus #1 finds Mary Marvel running away and running into a cop that tries to bring her alter ego in...or is he trying something far more sick. It's a somewhat uncomfortable topic, but I give David credit for exploring it.
The Annual has three different stories. The annual's art is awful and the stories range from just misses to pretty bad.
Overall, this isn't great but it holds my interest and me curious to read what comes next.
May 31, 2024
Covering Peter David's run from #1-#80
Y'all at least have a passing awareness of DC's Supergirl, right? She's Superman's teenage cousin, the last daughter of Krypton, she got a CW show and everything with really bad CGI. Forget all of that. Meet Linda Danvers. She's just your average girl from the 90s, she skateboards, she rebels against her parents, joins a satanic cult, you know, normal teen stuff. So when said cult makes her a sacrifice, who shows up but the Matrix Supergirl (long story, all you need to know is that she's an artificial protoplasm lifeform superhero) to save her life via merging. Linda and Supergirl are now the one and the same, and that's just the first issue.
Peter David reimagines Supergirl into a hero in the same tradition as classic Spider-Man, juggling the tribulations of dating and employment along with the responsibilities of fighting giant chemical monsters and demons. She'll tackle an infernal British ex boyfriend, ripped aliens and a boy named Wally who just may be God.
Peter David is such an underrated comic book writer. His comics balance wit and absurd humor with engaging serial storylines that both surprise and thrill. The first half of this run is great from start to finish entangling Supergirl into a urban epic that takes her from Heaven to Hell. The last 50 issues are not as strong as the previous ones, starting off with a great hook of a supernatural buddy comedy road trip across America, but to due some external factors and some odd choices the series ends somewhat unsatisfyingly and disappointing. Still, just the fact that it even lasted that long is an achievement in and of itself, and Supergirl 1996 proves to be an overall fun time!
Y'all at least have a passing awareness of DC's Supergirl, right? She's Superman's teenage cousin, the last daughter of Krypton, she got a CW show and everything with really bad CGI. Forget all of that. Meet Linda Danvers. She's just your average girl from the 90s, she skateboards, she rebels against her parents, joins a satanic cult, you know, normal teen stuff. So when said cult makes her a sacrifice, who shows up but the Matrix Supergirl (long story, all you need to know is that she's an artificial protoplasm lifeform superhero) to save her life via merging. Linda and Supergirl are now the one and the same, and that's just the first issue.
Peter David reimagines Supergirl into a hero in the same tradition as classic Spider-Man, juggling the tribulations of dating and employment along with the responsibilities of fighting giant chemical monsters and demons. She'll tackle an infernal British ex boyfriend, ripped aliens and a boy named Wally who just may be God.
Peter David is such an underrated comic book writer. His comics balance wit and absurd humor with engaging serial storylines that both surprise and thrill. The first half of this run is great from start to finish entangling Supergirl into a urban epic that takes her from Heaven to Hell. The last 50 issues are not as strong as the previous ones, starting off with a great hook of a supernatural buddy comedy road trip across America, but to due some external factors and some odd choices the series ends somewhat unsatisfyingly and disappointing. Still, just the fact that it even lasted that long is an achievement in and of itself, and Supergirl 1996 proves to be an overall fun time!
June 17, 2023
Supergirl: Book One has some exciting work by Peter David. However, there is a lot of religious talk. It's regarding people coming together, but also in references to demons that are some villains in the arc.
The stories could be more substantial, and we could get more explanations. For example, the villain of the arc, Buzz Aldrin, is defeated by a boy who holds a bat as his weapon, but we never get an explanation for this boy.
It was also cool seeing Mary Marvel in her own story (Supergirl is present, however) where there is a 'situation' with a cop that has some things going on in his personal life. It's a story grounded more in reality than the others.
A few short stories expand and try to do something more with the Supergirl lore. (One of these stories is by Chuck Dixon). And while I admire them doing so, not all of the stories hit home, especially Dixon's.
I'm returning to this arc, liking it better than I have in the past. Primarily due to how comics, particularly Supergirl, are being written now.
This book is still a *** out of ***** for me, though. I plan on reading the other collections, albeit not all 80 issues are part of the series.
Oh! Some dialogue was good and clever, and I liked the art. And I do plan on rereading this in the future to see how it holds up.
The stories could be more substantial, and we could get more explanations. For example, the villain of the arc, Buzz Aldrin, is defeated by a boy who holds a bat as his weapon, but we never get an explanation for this boy.
It was also cool seeing Mary Marvel in her own story (Supergirl is present, however) where there is a 'situation' with a cop that has some things going on in his personal life. It's a story grounded more in reality than the others.
A few short stories expand and try to do something more with the Supergirl lore. (One of these stories is by Chuck Dixon). And while I admire them doing so, not all of the stories hit home, especially Dixon's.
I'm returning to this arc, liking it better than I have in the past. Primarily due to how comics, particularly Supergirl, are being written now.
This book is still a *** out of ***** for me, though. I plan on reading the other collections, albeit not all 80 issues are part of the series.
Oh! Some dialogue was good and clever, and I liked the art. And I do plan on rereading this in the future to see how it holds up.
January 6, 2019
Fair warning: I didn't get all the way through the book, so take this review with a grain of salt.
That said, I think I read enough to get a fair measure of the content, quality, etc. Overall, I liked it. Peter David is one of those writers that's always solid, no matter what medium he's authoring, whether it be comics or novels. There's a reason he's a mainstay in the industry. He's just damn good. But even prodigious talents like David can't produce comic book gold every time. What portions I read were entertaining, but not enough to keep me going. I wasn't clamoring to know what happened next, which was unfortunate. But, hey, that could be because I'm just not that big into Supergirl. I'm sure there's a version of me out there in the multiverse that voraciously ate up this book. But then, if we're talking about the multiverse, I suppose you can make that argument for *every* book... But I digress.
Ooh! I'd be remiss if I didn't mention the art by Gary Frank. So, so good. This guy is currently the best comic book artist in the business, in my opinion. This particular series was produced back in the mid nineties. Mr. Frank was still finding his legs back then, so the art isn't quite as perfect as his current stuff, but it's still damn gorgeous to look at.
That said, I think I read enough to get a fair measure of the content, quality, etc. Overall, I liked it. Peter David is one of those writers that's always solid, no matter what medium he's authoring, whether it be comics or novels. There's a reason he's a mainstay in the industry. He's just damn good. But even prodigious talents like David can't produce comic book gold every time. What portions I read were entertaining, but not enough to keep me going. I wasn't clamoring to know what happened next, which was unfortunate. But, hey, that could be because I'm just not that big into Supergirl. I'm sure there's a version of me out there in the multiverse that voraciously ate up this book. But then, if we're talking about the multiverse, I suppose you can make that argument for *every* book... But I digress.
Ooh! I'd be remiss if I didn't mention the art by Gary Frank. So, so good. This guy is currently the best comic book artist in the business, in my opinion. This particular series was produced back in the mid nineties. Mr. Frank was still finding his legs back then, so the art isn't quite as perfect as his current stuff, but it's still damn gorgeous to look at.
December 6, 2024
Overall a pretty wtf story. Kind of interesting premise, some fun stories, some lame ones, a lot of nostalgic 90s fun and existential angst and Biblical iconography. It's strangely nice to read a somewhat modern comic, with its glossy computer-colored look, but with no cell phones; maybe it's just that this marks it as coming from that unique window in time where my late-childhood took place. I was entertained by it and am curious where it's heading from here, but it was confusing enough that I'm left wondering if they knew where they were heading. What's with the angel stuff? How did a Super-character get roped into battling demons? And who is the kid with the bat?
The worst part of this is that more than the last 10% is "Legends of Dead Earth" filler garbage that I can't believe anyone ever bothered publishing. I suppose that can be said of an awful lot of comics, but I don't know why they're tacked onto this volume; let them be forgotten, and definitely don't waste paper on them in the physical copies of this.
I'd have been tempted to give this 4 stars for being nostalgic fun, if not for the depressing trash at the end that leaves a bad taste upon completion. As it is, I feel kinda generous giving it better than 2.
The worst part of this is that more than the last 10% is "Legends of Dead Earth" filler garbage that I can't believe anyone ever bothered publishing. I suppose that can be said of an awful lot of comics, but I don't know why they're tacked onto this volume; let them be forgotten, and definitely don't waste paper on them in the physical copies of this.
I'd have been tempted to give this 4 stars for being nostalgic fun, if not for the depressing trash at the end that leaves a bad taste upon completion. As it is, I feel kinda generous giving it better than 2.
July 12, 2023
I've always been a fan of Peter David and I will say this is an interesting direction to take a supergirl comic and it has lots of things to like about it. But considering the story is, A constantly sarcastic and quippy, B featuring the main character rexamining her relationship with God and maybe trying to get the reader to as well, and C featuring art that sometimes sexualizses the main character, it feels like the book is constantly at odds with itself. And the story is told in a slightly fragmented manner, probably reflecting the main character's own fragmented memories, but it does leave you confused about the history and relationships leading up to this point. So while I enjoyed the climax and how it got there, I couldn't help but think that the story would have hit a lot harder if the earlier chapters had been written better/clearer. I imagine the writer was rushed at times, especially if you consider that when these were issues were coming out he had just cocreated a tv show and served as cowroter on most episodes. All in all, definitely still worth reading especially if you're a fan of the writer or artist but could have used some more polish to be truly great.
November 19, 2025
Post-crisis, Superman was decreed to be the last Kryptonian. So when the Superman team brought Supergirl back, it was a bit bizarre: she was a protoplasmic shape-changing beaing from another world.
PAD corrected that with his Supergirl series, which was still totally respectful of post-Crisis continuity to date, but merged her with a dying Linda Danvers to recreate a Supergirl that was more like what ye olden fans knew.
It was a great success, not just due to the nostalgic value, but also because PAD offered his own twists, involving Linda in a demonic cult, then using that as another lever to reinvent Supergirl, this time as an Earthly angel. Bizarre? Maybe. But the core 9 issues of Supergirl in this volume are an intriguing read because of the novelty. Add that on to a great supporting cast, and you have a very successful book.
Padding this volume out (no pun intent) are a bunch of lower-quality stories, a Showcase, a Supergirl Plus (team-up) and a Legends of the Dead Earth annual. They're all largely skippable, though at least the Supergirl+ story respects the ongoing continuity.
PAD corrected that with his Supergirl series, which was still totally respectful of post-Crisis continuity to date, but merged her with a dying Linda Danvers to recreate a Supergirl that was more like what ye olden fans knew.
It was a great success, not just due to the nostalgic value, but also because PAD offered his own twists, involving Linda in a demonic cult, then using that as another lever to reinvent Supergirl, this time as an Earthly angel. Bizarre? Maybe. But the core 9 issues of Supergirl in this volume are an intriguing read because of the novelty. Add that on to a great supporting cast, and you have a very successful book.
Padding this volume out (no pun intent) are a bunch of lower-quality stories, a Showcase, a Supergirl Plus (team-up) and a Legends of the Dead Earth annual. They're all largely skippable, though at least the Supergirl+ story respects the ongoing continuity.
July 24, 2020
Peter David's take on Supergirl leans heavy on the religious commentary. There's some devils, angels, the debate on the nature of humanity and good vs evil, all set to this identity of Supergirl as this merged partially human being. It plays with the DC Universe in a way that makes it feel more like an Image book with the Supergirl "S" plastered on it, but it's thoroughly unenjoyable outside of the academic interest in the religious commentary itself. I'm not sure what exactly I wanted coming out of this book, but seeing teenagers groomed and brought to Satanic death cult orgies was not it. Neither is watching Supergirl have to sit there and eat dinner across from her abuser/murderer/demon. It's purposefully uncomfortable, but doesn't have anything to make it worth sitting through how uncomfortable it makes me feel. If the Supergirl in a Supergirl books acts more like Rorschach than Superman I don't really want to read it, no matter how deep it dives into interesting philosophical questions.
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