Yomama's Comics

I was first introduced to Power Girl in Showcase issues 97-99, and I really didn't put much thought into the character ohter than completing the series. It soon became apparent that Power Girl was becoming a bigger player in the DC Universe, so I started looking for the first appearance which is All Star Comics #58. I read a few reviews of that issue and some background on the development of that character within the DC universe. I have since become fairly convinced that she is shaping up to be one of those characters to watch.

In the my recent trip to Jackson, I decided to pick up the first issue of her regular series. This issue includes an origin, and obviously her first series devoted to the character herself. The very idea of another Krypton based character is kind of mundane in my opinion, and the last thing comic books needs is story line that involves Krypton and such. I'm biased, though. I'm not a Superman fan, and my only interest in Superman, Supergirl, and Superboy is in Adventure Comics and the overall history of the comic book medium. Hell, Adventure Comics #260 even links Aquaman to Superman as his brother. Now, THAT was a weird tangent!

The book opens with Power Girl reflecting upon her origin and her present. She goes through her Earth 2 origin and how she gets to Earth 1, but the writers leave a lot to be revealed as far as that transition is concerned. Suddenly, the earth is attacked by some strange force of robots that emit this fear-based attack upon the city of New York. New York was a bit of a suprise as I would have expected some imaginary city. The introduction of another group of evil robots sent out by an evil, insane super-genious is rather cliche and seems to be a throwback to the 1940's and early 1950's themed books when robots and monster ran rampant through comic books. This theme is neither refreshing nor suprising if you take the Krypton storyline into context of history. In the midst of battle, Power Girl finds herself reflecting upon her current activities as a budding CEO of another "save the planet" corporate entity that can be found in its various forms throughout modern comic books. The difference is that Power Girl is the one who is starting the company under the name of Karen Starr. This is where you get some forewarning of another evil entity by the name of Xander Bevlin.

Overall, the book seems to beg for a ticking clock to shut down after about ten or fifteen issues and just become nothing more than obligatory. It will be interesting to see if Power Girl can have any real appeal outside of a few comedic references to her large breasts and mere conclusion as a story line. Still, the art is pretty good and I like the layout. For the moment, it's an easy read and doesn't make too much of a soap opera out of its plot. I will be getting the next issue and maybe few more, but if this series last for more than about fifty issue I will be surpised.

Story Line: C-

Artwork: B

Presentation: B-

Overall Grade: C+

Enjoy.

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Posted Sun, May 10, 2009 2:40 pm Pacific Tag:

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