Supergirl #30
Scheduled to arrive in stores: May 8, 2019
Cover date: July 2019
“Fractured Trust”
Writer: Marc Andreyko
Penciller: Kevin Maguire
Inker: Sean Parsons
Cover: Jesus Merino & FCO Plascencia
Variant Cover: Amanda Conner
Reviewed by: Adam Dechanel
The truth about Z’ndr comes out and Kara is not happy. Gandelo sows the seeds of distrust and attempts to manipulate both her adopted son and the Girl of Steel. Kara is clearly feeling betrayed despite Z’ndr explaining that he has changed sides. With Krypto guarding the heartbroken Coluan, Supergirl starts a fist fight with Gandelo. The villain is extremely powerful but as Kara’s mind races through the loss of Krypton, the murder of Kandor and the dirty work of Rogol Zaar and The Circle, it is Supergirl who gains the upper hand. Z’ndr seeing events unfold begs for Krypto to intervene and he does at a crucial point in the fight that is a truly life changing moment for Kara.
As Kara shatters Gandelo’s crystal form she freezes her so she cannot reform. The sense of relief lasts seconds as Rogol Zaar’s axe is suddenly called away and as it soars to an unknown destination Kara and Krypto are whisked away with it and right into a firefight involving Clark and Jonathan!
Meanwhile Z’ndr realizes that Rogol Z’aar’s disciples are still alive and very angry…
To Be Continued…
Story – 5: This was a long time coming but it was absolutely worth it.
The romantic tension between Z’ndr and Kara was just as powerful as the scene where Kara almost fell down the rabbit hole of killing a foe. Her choice here really sets her apart from Superman.
Krypto spoke volumes with his actions. I didn’t need to hear his inner monologue I knew exactly what he was dealing with. He continues to be a scene stealer in the very best way.
The family reunion felt a little coincidental but to be honest I was more concerned with Z’ndr being left with an army of blood thirsty religious extremists than I was the intergalactic battle. I did have to look up Jon’s comment as I was uncertain of the title, cousin instead of aunt, it’s correct in some parts of the work but it felt a bit odd.
Supergirl continues to be the best written Super family book at the moment.
Art – 5: I have to admit something here.
As a kid I ran to the local shop every month just to pick us Superboy: The Comic Book (the tie in to the TV show). The cover to issue 3 with the helicopter explosion made me into the writer and artist I am today. For many others it is that beautiful Justice League of America cover but the art was so unique, the style, the composition. When I got the privilege to review this book I was a but nervous to see if Kevin Maguire was still the artistic master I had grown up with.
I was blown away and suddenly I was ten years old again, mouthing the sound effects and savoring every panel.
Thank you!
Cover Art – 3: This is a great cover but for some reason it feels so very nineties. I don’t think it’s the art, I think it’s the cheesy villain speech emblazoned across the cover. I feel like it lessens the impact of a really great scene.
Variant Cover Art – 4: I’ve made no secret that I think Kara and Krypto are a dream team. I love seeing them in action and Amanda Conner is able to translate their bond and a connection with the audience with her great artwork. I wish it was Gandelo rather than a lizard man but otherwise it is another brilliant cover.
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With regard to Jon addressing Supergirl as “Cuz” rather than “Aunt” – she’s his dad’s cousin which makes her his first cousin once removed upwards. (He is her cousin once removed downwards.) The “once removed” refers to them being different generations. If Kara had a child then he/she would be Jon’s second cousin because their grandfathers were brothers.