Review – Supergirl: Being Super [2020 Graphic Novel Edition]

Reviewed by: James Lantz

DC’s next young adult graphic novel, “Supergirl: Being Super” (on sale July 7) is an updated version of the acclaimed 4-issue graphic novel series by Mariko Tamaki and Joëlle Jones. This new version has been resized to match DC’s 6” x 9” young adult graphic novel size and features new colors by Jeremy Lawson.

Kara Danvers isn’t any different than any other teenager in her hometown. Problems with school. Problems with boys. Problems with friends. But while growing pains shake up Kara’s world, a series of earth-shaking events hits her hometown, leaving her with with the choice of blending in with the crowd or being different. Being an outcast. Being super. This reimagining of Supergirl will appeal to fans of all ages and readers new and old, as the Girl of Steel flies face-first into the struggles that every teenager faces.

Story – 5: This is what a Supergirl book should be like. Sure, the pacing might be slow for some, but it feels like the creative team is trying to give Kara her own version of Superman: For All Seasons. It’s mostly character moments throughout to set up Kara’s life for the reader. Yet it works perfectly for this book.

Tamaki shows a good grasp of characters and situations for a young Supergirl trying to figure out her powers and her place in the world.

One thing I really especially thought stood out was the insight we got into the Danvers family. Why Kara’s parents are the way they are instead of being carbon copies of the Kents. It also shows that everyone handles an adopted alien differently, and not everybody is Jonathan and Martha.

Art – 5: The art in this book is stunning. More comics need to be rendered as incredibly as this one. The team of Mariko Tamaki and Joëlle Jones really has its act together in ways few modern creative teams have.

However, as you can see from the examples below, the coloring by Jeremy Lawson is a lot less colorful than the original comic books. A different coloring style has been used for this 2020 edition, and while the artwork is still excellent, I don’t think this muted palette is an improvement on the original version.

Purchase your copy of “Supergirl: Being Super” for the Kindle from Amazon.com.