Supergirl #18: The Matrix

New beginnings for Supergirl start here. Following the massive Superman crossover event “Kingdom of Zod,” Supergirl has a new team, new headquarters, and new problems. Supergirl #18 is a new chapter for Kara as she starts fresh. After her battle with Zod and Ursa in El Caldero, Supergirl uses the Kryptonian Sun Crystal to make her own Fortress of Solidarity. With a new home base and her new team, Super Force, Kara is ready to bring truth and justice to the world. But she’s been hearing a mysterious voice. Where is this voice coming from? What does Lena Luthor have to do with it? And how many costume changes will Supergirl undergo? Find out in this issue full of new beginnings, friendship, and justice! 

There’s something wonderfully chaotic about Sophie Campbell’s Supergirl run. It has never felt particularly interested in keeping Kara in a neat little box, and Supergirl #18 doubles down on that philosophy by giving Kara a ton of new beginnings. This issue does a lot of set-up, so the action is minimal. However, I like the way that Campbell is exploring Kara’s capacity for compassion. This book isn’t punch first, ask questions later. Kara is distinctly trying to avoid physical violence as much as possible. Campbell’s dialogue is insightful, and it makes the new Super Force characters feel fleshed out and real. While Campbell is setting up interesting new plot lines for Kara, this issue does feel like another “there’s two Supergirls” storyline. This wouldn’t be much of an issue if this storyline didn’t happen just fifteen issues ago. However, Campbell is able to make such a common trope for Supergirl interesting as she ties in her personal experience that relates to so many queer readers. She is also dropping hints that this story is different and will bring new powers and relationships to Kara’s lore.   

Campbell is back on the art for this book, and it just feels right. Campbell knows the story she wants to tell, and her artwork perfectly reflects the beautiful narrative she is writing. This is a softer art style than the usual grim, tough comics aesthetic. It perfectly matches the tone of the book. I also love a data page, so seeing the layout of the new Fortress of Solidarity is so exciting. Every issue in this book has been bright, filling us with the hope that the Woman of Tomorrow inspires. This series has been incredible and has set a new tone for Kara, and this issue pushes Supergirl’s character development and future even further. Also, a special shoutout to the all-trans creative team on this issue!