The latest addition to the Supergirl series brings tidings of a deadly future, for both Supergirl and the rest of the House of El.
Supergirl # 21
Positive:
Now that the mighty clouds have cleared from the events of H’el on Earth and the waves of chaos from the Power Girl arc have been tamed, we find Kara running from Earth to start anew. The comic reminds us that Kara is still not over her Kryptonite sickness and it could have an effect on her powers in the near future. Almost everything about this issue was a lead-up for comics to come, and it seems very promising.
Supergirl # 21
Michael Alan Nelson continues strong by focusing on Kara’s emotional turmoil, as well as her need and aspiration to be a part of something. She is struggling with not only her acceptance of who she is, but also the fact that she isn’t really accepted anywhere. The possibility of restoring Krypton is brought back in a very creative way, and Nelson does a great job of keeping it interesting without falling back on prior comics in the Supergirl series to fill in the blanks. We are also treated to an appearance of a new villain who will cross over into Superman comics as well. Nelson has a plan set in motion and it truly feels like it was well researched and developed with Kara’s emotional well-being in mind.
Although the DC Comic website listed that Mahmud Asrar did the artwork for Supergirl #21 and more issues to come, he was only a part of the cover art in this comic. Whether this is a guest appearance or a new artistic creative team is still uncertain. That said, Diogenes Neves steps in and does a pretty good job. His fight scenes are innovative and display new angles that have yet to be utilized in Supergirl. It’s refreshing, but isn’t as strong as Asrar’s work.
Negative:Â
What happened to your eye?!
New readers may be turned off by Neves’ take on expressions. Although he draws action sequences very well, his facial expressions are a bit vague, confusing, and at times, downright ugly. It is distracting and quickly pulls the reader out of sequence with the flow of the comic. Neves’ art style is reminiscent of anime and manga style, even if it’s only a little. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but it’s something that needs getting used to. That is, if Neves is part of the new creative team or not. That in mind, Supergirl #21 will leave the reader wanting more from Mahmud Asrar instead of Diogenes Neves.
Verdict:Â 
4/5
The “Be Careful What You Wish For…” arc starts off solid and leaves the reader wanting more from start to finish. Michael Alan Nelson is doing a great job of keeping the pace and energy that Johnson left us with, and although the artwork isn’t up to par with the past issues, it is still a very well written comic.
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