This week from DC Comics we get the second in an 8-part series that redefines Kara Zor-El. In Supergirl, Woman of Tomorrow 2of8 the quest for revenge continues against a killer responsible for killing Krypto as well as Ruthye’s parents. The two journey across the stars via space transport in hopes of bringing the killer, Krem of the Yellow Hills, to justice. Only this time justice does not mean a fair trial. Justice means death.

I really love this issue of Supergirl, but the odd thing is if someone asks me what happened, my honest answer is – nothing. This issue tells the tale of Kara and Ruthye traveling on a starship as I said, and that really sums it all up. So what stood out about this issue then? The little thing, the nuances during the journey are amazing. An old saying tells us, life is not about the destination. It’s about the journey. Tom King crafts some amazing and subtle detail that really makes this story stand out. He also treads where other writers often fear to tread. What happens when a Superhero is not as perfect as we think they are?

Supergirl 2of8 differs from other comics. Normally comics rely heavily on the action from the art and dialogue to tell their story. For this series, Tom King uses a diary format to tell most of the story. Most of the text boxes read as if we read Ruthye’s diary. She describes events already passed as the artists depict the stories she tells. On top of this Ruthye uses a very formal dialogue, like an android or old English form, using big words and no contractions. It gives innocence to her storytelling because it seems very out of place.

Supergirl 2of8: Darker Side of Hope

When people see the crest of the house of El, they think of the word it represents – hope. Superman goes by many names, among them the big blue boy scout. He represents truth, justice, and the American way. Supergirl usually depicts something close, but in this title, Kara has fallen. She ran from the yellow sun to lose her powers and get drunk on her birthday. When a bounty hunter seeks revenge on Superman by hurting her, he makes the mistake of asking if she is indeed Supergirl. Her response? “I’m wearing a big yellow S on my chest. And a very fashionable red skirt. So if I’m not Supergirl, who the %@## do you think I am?” She then proceeds to pulverize him without a second glance. on the way out she steps on his wrist and breaks it.

Throughout Supergirl 2of8, Kara drops loads of explicative and attitude. She could care less about Ruthye for the most part. She dismantles annoying passengers with casual punches, leaving them on the floor behind her. Kara comes across utterly broken and devoid of hope. Although, a scene between Kara and Ruthye over something as simple as washing one’s hands comes off as a touching bonding moment.

Ruthye goes on to account for events after both Kara and Krypto were shot. Rule number one in storytelling is that the dog is supposed to survive! Not only does Krypto not survive the arrows, due to poison, but Kara had to make the choice to put him down. Any pet owner knows how painful that decision is to make. Ruthye’s dialogue almost puts a scary spin on Kara’s state of mind. Kara seeks just one thing – revenge.

What did you think of Supergirl Woman of Tomorrow 2of8? Has Kara fallen beyond recovery? Head on over to DC Fanatics on Facebook and let us know what you thought of this second issue.