Supergirl #79 is out this week. Meantime between SUPERGIRL #74 to #80, we saw an increase of 6000 copies. Not bad for a series of stories some pundits claimed “failed to get readers.”
So whad’ja think of the latest issue?
PAD
Supergirl #79 is out this week. Meantime between SUPERGIRL #74 to #80, we saw an increase of 6000 copies. Not bad for a series of stories some pundits claimed “failed to get readers.”
So whad’ja think of the latest issue?
PAD
• 
I thought it was an interesting story. Really liked how you dealt with a modern age character dealing in the silver age.
pink kryptonite.. funny bit.
I liked it…SUPERGIRL #78 sold out last month, so I didn’t get a chance to read it. I hope that Linda stays where she’s at (hoping to avoid spoilers here), because I found that section especially interesting.
Quite fun; loved the two kryptonite bits.
I really liked it, although I am dissapointed at 7 plus years of the star of the book being condenced into 6 or 7 pages. I’d love to see a whole slew of issues dealing with the Linda/Superman romance. Sigh. Ðámņ you DC.
This week’s comic shipment is lost somewhere in the snow.
Hopefully, I’ll get to see it tomorrow.
– DB Bennett
I loved it.
Its so unfortunate that DC cancelled this book. Its very rare you find a book that offers you a consistently good read and amazing artwork.
Even tho it doesnt look like it, I hope somehow Kara gets to stick around.
Not bad at all. Still haven’t gotten the issue yet. About an hour or so until I can get to the shop.
(Wish the numbers for my book would increase by 6,000. Hëll, I’ll take 600. Or, even 60.)
Peace…
Dan
PAD mentioned: “Meantime between SUPERGIRL #74 to #80, we saw an increase of 6000 copies. Not bad for a series of stories some pundits claimed “failed to get readers.””
Not only that, but I find it ironic that DC was trumpeting that the overhyped H-E-R-O #1 sold out at the publisher recently, even though there are still PLENTY of copies available at the comics stores I frequent. DC didn’t do any of that for SUPERGIRL #75, which charted HIGHER and sold out quickly IN STORES primarily on word-of-mouth.
As for this week’s #79, all I can say is a BIG “Thank You” for finally shattering one of the Girl of Steel’s longest-running social taboos. Mort Weisinger would have likely been furious, and that’s always fine by me. 🙂
KET
I liked it a lot. The differences between Kara’s and Linda’s lives, along with the various nods-of-the-hat to Silver Age DC, made it a fun read. Kara’s bit with Rebel was well-handled, and made me really wish we were going to see more of the character. I agree that it feels like kind of a cop-out that we don’t see more of Linda’s life in that universe, or how it affects her once she gets back (how will she be able to look her Supes in the face?), but I blame most of that on DC and necessity of the story, not you personally. Loved the Crisis #7 tribute cover. Looking forward to the wrap-up, along with next week’s YJ big hurrah.
Hmm.
Girls will live. Girls will die. And the DC Universe will never be the same!
(I can’t believe I actually remember these taglines from 18 years or so…)
That was great! I loved it. I personally think this is PAD’s best work since the Hulk (not that his other works was shabby!)
I love Kara and though I am sure she will be gone by the end of #80, I secretly hope they find a way to keep her around.
But I’m not keeping my hopes up.
Great stuff.
This book will be missed. The scene of Supes confessing his love for Linda seemed so wrong yet made perfect sense all at the same time. A miniseries of Linda’s time here would completely rock but I don’t think we should hold our breaths on this one.
I can honestly say that I have no idea how the series is going to end and I am usually pretty good about these things.
PAD:
Really enjoyed #79, even though it’s bittersweet, since next month it’s over. I wish you and Ed Benes had started this story a couple of years ago with #51….
Two words:
“Pink Kryptonite.”
BWAHAHAHA!!!!
A little bit more seriously….
I enjoyed the issue. Humor, escalating stakes (e.g., give up my husband, my child, etc.), entertainingly told. I’m going to miss this title and your writing it, PAD, but it looks like you’re ending it with a wonderful bang.
Great book. Great series. I’ve been here since #1, and I can’t believe that I won’t have a Supergirl to look forward to every month. At least this final story is firing on all cylinders. Looking forward to Fallen Angel. You’re the only reason I tried YJ or Supergirl, and I’ve got the entire run of each series.
I think is was the best issue thus far in the “Many Happy Returns” Storyline.
Very sharp writing and great humor, PAD. And Ed Benes.. man that guy can draw.
But I have to admit that I felt very sad reading the book because it seemed like Linda’s whole life was flashing before my eyes. Not just her new life with Superman, but her entire life since the series began.
Even though she wasn’t dying it seemed like she was. It seemed like Linda was experiencing her last few moments before she leaves forever. After next issue I guess she really will be gone..
Btw, Peter, any idea who the blonde woman tossing rice who’s mostly obscured by Superman was supposed to be? I’d guess a member of the LSH, or even Power Girl, but the costume coloration doesn’t match anyone I recall. Also, odd that Superboy showed up at the wedding, particularly given his costume being Silver Age Superboy, and thus a younger version of Superman.
Oh, and how much of Sylvia’s hospital dialogue was first said by Kath back in December? 🙂
Unfortunately I haven’t been able to find a copy since #76. I’ve checked three of the local stores that are usually pretty good about carrying everything in sufficient quantity and still can’t find it.
I’d say PG too, and the orange/green is a mistake by the colourist. After all, GL/Sentinel, Huntress (I) and a couple of other E2 heroes are there. Makes sense for PG to be there.
I loved this issue. I had it read before I even got the book home! It’s almost like a reward (or the proverbial topping on the cake) for being a fan of the whole series.
I sorta wished inside, that the spectre showed up after linda went up against the anti-monitor, even if she lived or died from the fight.
“It’s just like pleasantville!” Funny!
I really enjoyed it, especially when Superman and Linda locked lips…you could have knocked me over with a feather! And Linda’s mom finally goes into labor! Next issue is going to be bittersweet….”And it’s not a hoax, or a dream, or an imaginary story!”
I wouldn’t be surprised if the news of cancelation prompted more people to buy the book. And the sad part is that it may not have any effect. Which’ll be a shame, because I think that DC would be doing themselves – and us – a big favor by reversing that decision.
I haven’t been able to get áhøld of this issue so far(living in Israel, some things can get here much later, and not everything is sold at the stores I go to), but what’s happening? Is Linda going to die and let Kara Zor-El take her place? I think that’s an awfully easy road to take, and I may have said it here once before, that it’d be a better idea to have Linda promoted to a position similar to Donna Troy and Nightwing’s, as a former teen crimefighter who’s been elevated to the role of an early 20’s crimefighter while handing the baton over to a new teen superhero.
Couldn’t find it. I hit two stores last night before 6:30 and they were both sold out.
I’m trying two more today but I’m not very confident.
The whole sequence of Linda in the silver age was just fantastic– both the effects that Linda has on “altering” the Silver Age, and vice versa. I loved Lois’s & Lana’s dialogue at the wedding scene, it made me laugh out loud.
And “Ariella?” Is she a cameo of / tribute to another member of the David family? If so, I’ll bet she’s thrilled! 🙂
Benes art is getting stronger with each issue. He went from being a bit too cheesecake, to being sharp and bright with his layouts and lines. Just beautiful.
The story? Well, I thought when Mary Marvel left the story I would lose a bit of interest, but I was wrong, these stories have been even better. I would have loved to see even more Linda in the Silver Age and Kara in the Modern Age. I don’t if this was compressed, or always going to be a one issue story, but either way I wanted more.
I am very sad that next issue is the last. It’s a shame. No question about it.
I just had so darned much FUN with this issue. The only person I’ve ever read who recalled 1960s-style storytelling better was Alan Moore in Supreme, and this issue was really close.
If I have one minor complaint, it’s that the artist didn’t draw Superman’s symbol quite small enough to immediately differentiate him from ‘our’ Superman. But that’s what P.J. O’Rourke would call a ‘Sharon Stone has ugly toes’ complaint.
I do have one question…in the wedding scene, who’s the woman standing next to Huntress, Wildcat, Lois and Lana? I couldn’t place her.
Great job, PAD!
If you were looking to legitimize Linda in the eyes of Silver Age fans, it worked. Seeing her live the pre-Crisis life in her own way was priceless… and having that world shown again, even for just an issue, was wonderful.
It was great. Really liked the art. Supergirl should be “hot” (that sounds crass, but you know what I mean). The “Pink Krytonite” thing was histerical. I was glad to see Krypto, Streaky, and Comet. A little “tip of the hat” to the old days. You are doing a great job, I’ve been with it since the beginning, and I’m sorry to see it go.
I’m assuming that Superboy came to the wedding along with the rest of the Legion and that Saturn Girl’s post-hypnotic suggestion will cause him to forget all this when he goes back to his own time.
I’m also assuming that GL’s black hair was a coloring error. 🙂
This issue was immense fun and it’s a shame that — I assume again — impending cancellation forced the whole story into a single issue when it could have gone on for several more without being a pacing problem.
And I’ll guess that the “pink kryptonite” was created by an accidental fusion of a Red K and a White K meteor. Ah, fused chunks of Kryptonite — where would Sally Selwyn be without them?
I mentioned over on Usenet that after the last couple issues, Peter’s ruined Linda Danvers as Supergirl for me.
Forever more, she’s SuperWOMAN to me (going from sacrificing herself to sacrificing her husband, her child, her world isn’t something you’d expect from a girl…).
I’m comfortable with a new Supergirl if Linda gets to be called Superwoman….
One other thing, is Kara’s skirt supposed to be blue? I always thought it was red. Feel like a big dork for even asking…
SteveZ, Kara’s original skirt was blue. I don’t know when it went to red, probably sometime in the late 60’s I think.
I want a copy… my local comic shop didnt get me any. You would think that my long standing “anything with an \S/” and the fact that its on my pull list would have made me a first pull. But no.. it goes to the guy who dosnt even like supergirl hes just “speculating.” well atleast I get the Trade Paper Back.
I have only done this 3 times in all the time I been reding comics (5 years) WHAT A GREAT ISSUE, it a shame it going away but I really liked this issue
Thanks for the pink-K-joke
Maq
>> I wouldn’t be surprised if the news of cancelation prompted more people to buy the book. And the sad part is that it may not have any effect. Which’ll be a shame, because I think that DC would be doing themselves – and us – a big favor by reversing that decision.
I’ll be honest – I picked up 75 & 76 (then 77 a couple of days later) AFTER it had been announced. I just looked at it as a mini-series, and I could afford a mini, but not another ongoing
With a sales increase of that magnitude, and the collection of the latest story in a trade paperback, why doesn’t DC reverse their decision to cancel SUPERGIRL…? It’s really silly to cancel a comic that’s getting such great buzz.
Mike
I thought #79 was great. Each issue since the start of this arc has been better and better. Kara is drawn and written so well, that your heart just goes out to her. The title page was a great tip of the hat to Action #285 and you can’t get over what happens from page to page.
It’s really interesting to see how Kara, a silver age construct from a “more innocent time” fits into today’s world and the way that she deals with it. I was hooked on her from the end of #76 when she talks about how much she hates this world. She’s been thrust into a radically different and harsher world than she was created into, in 1959.
I almost don’t want #80 to come out, because I don’t want to see her die again. It’s “supposed” to happen, but it’ll be so sad to see her go.
And yeah, I have to get down to the comic store early because these sell-out early since #75. Why the heck are the cancelling this again?
-Adam
It was a terrific issue. I wanted much more of Linda on Earth Silver Age! God, I’m going to miss this book.
Peter,
I really enjoyed this issue. I’ve been reading the comic since issue #1 so it saddens me to see that everything is coming to an end.
Of course the humor, as always, was great – the pink kryptonite being the most blatant and obvious laugh.
I’m not sure what you’re planning with Linda next issue, but if she stays her new age, and if she stays alive, I am sort of hoping that you change her into Superwoman, as she is no longer young enough to constitute being a “girl.”
Of course you always surprise me, so I’m sure you’ve thought of a much better way to end the series. I will miss it.
Reprinted from my weblog:
This week’s Supergirl #79 is not only the best story about the character — any version of the character — ever told, but it’s in the top ten of all-time best Superman stories, too. It helps if you’ve read #75-78, but you don’t have to. Pick up #79 and relish in about 10 issues worth of great story in a mere 22 pages of excellence.
Thanks for a great read, Peter.
ADD
Issue #79 was by far the best issue to date in the series. The series must be doing real well. My comicbook shop forgot to pull my copy at 2 on Wednesday, which is usually no big deal, but by 5:30 when I got there and said I’d just grab one off the shelf, they had sold out. He felt so bad, he gave me his copy and would just re-order one for himself.
I agree with everybody, the issue had one suprise after another. Marrying Superman, having a daughter, pink kryptonite, what else?
Cancelling this series is one of DC’s biggest mistakes, unless it is a ruse? Maybe this series is being cancelled, but it is being re-born as Superwoman? Is there hope?
Hmph, everyone found the “pink kryptonite/stereotypical gay joke” funny. How juvenile. Both the joke, and those who fing humor that is at best little better than gay bashing. It played to negative, false stereotypes of gay people.
Would people here consider it funny if it had been “black kryptonite” and Superman had been speaking in ebonics while mugging Lois Lane? Same thing: a negative, false stereotype.
Lazy writing that I hope doesn’t betray Peter’s real worldview.
Considering how many GLBT characters PADs created over the years (Comet in Supergirl, Burgoyne in New Frontier, and that’s just off the top of my head), I don’t think gay bashing was his intent. I think “Pink Kryptonite” was just picked as the color because of the pink triangle, a gay pride symbol, as opposed to a stereotype. And really the whole point was that in Silver Age stories, people were able to read subtext into things that weren’t there, especially if you re-read them with today’s eye on the world. (Anybody else remember “The Gay Ghost?”)
I fall into the GBLT camp myself, and I found it funny too. Just my two cents.
Yeah, I wouldn’t think it was intentional, based on the stuff I’ve read and liked of Peter’s in the past. Plus, there’s the well known fact that a lot of gay people like sci-fi and comics (at least, around where I live), so that’d be kinda silly.
I’m probably just being touchy about the subject today. The rest of the issue was top-notch. I’ll miss Supergirl.
I love Kara, she’s so much more interesting than alot of other characters going on today. Her silver-age personality is a refreshing change from todays characters, and it will be a shame to lose her. Not to mention the art is amazing. I am eagerly awaiting issue 80! And maybe an 80 page “Elseworlds” giant that gives more details to Linda’s alternate life in the silver age…
Given there was a late Silver Age/early Bronze Age Lois Lane story where she got Superman to turn her black for 24 hours, yeah, Black Kryptonite would’ve worked for me.
Admittedly, I considered Superman hitting on Jimmy in particular yet another level of subtext given my fondness for Jimmy Olsen weird stories of the 1960s, with one of my favorites being when Jimmy is in drag and shows that the Comics Code prefered bëášŧìálìŧÿ to homosexuality.
See http://www.tgfa.org/comics/jimmy_olsen/jimmy_olsen.htm for a scanned version of the story.
Just got it today. It was awesome. Very touching, almost to the point that it seemed to predict…a true ending to our beloved character, Linda.
Great issue. So sad the series are going. Hey! Buffy gets cancelled and then Supergirl does as well? Did PAD rip Whedon off *again*?
Ah, bet that’s the joke of the day.
Quick question for you Mr. David.
Any chance that before the TPB hits the stands, we can at least get the coloring errors fixed and some of the missing dialogue?
Coloring Error Examples:
The skirts of both Supergirls.
The Superman actor’s hair.
The shot of Kara being cradled by Kal from CRISIS #7 in #78. Make Ariella look like the DC1M version.
Missing Dialogue Example:
Mxy’s and Kon’s missing dialogue from #76.
Okay, the comics have made it through the snow, and I have at last read this month’s SUPERGIRL…
“Pink Kryptonite…?”
Yeah, PAD’s going straight to Hëll for that one…
But on a more serious note, I find it interesting that whenever today’s writers attempt to emulate the style of earlier eras they tend to concentrate on what those eras didn’t do.
I mean, writers like Cary Bates, Elliot Maggin, E. Nelson Bridwell, Martin Pasko, Len Wein and Marv Wolfman all did some pretty amazing stories with the Silver Age Superman.
But whenever we get a flashback or homage these days it’s all “there was no swearing” or “the villains didn’t go around killing people” instead of any attempt to evoke what that era was, y’know, doing right.
This is by no means a criticism of PAD’s SUPERGIRL story — I enjoyed the hëll out of it — it’s just an observation that I find interesting…
Ah well, at least this book is definitely going out in a blaze of glory.
– DB Bennett