Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow #1

by Carlos R. on June 15, 2021

Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow #1 Cover Image
Written by: Tom King
Art by: Bilquis Evely
Colors by: Matheus Lopes
Lettered by: Clayton Cowles
Publisher: DC Comics

What an incredible week it is for comics! Static, Nightwing, Catwoman, The Many Deaths of Laila Starr, Silver Coin, Planet-Sized X-Men and to top it all off we get a new Supergirl series!

This story follows Ruthye, a young alien girl on a quest for revenge from the man that killed her father. Her story collides with Kara’s, who’s out in the universe looking to distance herself from the notoriety of Superman.

Oh man this first issue has so much promise, I loved every panel of it. The fantasy aspect to the story is phenomenal. The opening page has so much emotional weight; the colors used are warm and vibrant, but the silhouettes are cold and highlight the loneliness the father felt as he passed and Ruthye’s solitude from this experience. There can be quite a bit of text on the pages, but it never feels like it bogs down the flow of the book. It highlights Ruthye’s pensiveness and emphasizes the sentiments expressed. Their language comes off very formal for the most part, eloquent at times; even the assassin has an air of regality to him. And that’s why there are slight moments where a choice in words offers so much depth. At the point when Ruthye sets off for her quest she is stopped by her mother and they discuss Ruthye’s plan and before this point she had only referred to him as her “father” but here she calls him daddy. And while she’s turned away from the reader, all that’s needed is in that one word. Reminding us this is a child, hurt and alone beyond a point that many wouldn’t be able to understand.  Supergirl is top notch here and celebrating her 21st birthday under a red sun of course! I appreciate King’s approach with having the reader view events unfold through the lenses of both present and future Ruthye. It inspires curiosity and lets the reader experience Kara from an outsider perspective and that allows her character to really shine.

The interiors are exquisite. Each location has its own atmosphere, from the Ruthye’s farm wrapped in cool colors to emphasize the sorrow in their home to the grime-y feel of the bar Ruthye meets Supergirl to the bright & hopeful morning in the inn. Even though there aren’t many character interactions, these settings help to build Ruthye’s world and not have it so one dimensional and add to that otherworldly feeling.

Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow #1 is one of the many titles out this week that you should pick up. It’s a poignant and beautifully designed opening chapter and is sure to cascade into essential reading for the Girl of Steel.
 

Our Score:

10/10

A Look Inside