Writer: Sterling Gates
Artists: Jonboy Meyers & Pop Mhan
Something I’ve quickly come to realize about Adventures of Supergirl is that it can very much function as its own entity. While it may be reliant on your familiarization with the characters via watching the TV show, it has built its own conflicts and features villains not seen on the series formerly on CBS. In short, you can enjoy this without having seen much of its small screen counterpart at all.
Speaking of villains, the threat in this issue is that of Vril Dox, who causes things to get really hairy really quick when he falsely implicates Winn in a terrorist attack. The alien baddie is explored in a novel way and shows the Brainiac lineage is deeper than one would think. Considering the TV series used Indigo, I’m glad they didn’t use Vril in an entirely similar context.
As for Winn, I can’t help but think this guy will go Dark Side one day – but as Toyman II. They drop a Dollmaker reference here, but since both Arrow and Gotham have already employed their own versions of the Dollmaker, I don’t see Winn adopting that pseudonym in the future.
Some great artists have contributed to this digital first series and this issue is no different. While I wish each had their own issue to shine (two split the duties), I can’t help but be grateful for what’s there. Jonboy Meyers brings an exaggerated, cartoonish quality to the table, whereas Pop Mhan’s style is more realistic. John Rauch’s colors do, however, bring a sense of continuity.
After two great issues, I think this has the potential to be one of DC’s best tie-in comics in recent years. Things are wrapped up a little quickly, but a book such as this is kind of meant to be enjoyed as if someone were to pick up only one issue, while still having enough for repeat readers to sink their teeth into.
