KaraLives.com Related News

Not so fun move halts updates.. Sorry

2007-11-05T21:44:00.000-05:00

Hey everyone who visits and enjoys the site and blog,

Just wanted to let you guys know that KaraLives.com is still up and running and will eventually be updated soon (possibly this week!!!).

There has been some recent news concerning Supergirl:

Kelley Puckett and Drew Johnson mark their debut as the new creative team on the Supergirl title this week (wed. Nov. 7th) with Supergirl #23.

Supergirl Identity comes out the third week in Nov. -- get one for that Thanksgiving drive to visit the family and read it in the car!!

and the first Showcase presents Supergirl volume comes out the last week of Nov. OVER 500 pages of Supergirl-goodness!! Relive all those Silver Age tales.

Also Brainiac 5 finally got the machine working that will help Kara return to the present (i.e. WORLD WAR III timeline) in the last issue so don't forget to see if she makes it back ok; also dropping to stores the third week in Nov. and I believe it is the last Supergirl and the Legion of Super-heroes issue!! (#36)

I hope to hear from you guys with questions for Matt Idelson concerning Supergirl and hopefully I can get Kelly Puckett and Drew Johnson on board to answer some questions!!!

See you guys soon with some updates!!

DC announces new SHOWCASE PRESENTS featuring Supergirl

2007-08-29T22:26:00.000-04:00

Press Release

DC Comics announces several changes for the fall 2007 lineup of SHOWCASE PRESENTS titles, including rush solicitations on three new titles, new instore and Final Order Cutoff dates change for two titles, and order cancellations for four titles.

SHOWCASE PRESENTS: SUPERGIRL VOL. 1 TP (JUL0780178) collects stories from ACTION COMICS #252-281, SUPERMAN’S PAL JIMMY OLSEN #40, 44, 46, 51 AND 52, ADVENTURE COMICS #278, SUPERBOY #80, SUPERMAN’S GIRL FRIEND LOIS LANE 314, and SUPERMAN #123, 139, 140 and 144, written by Otto Binder, Jerry Siegel, Robert Bernstein and others with art by Al Plastino, Jim Mooney, Curt Swan, Dick Sprang, Kurt Schaffenberger, Wayne Boring and others.

SHOWCASE PRESENTS: SUPERGIRL VOL. 1 is a 528-page black and white trade paperback with a cover price of $16.99 U.S., and is scheduled to arrive in stores on November 28. The Final Order Cutoff date for this title is October 25.

July Sales Report

2007-08-17T13:28:00.000-04:00

Diamond released it's sales report for July. Here is where the GIRL OF STEEL stood in her solo and related titles:
.
.
.

Rank	Numbers sold	Title
#37	70.73	Teen Titans #49 (AA)
#43	64.51	Brave and the Bold #5
#53	57.98	Supergirl #19
#84	35.60	Supergirl and the Legion of Super-Heroes #32

And to make ourselves feel a little better, KaraLives.com has a little different look on the report (as always):

If you just look at the DC books, Supergirl #19 would have ranked #20. This is a drop from last month. If you go by the "Leading Women" titles, Supergirl #19 would have ranked #3 -- staying around the same spot as previous months. If you take out the "event" books (Countdown, World War Hulk, Civil War), SUPERGIRL #19 would have ranked #33.

SO, the numbers dropped in response to Kelly's ORIGIN ARC, but that shouldn't make fans think that Supergirl is doing poorly. If you add up all the books sold which featured Supergirl you would have 228.82 (thousand) copies sold last month. NOT TOO SHABBY!

Supergirl's New Writer Speaks

2007-08-13T16:01:00.001-04:00

That's right! With Supergirl #23, the Maid of Might will get a new creative team with Kelley Puckett and Drew Johnson.

Newsarama's Vanetta spoke with Puckett about his first arc and what he thinks about the Girl of Steel.

Check it out!!

PUCKETT TALKS TO NEWSARAMA.com ABOUT WRITING SUPERGIRL

Supergirl #19 Review if you missed it!

2007-07-25T12:30:00.000-04:00

Supergirl #19 Review

In some ways Supergirl #19 delivers what a lot of fans have been screaming for since the Maid of Might’s return a little over three years ago. In other ways, it keeps alive the spirit and tenacity of this newest version creating a more solid character that had previously been expected.
The internet swarms with those Supergirl fans anxiously awaiting the demise of a character flawed but with the eyes of the world watching to make sure she lives up to the grandeur of her cousin, SUPERMAN. That’s the bottom line isn’t it? The level of pressure comic book fans put on their 2-dimensional, fic-tational - I like to make up words - characters is a catch 22. On one side, it hinders our enjoyment toward the evolvement of those we hold so dear, yet, I can’t help but try to believe this, it pushes the publisher and the creators up a notch to make sure they deliver. “I AM COMIC FAN, I HAVE VOICE” is heard for miles. So, as a Supergirl fan, I was a little nervous heading into Joe Kelly’s conclusion to his Supergirl run.

For me, the ending can go a couple of places. Seeing as I lean towards the newer version’s characterization, DC can decide to turn their head on the fans and continue to fully focus the character the new way OR it would end where, DC decides to basically retcon what they had previously been achieving in originality and listen to, and I hate to say it, the majority of the fans, then turn back the clocks and portray the Girl of Steel as was developed and worked in the past. But when you brace yourself for one of the two like I did and have DC play trick-o-roo and present a third option you almost relish the whole Joe Kelly run. Seeing now that the journey was in place from the very beginning.

Like the Kelly penned script, this book delivered hope for all of the fans at the very last instant. Kara finally sees that although you might know that you need to grow up, work harder and have a little faith... it takes actually doing it that will get you where you need to be. And at the end of the day, where you need to be is happy. It’s been a rough journey, one with highs and lows, but where you end up is the where the money is.

And for once in a long time, DC has delivered what they promised from the very beginning. And as fans, we should all see this as the end to the first chapter in the life of Kara Zor-El. She might not have been everyone’s cup-o-tea, but it was just the building blocks to a more cohesive character.

I am saddened by two things in this issue though. The current creative team of Joe Kelly and Ale Garza rock! Kelly saw a voice in this girl and stuck to it. And by all accounts will be the voice that future writers will stick to; he just got it. And, Ale Garza’s incredibly beautiful and spot on artwork that could have possibly been the definitive run on Supergirl will be sorely missed. Not since the character’s inception did an artist nail the very essence of the character as Ale. Secondly, what was up with cover that had nothing to do with the contents behind it. Now we all know covers are usually just great pin-up pictures and most of the time can’t be held libel for what is inside, but this was just confusing. I tried to make sense out of it but failed horribly. Oh well, just like the character, she can’t be one hundred percent perfect!

4.5 out of 5

An overdose of Supergirl related news

2007-07-25T11:50:00.001-04:00

October Solicits:

Supergirl fights the Karate Kid in October's issue. Check out the solicits:

SUPERGIRL #22
Written by Tony Bedard
Art by Renato Guedes & Jose Wilson Magalhaes
Cover by Bernard Chang

Supergirl's got twice the fight on her hands when she faces off against the Karate Kid of the present and the Karate Kid of the future. It's non-stop action, with time-spanning secrets at stake!

On sale October 3 o 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

TEEN TITANS #52
Written by Sean McKeever
Art by Alé Garza & Marlo Alquiza
Cover by Garza & Scott Williams

The Titans of Tomorrow take on Starro!

On sale October 24 o 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

SUPERGIRL AND THE LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES #35
Written by Tony Bedard
Art and cover by Dennis Calero

The Quest for Cosmic Boy continues on the war-torn world of Lallor where Timber Wolf, Atom Girl and Shadow Lass are suspected of assassinating the planet's President! But they would rather face every cop and soldier on Lallor than fight the walking H-bomb known as E.R.G.!

On sale October 31 o 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

THE BRAVE AND THE BOLD VOL. 1: LORDS OF LUCK HC
Written by Mark Waid
Art by George Pérez & Bob Wiacek
Cover by Pérez

Collecting the first story arc from the hit team-up book written by Mark Waid (52, THE FLASH) with art by George Pérez (INFINITE CRISIS) & Bob Wiacek (ORION)! The adventure begins when Batman and Green Lantern set out on the trail of what could be the greatest weapon in the DCU: the Book of Destiny, whose possessor will have the knowledge of all that has ever been or will be! Along the way, an impressive array of DC heroes becomes involved, including Supergirl, Blue Beetle, Lobo and more as the battle lines are drawn!

Advance-solicited; on sale December 5

160 pg, FC, $24.99 US

Smallville News:

Here is the first image of newly announced Supergirl Laura Vandervoort along with a link to a press release from the CW network.

http://www.kryptonsite.com/s7pressrelease.htm

check out the press release above:

June Sales Numbers were also released by Diamondcomics.com:

So Supergirl showed a big jump in actual numbers although her rank only slightly moved higher. Again let's look at the numbers from last month to compare: Supergirl #17 sold only a little over 62 thousand copies (62.94) garnering a 51st place rank.

Supegirl #18 was the third highest leading female book behind Buffy and Wonder Woman. If you take away the "event" books (i.e. Countdown, World War Hulk) Supergirl would have ranked in the 20's depending on if you count company crossovers as "event" books.

June 2007 Sales Numbers:

rank	quantity	Name	Description
33	112.35	TEEN TITANS #48 (AA)	Guest Appearance
42	102.76	BRAVE & BOLD #4	Guest Appearance
47	92.93	SUPERGIRL #18	Solo Series
52	80.27	AMAZONS ATTACK #3 (Of 6)	Guest Appearance
72	56.16	SUPERGIRL & LEGION O/SUPER HEROES #31	Guest Appearance

Supergirl is Cast

2007-07-12T22:50:00.001-04:00

People magazine broke the news earlier this week that Laura Vandervoot will be flying onto the SMALLVILLE set as SUPERGIRL starting with the season 7 premiere. Check out the complete article!!

http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20045784,00.html

September 2007 Solicits

2007-06-18T22:52:00.000-04:00

Here are the titles you will be seeing Supergirl in come September.

SUPERGIRL #21
Written by Tony Bedard
Cover by Bernard Chang
Art by Renato Guedes

A COUNTDOWN tie-in! For Supergirl, the scars of AMAZONS ATTACK remain. Now she’s unable to come to terms with her guilt, dreading crossing paths with Superman, and facing off against a foe straight from the pages of COUNTDOWN: the Karate Kid!
On sale September 5 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

___________________________________________________________

SUPERGIRL AND THE LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES #34
Written by Tony Bedard
Art and cover by Dennis Calero

The “Quest for Cosmic Boy” continues! Why is Cosmic Boy wanted for War Crimes? Why is his biggest rival, Mekt Ranzz, defending him? Will special prosecutor Tenzil Kem be forced to eat his own words? And what is the Cult of Validus? There are shocking developments on the lightning world of Winath!
On sale September 26 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

___________________________________________________________

TEEN TITANS #51
Written by Sean McKeever
Art by Alé Garza & Marlo Alquiza
Cover by Alé Garza & Scott Williams

The Titans of Tomorrow are here today! The super-popular future Titans are arrive in our present time , and they’ve already taken out the Justice League. What crucial historical event are they here to stop — or contribute to?

On sale September 26 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

For full solicitations visit www.newsarama.com!

More Supergirl on Smallville news!!

2007-06-14T02:25:00.000-04:00

Al Gough answers questions about the fantastic news that Supergirl will be added to the cast list come season 7 on Smallville and speaks about Helen Slater making a possible Cameo.

check out the article:
http://ifmagazine.com/new.asp?article=4569

More Headbands!!

2007-06-12T23:29:00.000-04:00

Well Ale is set to rock the socks off the Teen Titans title beginning in two months and over at comicbloc.com forums he is showing off some of his sketchbook.

Here is a little treat for you all. Kara (Supergirl), Jaime (Blue Beetle) and Cassie (Wonder Girl)!!

all I got to say is Garzalicious!!

Supergirl to Appear on Season 7 Premier of Smallville

2007-06-11T14:28:00.000-04:00

That's right folks. It's official. After a season 3 semi guest appearance cousin KARA is finally coming to the CW's Smallville series starting in the season opening. Here is what TVguide.com revealed earlier today:

Exclusive: Supergirl Soars Into Smallville

Tom Welling in Smallville by Michael Courtney/The CWLook, up in the sky: It’s a bird… It’s a plane… It’s Supergirl?! When Smallville returns for its seventh season this fall it will be revealed that Clark Kent (Tom Welling) is not the only member of his family to survive the destruction of the planet Krypton.

His cousin Kara “was sent to Earth in a ship that arrived at the same time as baby Kal-El’s,” reveals executive producer Al Gough, referring to Clark by his Kryptonian name. “But there was a problem and she’s been in suspended animation for the last 16 years. We’ll find out in the season premiere that the big dam break in last season’s finale is the reason she’s finally awoken.”

Gough says this latest visitor from the DC Comics universe “will help Clark get in touch with his Kryptonian roots. With his [adopted] father dead and his [adopted] mother moved to Washington [to become a U.S. Senator], and Lana blown up, suddenly there’s some family in his life.”Like her cousin, Kara will have enhanced physical abilities generated by Earth’s yellow sun.

“She has all of Clark’s powers and a couple he doesn’t have yet,” Gough teases. “She can fly. And her response when Clark asks why is ‘obviously girls mature faster than boys.’”Kara, a teenager when Krypton exploded, was sent to Earth by her father, Zor-El (Kal-El’s uncle), to look after her younger cousin. But while in suspended animation she didn’t age and now it’s Clark who must be the mentor.

“She becomes enamored with our culture: clothes and iPods and stuff,” Gough says. “We’ll have a lot of fun as she gets acclimated.”Kara makes her debut in the season premiere of the CW drama and will appear in about half of this season’s episodes. A casting notice is set to go out shortly, and producers hope to unveil their new addition at July’s Comic-Con International in San Diego. –Rich Sands

Supergirl #18 Review

2007-06-08T19:33:00.000-04:00

Well another issue down and we get some startling revelations.

I will be reviewing Supergirl and Teen Titans over at www.SilverBulletComics.com from now on so check back there monthly when these titles come out for my reviews.

here's a link for Supergirl #18

http://www.silverbulletcomics.com/news/story.php?a=5163

let me know what you thought about the issue!!!

Tony Bedard Talks Supergirl

2007-05-30T11:14:00.000-04:00

Marvel transplant Tony Bedard will be taking over writing duties on Supergirl for issues 20-22. Joining him will be Renato Guedes on art. Tony answered some questions over at comicon.com bringing to light how he feels Supergirl should be portrayed.

Check it out.

http://www.comicon.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=36;t=006315

New Supergirl as Nightwing Action Figure...

2007-05-23T10:54:00.000-04:00

DC ARMORY ACTION FIGURES BASED ON UNIQUE ARMOR DESIGNS FROM THE MOST POPULAR COMICS!

Each figure features multiple points of articulation and a base.Advance-solicited; on sale January 30, 2008

• Action Figures •

PI Aquaman (Armored) 7.25”

Batman (Armored) 6.75”

Flamebird 6”

Nightwing 6”

AUGUST 2007 Solicits -- loads of Supergirl fun

2007-05-21T18:11:00.000-04:00

Well.. Matt Idelson must be doing something right because Supergirl is appearing in 7 titles coming out in August.. Get ready for some wild rides!!
SUPERGIRL #20 Written by Tony Bedard
Cover by Bernard Chang
Art by Renato Guedes & José Wilson Magalhães

An AMAZONS ATTACK Tie-In! Amid the carnage of war, Supergirl learns a terrible lesson that will follow her the rest of her days. She took matters into her own hands in AMAZONS ATTACK #4, only to have her plan blow up in her face. Now shaken to her very core, Supergirl must battle through guilt and Amazons alike! On sale August 1 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US
SUPERMAN #666
Written by Kurt Busiek
Art and cover by Walter Simonson

An extra-sized spectacular featuring art by Walter Simonson, as Superman goes to Hell — literally — during the most nightmarish adventure of his heroic career, and a dread portent of that which may be coming! Who, or what, is “The Beast from Krypton”? This issue — featuring the Phantom Stranger, Zatanna, the Demon and a host of other DC superstars from Wonder Woman to Animal Man — is guaranteed to send chills down your spine! For a signed edition, please see the Dynamic Forces section of Previews. On sale August 8 • 48 pg, FC, $3.99 US
BLUE BEETLE #18
Written by John Rogers
Art by Rafael Albuquerque
Cover by Cully Hamner

Beetle runs with the Titans! In a crossover with TEEN TITANS #50, it’s boys and girls against The Main Man — Lobo!On sale August 22 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

SUPERGIRL AND THE LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES #33
Written by Tony Bedard
Art and cover by Dennis Calero

The United Planets blames Cosmic Boy for war crimes! Star Boy and Sun Boy must clear his name. But they’ll have to outsmart a certain matter-eating prosecutor and overcome a shocking development on planet Winath that threatens Lightning Lad’s family.On sale August 22 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US
SHADOWPACT #16
Written by Bill Willingham
Art and cover by Tom Derenick & Wayne Faucher

Zatanna and the Justice League join forces with Shadowpact to keep Doctor Gotham from controlling a city! Why is one villain’s magical might so strong that it requires help from half the DCU? Because half of Shadowpact is trapped…prisoners of new foes! On sale August 15 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US
TEEN TITANS #50
Written by Sean McKeever, Geoff Johns, Todd Dezago and Marv Wolfman
Art by Randy Green, Mike McKone, George Pérez, Todd Nauck, Sandra Hope, Richard Friend and Andy Lanning
Cover by Alé Garza & Scott Williams
Variant cover by Mike McKone

Don’t miss this very special issue that ushers in the new TEEN TITANS creative team of Sean McKeaver and Randy Green, reunites Marv Wolfman and George Pérez for their first new Titans adventure in years, and also features a story by Geoff Johns and Mike McKone — the creators who launched this title! It all begins when the Titans bury another friend — and ends with a deadly, familiar threat as well as an addition to the team.Plus, be sure to catch BLUE BEETLE #18, a tie-in to this issue guest-starring the Titans and Lobo! Retailers please note: This issue will ship with two covers that may be ordered separately. For every 10 copies of the Standard Edition (with a cover by Alé Garza & Scott Williams) ordered, retailers may order one copy of the Variant Edition (with a cover by Mike McKone). Please see the Previews Order Form for more information.On sale August 29 • 48 pg, FC, $3.99 US

and Trade Paper Backs!!
SUPERGIRL AND THE LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES: THE DOMINATOR WAR TP
Written by Mark Waid
Cover by Kitson
Art by Barry Kitson and Kalman Andrasofszky

Collecting SUPERGIRL AND THE LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES #26-30! TThe Dominators’ plan to destroy Earth reaches fruition as the Robot Rebellion sweeps the planet! Advance-solicited; on sale September 5 • 128 pg, FC, $14.99 US

April Sales Numbers Are In... GO BUY SUPERGIRL

2007-05-21T12:28:00.000-04:00

Well last month, the sales numbers for March 2007 showed Supergirl #15 at #42 on the top 100 comic book sales.. and issue #16 didn't see any improvement.. what is going on?

Qty Rank 47
Qty Retail 47
Index(in thousands) 91.75
Title SUPERGIRL #16
Price $2.99
Ven DC

So lookin at this, let's dissect it a little bit. Supergirl #16 was the 24th highest selling DC title, The 4th Highest solo female title and if you subtract event books (8 DC event titles and 10 event books overall in April), Supergirl #16 was 16th highest selling DC title. and the 37th highest selling title of the month. So.. it isn't as bad as it looks so I don't think we have to worry too much.. I just hope that everyone goes out and buys the origin arc written by Joe Kelly and pencilled by Ale Garza.. it really is a homerun!!! Also Supergirl and the Legion of Super-Heroes #28 and #29 were 71 and 72 respectively.

Supergirl Issue #19 sneak peak courtesy of Ale Garza

2007-05-19T17:43:00.000-04:00

In a recent KaraLives.com post, we mentioned that Ale Garza would be having Kara sport a headband!! well over at comicbloc.com, Garza has realeased a little teaser image of it...

ENJOY!!

"Idel" Chatter #1 -- Titans, Cancellations, and New Teams OH MY

2007-05-19T01:18:00.000-04:00

Welcome to the first installment of "Idel" Chatter where new Supergirl editor Matt Idelson will be joining KaraLives.com every month to answer fan questions. If you would like to ask Matt something about the Maid of Might or just have a comment send them to idelchatter@karalives.com!!

To get started, KaraLives.com asks a few questions that fans have been asking recently regarding recent news about a new creative team and the exciting Teen Titans revelation.

HERE WE GO!!

KaraLives.com: Supergirl's solo book has suffered a little in sales because of delays in shipping that hurt the regular fans from staying attentive to the Girl of Steel's adventures. Is DC working towards getting her back up to a top 10 or even 20 book?

Matt Idelson: Absolutely! The higher we can get it, the better! Obviously, my job is to make sure the book is as good as it can possibly be, and that it comes out on time, and hopefully the quality of the stories will help the book climb back up the rankings.

KL.com: With the recent announcement that Sean McKeever will be writing Teen Titans and Supergirl joining the team, what does that mean for her regular series? Is it being cancelled? (tears on my pillow will flow if yes)

MI: Cancelled?! No way! We've got plenty of plans coming together for Kara, so her book isn't going anywhere! What you'll find is that something happens during AMAZONS ATTACK which leaves Supergirl a bitŠ troubled. Her learning to reconcile that trauma will in part lead to her joining the team, though it will really be detailed in SUPERGIRL for the most part.

KL.com: When will the new creative team be announced?

MI: I'm not sure, exactly. Tony Bedard and Renato Guedes will be handling issues #20-22, which feature the above-mentioned story. Then the new permanent (if that word even applies these days) team will take over.

KL.com: Is Ale Garza off the book with issue 19? since it has been announced he will start draw Teen Titans with issue #51.
(almost all the fans agree he is the perfect fit for Supergirl)

MI: Yeah, Ale is going to leave SG for TITANS, and yeah, it's a real shame. He's excellent. Hopefully, we'll make you folks happy with the person stepping into his shoes.

KL.com: You have said that post-origin arc Kara will become "user-Friendly" what exactly does that mean?

MI: That quote came from a panel I was on at Wondercon. I was responding to a retailer who felt that the way Supergirl dresses made the book inappropriate for her to recommend to mothers with young daughters. I said that given Kara's age, I felt we should temper her appearance a bit so that younger and older readers alike can enjoy her adventures without parents having to worry. Not that there's a wrong or right way to approach things like this--it's just a matter of individual preference.

KL.com: Thanks Matt, KaraLives.com welcomes you to the site and hope that enjoy your ride with Supergirl.

MI: It's my pleasure! I really enjoyed doing a monthly chat with readers at my previous place of employment. Besides being fun, I think it's informative, and shows you folks that we care what you think. So bring on the questions--
I'm ready (I think)!

--Matt

So there it is. A few questions to get us started. Again, if you would like to ask Matt Idelson anything in regards to Supergirl and have them answered, Please send them to idelchatter@karalives.com

Until Next Time World -- KARA LIVES!!

SUPERGIRL #17 Review SPOILERS

2007-05-16T19:14:00.000-04:00

Supergirl #17 Review:

"BLOODLETTING" [The Truth part 2]
Written by: Joe Kelly
Art By: Ale Garza
Inked By: Mario Alquiza and Andy Lanning
Cover By: Ale Garza and Richard Friend with Rod Reis
Letter: Rob Leigh
Asst. Editor: Adam Schlagman
Editor: Eddie Berganza

Reviewed by: Cory Teague

In lead up to this issue, Kara fought Power Boy in space who had a father box that exploded causing the Yellow sun to turn Red. While struggling for life on her journey back to Earth, Kara learned that Zor-El had implanted sunstones into her body to protect her from phantoms that were released by Jor-El during Krypton’s final moments. These phantoms sought revenge on the “jailor” who invaded their home and made the Phantom Zone Krypton’s prison. Zor-El believed that the only way to stop them would be to end the “curse of El” by sending Kara chasing after baby Kal-El and killing him. Back to real time, The sunstones protected Kara while in outer space long enough for her to crash to the streets of New York City.

Now in issue #17, it has been one month since Kara fought PowerBoy. As Kara realizes the situation, Zor-El’s recollection of the final events of Krypton still play throughout Kara’s head telling her that he is sorry for leaving her the burden of putting an end to this madness and laments that she is just a little girl drowning beneath her father’s demons. Phantoms have been using humans as their hosts as they seek out the EL family. SUPERGIRL is mobbed by phantom infested people whom she fights off, barely, because her powers are being affected by the now red sun. During the melee, Kara comes face to face with Sarah - the “fat girl” from Kara’s school experiment. Kara learns that after she made the speech about being yourself, the kids at school teased Sarah that she either scared Supergirl off or ate her. Because of the torment, Sarah tried to kill herself by slitting her wrists.

The Phantom inside Sarah attacks SUPERGIRL sending her flying into a tree. The sunstones emerge as she regains composure and just in time. Wonder Girl, Cassie Strandmark, now a host for a phantom as well wields her lasso and disapproves of Kara’s secrets. Wonder Girl enlightens Kara to what is going on telling her that “under a red sun” she isn’t suppose to be special and that Zor-El gave Kara gifts (the sunstones) that make her better than Cassie. Because of this secret, Phantom Girl, uh, I mean Wonder Girl is ready to kick some Girl of Steel butt.

SUPERGIRL tries to explain to Cassie that the phantoms are making her act the way she is. They brawl it out and Wonder Girl ropes the lasso around SUPERGIRL followed by an interrogation. We find out that Kara thinks Cassie weak for losing it after Conner (SUPERBOY) died in the Infinite Crisis, she thinks she is better than WG AND Kara liked the attention from Boomer. Thinking the lasso makes her tell only the truth, SUPERGIRL is asked what her deepest secret is, to which she replies “I was sent to kill Kal-El and I want to. I want to kill him so my father will be proud of me.”

Cassie stops the charade and reveals that Wonder Woman’s lasso makes you tell the truth, but her’s only hurts people. Because the Phantoms are no match for Kara now that the sunstones are protecting her, Wonder Girl flies off telling SUPERGIRL she is nothing.

SUPERGIRL regains flight long enough to make it to Gotham in search of Batman. On her way, she recalls her Father’s explanation of the phantoms and we find out that the phantoms take hold of a person’s spirit bringing out the worst in them. They are a virus of hate and the only way to stop them is to destroy the host. Kara makes it to Wayne Manor only to find that Batman, screaming from the Phantom possession, has locked himself from the inside of a leadbox [obviously because he is smart enough to know the repercussions of said Phantoms].

SUPERGIRL pleads to be strong enough to open the chamber, but Robin shows up and guess what? He is taken over as well. His jealousy over the relationship between Batman and Supergirl has caused him to attack SUPERGIRL saying that he is not her father. The two tussle and ROBIN stunts Kara with cruel statements about killing her own Mother. In a rage, Kara stabs Tim with her sunstone-armored hand. Believing she has killed him , Robin gains composure and Kara realizes that she has freed him from the hold of the phantom. Kara explains that she has to find Superman and Robin tells her to look in Metropolis. Although Supergirl has already sought her cousin out, Robin explains that Superman had improvised and was not recognizable.

In Metropolis the scenes is as it was in New York and Gotham. People are running amuck wielding guns and terrorizing the non-possessed. Superman, donning what looks like Lead enforced armor, begs the phantoms to let the innocent humans alone and fight him. The phantoms who try and fail to overcome Superman because of his suit tells Kara that after the sun went red, it was a matter of weeks before people went crazy causing the government to quarantine the east coast. We learn that this is the first time Kara and Kal have seen each other since she went to Kandor with PowerGirl during the One Year Later events that had Superman powerless. While, Superman and Kara catch up, two mysterious figures converse about wanting to know Kara’s mind and the path she will choose. Are these the two figures from issue #14? The woman figure calls the male figure “Zor-El”.

SUPERGIRL tells Superman what she had learned during her month long walk down memory lane with her Father in outer space. Kara tells Kal-El that she must end his life to fix the mess their father’s made. As they try to piece the puzzle of what to do together, Supergirl ponders the red sun’s cause and Superman worries that he is the reason the phantoms are coming through to destroy people. Superman, being the hero that he is, tells Kara to do what must be done and kill him but she must tell Lois that there was no other choice. In a moment of clarity, Kara, seeing the self sacrifice of her cousin, finally truly understands what Superman was trying to teach her all this time and tells him that he is the greatest man she has ever met and that they need to find a way where their fathers failed.

But the orchestra is suddenly silenced when a voice is heard saying “That would be a great Idea”, the two cousins look up to find none other than SILVER AGE SUPERGIRL hovering above pointing directly at Kara and stating “if you were the REAL SUPERGIRL”
TO BE CONTINUED

So. Part two of the Truth arc was a whirlwind of phantom infected madness. I was truly excited and anticipated having the JLA guest again after the ruckus that was SUPERGIRL #4, 5 and 6 wanting to see how the League felt about Kara causing a mess again. BUT, because this issue fits into continuity way back before the new League that we see in Justice League of America was formed, we only get Mr. Terrific, Martian Manhunter and Hawkman which is more of JSA than JLA. BUT ANYWAY. Other than that, I was stocked by some of the stuff in this issue.
We finally get to see that Kara realized Boomer had feelings for her and even liked the fact that she was playing him. If you wanted character in this new version, da dom there you go!! It was great to see the jealousy Tim has for Supergirl and the fact that Cassie just wants someone who she can truly trust. Don’t blame Supergirl for keeping a secret like needing to kill the greatest superhero the world has ever known as a secret though. I really liked the little moments, like Kara talking to Sarah about wanting to kill herself, because I think she sees that other people have fears and issues in their lives much like herself and now probably will feel more “human” than she did before.

And Superman in the lead suit. Talking about Lois having to be put in suspended animation in the fortress because she was pulling her hair out. FUNNY. I didn’t know that there was a suspended animation chamber in the Fortress. We finally get resolved the issues between Kal and Kara which is finally good to see that they can not only put behind their problems, but teach each other what it means to be heroes. It is good to finally see Kara step up and realize that there can be other ways of handling things than taking the each way out or running away. We finally get our SUPERGIRL we have been waiting for Folks. Only to have that interrupted by SvA SUPERGIRL.
STORY: 8/10

On art duties, Ale Garza knocks it out of the park again. The first splash page is one of my favorites of the entire run. The way Garza portrays feeling through Kara’s eyes is amazing and even though he might not follow the “code” of comic book storytelling through directional panel usage!!, I love his style. By the time this issue came out though, we have learned that Garza will be jumpin the SUPERGIRL ship and movin to TEEN TITANS after Supergirl issue #19, which doesn’t makes us very happy does it precious? Anyway, another home run for Garza. Although I would have loved to see more full body shots of SUPERGIRL because Garza draws the perfect version of the character.
ART: 9/10

PS. If anyone can figure out what SUPERMAN had on his face, email me and let me know your suggestions? Was it sunstone dust from the pod his father sent him to Earth in? and that is why the Phantoms can’t invest his body and not the suit, because why would the suit protect him when we have learned last issue that the only protection against them are the sunstones? hmmmmm

Geoff Johns wishes some Luck

2007-05-16T09:44:00.000-04:00

Ex-writer Geoff Johns sends Sean McKeever some good luck over at the comicbloc.com forums and talks a little about Supergirl!! here is what he had to say:

Robin, Wonder Girl, Supergirl, Blue Beetle, Miss Martian, Kid Devil and Ravager!

I gotta say, I'm thrilled to see the line-up Sean has in store for the Titans. I mean, that's cool! Kid Devil, Ravager and Miss Martian are getting a chance to continue on. We created Megan as a substitute for the "nice sweet" Supergirl we wanted so it'll be fun to see those two interact.Sean obviously has enthusiasm for the team and the characters and I'm super excited to be able to put this book on my pull list. He's an incredibly talented writer, a nice guy and he brings a different kind of energy to the book and I think that's a wonderful thing.And to everyone worried about Raven, Cyborg and the others disappearing to limbo, I wouldn't be. They have become some of the most iconic DC characters to the public at large (thanks to that cartoon!) so they'll never be gone for long. They have way too many fans and I'm sure they won't be forgotten (like, really, really sure ).I've already ready some of #50 and, although a few feathers will be ruffled when it hits because of events around it (even mine, honestly!), I'm anxious to see it and I'm really looking forward to the next several months. It's also especially beeen nice to team up with Mckone for one last short story with Conner, Bart, Cassie, Tim, Vic, Kory and Gar. Ah. The Golden Days.I'm gettin' all misty...but I'm looking forward to what's next for the "new" new new Teen Titans.So good luck, Sean, you got a reader here!

Geoff

Ale Garza confirms he is "jumpin ship"

2007-05-16T09:35:00.000-04:00

Over at the comicbloc.com forums, Ale Garza has confirmed that Supergirl issue #19 will be his last.. But the stains from the tears on KaraLives.com's pillow won't be too bad, because he will still be drawing the character in TEEN TITANS.

Oh Ale, what have you done to us fans???

But in other Garzilicious news, Ale has stated that he will nod the Supergirl of the olden days and have Kara rock a headband in issue #19!! We will see how that turns out!!

McKeever talks new Teen Titans lineup and Supergirl is ON THE TEAM!!

2007-05-15T18:48:00.000-04:00

Check it out guys.. Supergirl will now be a new member of Teen Titans come issue #50 and Ale Garza will be the new artist starting with issue #51? What does this mean for the Supergirl solo title? we will have to wait to find out!!

http://forum.newsarama.com/showthread.php?t=112693

Supergirl joining the Teen Titans?

2007-05-15T10:11:00.000-04:00

Looks like the GIRL OF STEEL is going from one team book to the next!! At a UK comic convention, the cover to TEEN TITANS #50 was teased showing a possible new line up for the Team. The members on the cover (drawn by the amazing ALE GARZA) shows:

Miss Martian

Robin

Wonder Girl

Kid Devil

Ravager

Blue Beetle (Jaime Reyes)

And

SUPERGIRL

this is very interesting and KaraLives.com will keep you updated with more info!!

SUNSTONES -- An In depth look

2007-05-09T15:02:00.000-04:00

Anyone with somewhat of an interest in Superman could probably tell you that his Arctic Fortress of Solitude was built by crystals sent with him to Earth from Krypton. The iconic images of young Clark throwing the shinny cylinder into the snow and watching as it growths and constructs into a home of knowledge in Superman: The Movie brings chills even to this day.

But what exactly was this crystalline artifact and where did it come from. At first glance, we believe that is just fragments of the icy planet of Krypton as depicted in the Donner directed film, but in comics that isn't as likely. Recently we have learned the name of the crystals -- SUNSTONES.

KaraLives.com takes a more in depth look to these memory stored objects as we continue to stand in awe at the revelations of Supergirl #16.

In the current continuity the Fortress of Solitude was destroyed when Wonder Woman confronted Superman during the Superman: For Tomorrow arc that sent many of the fortress' artifacts to safety in the Phantom Zone. During Infinite Crisis, Lex Luthor of Earth-2 traveled to the arctic in search of a doppelganger that was posing as him. There he found the ruins of the fortress and made out with a five finger discount of one of the sunstones.

Superman created a new Fortress from the stones in the Amazon in Superman: The Journey arc brilliantly written by Verheiden with Ed Benes on main art duties. During this arc, Superman says that the crystals still surprise him with what they can do not really fleshing out all the inside details into them.

Superman Returns used the crystals as the backdrop for Lex Luthor's mischief and with Superman OYL gaining attributes from the film version, we got a little more information on how Kryptonians used them.

In Superman UP UP and Away, Lex Luthor somehow has discovered a history of a certain kryptonian ship once belonging to Gen. Dru Zod. The sunstones which can take any form as said in previous Superman issues were once used by Kryptonians to create a fleet of ships that "struck fear into the civilizations around them. Held Galaxies in an Iron Grip." - wow and all this time we were lead to believe Kryptonians were a peaceful race and therefore counters all the complaints about Joe Kelly making Jor-El and the Kryptonians so mean. Geoff Johns and Kurt Busiek did it my friends!! anyway back to analysis. By the end of this arc, Superman gets the sunstone back from Lex Luthor by way of Jimmy Olsen and after much super sight discovers that it not only is it a storage device of individual command modules, activation nodes, multidimensional blueprints and more it also has the capability of recognizing kryptonian brain activity that is activated with thought.

We don't see much of the sunstones until we finally get to where this connects with our very own favorite heroine, Supergirl. In Superman #223, Supergirl and Superman discuss the stones that have created his new Amazon Fortress and Kara states that something about them reminds of her of "home" and at that point she it is all still a little fuzzy. But if you have read Supergirl #16 (and if you haven't GO BUY IT) you know that Zor-El had been studying the sunstones and wanted to get the Science Council's permission to start using them to create a glorious vision of Krypton.

NOTE: ZOR-EL AND KARA LIVE IN ARGO CITY WHICH IS ACROSS THE PLANET THAN KRYPTONOPOLIS WHERE JOR-EL AND KAL-EL LIVE. THIS EXPLAINS THE DIFFERENCES IN THE ARCTIC TYPE KRYPTON WE ARE USED TO AND THE TECHNOLOGICALLY ADVANCED "METROPOLIS" THAT IS ARGO CITY

At about the same time that Zor-El is neck's deep in his research, Jor-El has discovered the Phantom Zone believing it to be an empty, endless space where time stands still and therefore perfect for a prison for Krypton's most dangerous criminals. But we find out that the Phantom Zone wasn't empty. It's original inhabitants known only as "phantoms" are hell bent on seeking revenge. (KaraLives.com will go more in depth on the Phantom Zone next week) Zor-El is the only one who can see these phantoms and finds out that sunstones are the only protection against the phantoms. Are the sunstones and the phantom zone connected somehow like how Kryptonite affects Kryptonians on Earth? maybe we will find out by the end of the origin arc.

When Zor-El is pushed aside, fired and marked insane by the science council, is only hope to save Krypton is to use Kara as a lab rat, injected the sunstones inside her body. In Supergirl #15 we get a flashback that has Zor-El making touch some glowing orb that activates the sunstones inside her. So that is a little interesting. Also note that the sunstones inside Kara are active on Krypton and not on Earth because it seems the ones inside her can only be used while under the red sun rays. Example, in Supergirl #14, Batgirl/Cassie Cain shoots Kara with Red UV rays and then the sunstones save her and then when Power Boy's Father Box turns the yellow sun red in issue #15, the sunstones encapsulate her and save her from dying in space, which also brings a flood of memories back giving us her origin finally.

All in all, the sunstones are a very interesting plot device. KaraLives.com hopes this little in depth look at them has helped answer some questions or maybe caused more questions so send them our way and we will try to get them answered for you.

Are the sunstones connected to the Phantom Zone somehow? -- check back next week for KaraLives.com in depth look at the Phantom Zone and pick up Supergirl #17 on Wed May 16!!

Kara Lives!!!

Survey for May 2007

2007-05-05T02:20:00.000-04:00

Ok.. new poll for May [I am going to try to do a new poll every month]

What is the best Supergirl cover EVER?
no limits can be any cover featuring Supergirl...

Let the suggestions begin here