Supergirl #1
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Supergirl #1

Writer: Steve Orlando Artist: Brian Ching Publisher: DC Comics Release Date: September 7, 2016 Cover Price: $2.99 Critic Reviews: 32 User Reviews: 23
8.1Critic Rating
7.5User Rating

"REIGN OF THE CYBORG SUPERMAN" part one! Supergirl is back and working for the DEO to defend National City! As Kara Danvers, average American teenager and high school student, Supergirl must balance her life as a superhero with her new life on Earth. But some demons from her Kryptonian past are coming back to haunt her, and Kara will find herself face-to-face with her father: the sinister Cyborg Superman!

  • 10
    ComiConverse - Kyle King Sep 10, 2016

    Sent to live with D.E.O. agents posing as her parents and assigned the role of an ordinary teen, Kara Danvers struggles to adapt to life in National City. She must conceal the scientific success she remembers from Krypton and ignore the jeers from her fellow high school students, so she welcomes the opportunity to spring into action and foil a high-tech train robbery. Read Full Review

  • 10
    Newsarama - Richard Gray Sep 7, 2016

    One can’t begrudge Orlando for bringing Supergirl in line with her small screen counterpart, and he has mentioned in a number of interviews that there is a lot that the CBS/CW series gets right in terms of tone and flavor. Put simply, Supergirl draws on the best that the character has to offer, and serves it up in a package that fans of the broader super family can dip in and out of. This is definitely one to watch going forward, especially with that diabolically self-referential cliffhanger. Read Full Review

  • 10
    Big Comic Page - Garry Mac Sep 7, 2016

    A great team working on an exciting new book then. Supergirl is a character whose history is convoluted, and if Rebirth is about anything, its about making DC's arcane universe accessible. Orlando and his team succeed in offering us a Supergirl that is both easily recognisable to DC die-hards and intriguing to a new demographic, who will hopefully be drawn in by his skilful handling of an awkward super-teen story that doesnt feel like its trying too hard. Read Full Review

  • 9.6
    Supergirl Comic Box Commentary - Anj Sep 9, 2016

    So this issue was a nice adjunct to the Supergirl Rebirth special. It definitely lays the foundation for the tone of this book. This is an overall caring Supergirl, eager to spring into action and wanting to help. But she doesn't quite feel right on Earth. We meet her DEO handler who isn't helping matters with her prejudice about Krypton and her short leash. We meet the delightfully homey Danvers and their attempts at being the perfect surrogate parents. We meet Cat, cold perfection in haute couture. And we get a great cliffhanger, a tempting offer for a lonely grieving teen. With the stage set, I'm ready for more! Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Comic Book Bin - Deejay Dayton Sep 7, 2016

    The issue ends with a bit of a surprise, bringing back a dangling plot thread from the New 52 version. Its a bit jarring, but only a little. We will have to wait for the next issue to see how Orlando harmonizes things, but it seems that he has subtly laid the groundwork. Its so hard to talk about this without giving anything away. But I will not use spoilers! Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Doom Rocket - Jarrod Jones Sep 7, 2016

    The product of this creative team's efforts is one of beauty. The juggling act that Orlando & Ching have to accomplish with Supergirl is a considerable one, especially now that Kara's about to pop up on the CW in a few weeks, but these guys acquit themselves magnificently. If I had doubts about Supergirl before, let this debut issue knock them in the ground where they belong. Supergirl is but another example of how promising Rebirth can be, especially when all the stars align. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Dark Knight News - Eric Joseph Sep 8, 2016

    Supergirlshares several things in common with the TV show, such as the Danvers family and the DEO, yet utilizes them in different ways. In other words, it's accessible to fans of the show, but is wisely in no way a clone. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    CourtOfNerds - Drew S. McCarthy Sep 7, 2016

    This art + this story + the villain reveal at the end = "Can you guys add this to my pull list?" Read Full Review

  • 8.5
    IGN - Jeff Lake Sep 7, 2016

    Equal parts humor and heart, Supergirl #1 is a strong start for creators Steve Orlando and Brian Ching. Pairing superhero adventure with a relatable focus on identity and fitting in, their Kara is at once an engaging and, despite her lineage, human presence. With some solid emotional plotting and a great batch of art by Ching, this debut stands as one of the brightest in DC's Rebirth lineup. Read Full Review

  • 8.5
    AIPT - Jordan Richards Sep 7, 2016

    Supergirl #1 is a solid start for this new run on a classic character. The story is a classic fish-out-of-water tale and Steve Orlando's writing and storytelling are executed very well. The characterization is great and the artwork, outside of some problems with it, looks great. If you liked the Rebirth issue, then for sure give this one a shot. Supergirl is back and better than ever. Read Full Review

  • 8.5
    Comicosity - Amy Ziegfeld Sep 7, 2016

    The first official issue of the reborn Supergirl series is a great opener. It gives us nice character moments that are worth the price of admission by themselves, while setting up a story with a lot of potential. Read Full Review

  • 8.4
    Weekly Comic Book Review - Noah Sharma Sep 14, 2016

    With her universe's Superman dead, a highly successful television show on the air, and a new claim on a handful of classic Superman rogues, Supergirl has never been in a better place to succeed as a character. Steve Orlando capitalizes on that, taking the hand he's been dealt and immediately demonstrating the inherent value of the character and the range that this series possesses. This first issue of Supergirl is artistically rich and emotionally full. It doesn't drop any massive bombshells the way that first issues often have to, but it commits fully to the series and the ethos behind it. It's not the most exciting debut, but it's the definition of a solid superhero introduction and an impressively effective debut. With Orlando and Ching at the helm, Supergirl seems poised to deliver, month after month, strong superhero adventures full of wild ideas, thoughtful storytelling, and plenty of heart. Read Full Review

  • 8.4
    The Fandom Post - Chris Beveridge Sep 9, 2016

    All in all a solid start that establishes who Kara is rather than trying to hook us with big issues or just non-stop action. It's full of character and I'm definitely into that. Read Full Review

  • 8.3
    Weird Science - Jim Werner Sep 7, 2016

    While I wasn't a huge fan of the Supergirl Rebirth issue, I had a really good time with this one.  Steve Orlando shows us the difficulties facing Kara in her new life, but the cliffhanger showed they may have only just begun.  Throw in the Danvers doing their best as new parents and a great art style by Brian Ching and I am happy to say that I am now fully on board with this book and can't wait to continue on with Steve Orlando's Supergirl.   Read Full Review

  • 8.3
    Heroes Direct - Eammon Jacobs Sep 7, 2016

    The main bulk of the plot is more about her as Kara rather than as Supergirl. And whilst that could sound a little dull, it gives her more time to flourish as an individual character rather than as a costume. We get to see her make mistakes and not be as perfect as her other Kryptonian counterpart. The ending ofSupergirl #1 left on an interesting note that will certainly lead for some curious roads for Supergirl to go down. It's a great characterised issue, and fans of Supergirl will find it pretty enjoyable. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Nerdophiles - Jackson Adams Sep 14, 2016

    For reasons that still just don't make sense, the New 52 revealed that Kara's father had been transformed into the genocidal cyborg Kryptonian, a move that mostly felt like it unnecessarily complicated a simple premise. Cyborg Superman is still here, offering threats on the issue's final pages and I don't want to judge things too harshly based on just a cliffhanger but it's one of those things that's been a problem before. I'm cautiously optimistic, especially with this creative team at the helm though. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Graphic Policy - Logan Dalton Sep 7, 2016

    Supergirl#1 is an intense exploration of both the immigrant experience (Especially when Orlando has Kara quote the line from the oldSupermanradio show, “strange visitor from another planet.”)and the general awkwardness of moving to a new area and trying to figure out what people like and don't like and failing at fitting in. And Steve Orlando and Brian Ching aren't afraid to end this issue on a down note as Kara is no closer to feeling like she is valued by her parents, peers, and handlers at the DEO. Supergirl isn't hated and feared, but is treated like an out of place nuisance, which actually is a more relatable experience, even if she can fly and destroy assault rifles with her freeze breath. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Multiversity Comics - Jess Camacho Sep 8, 2016

    "Supergirl" is a really enjoyable return to basics for a character that desperately needed this. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Chuck's Comic Of The Day - Chuck Sep 11, 2016

    The art by Brian Ching is very good, and writer Steve Orlando captures the voice of the characters - but the series needs to up the action quotient - and mimic the TV show's attitude - to survive. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    We The Nerdy - Josh McCullough Sep 7, 2016

    Overall, Supergirl #1 is definitely a good comic for the audience it's written for, but certainly won't be for everyone. There's some good character stuff, cute lines, and fun action, but there's not a lot of new material hero for people who've read a lot of teen superhero books. For newcomers however or anyone looking to get into Supergirl, there's really not a better option around. If you think this books sounds like it's for you, then it likely is, and I'd strongly recommend it. If you're not into books with younger characters however, one of the other superfamily titles should see you right. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Comics: The Gathering - Ryan.L Sep 7, 2016

    So there we have it, our new Supergirl series is in full swing. My hope is that Steve Orlando can keep delivering engaging stories so that we can really get invested in this Supergirl. That he can pull her out of the perpetual washing machine of re-launching her back to an origin that really seems to be Kara’s curse. There are so many great stories out there other than her awesome origin to tell, and I have faith Orlando will deliver. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    ComicBook.com - Matthew Mueller Sep 8, 2016

    Supergirl isn't a book for everyone, but that shouldn't take away from what the book does well, which is deliver fans a Supergirl that is all at once alienating, intelligent, witty, sarcastic, compassionate, and awkward. In other words, she's human, but terms like human and normal don't really register to Kara. Watching her figure out just how human she really is should be quite entertaining indeed. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Comic Vine - Tony 'G-Man' Guerrero Sep 7, 2016

    Supergirl is the breath of fresh air we've been waiting for in the DC Universe. Steve Orlando is brilliantly capturing the core essence of her character while building upon what has already happened within the New 52 stories. Brian Ching's art and Michael Atiyeh's colors are a perfect fit as well. Regardless if you're new to Supergirl's world or a long time reader, this is a great place to dive in. You can feel the hope Supergirl's character should inspire. Supergirl is also a less experienced hero than Superman. This gives us a great way to see her develop into an even better hero. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Fortress of Solitude - Rick Austin Sep 14, 2016

    Supergirl #1 isn't the best of starts for the series, although clearly there's an understanding of what target market DC is hoping to appeal to. If you fall into that bracket then you may enjoy this, but for others it may take a little while or it may not happen at all. Read Full Review

  • 7.5
    Black Nerd Problems - Jordan Calhoun Sep 10, 2016

    Overall, a solid start to a book that will hopefully soon reveal its identity. I'm still cautiously optimistic, but even in its worst case scenario it seems Supergirl's story is in good hands. Read Full Review

  • 7.0
    PopMatters - Jack Fisher Sep 8, 2016

    This doesn't take away from the major accomplishments of this story, however. The biggest challenge of any character bearing the emblem of Superman is crafting a story that isn't solely defined by Superman. Like Dick Grayson, Kara Zor-El may never be able to escape her cousin's shadow, but Supergirl #1 shows that she can still follow her own unique journey. Read Full Review

  • 7.0
    Razorfine - Alan Rapp Sep 14, 2016

    Needing an escape eventually leads Kara to the Fortress of Solitude where the comic sets up an unexpected reunion for Kara with the re-introduction of her father as the new Cyborg-Superman. Worth a look. Read Full Review

  • 6.5
    Lyles Movie Files - Jeffrey Lyles Sep 7, 2016

    Supergirl is another Rebirth title that has potential, but the art style and TV influence might limit it to a niche readership. Read Full Review

  • 6.0
    Henchman-4-Hire - Sean Ian Mills Sep 10, 2016

    I wonder how much leeway and freedom Orlando has to write this comic, because someone clearly sat him down and told him that he had to make it like the TV show " except, of course, it's not exactly like the TV show. It's a weird amalgamation, and I'm not sure what the point of that is. I guess they want to make anyone who comes over from the TV show as comfortable as possible, yet not totally just recreate the show. It's"weird, I guess. But if you're a Supergirl fan, I'm sure it could be really nice. Read Full Review

  • 6.0
    The GCRN - Daniel Clark Sep 14, 2016

    This was a much improved way to approach the character. The story was simple but well plotted. Clearly the only time she feels comfortable is when she is playing the role of Supergirl. I am intrigued by the idea of a Spider-Man esc story with this character. If we get more issues like this and less like the Rebirth storythis series could be a success. Read Full Review

  • 6.0
    Comic Bastards - Justin Wood Sep 7, 2016

    Supergirl is securely at the most a B-list character, and this book is similarly B-list. I like a lot about it, but at the end of the day, it will have to perform quite the feat of strength to earn its place on the shelf as more than just 22 pages of ad space for a television show. Read Full Review

  • 6.0
    DC Comics News - Sean Blumenshine Sep 7, 2016

    Overall, this is an okay issue. I like the struggle of Kara's life and her attempt to fit into Earth. It's a nice continuation of her story in the New 52. And the art is really cool. However, Director Chase and Cat Grant really irritated me and took the book down a few points in my mind. Read Full Review

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