Supergirl is a personality who, regardless of being extremely iconic, has by no means managed to interrupt out of her cousin’s shadow. That’s to be anticipated when her cousin is arguably the most important and most vital superhero of all, however nonetheless, Kara has greater than earned a seat on the desk. She’s fought alongside Superman and on her personal for many years, continuously pushing their comics ahead and redefining herself at a pace that few others have. Her latest run has sought to right that mistake by giving her the solid of characters and significance that she’s at all times deserved, and it simply took a significant step in honoring her historical past by reintroducing an iconic however unusual character, Matrix.
Nevertheless, as nice as Supergirl (2025) #18 is at giving Supergirl’s storied historical past its due, and as glad as I’m to see Matrix again in continuity, it tries to cowl manner an excessive amount of floor for a single challenge. Alongside Matrix, we get: all-new character Wombat, all-new villain Reactron, the format of Kara’s new Fortress of Solidarity, Thundergirl’s identification disaster, and Supergirl shedding her powers. It is a ton to pack into any challenge, and it positively suffers from a scarcity of time for every plot level. It’s good, however it’s additionally positively its personal worst enemy.
Ranking: 3 out of 5
| Professionals | Cons |
| Reintroduces Matrix in an effective way | An excessive amount of occurs for a single challenge |
| Real love for Supergirl and her solid shining by way of | Emotional weight is hampered by lack of focus |
| Nice artwork that captures the vibe completely | The brand new villain leaves zero impression proper now |
An Earnest However Overstuffed Journey
The primary downside with this story is that it tackles manner an excessive amount of in too brief an period of time. Spinning out of Supergirl’s resolution to behave because the Inheritor of El in “Kingdom of Zod,” she’s assembled her new Tremendous-Power staff in her new Fortress, however tensions run excessive. Naturally, issues solely get extra chaotic with Matrix’s confused introduction, together with her being satisfied that Kara is an imposter Supergirl. There are quite a lot of sturdy emotional beats right here, particularly in how Thungergirl’s personal identification points assist her join with Matrix’s panic. Nevertheless, it rushes previous all of them and doesn’t give us a second to breathe earlier than leaping into the subsequent one. It’s an excessive amount of floor to cowl, particularly contemplating the way it needed to finish with a dramatic depowering from a brand new villain that, frankly, marched in far too simply.
Nothing is given the room it must develop correctly, which is a disgrace. A trademark of this run thus far has been Sophie Campbell letting characters immediately state their feelings and emotions in a manner that feels very on the nostril. It’s by no means been seamless, however it often works nicely sufficient. Nevertheless, it may’t work that manner if the emotional beats don’t have the time to settle. The insane pacing of this challenge positively highlights the weaknesses of that type, because it feels far too clear and fast on the similar time.
In fact, there are additionally quite a lot of positives to focus on right here. Matrix’s reintroduction is a severe spotlight and one thing to have fun. For years, she was a personality no person anticipated to return, having solely been a substitute for Kara, however her new origin offers her an opportunity to stretch her wings in a manner her followers will certainly admire. This comedian’s biggest power has at all times been the sheer adore it has for Supergirl, and this challenge is overflowing with that affection for each model of the character. Heck, Kara wears the human Linda Danvers’s costume for many of the challenge! It is a real love letter to Supergirl that each fan can admire, and Matrix opens the door to make this subsequent arc centered on Supergirl’s legacy very fascinating.
Different, Stylized Artwork that Completely Matches the Vibe
Sophie Campbell can also be the resident artist, with Tamra Bonvillain appearing because the colorist, and their artwork is a real match made in heaven. This comedian has a really particular ambiance, combining traditional Silver Age views with trendy storytelling construction and sensibilities, and this artwork conveys that like nothing else might. It has a really cartoon-like high quality to it, mixing vibrancy with surprisingly detailed backdrops and characters. The unfold web page look into the Fortress itself might be one of the best instance of this, giving us a grand overview of the constructing and its many little touches that make it really feel like a house. That is simply the brightest comedian on retailer cabinets, and it’s a real deal with to have a look at.
The true power on this challenge is how the artwork works to boost the story whereas conserving the whole lot distinct. There are a complete of eight individuals on Tremendous-Power, however all of them have such distinctive designs that by no means step on anybody else’s toes, even after they share main colour palettes. The choice to have Kara tie her hair again and placed on Linda’s previous Supergirl costume was incredible, because it let Matrix’s iconic look shine by way of with out anybody getting confused. This e book is endlessly modern, and Kara’s a number of costumes that each one really feel like her are a incredible technique to promote this level. The artwork is ever-evolving, however at all times looks like Supergirl.
General, this challenge was enjoyable, however it positively must decelerate to let the emotional moments hit a bit more durable. What do you concentrate on Matrix and her reintroduction? Tell us within the feedback under!
Supergirl #18 is on sale now!