Review: Action Comics #1077 - Supergirl Story

Action Comics #1077 came out last week, the eighth weekly issue during this Mark Waid run.

That also means it is the eighth entry in Mariko Tamaki's Supergirl story which has plodded along in the most dull way. I feel like my reviews have been repetitive. Nothing happens; Supergirl seems ineffective. But wait ... something happens this time.

In fact, something potentially interesting happens this time. I am not saying this is a good chapter. But at least there is some progression. And after 7 chapters of nothing happening, I am nearly giddy that at least we got something.

The prisoner gives us some background on who she is. 

Also, Tamaki brings in Tom King's Supergirl Woman of Tomorrow. Is she praising it? Retconning it? I think I know what it happening but I am hoping you all will tell me what you think as well.

Now Supergirl still does nothing in this chapter. This is the prisoner's story, not Kara's. 

Meghan Hetrick is back on art and brings an open style to things. 

On to the details.

Review: Action Comics #1076 Supergirl Story

Action Comics #1076 came out this week. This included the seventh part in the Mariko Tamaki Supergirl story.

And once again I have to say I am frustrated. Because once again, the story goes nowhere in this chapter. It once again makes little sense. It once again has Supergirl doing pretty much nothing. And it is horribly padded with 5 of the 10 pages being splashes or near splashes that don't warrant that much story space.

We are 70% done with this story. Think about that. And even Supergirl doesn't know what her mission is or how this prisoner is. 

I can't rail against Tamaki any more. I have to accept that this is her writing style: slow, plodding, confusing, and worst of all boring. Now maybe this will wrap up in some amazing way. But knowing what I know of prior Tamaki works I doubt it.

The person I really blame is editor Brittany Holzherr. Someone should have recognized the mess this story is. It is a shame. Because it doesn't shine a light on how great a character Supergirl is.

Of note, Skye Patridge is not on art for this chapter, replaced by Meghan Hetrick. The two artists are close enough in style to have the feel of the story remain consistent. 

On to the story, what there is of it.