Kara’s predicament in the “HE’L ON EARTH” event was easily the most (the only?) interesting bit of the crossover, so it’s too bad that thread couldn’t have been enjoyed independently. My impression from friends, and the iFB community, is that HE’L actually caused this title to hemorrhage readers. I know I practically hemorrhaged in my pants, what with being strong-armed by DC to bottom-feed off all these other “SUPER” titles. I finally gave up on the arc a couple of months ago, biding my time until the crossover tag had disappeared from Asrar’s awesome covers.

Enter SUPERGIRL #18, a “new dawn for the Girl of Steel,” “written by Mike Johnson” and with “art by Mahmud Asrar.” Those are DC’s words. In the real world, however, it’s actually written by Frank Hannah (writer of the film, “The Cooler”–this is his first comic), penciled by Robson Rocha, and inked by the population of a small village. And, if you were hoping for a fresh, autonomous adventure with Kara, prepare yourself for more belly-button fluff from the other Super-family titles, including Dr. Veritas (SUPERMAN), Lava Woman (SUPERBOY) and a handful of characters I couldn’t be bothered to recognize. Somewhat more welcome were Lex Luthor and Power Girl but, really, everyone’s still hemming and hawing about He’l and, if I’m honest, I had some trouble following the proceedings or caring to make the effort.

Right now, SUPERGIRL is clearly Asrar’s show. The guy is kicking it. I mean, it’s jaw-dropping stuff. Johnson’s writing has been competent, but I’m looking forward to the possibility of a fresh chemical reaction when MAN steps up to scribe on issue #20.

In spite of it all, this is the best “Super” title going and, other than the He’l issues I skipped, I shall remain faithful. I really hope this book can recover.