When comic racks are overrun with events such as “Secret Invasion” and “Final Crisis”, as well as the multiple tie-ins, why would an all-ages comic book such as Supergirl: Cosmic Adventures in the Eighth Grade have any significance?

The answer may lie in a recent Newsarama article titled “Dan DiDio: 20 Answers, 1 Question”, in which DC Universe Executive Editor Dan DiDio stated, “We always talk about ‘jump on points’ and what started you on comics, so I’m interested in hearing what were people’s jump on points, or what got them started in comics?”

This request is destined to awaken a march of unique and heartfelt tales across message boards and throughout comic shops as collectors and critics alike, ripe with proud trivia and nostalgia, spin spectacular yarns, each with the extraordinary essence of an everlasting Christmas morning. These tales will be led by eyes gazing in wide wonder upon a handed-down stack of Golden Age gems and smoldering imaginations igniting into full-fledged escape by the air-brushed image of a she-devil with a sword on the side of a van. The age of Saturday morning cartoons will set the stage for many of the middle-aged introductions to super and amazing friends. Similarly, more modern “jumping on points” will contain praise to programs on the Cartoon Network, such as Ben Ten, The Justice Legaue, The Secret Saturdays and, most recently, The Brave and the Bold. Of course, modern collectors will also credit recent blockbuster feature films, like the upcoming Watchmen, as well as video and online gaming for piquing their interest.

As rousing and inspiring as DiDio’s request is, it is made all the more interesting when coupled with information found on majorspoilers.com that states, “In 1995, DC conducted a survey to determine the age range of comic book readers. The study showed the then average age of readers was 25. Ten years later, and the average age changes to match.”

But what do advertising demographics and Golden Age comics have to do with the Supergirl: Cosmic Adventures in the Eighth Grade? A good deal when taking into consideration that, according tone retailer, more than 30% percent of his customers over the age of 35 not only have children, but also bring their children along to his store on weekly basis. And it is these children, the sons and daughters of those dedicated to the death of Jean Grey and the birth of the infinite Earths, that may have the most intriguing “jumping on point” to share with Mr. DiDio, for their “start in comics” began the day they were born. Thus, the importance of a book such as Supergirl: Cosmic Adventures in the Eighth Grade lies in these children who will rarely know a world without super friends.

Supergirl: Cosmic Adventures in the Eighth Grade finds its just place on the comic racks by offering the “born into comics generation” a fun and simple introduction to the Girl of Steel. A regular contributor to Disney Adventures Magazine, writer Landry Walker is quite familiar with the components necessary to create a fun yet meaningful and successful all-ages story. He has designed Supergirl: Cosmic Adventures in the Eighth Grade with a sense comparative to Cartoon Network’s animated Krypto the Superdog series with a twist of The Power Puff Girls.

On its simplest level the title offers young readers a friendly introduction to the action, excitement and origin of DC’s mainstream series along with lighthearted Loony Toon-esque humor. This is not to say that the book is without significance, though, as important themes such as acceptance, alienation, angst and fear (themes regularly utilized throughout the mainstream Superman books) are present throughout.

In a recent interview, Landry Walker described the importance and difficulty of the balancing comedy and humor in a book such as Supergirl, “The balance is quite difficult, and I’m sure I won’t achieve it as cleanly every issue, but I think it’s important to try. The humor is defined by the drama, and vice versa; without the more serious moments, I think the comedy becomes unrelatable.”

Fortunately the overall fun nature of the book is not weighed down by these more sensitive issues, preventing Supergirl: Cosmic Adventures in the Eighth Grade from becoming Are you there Rao? It’s me, Kara?

Similarly, artist Eric Jones presents Supergirl in a popular retro cartoon style, the nature of which is recognizable and alluring to younger audiences while easily appealing to mainstream fans that may enjoy the charm of seeing their favorite Kryptonian in such a genuinely fun fashion. Jones fills each character with flawless expression that would radiate the intended emotion even in the complete absence of dialogue. Additionally, usng his animated stylings, the artist reproduces some very iconic images such as Superman battling a Luther-driven robot and Kara’s initial landing on Earth.

Overall, Supergirl: Cosmic Adventures in the Eighth Grade is exactly what it is meant to be… fun. It certainly is not meant to replace any “Crisis” or “Invasion”, but it is an ideal cushion for the jumping on point of those “born into comics”.