Peter David’s Supergirl work was phenomenal! His Supergirl series lasted 80 issues from 1996 until 2003. The majority of those issues were written by David as well. Plus, there was stellar artwork by artists such as Gary Frank and Leonard Kirk. These ingredients let the title have a distinct vision and viewpoint for Supergirl herself.
What made the series great?
First, David’s Linda Danvers herself was just Awesome! She grew on a personal journey throughout the series from a confused, angry, young woman under the influence of Buzz, to her being saved and given a second chance by Matrix, to realizing herself and Matrix were one being, and to seeing her own self-worth and being a full fledged superhero. The journey ended when Linda quit being Supergirl because she sacrificed and lost her family from an alternative Earth timeline. The ’Many Happy Returns’ ending seemed a way to wrap up the series rather than a true heroic finale. Linda’s personality and “voice” was loads of fun to read! Here are a few pages to show some fine examples of the awesomeness of Linda!
Finally, Linda had a career in the arts as an artist and then later as an art teacher.
Second, the series contained a fantastic supporting cast for Linda Danvers to interact with. And it was interesting to see how the cast members acted towards each other. Linda and her parents Fred and Sylvia at first being distant and alienated to being a close and loving family. Or seeing Fred and Sylvia working through their marriage issues. Fred in fact at one point wanted to divorce his wife because he could not cope with her alcoholism. But they reconciled and later had a second child named Wally. The romance and later engagement of Linda’s friend Mattie and Cutter. The dynamic of Linda and Buzz. And, finally, the way Linda interacted with the seemingly perfect heroes Mary Marvel and Pre-COIE Kara Zor-El.
Third, all the cool references to the Silver Age: the Danvers last name, Kara Zor-El herself, Comet, Dick Malverne, Leesburg, the marriage of Linda and Superman in reference to Kryptonine cousins being unable to marry, and even Kurt Schaffenberger having a street name!
Overall, Linda Danvers’ inner spirit, and career fighting demons and evil doers is a worthy addition to the mythology of Supergirl!
No comments:
Post a Comment