Review by Frank Plowright

Killers of Krypton follows Steve Orlando’s time on Supergirl, which made some effort to at least present a version of Supergirl similar to the TV show, while this is tied more closely to Brian Michael Bendis taking over the core Superman titles. Part of that was the revelation that Krypton’s destruction wasn’t entirely accidental, which affects Supergirl more greatly because unlike Superman her youth was spent on Krypton.

Over an engaging opening chapter Marc Anreyko effectively transmits Kara’s repressed volcanic anger, with Kevin Maguire’s facility for facial expressions underlining it, but also includes joyful moments such as the sample art of Krypto turning up. Before she heads out into space to investigate Krypton’s destruction it’s established that the Green Lantern Corps database has information, but it’s redacted, which only serves to enrage Supergirl further, and Andreyko fits in early how Supergirl might cope if there’s trouble where there’s no yellow sun.

What follows is fast-paced adventure with Andreyko skirting clichés such as friends fighting each other by providing plausible reasons, and Supergirl discovering there was a conspiracy involved in destroying Krypton. The requirement that she collect a set of crystals is a form of quest readers will have seen used before, but it moves things forward. Key to everything is a weapon used by the killer of Kryptonians, which seemed just a neatly designed axe, but actually has secrets. Andreyko also makes good use of narrative patterns where the dialogue says one thing and Supergirl’s thoughts in the caption box contextualises it.

Over the first three chapters Maguire draws everything neatly in his solidly reliable style, evoking life and locations, a pattern continued by Evan “Doc” Shaner for the fourth chapter. Both are clear storytellers with attractive styles, which also applies to Emanuela Lupacchino and Lan Medina on the final chapter before heading from the cliffhanger ending into Sins of the Circle.

There are a couple of bonus stories before then, though. Andreyko and Brad Walker supply a viable Indiana Jones pastiche via a recently introduced character, but better is a sentimental Christmas story from Dan Jurgens and Tom Derenick. It’s back to Supergirl’s teenage years and an indication of her good nature.

Killers of Krypton is a more than solid start from a new creative time, bringing joy and opening possibilities.