Review by Karl Verhoven
Misadventures in Midvale is a fresh start for Supergirl, yet also targeted to appeal to fans of the past by writer and artist Sophie Campbell. Because continuity shifts like desert sand at 21st century DC there’s a comfort in knowing this is Kara Zor-El when being a superhero, concealing that identity as Linda Danvers, Metropolis resident. Her foster parents have moved back to Midvale where she grew up, and suggests she visits. She’s not keen, but returns to discover that not only is there someone masquerading as Supergirl, her parents don’t recognise her because Linda already lives in the house.
It’s pleasing that Campbell doesn’t drag the mystery on, or indeed at all. The why and the how are established during the second chapter and it’s sorted out relatively quickly as Campbell has plenty of ideas on where to head next. From the assortment of costumes to Midvale itself, it draws heavily on the now very dated 1970s Supergirl comics, but by applying a veneer of wonder Campell makes what was silly fresh again. In those comics Supergirl was frequently plagued by Lena Luthor, sister of Lex and also a scientific genius, and she’s also back, but as a friend and confidante rather than an enemy, and well used as such. Kryptonian culture plays a part, and so do the assorted super pets Supergirl’s associated with over the years. It’s a risky concept that could have belly-flopped, but instead it’s fun, fun, and more fun.
That’s partly to do with Campbell’s attractive art, strong on feeling and detail, yet not short changing on the action. There are places, the third chapter in particular, where packing everything in just leads to crowded panels, but that’s the exception. The way Campbell shapes the story leads to some interesting artistic diversions, such as a fully kitted out Supergirl in a goth club. It’s the one place colourist Tamra Bonvillain darkens the otherwise universally bright tone.
On the weakest chapter Campbell turns the art over to Paulina Ganucheau and Rosi Kämpe for a spotlight on the assorted super pets. Fair enough that they’re dragged back from history with the remainder of what Campbell salvages, but ten pages of “I hope Lesla isn’t mad that I helped him. Now we can team-up” strains the patience. Thankfully the grumpier, smarter and more cynical Streaky the Super Cat teamed with Tiny Titano is less cloying.
Kämpe also draws part of the final chapter featuring Supergirl fighting her inner demons. It’s a superhero standby, and often results in a lazy story, but that’s not the case here. The different art styles separating events and the intervention of friends overcome the inherent limitations.
Whether Campbell’s version of Supergirl will be able to maintain the enjoyment without the approach being as fresh as it is here is a question for the future, but there’s not much wrong with Misadventures in Midvale.
