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Supergirl (1996) #75-80
Supergirl: Many Happy Returns
Years ago when the original Supergirl heroically sacrificed her life, a protoplasmic construct from another dimension merged with a dying woman to become the new Woman of Steel. Since that day, Linda Danvers has upheld the tradition and legacy of the Kryptonian legend. But when an alien spaceship crashes to Earth and Kara Zor-El, the original Supergirl, emerges, Linda is forced upon a journey of self-discovery. Joined by both Superman and Superboy, Linda sets out to uncover the secret behind the return of the Man of Steel's cousin and the deadly grudge that the mysterious Xenon holds against her.
144 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 2003
5 people are currently reading
136 people want to read
About the author
Peter David
3,568 books1,364 followersaka David Peters
Peter Allen David, often abbreviated PAD, was an American writer of comic books, novels, television, films, and video games. His notable comic book work includes an award-winning 12-year run on The Incredible Hulk, as well as runs on Aquaman, Young Justice, SpyBoy, Supergirl, Fallen Angel, Spider-Man, Spider-Man 2099, Captain Marvel, and X-Factor.
His Star Trek work included comic books and novels such as the New Frontier book series. His other novels included film adaptations, media tie-ins, and original works, such as the Apropos of Nothing and Knight Life series. His television work includes series such as Babylon 5, Young Justice, Ben 10: Alien Force and Nickelodeon's Space Cases, which he co-created with Bill Mumy.
David often jokingly described his occupation as "Writer of Stuff", and he was noted for his prolific writing, characterized by its mingling of real-world issues with humor and references to popular culture, as well as elements of metafiction and self-reference.
David earned multiple awards for his work, including a 1992 Eisner Award, a 1993 Wizard Fan Award, a 1996 Haxtur Award, a 2007 Julie Award and a 2011 GLAAD Media Award.
Peter Allen David, often abbreviated PAD, was an American writer of comic books, novels, television, films, and video games. His notable comic book work includes an award-winning 12-year run on The Incredible Hulk, as well as runs on Aquaman, Young Justice, SpyBoy, Supergirl, Fallen Angel, Spider-Man, Spider-Man 2099, Captain Marvel, and X-Factor.
His Star Trek work included comic books and novels such as the New Frontier book series. His other novels included film adaptations, media tie-ins, and original works, such as the Apropos of Nothing and Knight Life series. His television work includes series such as Babylon 5, Young Justice, Ben 10: Alien Force and Nickelodeon's Space Cases, which he co-created with Bill Mumy.
David often jokingly described his occupation as "Writer of Stuff", and he was noted for his prolific writing, characterized by its mingling of real-world issues with humor and references to popular culture, as well as elements of metafiction and self-reference.
David earned multiple awards for his work, including a 1992 Eisner Award, a 1993 Wizard Fan Award, a 1996 Haxtur Award, a 2007 Julie Award and a 2011 GLAAD Media Award.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
May 16, 2015
I felt the writing was really on point, but the art had too much male gaze for a book that's supposed to be the final Supergirl story. It should have been powerful and empowering, not sexualized, especially of Kara, who's what 16?
November 1, 2010
Confusing as all get out. I had to go to Wikipedia just to understand what was going on.
February 2, 2020
The two stars are basically for the literally sexy art by Ed Benes. The story by Peter David leaves very much to be desired. It mainly focuses on Supergirl (based on her introduction from the 1950s) out of time and meeting the contemporary Supergirl...which, at the time, was the white glove wearing, white midriff wearing, red combat boots version. The 1950s version is causing a timey-wimey thing that will affect the universe unless she is returned to her own time to die.
The story sounds simple, but there a lot of elements that make this 'story' a convoluted mess. For example, there is a character named Xenon that was trapped by another Supergirl, in another timeline, who wants to escape...so somehow, in his jail, he's able to capture Supergirls from different timelines and kill them....until he gets to the Supergirl that trapped him. Yet, one would think that he would know which one trapped him. Also, how will killing all Supergirls lead him to the one that trapped him? Furthermore, if he is trapped...how is he able to pull Supergirls from their own timelines? If they (or 'she' in whatever timeline) was able to trap him initially, would she have the power to not be pulled into his void?
There are other characters such as Mr. Mxyzptlk, who shows up for a split second to cause ruckus during a Supergirl fan rally, then he disappears to not show up again in the story. There is the aforementioned Xenon who has no explanation of his powers or how he was trapped. There is a character named Johnny Reb who isn't really a threat, but just serves to to be a nuisance to both Supergirls. Then there is Fatalist, who seems to also just 'be there' and be a sort of Ares-like being that also doesn't really affect the plot.
I didn't particularly care for Peter David's run of Supergirl. It was convoluted, no real stories. He actually wrote "Many Happy Returns" for readers who didn't connect with his run of the character. Interestingly, he continued his same way of writing for the character, although within a limited arc.
Now, onto the art: As mentioned before, said art by Ed Benes is pretty sexy, the main reason I initially picked up the book. Benes, like J. Scott Campbell, has a nice 'cheesecake look' for the female characters (the male characters like Superman, Superboy and Johnny Reb look handsome as well).
Overall, the book is good to look at the art. If you're looking for a well thought out story, this won't be it. The sad thing is: Supergirl has yet to have a good writer come in and do the character justice. I'm personally going back to the 70s and 80s to see if they had good stories for the character.
The story sounds simple, but there a lot of elements that make this 'story' a convoluted mess. For example, there is a character named Xenon that was trapped by another Supergirl, in another timeline, who wants to escape...so somehow, in his jail, he's able to capture Supergirls from different timelines and kill them....until he gets to the Supergirl that trapped him. Yet, one would think that he would know which one trapped him. Also, how will killing all Supergirls lead him to the one that trapped him? Furthermore, if he is trapped...how is he able to pull Supergirls from their own timelines? If they (or 'she' in whatever timeline) was able to trap him initially, would she have the power to not be pulled into his void?
There are other characters such as Mr. Mxyzptlk, who shows up for a split second to cause ruckus during a Supergirl fan rally, then he disappears to not show up again in the story. There is the aforementioned Xenon who has no explanation of his powers or how he was trapped. There is a character named Johnny Reb who isn't really a threat, but just serves to to be a nuisance to both Supergirls. Then there is Fatalist, who seems to also just 'be there' and be a sort of Ares-like being that also doesn't really affect the plot.
I didn't particularly care for Peter David's run of Supergirl. It was convoluted, no real stories. He actually wrote "Many Happy Returns" for readers who didn't connect with his run of the character. Interestingly, he continued his same way of writing for the character, although within a limited arc.
Now, onto the art: As mentioned before, said art by Ed Benes is pretty sexy, the main reason I initially picked up the book. Benes, like J. Scott Campbell, has a nice 'cheesecake look' for the female characters (the male characters like Superman, Superboy and Johnny Reb look handsome as well).
Overall, the book is good to look at the art. If you're looking for a well thought out story, this won't be it. The sad thing is: Supergirl has yet to have a good writer come in and do the character justice. I'm personally going back to the 70s and 80s to see if they had good stories for the character.
June 5, 2020
My girlfriend bought this book at a used items store for me.
The art is really gorgeous, the Supergirls both look great, I love this style of art and wish more books were drawn this way.
The story has some cool points as it ties into Crisis on Infinite Earths, but as some other reviewers pointed out the story is convoluted and some subplots or side characters don't quite add up.
Though for me I just shut my brain off and took the story as it came.
I enjoyed myself but distinctly remember finishing it and thinking I wouldn't wanna reread it anytime soon.
Great art is why this book is getting 4 stars.
The art is really gorgeous, the Supergirls both look great, I love this style of art and wish more books were drawn this way.
The story has some cool points as it ties into Crisis on Infinite Earths, but as some other reviewers pointed out the story is convoluted and some subplots or side characters don't quite add up.
Though for me I just shut my brain off and took the story as it came.
I enjoyed myself but distinctly remember finishing it and thinking I wouldn't wanna reread it anytime soon.
Great art is why this book is getting 4 stars.
July 21, 2022
I read this as a kid and was so confused by every little thing that happened in it. I had no context for the rest of this Supergirl run, I just found this at my library and read it. And to this day, it's still a little bit confusing, requiring a decent understanding of the DC Universe and how it all fits together. But even as a kid the emotional beats hit really well. And on rereading it as an adult with most of the needed context - it continues too.
August 12, 2025
The end of David's legendary run. Peter HAD proposed a continuation, but DC was already planing the return of the first Supergirl.
The character 'Fallen Angel' was GOING to actually be Linda, bjut Peter parted ways with DC so that was nixed.
The character 'Fallen Angel' was GOING to actually be Linda, bjut Peter parted ways with DC so that was nixed.
May 27, 2025
RIP Peter David, but this ain't it.
July 30, 2012
Back when Peter David was the writer and Ed Benes did the drawing, "Supergirl" was a great guilty pleasure book. This is sort of the comic book version of a cool YA fantasy adventure novel back before YA fantasy adventure books hit the big time. Addictive (if at times a bit confusing) pulpy storylines, and sexy, colorful artwork, make this book irresistible for those who enjoy adventure tales centered around a strong female lead. Fun stuff.
July 6, 2020
This story was ultra weird, but ultimately worked. I'm a fan of Supergirl in any version and it was nice to see the worlds collide.
For more on Supergirl check out this episode of Comic Book Coffee Break: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xj5wm...
For more on Supergirl check out this episode of Comic Book Coffee Break: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xj5wm...
October 20, 2013
Wow. I just finished this book and I think I'm going to be a little sad for a few days. I definitely will read this one again and soon. What a fantastic way to end a series. Clark reading Linda's letter on the last few pages was ....
January 26, 2015
Another Supergirl story that I loved.
February 19, 2015
Great book which features the final 6 issues of the 2003 run of the SUPERGIRL title.
May 18, 2015
Post-Crisis Supergirl meets Pre-Crisis Supergirl in a huge story that's equal parts quirky, funny, and ultimately really tragic. Bonus points for prominent Superboy guest role!
July 17, 2016
i reaaly enjoyed this book. in my opinion it had many twists and turns and the part where she had to send Supergirl back into space broke my heart. I love the graphics
May 28, 2011
Supergirl, my favorite flavor of cheesecake. It's fun and flirty and sexy. That's my S-Girl.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews