Status Updates From Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow

Space dinosaurs!!

Chapter 3 shows how good Tom King is at world-building. Supergirl WOT feels a lot like Star Wars in its cool character designs for various alien beings. However, it’s not just the character designs. The story of what happened to this world, is one packed with meaning and relevance for today’s world.

For such a throwaway temporary setting for the story, they do a good job at making every detail feel important.

I remember at the beginning of the book, the narrator spoils the ending. It took me off-guard and made me wonder whether or not there would be some kind of twist after what was spoiled.

While that may still be the case, #2 instills the message that, as cliche as it sounds, the journey is more important than the destination. This is a buddy cop adventure, with Kara/Ruthye learning about themselves in the process.

If Superman embodies a firm resolve to do the right thing, regardless of whomever stands in his way, Supergirl embodies the decision to do the right thing and save who needs saving, despite how one is feeling on the inside.

As Superman represents a confrontation of external evil forces, Supergirl represents a confrontation of the internal struggles and negative emotions that might make one apathetic and complacent.

Yet, despite this overt apathy, she is still characterized by a strong embodied kindness.

Supergirl is forced unwillingly onto this mission, as the same man stole her ship and shot Krypto. She provides a stark contrast to Ruthye. What she makes up for in power, she lacks in purpose. When she first shows up in the story, she is drunk, celebrating her birthday alone. As we learn, she has lots of regrets about her family and seems to be devoid of internal purpose and reasons for acting.

Ruthye and Supergirl have a very strong dynamic.

Ruthye is full of zeal. She is a woman on a mission, seeking to avenge her father’s death, unafraid of anything that might stand in her way, even if she is far out powered. She is constantly remembering bits about her past and family. She knows where her home is, and she is determined to get vengeance on the man who upset it.