This series continues to build nicely. Again, you shouldn’t start in the middle, but it rewards you for sticking around from the beginning.

Writer Peter David juggles various plot threads and characters, making all feel important and organic, as demonstrated in issue #42. He plays around with familiar tropes, such as a secret identity interfering with a date, and he includes less common concepts, such as a new church that worships Supergirl as an angel. All are compelling, as is that fantastic cliffhanger.

I’ve neglected to compliment artist Leonard Kirk, who has drawn most of the series thus far. He’s got a nice, clean style that’s not the least bit exploitative. Whether she appears in superhero form or as regular Linda Danvers, Supergirl looks like a person, not an adolescent’s fantasy version of a woman. It’s a refreshing change of pace.

Some of the themes are too mature for younger children (i.e., religion), but you could comfortably show these comics to a middle school–aged boy or girl. And you could read them yourself and not feel the least bit embarrassed.

Writer: Peter David

Penciler: Leonard Kirk

Inker: Robin Riggs

Publisher: DC Comics

How to Read It: back issues; Comixology

Appropriate For: ages 11 and up