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Jun 01, 2016 Web Exclusive By Mark Redfern

Writing a comic book tied into an ongoing TV show must have its challenges. Things may change on the show, such as a character dying or otherwise leaving the show, that will impact the comic book story. On the other hand, you can’t make large alterations to the main plot that also won’t be reflected on the show. So you’re left with writing stories that don’t mess with the overall narrative arc of the TV show. Sterling Gates, the writer of the Adventures of Supergirl comic connected to the current Supergirl TV show, does his best within these restrictions to put together a fun book that has the feel of the show.

Apart from the cover art by Cat Staggs, however, none of the characters look much like their TV counterparts. Supergirl’s costume is the same, but actress Melissa Benoist’s facial features aren’t particularly recognizable in the interior artwork done by several different artists.

One advantage the comic book version has—it can feature bigger superhero battles than a TV special effects budget might allow. In the first issue she has a large-scale battle with the alien super villain Rampage, for example. Another interesting development they could explore is actually having Supergirl interact with her more famous cousin, Superman, something that’s apparently a no go on the TV show due to Warner Bros. wanting to keep the Man of Steel on the big screen (which has led to some awkward writing on the show). There are obviously no restrictions to Superman appearing in a DC comic book!

All in all, this is a solid book for fans of the show. But how long will it take for DC to change the front cover tag “Based on the Hit CBS Series” to “Based on the Hit CW Series?” (www.dccomics.com)

Author rating: 6.5/10