Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow Review: A Must-Read Masterpiece
Supergirl has often lived in the shadow of her famous cousin, but this graphic novel changes that dynamic entirely. Tom King and Bilquis Evely have crafted a sci-fi epic that redefines Kara Zor-El for a modern audience.
If you are looking for a story that blends cosmic adventure with deep emotional stakes, this is the book to buy. It stands as one of the most visually stunning entries in the entire DC Black Label library.
🌟 Key Takeaways
- Definitive Run: Widely considered the best Supergirl story ever written.
- Visual Spectacle: Bilquis Evely’s art style is reminiscent of classic fantasy and sci-fi.
- Standalone Story: You do not need prior continuity knowledge to enjoy this book.
- Movie Source: This graphic novel is the primary inspiration for the upcoming DCU film.
- High Stakes: A gritty narrative that explores trauma without losing hope.
The Narrative: True Grit in Space
The premise of Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow is deceptively simple but incredibly executed. Kara is sought out by an alien girl named Ruthye, who seeks revenge for her father’s murder.
Instead of a typical superhero brawl, the story evolves into a galactic road trip across strange worlds. King channels the energy of True Grit, placing Supergirl in the role of the weary protector.
This narrative choice allows us to see Kara not just as Superman’s cousin, but as a survivor. She carries the weight of Krypton’s death in a way that feels tangible and heartbreaking.
🔡 Script vs. Art Style
Tom King’s script is poetic, relying heavily on Ruthye’s narration to frame the events. This literary approach gives the comic a fable-like quality that elevates it above standard superhero fare.
However, the true star of this volume is the art style by Bilquis Evely. Her pencils are detailed, ethereal, and absolutely breathtaking on every single page.
Evely creates alien landscapes that feel genuinely foreign and magical, distinct from standard sci-fi tropes. The colors by Matheus Lopes add a vibrancy that makes the book pop off the shelf.
💡 Expert Insight
“Pay close attention to the background details in Evely’s panels. She builds entire ecosystems in the margins of the page, making the universe feel lived-in and ancient. This isn’t just a backdrop; it’s world-building at its finest.”
Pacing and Visual Narrative
The pacing of the book is deliberate, allowing moments of silence to speak as loudly as the action. King understands that the emotional beats need room to breathe amidst the cosmic spectacle.
There are entire sequences where the dialogue pulls back, letting the visual narrative take over completely. These moments showcase the isolation and beauty of space travel perfectly.
Readers who enjoy a dense, thoughtful read will appreciate the rhythm of this story. It demands your attention and rewards you with emotional resonance.
⚖️ Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Incredible Artwork: Bilquis Evely’s work is career-defining here.
- Emotional Depth: Explores Kara’s trauma with nuance and respect.
- Standalone Friendly: Perfect for new readers or lapsed fans.
- High Replay Value: You will want to read it multiple times for the art.
Cons:
- Narration Heavy: The prose style might be too dense for action-only fans.
- Dark Themes: It deals with grief and genocide heavily.
📊 Format Comparison
When deciding which version to buy, consider how you prefer to consume the art. The intricate details of Evely’s work deserve the largest format possible.
| Format | Durability | Art Experience | Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single Issues | Low | High | Collector’s Item |
| Trade Paperback | Medium | Good | Best Value |
| Hardcover / Deluxe | High | Excellent | Premium Choice |
🛍️ Buying Guide: What to Look For
Before purchasing, ensure you are selecting the correct edition for your collection. The Trade Paperback is excellent for reading, while the Deluxe Edition is better for display.
Check the print quality reviews if buying older stock, though DC generally maintains high standards. This book is a staple, so availability is usually good at major retailers.
If you are a digital reader, the colors look fantastic on high-resolution tablets. However, the double-page spreads are best experienced in a physical book format.
✅ Is This Comic For You?
- [ ] Do you enjoy sci-fi fantasy like Dune or Star Wars?
- [ ] Are you looking for a female-led story with agency and power?
- [ ] Do you appreciate art that breaks traditional panel layouts?
- [ ] Are you excited about the upcoming James Gunn DC movies?
- [ ] Do you want a complete story with a beginning, middle, and end?
📖 Glossary of Terms
- Run: A continuous series of issues by a specific creative team.
- Splash Page: A full-page illustration, often used for dramatic effect.
- Trade Paperback (TPB): A collection of single issues bound into a book.
- Lettering: The visual style of the text and speech bubbles.
📌 Key Highlights
One of the most praised aspects is how the book handles Supergirl’s origin. It acknowledges her pain without making her a victim, turning her into a warrior of hope.
The relationship between Kara and Krypto the Superdog is also a standout element. It adds a layer of warmth and loyalty that grounds the cosmic craziness.
Finally, the villain of the story is detestable yet pathetic, a perfect foil. He highlights Kara’s strength not just physically, but morally.
🗣️ General Opinion
Across forums and review sites, Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow holds a near-perfect score. Fans consistently rank it as a top-tier modern DC classic.
Critics praise the synergy between King and Evely as a once-in-a-generation pairing. It is frequently cited on “Best of the Year” lists for its release year.
The consensus is clear: even if you don’t like Superman, you will likely love this. It feels distinct enough from the main Superman titles to stand alone.
🧠 Related Concepts
- Cosmic Odyssey: Stories that take place in deep space.
- Space Western: A genre blending sci-fi technology with frontier themes.
- Character Study: A narrative focused on internal development.
- Modern Age Comics: The current era of comic book storytelling.
📣 Get Your Copy Now
Don’t wait for the movie to come out; experience the original masterpiece today. This is a crucial addition to any graphic novel library.
🏆 Final Verdict
Buy or Skip? Absolutely BUY. Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow is a triumph of the medium. It combines high-concept sci-fi with a deeply personal story of resilience.
The artwork alone justifies the price of admission for any comic fan. It is a book you will pull off the shelf just to look at the pictures.
Whether you are a longtime DC fan or a complete newcomer, this story delivers. It is the gold standard for what a Supergirl story can and should be.
💬 Notable Quote
“She is not Superman. She is Supergirl. And she has seen her world burn in a way he never did. That fire is what makes her the Woman of Tomorrow.”
🔗 Recommended Reading
If you enjoyed this review, check out our other articles on the site. We have deep dives into the History of Krypton and other Best DC Graphic Novels.
Explore our guide on Collecting Modern Age Comics for more tips. You might also like our analysis of Tom King’s Writing Style in other series.
Conclusion: Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow Review: A Must-Read Masterpiece
Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow is a rare gem that exceeds the hype. It redefines a legacy character through stunning art and a poignant script.
Owning this book is like owning a piece of modern comic book history. It sets a high bar for visual storytelling that few other books can match.
Secure your copy today and prepare for a journey across the stars. Kara Zor-El is waiting to show you what it truly means to be super.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, this book is completely standalone. It explains everything you need to know within the first few pages, making it very accessible.
The themes are quite mature, dealing with death and revenge. It is generally recommended for teens and adults rather than very young kids.
This collection typically includes the complete 8-issue miniseries. It tells the full story from start to finish.
