Summer of Supergirl Special #1 REVIEW
Summary: Summer of Supergirl Special #1 consists of a fun and significant appreciation for Supergirl. Jam-packed with stories befitting fans of Supergirl and for those that are just getting into the character, this is a must-read for the summer. Overall, the comic book is a great read and a perfect release at the time of the Supergirl film. Be sure to check out this comic book at your local comic book store or online, where you can purchase your copies.
5
Summer of fun!
Shining Supergirl Spotlight
Just in time to celebrate the legacy of Supergirl and the new release of the Supergirl film by DC Studios, Summer of Supergirl Special #1 debuts with a continuation of Supergirl’s adventures and two new stories all about the Woman of Tomorrow. After the events in Lobo #4, Supergirl, Lobo, and company find themselves in a space courtroom where they are being judged for their behavior. Being the responsible one, Supergirl attempts to appease the situation and vouches for Lobo to be given a lighter sentence, only to be bailed out and leave Lobo behind for correctional behavior. It only gets wild when Dawg, Lobo’s super-pet, refuses to go with him after returning from his sentence. Placing the blame on Supergirl for training Dawg to be a good boy, Lobo launches an assault on Supergirl. Accompanied by this riveting encounter are two stories that signify the evolving and intricate growth of Supergirl and her time as one of Earth’s greatest heroes.
MAIN MAN’S BEST FRIEND
This title continues the Supergirl storyline as she tries to pursue her career as a hero in her own right. Simultaneously, the comic book picks up where the last issue of the new Lobo series leaves off to fill in a gap. Written by Sophie Campbell (Supergirl, Aquaman), Summer of Supergirl Special #1 is crafted by someone who understands who Supergirl is as a character. Supergirl isn’t without her flaws, but she tries to make up for them by being the best person she can be. Sometimes she can stoop to even Lobo’s level when aggravated; however, Campbell reels her back to her core values and who she is as a prominent figure in the DC universe. This special couldn’t have been better written, as it is a complete joy to read. Fans of Supergirl or at least the Super-Family would feel elated to read about Kara’s latest encounters. For Supergirl in Campbell’s hands, it’s in the right place. Additionally, while the title suggests the interaction with Lobo’s dog, Supergirl stands out as a figure of pure heart and surprisingly good nature to tame a super-pet like Dawg.
In terms of the artwork, Belén Ortega (Batman, Wonder Woman) absolutely nailed the visual storytelling for Summer of Supergirl Special #1. The attention to detail and use of eye-catching panels set this comic book apart from the rest. While this comic book continues to progress the story of Supergirl and Lobo together, Ortega performed well by capturing the humor of Campbell’s vision for both characters. At the same time, bringing out the familiarity of owning and taking care of a companion can be identified within the pages of the comic book. There’s a sense of understanding Ortega captured with her artistic skill that works significantly well on a comic book such as this. Exploring the dynamic between these characters through Ortega’s artwork is a pleasure to appreciate.
Exploding Summer of Supergirl Special #1, with exquisite color, Tríona Farrell (Showdown, Justice League Unlimited), enhances the experience of reading the comic book exponentially. The use of colors throughout the story adds value to the entertainment. The coloring brightens and allows the comic book to feel like an adventure worth reading. Each panel presents a unique angle, emotion, perspective, or situation, and Farrell accomplishes fulfilling that delivery by utilizing her expertise in color distribution and placement. Without Farrell, fans wouldn’t get the same approach as it stands. Farrell did wonderfully on the coloring work and made the whole story feel amazing.
Speaking of amazing, Belén Ortega’s cover art for the comic book is astounding. It celebrates and exuberates the overwhelming love for Supergirl. Additionally, Ortega’s cover work captures the version of the character that all readers, both new and veteran, can gravitate toward as a beacon of hope.
Bringing Summer of Supergirl Special #1 together, Becca Carey (Zatanna, Neighborhood Watch) provides excellent lettering to the comic book. The sound effects and use of word bubble placements were used to bring this story to life. If it wasn’t expressed, Carey made this comic book fun to read with the level of skill displayed. The art, coloring, or overall writing wasn’t overshadowed by lettering. Instead, the lettering allowed the comic book to flow smoothly and naturally from page to page.
LOST GIRLS
Serving as a one-shot story in Summer of Supergirl Special #1, this title follows Supergirl as she confronts an android on a rampage in the city. She could have been studying, but the city needed her more than her education. Realizing this one was more than she could handle and on the brink of death, Mary Shazam enters to save the day. Combining their might, they team up to take on the android. Written by Gail Simone (She-Spawn, Superman: Unlimited), this story focuses on the side of heroism that not many discuss. As this is more than a beatdown, it’s also a connection between two heroes who share the same experiences. As they are different, they are similar in a world in terms of finding a place to call home, which can be difficult to fit in. While the story provides some humorous aspects of being compared to their counterparts, it stands to reason that the heavy hitters aren’t the only idols other metahumans or regular people look up to.
With an impressive art style, Emma Kubert (Women of Marvel, Radiant Black) works wonders on this story. As a part of the Summer of Supergirl Special #1, the legacy of Supergirl shines through Kubert’s vision. While adhering to the trajectory of the story written by Simone, Kubert delivers a visual display of storytelling capabilities. To further enhance that praise, Sandra Hope (Terminal, G.I. Joe) works side by side with Kubert in expressing the same goal from start to finish with impeccable use of inking techniques. Rather than high-stakes battles, Kubert and Hope capture softer moments that help achieve the overall message Simone was going for in the comic book.
Layering that with tenacity, Trish Mulvihill’s (Secret Six, Absolute Flash) coloring is undeniably vibrant. The execution of coloring on top of Kubert and Hope’s groundwork works perfectly for this story in the Summer of Supergirl Special #1.
Contributing to the excellent existence of this story, Ariana Maher (Sicko, Lobo) lays the foundation for quality lettering. Notably, Maher recognizes the importance of spatial positioning in the comic book. When it comes to her lettering, she understands that the lettering shouldn’t take away from the story. By this understanding, Maher can place word bubbles, captions, and sound effects where they wouldn’t obstruct any important parts of the panels. Effectively using this thinking, Maher respects other contributions as a collective task.
WHO IS SUPERGIRL?
As the concluding tale in the Summer of Supergirl Special #1, this unique point in time explores the life and legacy of Supergirl’s past. With the data in the Justice League Watchtower of the Super-Family files corrupted, Superboy finds himself trying to recalibrate it. Lost on vital information of Supergirl, Superboy turns to other heroes to help to put together the history of Supergirl and her files in order. Veteran writer Mark Waid (All in Saga, JSA) guides readers through a perspective of her history through the recollection of memories and experiences that other members of the League retell over the years. Some of these tales predate the new universe before the merger of both the old and new into one. Waid gathers these past moments that define who Supergirl is and what she means to the characters around her. Waid depicts her as more than a stand it for Superman, but as her own rightful Heir to the House of El. Through Martian Manhunter and Batman’s input, Waid can solidify the hardships and sacrifices Supergirl has transgressed through over the years. In addition, readers also get a mini backstory on the adolescence of Supergirl and her incorporation into society.
Taking on the task of revitalizing old major events and providing new details, Cian Tormey (Batman, Wonder Woman) revisits moments in Supergirl’s time on Earth. Splendidly, Tormey successfully showcases his artistry by making sure each panel is gifted with detail that’s important to the story. When it comes to a scene in the comic book that happened 23 years ago, Tormey recreated the memory perfectly. On a fun note, there’s a moment in the comic book that shows how often Supergirl changed her outfits, and it’s a hunch Tormey enjoyed diving into the various outfits she wore over the years.
The colorist for the last tale in Summer of Supergirl Special #1, Alex Guimaraes (Punisher, Heavy Metal), provides terrific coloring work for the comic book. The characters don’t seem flat as they exhibit more robust and definitive features thanks to the great coloring contributions of Guimaraes.
Bestowed upon Steve Wands (Challengers of the Unknown, Batgirl) is the heavy task of lettering proportions. Unafraid, Wands faces a surmountable amount of lettering for the comic book and accomplishes it with superb style.
SUPER FINAL VERDICT:
Summer of Supergirl Special #1 consists of a fun and significant appreciation for Supergirl. Jam-packed with stories befitting fans of Supergirl and for those that are just getting into the character, this is a must-read for the summer. Overall, the comic book is a great read and a perfect release at the time of the Supergirl film. Be sure to check out this comic book at your local comic book store or online, where you can purchase your copies.
Comic Details
Writers: Sophie Campbell, Gail Simone, Mark Waid
Artists: Belén Ortega, Emma Kubert, Cian Tormey
Inker: Sandra Hope
Colorists: Tríona Farrell, Trish Mulvihill, Alex Guimaraes
Letterers: Becca Carey, Ariana Maher, Steve Wands
Cover Artist: Belén Ortega
Editors: Brittany Holzherr, Jillian Grant
Publisher: DC Comics
Release Date: June 24th, 2026
Rating: 5/5
About the Author
Howard Smith Howard is a passionate collector and avid reader of comics & manga. His love for all things pop culture extends beyond the pages of comics, as he is a seasoned gamer with an appreciation of quality storytelling. As he is always on the hunt for rare collectibles, he manifests an opportunity to celebrate his fandoms. Follow along for new discoveries and changes in the world of entertainment.
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