Wednesday, December 20, 2017

Review: Supergirl Age of Atlantis


It took a little bit of time but I finally finished Supergirl Age of Atlantis, the YA novel which is to tie-in to the show. The book was written by Jo Whittemore and she does a great job capturing the voices of the characters. This is clearly a season two story as Kara and Mon-El are still dating, Alex and Maggie are still together, and Snapper Carr is still a big part of the CatCo magazine.

I definitely enjoyed the book as a fun little side adventure for the crew as they deal with normal folks in National City suddenly gaining super-powers. Some decide to use these new powers for good. Others for more nefarious purposes. The whole crew needs to work together with a new friend from Atlantis (the source of the power-up metal) to get things under control. But not before the usual missteps and intrigue.

For those looking to relieve the feel of Season Two or want something to carry them over during the winter hiatus, or are just big fans, I would recommend the book. It is a breezy, easy read and certainly a perfect thing to give the younger fan of the show.

On to some specifics.


As I said, one thing I really love about the book is how easily Whittemore captures the voices of the main characters. For example, Kara here thinking that she always thinks about the consequences of her actions and contrasting that to the more haphazard work by the citizens makes sense.

Hearing how James actually wants to have powers and is tempted to keep the ones he obtains is an interesting wrinkle for him and makes sense.

And Alex, Winn, and Mon-El all sound perfect.


One of my favorite scenes in the book is James and Mon-El on a stake out. These two are something of an odd couple. Seeing how differently they operate and how they got on each other's nerves a bit all while still getting the job done was fun.

I almost want a 'buddy cop' episode with these two. I know it can't easily happen anymore. But wouldn't that be a perfect filler next year when Melissa and Chyler are out working on the crossover?


But the other thing I very much liked was how much Whittemore peppered in continuity to give this book some feeling of depth.

So things like James and his powers shows an understanding of character. But we also get allusions to Mxyzptlk, Maggie's love of tiramisu, and even Kara's  miscues with the rescue of the oil tanker and creating Livewire. Those two events were early in Season One.It just shows that Whittemore wanted to place this solidly in this universe, especially for big fans.


And even outside the show's universe, Whittemore threw in a bunch of Easter Eggs for the more savvy DC and Supergirl fan.

I mean you better not have a Supergirl story involving someone from Atlantis and not name drop Jerro. It took a while but we finally got one!


And then a reference to the first Superman movie by Richard Donner.

This is too much fun.


And then we get a veiled cameo by Vicki Vale.  CatCo is driving her batty? Just wait until you move!

Between this and some other stuff in the show, we know Gotham exists on Earth-38.

There are too many too count. I also saw Legion of Doom and Wonder Twins in the book.

Anyways, if you are a fan of the show or now a younger fan, I would recommend the book. It reads like an episode and therefore is something of an untold tale. Totally worth a buy and a read.

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

Incredible to think this is Supergirl's fourth published book/novel. Not bad for a character who several writers and editors deemed redundant, unprofitable and expendable three decades ago, isn't it?

It sounds nice and the references are extremely cool. And Jerro is name-dropped. Awesome.

A point of annoyance, though, is the number of shippers who retwitted DC, the show's twitter official account -and even fan accounts- and the writer herself to tell "Man-Hell shows up? I'll pass." Seriously, how obnoxious and self-absorbed is that behavior?

Anonymous said...

Which are the other books? I know there is this one and a DCSHG Supergirl book. What are the other two?

Anonymous said...


Supergirl The Official Movie Novel by Norma Fox Mazer and Supergirl: Daughter of Krypton by Daniel Wallace.


http://dc.wikia.com/wiki/Supergirl:_The_Official_Movie_Novelization


http://dc.wikia.com/wiki/Supergirl:_Daughter_of_Krypton_(Novel)

You can find both books in Amazon. Nonetheless, beware: the movie official novel has several covers and editions.

Anonymous said...

Thank you

KET said...

"A point of annoyance, though, is the number of shippers who re-tweeted DC, the show's twitter official account -and even fan accounts- and the writer herself to tell "Man-Hell shows up? I'll pass." Seriously, how obnoxious and self-absorbed is that behavior?"

It's pretty typical...much of the shipper cult has tunnel vision. Thankfully, the show people seem to understand this, and just keep the series moving forward.

Been a little behind on finishing this book, but I have been enjoying it so far. Definitely captures the hectic pace of the Season Two action, but with more light-hearted flavor.

"Not bad for a character who several writers and editors deemed redundant, unprofitable and expendable three decades ago, isn't it?"

I think we're WAY PAST that era now, considering what DC has in store for the current Supergirl comic series early next year. Seems like the series may be going in a daring direction partly inspired by the TV series.

KET

Anonymous said...

"I think we're WAY PAST that era now, considering what DC has in store for the current Supergirl comic series early next year. Seems like the series may be going in a daring direction partly inspired by the TV series."

In regards to that. There's a website who made a poll about what people think about introducing a non-binary character and the result is sad. If you have some time, consider going there and voting to show them that Supergirl fans believe in compassion for all.

http://boundingintocomics.com/2017/12/19/dc-comics-to-introduce-new-non-binary-character-in-supergirl/

Another thing in regards to that solicit. Am I the only who thinks that Lee Serano sounds like an anagram waiting to be solved? :)

KET said...

"In regards to that. There's a website who made a poll..."


...which will also go the way of that silly one on change.org, demanding that Supergirl and Legends of Tomorrow NOT rotate the 8 PM Monday time slot starting in February. In other words, it won't do anything either.

DC already has an event scheduled in Washington DC on MLK weekend. TV series people and comics creators are set to attend, including regular Supergirl scribe Steve Orlando. Seems like another prime opportunity to talk about diversity in some upcoming comics, since DC and WB-TV won a distinguished award for their efforts in various media earlier this year. Chyler Leigh had attended, representing the Supergirl TV series.

In summary, click-bait sites pretty much thrive on pointless knee-jerk, hive mind reactions, and are often frequented by trolls who don't even watch or read the materials. Seems like they've got nothing more constructive to do, so it's best to let them sit and spin in increasingly isolated circles. :)

KET

Anonymous said...

Nothing more to add except that mariko tamaki will also be attending who wrote Supergirl: Being Super and which also won the prism award I think.
All in all, I am expecting some good discussion on 12th January and ofcourse as a Supergirl fan, more Supergirl news

Anonymous said...

"In regards to that. There's a website who made a poll about what people think about introducing a non-binary character and the result is sad. If you have some time, consider going there and voting to show them that Supergirl fans believe in compassion for all."

'Visits this random website which no one cares for and votes whatever option I prefer if you want to prove to my eyes that you're a compassionate person.'

Emotional blackmail is often counterproductive.

"...which will also go the way of that silly one on change.org, demanding that Supergirl and Legends of Tomorrow NOT rotate the 8 PM Monday time slot starting in February. In other words, it won't do anything either."

That poll has nothing to do with the show or changing storylines. It isn't intended to do anything, being nothing but a character opinion poll. What are you talking about?

Anonymous said...

What do you guys think the theme/lesson of the story is/