By Zack Quaintance — Here we are with Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow #8, the finale of this cosmic revenge quest story (a superhero riff on True Grit) from writer Tom King, artist Bilquis Evely, colorist Matheus Lopes, and letterer Clayton Cowles. Somehow, I think this issue is the most beautiful comic within this series yet, which is saying a lot because the team of Evely and Lopes is seemingly incapable of anything less than stunning work. In this one, though, the feelings and the characters are amplified throughout by incredible visual touches, from the rejuvenating waves of a cleansing beach to the damaging flames of battle.

It’s just stunning work, and while I’ve just now finished this comic, I know that I will miss consuming comics art of this quality on a monthly basis (at least until we get news of Evely and Lopes’ next book together). The comic works well on all levels — I’ve really enjoyed King stretching his voice in this series, effecting a sort of rural space drawl mixed with olde English first person confessional — but to put it simply, this book just doesn’t work nearly so well without this specific brand of bold, visionary artistry. There’s a real sense of exotic cosmic adventure in every issue of this series, and it’s almost entirely devoid of familiar sci-fi tropes. The aesthetic Evely’s lines lend this book makes the entire story feel newer than it otherwise might with a lesser artist.

And that’s really the prevailing experience I’ve had with this series: it’s a visual tour de force, a real achievement and quite possibly Evely’s best work yet. It’s colored to perfection by Lopes, who seems in lock step with the cosmic exoticism Evely aims to achieve. Lopes’ work is especially effective in this issue, lending those aforementioned symbolic wisps urgency and definition. I was genuinely sad while reading this comic that I didn’t know when I’d be getting more artwork from this duo, although I’m sure it will be here soon enough.

I also enjoyed the scripting in Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow quite a bit too. As noted, it’s a True Grit riff or homage, although it does diverge quite a bit, particularly here at the end. Not to spoil too much, but the framing is similar, with an aged Ruthye reflecting on the adventure she once had with Supergirl. The exact details of the ending, however, are all this story’s own (and, rest easy, there’s no lost arm in this one). This comic has been about violence from the start, about whether killing a killer is justified, about the satisfaction of avenging a loved one’s death. In that way, Supergirl: Woman of the Tomorrow is really more of a Ruthye story with Supergirl in it, and I actually like that quite a bit, being a long-time sucker for Big 2 comics where the superheroes are not dominating the center.

And again, I won’t spoil the exact details of the ending , but I will note that it’s Supergirl’s example more than Supergirl herself that really influences how the conflict between Ruthye and Krem (the bad guy who murdered her dear sweet father in issue one) concludes, and I enjoyed that creative decision (I am also, I should note, a sucker for any Super-family comic in which the example of the heroes clearly influences the decisions of everyday people).

So yes, ultimately with Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow #8 I found a satisfying conclusion to a story I’ve enjoyed from its start. The artwork is in all likelihood what will stick with me most, not that the scripting and art are in competition. No, on the contrary they really compliment each other here well.

Also, I wrote about this in my Love Everlasting #1 review, but if King comics have regained some of their critical mojo of late (I say critical, because I’m fairly certain sales never really waivered) beginning with Rorschach, this book might have just pushed them that much closer to the top of most exciting Big 2 comics again, especially given the strong work being done in Human Target.

Overall: A satisfying conclusion to a True Grit homage starring Kara Zor-El, Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow #8 doubles down on all that has made this series interesting, from the confessional lyrical scripting to the absolutely stunning sci-fi artwork. 9.0/10

REVIEW - Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow #8

Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow #8
Writer: Tom King
Artist: Bilquis Evely
Colorist: Matheus Lopes
Letterer: Clayton Cowles
Publisher: DC Comics
Krem’s fate revealed! As Supergirl continues her battle against the Brigands, Ruthye squares off against this most vile villain in hopes of avenging her father and completing their mission. Will justice be served on both accounts? Or will our heroes fail? You won’t want to miss thrilling conclusion of the acclaimed miniseries that has changed Kara Zor-El for good!
Price: $4.99
Buy It Here: Supergirl - Woman of Tomorrow #8

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Zack Quaintance is a tech reporter by day and freelance writer by night/weekend. He Tweets compulsively about storytelling and comics as Comics Bookcase.