REVIEW: ‘Supergirl’ Issue 1

Supergirl Issue 1 (2025) is published by DC Comics. Written and illustrated by Sophie Campbell, colors by Tamra Bonvillain, and letters by Becca Carey.

Supergirl heads back to the town where she grew up, where something has gone very wrong.

This chapter isn’t quite a hard reset. The comic moves quickly, displaying so many parts of Supergirl’s life. Her history and heroics are all clear to see and unveiled rapidly. Her energy is high, and she looks happy. But then comes a call to return home to the town where a young Kara grew up.

It feels like an attempt to begin the Supergirl story again. She sees old friends and starts to settle in, expecting things to be as they were when she was younger. But that’s not the case at all. A devastating and wonderfully executed twist changes any preconceptions.  It instantly puts the reader and Supergirl on the back foot, making her an outsider in her community. The action errors so quickly that there’s no chance to fight back.

Supergirl Issue 1 feels very classical in how it explores the character. For much of the issue, Campbell uses thought balloons frequently, which is rarely seen in modern comics. This allows for long monologues without others getting involved. We get insights into Supergirl’s life and understand so much about her in the first issue.

Having both Kara’s thoughts and her spoken dialogue, often in the same panel, means there are differing tones. Kara can be nervous and overwhelmed in her head whilst appearing outwardly positive and confident. She is often a ray of sunshine, but even the Girl of Steel can falter.

The art is wholesome and fantastic. There is a terrific clarity to Supergirl Issue 1, with pristine lines. Supergirl looks incredible. She had both charm and strength, subtlety radiating from her. Her eyes are enormous, leading to puppy-dog expressions. A slight change in the curve of her eyes changes the entire tone of the panel.

There is a casual approach to how Supergirl uses her powers. She’s calm and comfortable in her skin, casually able to carry jets and trains and fight enormous creatures. There is a variety of locations that move backward in their grandiosity. There are fights against supervillains and journeys to cities trapped in tiny bottles. But the issue ends in a classic picture of American suburbia. All of those sum up Supergirl perfectly.

The colors are beautifully vibrant. All the shades around Kara are just as bright and intense as her costume. There are very few shadows or darkness within these pages, and the warmth of the color makes the book feel cozy and inviting. The lettering is incredibly easy to read. The difference between regular word balloons and thought balloons is concise and clear.

Supergirl Issue 1 (2025) is the perfect start for anyone to read. This first issue is welcome and warm with a story that is a phenomenal jumping-on point. It doesn’t ignore recent history for Kara or the DC Universe, but it is a fresh start that applies something new to her world. It’s friendly to readers of all ages. The twist is staggering, severing Supergirl from safety, leaving an immense cliffhanger, and adding tremendous depth to the plot.

Supergirl Issue 1 (2025) is available where comics are sold.