Supergirl #63 review

Wow, the nurses in Metropolis really are crabby. Lois Lane inquires how Cadmus whistleblower Catherine, a patient at Metropolis' St Idelson's hospital, is doing, and gets a mouthful of attitude. Mind, when she checks in with Catherine and learns more on the dark goings-on at the genetics research facility, she gets something far worse than a condescending 'angel'...

Elsewhere, Supergirl picks herself up after evil fella Alex's unexpected power rampage last issue and sets about her fightback, ignoring his student lackeys. Writer James Peaty foregrounds the scientist side of Kara, as she comes up with a theory and tests it before, finally, learning the true nature of Alex. Turns out I was wrong with my guesses, but there is a semi-punning clue in his name. I'm saying nowt!

This arc's guest stars, Blue Beetle, Miss Martian and Robin, are prisoners throughout, with little to do. There is, though, a nice bit of characterisation for Damian as his deepest fears are revealed in an intense splash by Bernard Chang, vibrantly coloured by Blond. The lettering, as usual, is by the very capable Travis Lanham.

With one more issue of Good-Looking Corpse to go, I'm not clear as to where the title fits in. I wonder if the explanation lies in original arc writer Nick Spencer's notes. Not to worry, I've enjoyed the tale told by Peaty, who deserves a lot of credit for taking the storytelling baton and running with it in his own direction. He's shown us a Supergirl who's a natural leader, and learning the responsibilities that come with that role. And Chang's art has been exemplary, a fine mix of strong character work and storytelling dynamism, typified by a spread showing Supergirl recalling how she was rendered unconscious.

Amy Reeder's cutely dramatic cover - inked by Richard Friend and coloured by Guy Major - is the topper to an issue which maintains the high standard of this comic's last few years.