“Supergirl: Many Happy Returns” is Double the Enjoyable

Each Friday, we’ll be letting a distinct DC.com author share what they’re going to be studying over the weekend and why you may need to test it out. Here’s this week’s suggestion for an ideal Weekend Escape!
 

How a lot will we love Supergirl right here at DC.com? So a lot that this weekend, we’re doubling down! Supergirl: Many Happy Returns is a narrative that celebrates the legacy of Supergirl, because the Kara Zor-El of 1959 groups up with Linda Danvers, the Supergirl of the ’90s. The storyline additionally serves because the grand finale of author Peter David’s epic run on Supergirl, which spanned from 1996 to 2003.

Many Happy Returns initially ran in 2002’s Supergirl #75-80. The storyline was collected in a commerce paperback in 2003, and though it’s out of print (no less than for now!), you might be able to discover it at your native comedian store or at chosen on-line retailers. However, the simplest manner so that you can expertise it’s on DC UNIVERSE INFINITE, where the entire storyline has been compiled for all subscribers.
 

THE PREMISE:

Many Happy Returns was printed in 2002, which attributable to Crisis on Infinite Earths, was a time when Kara Zor-El didn’t exist within the DC Universe. Instead, Supergirl was a younger lady named Linda Danvers—a indisputable fact that’s sophisticated when a rocket lands in Linda’s hometown of Leesburg and a younger Kara Zor-El emerges, proclaiming herself to be Supergirl. Not solely is she certainly Kara, however she’s the model of the character from 1959, with all her Silver Age sensibilities and innocence. Linda helps the time-displaced Kara adapt to the world of 2002, however issues take a flip when the Supergirls study that Kara should be despatched again to her correct place within the multiverse as a way to save actuality. But that’s solely the beginning of this stunning (and poignant) story, as we quickly uncover that regardless of the place they go within the timeline, neither Supergirl can escape the looming tragedy closing in on them.
 

LET’S TALK TALENT:

Supergirl: Many Happy Returns is written by Peter David, a gifted author who’s liable for among the most necessary tales within the DC Universe. In addition to his future on Supergirl, David was liable for remaking Aquaman within the Nineteen Nineties, reworking him into the long-haired harpoon-handed model of the character. David can also be identified for his work on Young Justice, an entertaining collection concerning the subsequent technology of superheroes. Peter David was really a particular author, and Many Happy Returns exhibits how fortunate DC was to have him.

The pencils on this storyline are offered by Ed Benes, who’s identified for his work on Birds of Prey, Justice League of America and Superman. Benes has all the time been notably good at drawing highly effective ladies kicking ass, and Many Happy Returns isn’t any exception. The manner he visually contrasts Linda’s jaded nature with Kara’s naivete is nice storytelling. If you take note of the best way he attracts the Silver Age Kara, you’ll see some fascinating character development, as she turns into angrier and extra corrupt the longer she stays within the post-Crisis 21^st century. Plus, you possibly can inform Benes had a ball drawing all of the Silver Age scenes.
 

A FEW REASONS TO READ:

• This storyline is sort of a cross between the movies Pleasantville and Blast from the Past. We see the 1959 model of Kara attempting to adapt to the world of 2002, and Linda bringing her Gen X perspective to the Silver Age. It’s enjoyable and results in some humorous moments like Kara attempting to maneuver the Earth out of its orbit, and Linda rejecting the norms of the Silver Age.
  
• Nobody does humor fairly like Peter David. This storyline has loads of enjoyable one-liners and moments that can make you smile. Yes, the drama does get heavy, however I assure that you can be amused by among the comedic beats all through this comedian.

• If you’re a fan of Kara Zor-El and Supergirl historical past on the whole, this ebook is a good love letter to the comics of yesteryear. The storyline has some enjoyable declaring the ridiculousness of Kara’s early appearances. However, Many Happy Returns additionally serves as a love letter to that period and reminds us of what made Kara particular. It’s a parody at instances, however an affectionate parody that celebrates the unique comics.
  
• Many Happy Returns is the fruits of Peter David’s seven-year run on Supergirl, ending the character on a excessive (however tragic) observe. Don’t fear, even when you haven’t learn the earlier 74 points, David does job at making the story new reader pleasant so you possibly can respect Linda’s swan track as Supergirl.
  

WHY IT’S WORTH YOUR TIME:

There is a lot to like about Many Happy Returns. The idea is enjoyable, and the dynamic between Kara Zor-El and Linda Danvers is nice. Whether they’re having a late-night discuss concerning the which means of life or teaming as much as struggle a villain, each second that Kara and Linda spend collectively will entertain you. Plus, when you’re a Supergirl fan, you get two of them, which implies double the enjoyable.

Beyond the jokes, the Silver Age Easter eggs and the attractive Ed Benes artwork, Many Happy Returns is a narrative about what it means to be a hero. This is a query Kara asks Linda one night time earlier than mattress, and it isn’t lengthy earlier than each Supergirls study the arduous manner. For Kara, being a hero means placing your self in peril to assist others, and for Linda, it means making unspeakable decisions within the identify of excellent. The remaining pages of the story will tug at your heartstrings and make you need to learn it from the start once more. Now that’s comedian.

Supergirl: Many Happy Returns by Peter David, Ed Benes and Alex Lei may be present in bookstores, comedian retailers, libraries and digital retailers as a softcover graphic novel. The storyline can be learn in full on DC UNIVERSE INFINITE.

Joshua Lapin-Bertone writes about TV, films and comics for DC.com, is an everyday contributor to the Couch Club and writes our month-to-month Batman column, “Gotham Gazette.” Follow him on Bluesky at @joshualapinbertone and on X at @TBUJosh.

NOTE: The views and opinions expressed on this characteristic are solely these of Joshua Lapin-Bertone and don’t essentially replicate these of DC or Warner Bros. Discovery, nor ought to they be learn as affirmation or denial of future DC plans.