Comic Review: Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow – DC Compact Comics Edition TP – A Cosmic Ballad of Loss, Anger, and Hope

 

In the modern era of superhero comics, few titles have received as much unanimous praise as Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow, written by Tom King with artwork by Bilquis Evely and colors by Matheus Lopes. For some, it’s a masterpiece that redefines Kara Zor-El. For others, it’s an overly self-indulgent stylistic exercise. As usual, the truth lies somewhere in between.

One thing is certain: this is a story that does not leave you indifferent.

A Galactic Revenge Quest… That Isn’t Really About Revenge

On the surface, the plot is simple. Ruthye Marye Knoll, a young girl whose father is murdered by the ruthless Krem, sets out on a mission of vengeance across the stars. Along the way, she encounters Supergirl, celebrating her birthday alone under a red sun where she can feel the effects of alcohol and, for a fleeting moment, forget her pain.

But that’s only the starting point.

King frames the narrative as a retrospective, told by an older Ruthye recounting her time with Kara. This choice means we don’t follow Supergirl directly. Instead, we see her through the eyes of a child who views her as something almost godlike. It’s a bold storytelling decision captivating for some, frustrating for others.

If you expected a straightforward, Kara-centric superhero story, you may initially feel disoriented. This isn’t a traditional “Supergirl story.” It’s a story about what Supergirl represents to others.

Emotional Weight – A Comic That Can Break Your Heart

Brigands destroying entire planets. War. Death. Grief. Loss.

This comic hits hard and it knows exactly how to do it.

The way King writes suffering is direct and unflinching. The destruction of worlds isn’t background spectacle; you feel it. The pain inflicted on innocent people resonates deeply. It’s the kind of story that can genuinely bring you to tears and if a comic can do that, it’s doing something right.

Most inspiring, though, is Kara’s portrayal as a hero who remains compassionate despite her own trauma. She is kind to strangers. She helps the planets she visits. She teaches Ruthye that justice is not the same as revenge. That killing never truly heals. That the pain of losing someone you love never fully disappears.

At the same time, the universe constantly underestimates her. She’s still “Superman’s cousin” in many eyes. Yet here, she’s depicted as nearly divine immensely powerful, radiant, and unbreakable.

Kara and Krypton – Emotions That Could Have Gone Deeper

One common criticism is that the story could have explored Kara’s grief over Krypton and the loss of her loved ones more deeply. Those elements are present and when they surface, they are devastating but they aren’t the central focus.

Is that a flaw?

Somewhat. There was room to dig deeper. Kara can feel emotionally restrained, almost distant at times. But this may also be intentional. Unlike Clark, Kara remembers Krypton vividly. She lived through its destruction as a teenager. Her trauma is older, heavier, and more personal. Perhaps that’s why she doesn’t wear her emotions openly they’re buried deep within her.

The Controversial Ending – Betrayal or Thematic Consistency?

The ending is easily the most divisive element of the book.

Throughout the story, Supergirl is built up as someone who believes in second chances. Someone who shows mercy. That’s why her final act is so shocking.

She allows Krem to believe he might be forgiven. She gives him hope. And then she kills him.

For many readers, that feels crueler than an immediate execution.

It can be interpreted as moral hypocrisy. Or it can be seen as a brutal lesson for Ruthye: the world doesn’t always allow for pure idealism. Justice is messy. Sometimes a hero must carry the burden of a decision that will stain them.

The ending isn’t comfortable. And perhaps that discomfort is the point.

Artwork That Belongs in a Gallery

If there’s one element almost everyone agrees on, it’s the art.

Evely’s illustrations are breathtaking. Every panel feels like a painting. The galactic landscapes, alien designs, and surreal planets create a cosmic fantasy aesthetic that’s mesmerizing. Supergirl herself is drawn as a luminous, godlike figure ethereal and awe-inspiring.

Lopes’s coloring elevates every emotional beat. Kara’s helplessness, sorrow, and anger radiate through the palette alone.

This is a comic whose pages could easily hang framed on a wall.

Narrative Style – Brilliant or Pretentious?

King’s voice is unmistakable. The yellow narration boxes dominate nearly every page. Ruthye’s language is stylized, archaic, and heavily literary. For some, this gives the story a mythic, fairy-tale quality. For others, it borders on self-indulgent and exhausting.

There’s no denying it: this isn’t a comic for everyone. Readers who prefer lean, dialogue-driven superhero books may find the heavy narration overwhelming.

But it’s also undeniably bold and consistent in its vision.

Character Development – The Heart of the Story

The relationship between Kara and Ruthye is the book’s greatest strength. Ruthye isn’t a disposable plot device she’s a fully realized character who grows, learns, and changes.

Kara sees herself in Ruthye: a little girl trying to be stronger than she truly is. It’s a heartbreaking parallel, especially in light of Kara’s relationship with her father and the destruction of Krypton.

At its core, this is a story about two tragic souls traveling the galaxy in search of justice and discovering that vengeance isn’t the answer.

Final Thoughts

Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow is an emotional, beautifully illustrated, and ambitious cosmic fairy tale about loss, morality, and growth. It’s not a traditional superhero comic. It’s closer to myth. A ballad. A space-faring elegy.

It isn’t perfect. But it is special.

The more time you sit with it, the more it resonates.

 Pros

+Absolutely stunning artwork

+Strong emotional impact

+Excellent development of Kara and Ruthye’s relationship

+Mature exploration of revenge vs. justice

+Bold, literary narrative voice

 Cons

-At times overly pretentious narration

-Limited exploration of Kara’s internal emotional depth

-A divisive ending that won’t work for everyone

Final Score: 8.5/10

A beautiful, painful, and ambitious story that dazzles visually and resonates emotionally even if it doesn’t always strike a perfect balance.