Each Friday, we'll be letting a different DC.com writer share what they'll be reading over the weekend and why you might want to check it out. Here's this week's suggestion for a perfect Weekend Escape!
 

We all know we’re in for a Supergirl Summer with the new movie hitting theatres on June 26^th. In the meantime, there is so much to talk about and celebrate when it comes to the complicated and wonderful character that is Kara Zor-El. Debuting back in 1959, Supergirl has gone through decades of different backstories and identities—unlike her cousin Clark Kent, whose origin story has remained largely consistent. With that in mind, I’d like to spotlight a modern classic that offers one of the best origin stories out there while perfectly capturing the teenage angst of the 20-teens: Supergirl: Being Super by Mariko Tamaki and Joëlle Jones. There’s never been a better time to discover this coming-of-age adventure as a shiny new edition hit shelves earlier this week (further proof, at least in my mind, that Supergirl is truly an Aries!)
 

THE PREMISE:

Supergirl: Being Super follows Kara Danvers, an average all-American teenager who loves her best friends, texts too much and runs track after school. Maybe “average” isn't the proper word to use here—Kara also happens to be super strong, is able to fly and can shoot lasers out of her eyes. That’s because eight years ago, she landed in the small town of Midvale in a rocket ship where she was found and raised by her adoptive parents. Yeah, Kara is an alien!

As she gets ready to celebrate her 16th birthday, Kara starts to go through some changes. Her powers are short-circuiting at the same time that the town gets hit with some devastating earthquakes. Is this all somehow connected? Supergirl: Being Super is a lively and occasionally emotional story that explores teenage angst, identity, family and grief. While it’s a book about a Kryptonian, this standalone graphic novel is also an incredibly human story.
 

LET’S TALK TALENT:

From Eisner Award-winning writer Mariko Tamaki (Zatanna: Bring Down the House), Supergirl: Being Super channels elements similar to the iconic Superman series Smallville. While set in the small American town of Midvale, the worldbuilding offers a stellar example of how subtle details can craft an entire atmosphere. Tamaki’s use of inner monologue drives this story as we, the readers, experience Supergirl’s innermost thoughts and feelings as she is discovering herself while dealing with a very new feeling: grief. Tamaki also perfectly captures the teenage angst of that time period. If you know, you know!

Eisner-nominated artist Joëlle Jones (Catwoman) brings the story’s world and action to life flawlessly. From iconic outfits, dynamic flight scenes and an unforgettable encounter with a mega-zit, Jones crafts a world that’s easy to get lost in. She also excels at the book’s more grounded moments. Kara’s facial expressions throughout the book make her incredibly real and relatable. By the end, she’ll feel like one of your closest high school friends.
 

A FEW REASONS TO READ:

• An Easily Accessible Take on Supergirl: Supergirl: Being Super, unlike her ongoing comic or the graphic novel that serves as the movie’s source material, explores a younger Zara Zor-El with no memory of Krypton. This version of Kara landed on Earth as a young kid, not a teenager, and has assimilated to Earth culture and doesn't carry the trauma and memory of an entire civilization and planet. She also doesn't know Superman! The plot thickens!
   
• A Page-Turning Mystery Element: As you make your way through this four-issue limited series, you’ll likely be just as curious as Kara to learn why her powers are becoming unstable and how that might be connected to the mysterious earthquakes that are devastating Midvale. There also happens to be a member of the school’s faculty seemingly spying on Kara and her friends. What’s that about? And the big question: is Kara the only Kryptonian left? Where is Clark Kent?

• Kara Isn’t the Only Alien in Midvale: As the mystery unravels, Kara finds herself face-to-face with another super-powered person revealed to also not be of this Earth. This is an original character created for Supergirl: Being Super and the biggest question you should be asking yourself is: can this person be trusted?
   
• A 2010s Teenage Time Capsule: Supergirl wears checkered vans, listens to MCR and gets gnarly zits like every other teenager who grew up in the 20-teens…she just also happens to be a super-powered alien from Krypton. Seeing Kara nonchalantly lift up a 10-ton tractor while texting her friends with her free hand is the kind of slice-of-life moment you just love to see in a teenage superhero story! It's giving Smallville!
   

WHY IT’S WORTH YOUR TIME:

This YA take on Supergirl is a perfect way to enjoy, or discover for the first time, the adventures of Superman’s equally awesome cousin. Supergirl: Being Super is incredibly accessible for newer fans, while giving seasoned DC fans a story that offers up something fresh and imaginative that’s in the spirit of all that’s come before. While there are some fun and light-hearted moments, there are also emotionally devastating scenes that ground the story. Oh, and also action! You get a little of everything in Supergirl: Being Super, wrapped up in a stunning and stylized package.
 

Supergirl: Being Super by Mariko Tamaki and Joëlle Jones is available in bookstores, comic shops, libraries and digital retailers as a softcover graphic novel. It can also be read in full on DC UNIVERSE INFINITE.

Sami DeMonster writes about superheroes, horror and sci-fi for DC.com and reviews comics every week on social media. Follow her at @samidemonster on Instagram and Substack.

NOTE: The views and opinions expressed in this feature are solely those of Sami DeMonster and do not necessarily reflect those of DC or Warner Bros. Discovery, nor should they be read as confirmation or denial of future DC plans.