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!
 

As you’re leaving the theater after seeing Milly Alcock’s Supergirl, or perhaps after reading Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow, the Tom King and Bilquis Evely graphic novel on which it’s based, you might find yourself looking for more stories featuring the Girl of Steel. If you’re hungry for another intergalactic adventure full of dark themes like grief, genocide and the function and futility of revenge, you…uh, might want to look elsewhere. Supergirl Vol. 1: Misadventures in Midvale, which collects the first six issues of DC’s recently relaunched Supergirl series, is not that. However, if you’re open to different shades of Supergirl, the new collection is loads of fun, embracing a different, equally vibrant side of Kara Zor-El that first emerged during DC’s Bronze Age.
 

The Premise:

Supergirl: Misadventures in Midvale finds Kara Zor-El returning to her hometown of Midvale for what’s supposed to be a brief visit with her adoptive parents, only to discover that Midvale also seems to be home to a second Supergirl—one whom Kara’s parents believe is their daughter. But this isn’t a mystery story. The identity of the second Supergirl is soon revealed, unlocking a feisty female-led adventure that’s centered around unlikely friendships, accepting who you are and learning what it means to be a hero.

There’s also a pink werewolf, an entire chapter told from the point of view of the Super-Pets and a sequence where Kara gets hit by black Kryptonite and becomes “Satan Girl.” Just in case you needed more incentive to check it out.
 

Let’s Talk Talent:

Misadventures in Midvale is written and drawn by Sophie Campbell, a truly imaginative and insightful creator who’s gained popularity and acclaim with her work on Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Jem and the Holograms and her creator-owned series Wet Moon. Campbell possesses an easy wit and flair for fun, but emotionally impactful, dialog. She also possesses particular skill when it comes to writing misunderstood or socially outcast characters—something that is put to good use here, as all four of the young women at the book’s core are misunderstood in some way. Campbell also knows her lore. Supergirl: Misadventures in Midvale is filled to the brim with references to classic Supergirl comics, which are sure to delight longtime readers, but don’t get in the way of newcomers enjoying and following the story.

Campbell’s art is every bit as strong as her dialog and narrative—and it’s truly impressive that she’s managed to carry both responsibilities and keep the title on a monthly schedule. (In fairness, Campbell does get occasional help from guest artists, and both Rosi Kämpe and Paulina Ganucheau step up in interesting and stylistically appropriate ways here.) Campbell has always shown a talent for drawing characters of all shapes and sizes, and making all of them feel attractive and cool. These are people you wish you knew in real life—superpowers or not. Colorist Tamra Bonvillain offers her always stellar support, bringing warmth and an appropriately bright palette to Campbell’s world.
 

A Few Reasons to Read:

• Over the graphic novel’s six chapters, Kara forms a friendship with three other misunderstood women, all of whom share the initials LL. While longtime Superman fans (or even just regular readers of Joshua Williamson’s current Superman ongoing) will know Lena Luthor, my personal favorite is Lesla-Lar, a self-doubting Kandorian scientist who both wants to be loved and also wants to do the right thing. The fact that those two desires are frequently at odds—and that Lesla is far from the most stable person out there—makes for a fascinating internal conflict.
   
• Supergirl: Misadventures in Midvale wears its love of Bronze Age Supergirl comics on its sleeve. The story here gets campy and random in places, with a heavy emphasis on dialog and internal thoughts (conveyed via old school thought balloons) that’s not very common these days. If you’re familiar with the comics that Campbell is channeling, you’ll love it. If not, just give it time. I suspect you’ll find yourself a fan before you’re done.

• I’ve written about this before, but it’s certainly worth saying again here. Despite the silliness of the story at times, Campbell’s actually writing about some serious topics. Every one of the female leads in this book, including Kara, is something of an outcast with few, if any, friends. Each one of them at times finds themselves struggling with their own self-acceptance. The book ends with a Halloween story that’s ultimately about Kara embracing the darkness within her and acknowledging that her struggle with it is part of what makes her who she is. Anyone who has faced self-doubts, wrestles with impostor syndrome, or just straight up feels lonely in their life will find much to relate to and take inspiration from.
   
• Did I mention that Misadventures in Midvale also features a miniaturized Titano that Supergirl and her friends call “Tinytano”? He even has a little cape!
   

Why It’s Worth Your Time:

Supergirl Vol. 1: Misadventures in Midvale is certainly a different flavor of Supergirl than you’ll be seeing on screen this summer, but it’s one that’s every bit as true to the character’s history and just as fun. It’s also equally as smart, which becomes clear the more of this series that you read, and you get a chance to consider what’s being said beneath the colorful, monster-strewn surface. Writer and artist Sophie Campbell is working with a character that she clearly loves, and is using her to tell a story that’s just as much about believing in yourself as it is about inspiring others. It’s also a testament to the power of friendship, an argument that everyone deserves a chance at redemption and a reminder that comics need not always take themselves so seriously. Plus, you get to see what Kara looks like as a goth and if that’s not worth the price of admission, I don’t know what is!
 

Supergirl Vol. 1: Misadventures in Midvale by Sophie Campbell and Tamra Bonvillain 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.

Tim Beedle covers movies, TV and comics for DC.com, writes our monthly Superman column, "Super Here For...", and is a regular contributor to the Couch Club, our recurring television column. Follow him on Instagram at @notabard and on Bluesky at @TimBeedle.

NOTE: The views and opinions expressed in this feature are solely those of Tim Beedle 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.