The DC Super Hero Girls have finally made it to a place they truly belong: A graphic novel in the hands of kids ages 8-12. The first original graphic novel, written by Shea Fontana and illustrated by Yancey Labat, is everything you’d hope to see in a kids’ comic book. A diverse group of beloved heroes, superpowered (but kid-friendly) action, DC Comics cameos, and even a supervillain all grace the pages of DC Super Hero Girls: Finals Crisis.
The story is straightforward. (You may have gotten your first peek at the opening scenes in the Free Comic Book Day issue.) Someone is capturing some of Super Hero High’s finest, getting the drop on Supergirl, Poison Ivy, and the other students one by one. Can the girls overcome their own worries and fears to defeat the mysterious villain?
Finals Crisis feels like it’s aimed at the younger end of the age range, with simple dialogue and a villain without any real menace. The story does a fantastic job of putting together the six characters’ mini-stories together, giving each heroine a turn in the spotlight.
That includes Katana, who has been noticeably missing from DC Super Hero Girls episodes, along with some time spent with Batgirl. Both girls benefit from the attention, and here’s hoping that they get more in upcoming webisodes.
If you do pick up the graphic novel to flip through the pages, you’ll spy many familiar faces from the DC universe. Veterans of the DCU will recognize Super Hero Girls versions of characters well-known and obscure, from Barry Allen, Lois Lane, and Commissioner Gordon to Lady Shiva, Mary Marvel, and Anissa and Jennifer Pierce (Thunder and Lightning). (But I have to admit that Batgirl’s Nightwing plushie is my favorite cameo in the book.)
DC Super Hero Girls continues to be the best offering from DC Comics for kids. There’s no hint of the darkness from the films and current comics; even the villain revealed at the end doesn’t have nefarious plans to hurt anyone or take over the world. Finals Crisis might be one of the best introductions to the world of DC Comics that you could give to a young reader.
DC Super Hero Girls: Finals Crisis is now available at comic book stores and will be in bookstores July 5.
A promotional copy was provided for review purposes.
All images © DC Comics
