One Great Volume: Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow

Welcome to One Great Volume! Here, I’ll provide a spoiler-free exploration of the first volumes and standalone stories (an entire story collected in one regular sized book) in comics, manga graphic novels, because I feel they make for some of the most accessible entry points into the exciting world of panels and pages. The recommended prior reading for these books will be nothing, or optional. This is a positive space, so I’ll be covering the books I have personally read and love, and hope that my thoughts on these stories will help you to find your next favourite.  

Please note: I will be discussing a range of titles, including both all-ages and adult-only content. Always check the recommended age ratings to find what’s right for you.

With that said, on with the story!

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Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow (Vol 1 of 1)

Author: Tom King | Artist: Bilquis Evely | Colour Artist: Matheus Lopes |

Book Type: Stand Alone Story | Publisher: DC Comics | Ages: 13+ |

There’s nothing quite like recommending a book to a friend or loved one, and having them tell you all about how much they loved it. Sharing something you love with someone else is a vulnerable act, but it sure can pay off. This is exactly what Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow did for my friend and I, who I hear loved it too (you are so welcome, friend). 

I picked up this book with little to no knowledge about Supergirl, or even of her relative (at the time, this was a guess) Superman. I knew that they both had a strong set of superpowers, that Kryptonite generally didn’t do wonders for their health and constitution, and that I could find this particular book in the DC section, under ‘S’. I was drawn to this book while I was casually browsing, and upon seeing the art on the cover, I knew it was something I wanted on my bookshelf. The entire story is wrapped up in one beautiful trade paperback, and to my beginners knowledge, does not tie in with any ongoing stories, which makes it a great choice for all readers, from newbies, casual readers to long time readers. 

Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow follows Supergirl through the eyes of Ruthye, a young alien from a rocky family farm on a rocky planet. Ruthye serves as the stories’ narrator, and her character is such a beautiful embodiment of a young person battling against impossible odds to seek justice, overcoming self-doubt and despair, whilst still being a real person. Ruthye’s character felt like what happens to ingredients when they’re part of a slow-cooked dish: every part of her was full of colour and narrative flavour, and I was always glad to see Ruthye’s narrator’s text boxes throughout the book. 

The art throughout this book is ethereally beautiful. Really, if you haven’t seen what happens when Bilquis Evely and Matheus Lopes combine their artistic talents, do your eyes and mind a favour and Google them now (then come back, please - I really want to yap about this book with you). My love for sci-fi and space adventures only deepened while reading this book.The journey that these characters took me on was so intelligent in its pacing and narrative structure that I barely noticed time passing whilst I was reading. This wasn’t just your typical superhero-fights-villain story; one reason I love it so much is because it is that kind of story, but only partly. There is a hero and a villain, injustice has occurred, and justice is being sought by our protagonists, but there is so much more at play. This is an adventure story about justice, tragedy, overcoming barriers both internal and external, but ultimately I think it’s a book about strength and softness.

Both of the protagonists, Supergirl and Ruthye, encapsulate the theme of strength and softness in ways that are unique to them as individuals. Throughout their journey, both characters show themselves to be stubborn and stoic, whilst at other times are tender, and at other times they are full of rage. Their humanity shines through in their relationship as a duo, and when there is doubt or weakness, there is also strength and comfort. Supergirl and Ruthye’s journey has thoroughly touched my heart. I am not one to laugh aloud or shed tears often while reading, but this book had me doing both of those things more than once . Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow is (arguably) all about the theme of strength and softness, and every page, every panel of this book is full of life, loss and love. I will remember the interactions these characters had on a train, the tense mood in front of the door and the despair buried in a bustling city for a long time to come. 

It’s hard to say exactly who I’d recommend this book for, because I, a bit selfishly, want everyone to read it (and then tell me how this book made them feel). It is a deeply moving and intelligent narrative brought to life by breathtaking art that continues to float around in my mind, months after having finished it. I’d really put this book in the hands of anyone who loves a story.

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Have you read this (w)one-derful book? Let us know what you think of it below!