The Adventures of Supergirl #9 – In the Shadow of Facet
Genre
Superhero, Action, Science Fiction
This issue blends high-stakes superhero drama with sci-fi elements and
emotional depth, staying true to the tone of the Supergirl TV series on
which it's based.
Main Characters
- Kara
Zor-El / Supergirl – The courageous and determined heroine of National
City, balancing her dual identity as a Kryptonian and Earth’s protector.
- Facet
– A crystalline villainess with a dark connection to Kara’s past and
Krypton's history.
- Alex
Danvers – Kara’s adoptive sister and DEO agent, providing tactical
support and emotional grounding.
- Hank
Henshaw / Martian Manhunter – The shape-shifting DEO director and
Kara’s trusted ally.
Writer
Sterling Gates
Gates masterfully integrates the television show's tone and characters with
classic comic book storytelling, capturing Kara’s voice with sincerity and
grit.
Artist
Carmen Carnero
Carnero delivers striking visuals that balance dynamic action with emotional
nuance. Her clean lines and expressive faces deepen the story’s impact.
Editor Details
Jessica Chen (Editor)
Jessica Chen ensures the narrative remains true to both the show’s canon and
the broader DC Universe, providing tight pacing and consistent tone.
Publisher and Brand
DC Comics
Digital First – Based on The CW's Supergirl Series
This series is part of DC's digital-first initiative, expanding TV narratives
into the comic realm for deeper fan engagement.
Release Year
2016
Brief Plot Summary
In The Adventures of Supergirl #9, Kara finally
confronts the mastermind behind the attacks that have plagued her in recent
issues. Facet, a mysterious enemy forged from living crystal, reveals her
identity and motivations, tying her presence to the secrets of Krypton’s
downfall. As Kara faces this powerful adversary, questions about legacy, guilt,
and Kryptonian history come to the surface. With allies like Alex and J’onn
J’onzz at her side, Supergirl must dig deep to overcome a foe who sees her not
just as an opponent—but as a symbol of everything wrong with Krypton.
Notable Arcs or Storylines
This issue marks the culmination of a long-running arc
involving Kryptonian remnants and Kara’s internal struggle with her past. It’s
a pivotal moment in the “Digital First” Adventures of Supergirl series,
as Kara confronts not just Facet, but her own self-doubt and the shadow of her
homeworld’s destruction.
Fan Theories or Interpretations
Some fans speculate that Facet represents a metaphorical
manifestation of Krypton’s forgotten sins—technological arrogance, ethical
compromises, and cultural rigidity. Her crystalline form and connection to
ancient Kryptonian science could symbolize the rigid, unyielding systems that
led to the planet’s demise. Others interpret Facet’s personal grudge against
Kara as reflective of survivor’s guilt—blaming Kara not for her survival, but
for carrying Krypton’s legacy forward without reckoning with its darker truths.
Review Summary
The Adventures of Supergirl #9 delivers a compelling blend of personal stakes and cosmic-scale conflict. Sterling Gates’ writing captures Kara’s voice with clarity, heart, and resilience, while Carmen Carnero’s art enhances every emotional beat and battle sequence. The story’s themes of redemption, identity, and confronting the past give it weight beyond a standard hero-villain showdown. This issue serves as a powerful character study and an exciting action piece, making it one of the standout entries in the series.
Comic Resource / Read Online (External Source)
