Unfortunately, the Space Girls arc has come to an end when it seems like its just getting started. Power Girl #5 was an ok start but hopefully #6 will provide some substance to the story before it ends.  
 

Good

Anez

As individual characters. Anez sticks out like a sore thumb compared to her sisters. As shown iin issues #5 & #6, her speech, demeanor and leader/big sister persona complement Axira and Shonas flirtatious and carefree spirit.  
 

Humor

 Palmiotti & Co. seem to keep things tight in the humor department. nothing feels over implied, out of place or unnecessary. Though mostly moderate, the humor worked for me, especially the movie trailer. 
 

Art

As always, Conner/Mounts do their job and do it well, delivering some great interior art and a snazzy cover. But there is a minor issue with her costume that appears often. 
 

Other

 

S.G Conclusion

For the most part, I'm pleased with what was accomplished here. Details about the girls and their current condition are brought to light and the story goes in a slightly different direction before it concludes. Still, another issue of character development for Carl and the girls would have been great.
 
 

Wrap Up

 
Issue 
Power Girl #6 didn't turn out the way I'd expected to but it was still a good issue. When it comes to what superheros face on a daily basis, I need to think outside the "super villian" box. They're certainly not the only people causing trouble out there.  
   
Arc 
Overall, this 2-issue arc was above average. PG #5 wasn't a bad start but issue #6 gets the credit for turing it around.  

Though I  would love to have a new Bucky in the 616 Universe, Marvel's decision to make Rikki the new Nomad makes sense. As sidekicks and junior heroes (the Batgirls and Kid Flashes) grow and develop, changing their identity is inevitable. Still, it would be great to see Rikki work with Cap at some point. 
  
Nomad #1 was a good start but I hope Rikki's anonymous offer of the Nomad mantle at the end will get this story rolling.
  

Good

Art

Compared to issue #1 the  artwork does imporve thanks to the script. The extended action scene brings out Baldeon/Sotomayor's best pages. 
 

Counter-John-616

More than anything, issue #2 is about Rikki's relationships with John Barnes.  McKeever shares some minor but very important history about her brother from Counter-Earth and his 616 counterpart. Issue #2 also focuses on John (616) and Rikki's relationship.
 

Bad

There is some progress made in the election conspiracy but this  plotline would benefit greatly with at least some coverage in 1 important part of the school election.  
 

The Opposition

Shouldn't Desmond's competition for class president be covered as well? Even their names and their support numbers would be enough. This bit of information would give more significance to the Secret Empire's new plan of aciton.  
 

Wrap Up

 
The overall progression of the story in Nomad #2 is character driven (IMHO). I enjoyed the action, character development and the bit of drama, but the lack of attention to the school elections was dissapointing, it still feels like a one sided race.  I am pleased that the end of the book, though I probably should have seen it comming. .

 

 

 Power Girl #4 payed little attention to the new plot line and focused on Karen's new life, and supporting cast. It was a much needed break after the last arc.   But the Space Girls have landed and I hope there's more to them than what the issues title suggests. 

 

Good

 

Cast Work

Sharing the spotlight with Karen, we get to know more about one Starrware employee’s life and connection to another character we’ve met in the series. We are also introduced to a new member of Starrwares staff. 

Art

Conner/Mounts give us some great artwork in this issue. There's plenty to enjoy on the surface and in the details. One of my favorites is the scene where Amanda uses the cat to express the emotions taking place in a conversation.  

 

Humor

I'll admit it, there are moments in this issue that really made me laugh. Previous issues had humor as well  but I think the problem was that the majority of the jokes were either about or made by Power Girl. The humor here is  can also be found amongst other characters/ extras and the art. .
On the same token I think the jokes that focused on PG's body didn't work for me. One particular jab at PG's bust would have worked if policeman's wondering eyes did the talking which would make the policewoman's reaction more amusing.
I think jokes that focus on PG's body can work if a more subtle approach is taken. The scene with the Fireman is a good example. 

Bad

 

Hearing Problem

During Power Girl’s investigation of the space ship, trying to figure out what’s going on, the most important piece of information was right under her nose or in this case her ear, and it was pretty loud to. I understand Palmiotti’s reasons for writing this scene the way he did but there’s no excuse for an experienced character like Power Girl not to catch that info. Jimmy should know better since PG was able to hear an attack on the other side of the city in the last issue. Correcting this mistake could have made the buildup to the stories climax (midway through the book) a lot more exciting and eliminate the next error.
 

Absent Minded

 A few scenes in this issue portray PG as absent minded. The first time I don't mind at all, it can happen to the best of us. But the second time near the end of the space ship scene was unnecessary.  Hearing those 2 words the first time would she really be concerned with how much time is left or how to stop it?

  

Other

  

Lack of Enforcement

The Space Girl’s arrival on Earth doesn’t go smoothly. One incident in particular is quite serious but gets no response from the law.  On the other hand, there was a bigger problem to deal with at the time.

 

Wrap Up

 

There are plenty of positives things happening in Power Girl #5 that made it enjoyable, informative. Attention is given to the main plot thread, PG's business and staff. But Jimmy's misuse of a basic ability and absent-minded portrayal of PG in the spaceship didn't work for me.

Still, the end looks promising for plenty of action next month.

 
Utopia has been on a slow boil since issue #1. During the story's progression I've been waiting for that turning point in the plot that started taking place in the last chapter.  Chapter 5's ending did show promise that Exodus would reward my patience.
 

Good

Trust in Cyclops

At the end of the last chapter (Dark Avengers #8) the whistle is finally blown to execute Scott's master plan and every piece naturally comes to play in the final chapter. I'm sure it's been said time and again but the near extinction of the mutant race has brought out the best in Cyclops. He has proven to me that no one should underestimate him.
 

Showdown

What really makes this clash between the X-Men and Osborns forces great is who comes into play and how certain enemies are taken down. Oh yeah and the artwork.
 

Art

The parts of the script assigned to Dodson and Deodato to illustrate show them at their best. Their art complements the script perfectly.
 

Other

 (not good or bad but worth noting)
 

Emma's New Dilemma

Naturally there were some big risks taken to execute Scotts plan. For Emma, the success of her mission comes with a price and I love the end result. Her loyalty and intentions, which are occasionally questioned, could become even more complex. But that's just one example of the many possibilities.  It's going to be really exciting to see what happens to Emma down the road since she now has the potential to do some MAJOR damage.
 

Wrap Up

 
Minus a few parts of the dailogue that were poorly written (just a few) Exodus was fantastic; it made this crossover worth reading. 

 
 I had my doubts that Marvel would ever create a new Bucky 
until I saw this image for Captain #600.   
Though unaware of her existence in the Marvel U it didn’t matter, 
I was ecstatic. 
Now Rikki Barnes (from the Heroes Reborn Universe) is one of my favorite 
characters simply because she could, or should be Captain Bucky’s sidekick. 
But that’s up to Ed Burbaker who I trust will bring them together when the time is right.

 
For now, it’s up to Sean McKeever to tell Nomad’s story.  

Good

 

Art

I’m not too familiar with Baldeon’s work but its good fit for a book about a teenage hero.
His pencil work varies, adding more detail for action/intense segments and keeping it simple for the lighter scenes. Sotomayors color and texture work complements Baldeon's pencils perfectly.   

Life on 616

Personally, my favorite part of the book is the introduction. Within the first few pages,the reader is given a very clear picture of Rikkis new life on Earth-616, with plenty of monologue explaining how this new life has affected her.

School Conspiracy

A new plot line emerges through a conflict taking place at Rikki’s high school. The most interesting part of the plot is how the conspirators use a positive message about fundamental values to achieve their goal. 

Other (not good or bad but worth noting)

    
I have a feeling I'm being too analytical here,

 

The Nomad Experience

Captain America is seen by many as a symbol, representing America's fundamental ideals and values. He is a personification of America's greatness.  But doesn’t America's greatness lie beyond the battlefield or the fight to preserve those values?  After reading this issue several times what I see in Rikki's story (excluding the high school part of the issue), symbolize another aspect of America's greatness that cannot be told by through a WWII hero or a home grown American citizen.   
 

Wrap Up

Nomad #1 was an excellent start to this mini series.  The last page wasn’t a huge cliffhanger, but I sure didn’t see it coming, at least not so quickly   : )   
Nomad won't appeal to everyone but if you're looking for something new, I recommend it. Captain America readers should certainly give Nomad a chance.

 

I’ve been waiting for this issue for a while now. I enjoyed the first arc but I was more interested in what was coming down the road.

What does Jimmy have in store for Power Girl in issue #4.
 

Good

 
 

Format

What made the issue enjoyable was how it was structured. Through a sequence of events, that transition smoothly from one to the next, we follow Karen through her business, personal and super-hero life. For me this was quite unexpected but a welcome change.
 
 

Cast Work

The structure of this story made it easier to focus on the supporting cast. In this issue we learn a bit more about the status of her company through Karens interaction with her staff. We do learn a bit  more about 2 specific members of her staff who get more panel time. Outside of her business life, Power girl does spend time with some new faces.

• Terra: She's not a new character for many of us but unfortunately Atlee did not get a proper introduction into the series for readers unfamiliar with her. This issue does shed some light on Power Girl's relationship with Atlee as her friend and mentor in super-heroics.  If you can get your hands on the Terra mini series you'll understand why.
  

• Diane Dorst: After her dramatic introduction in this issue I hope Ms Dorst does not fade into obscurity and will continue to appear in the series.
  

Art

Does Amanda and Mounts work raise the bar yet again? Not really. But the art is definitely up to par and the cover......speaks for itself.
 
 

Other (neither good or bad but worth noting)

 

Big Bang

 Fans of the Big Bang Theory will enjoy the casts appearance in this issue.

Why is the cat not Orange?

 Well Jimmy does answer that question but not out loud. Look carefully.  

Leading by Example

Power Girl advises Atlee about the importance of helping others but also leads by example. Be it a small gesture like giving advice to some unlucky guys or giving an adolescent an opportunity to focus her passion in a new direction.
 

Avoiding Cliches

(This is more of an observation..... )
Granted, the outcome between Power Girl and the story's antagonist was done for a specific reason, I like the general idea of dealing with villains in different ways from time to time. Though I'm sure that it happens in comics a lot, I guess I just don't read enough of them. Still I think this concept works for the book.

Wrap Up

 

Power Girl #4 was a great issue that gives us our first glimpse of what many readers have been waiting for: A day in the life of Karen Starr. But the plot does progress a bit by the end of the book.
 
We'll see what happens next month. : )

Power Girl #3 is the tie breaker.

Issue #1 was good, Issue #2 not so good but not good enough to keep many issue #1 readers on board.

But this is a 3 part story; aren’t you curious as to how it ends? 

Good

Art

It’s a shame I had so little to say about the artwork in my issue #2 review, but what is there to say? Well there’s plenty. Visually, the Power Girl series is in good hands as long as Conner/Mounts are in charge and they make it loud and clear in this issue. From the cover to end, this is Amanda and Paul’s best work yet.

Entertainment Value

Was this issue as exciting as PG #1? No, it surpasses i t. Issue #3 has it all, plenty of action, a twist, and very high stakes that make for a very entertaining and satisfying read. 

Defining Power Girl

What made this issue exceed my expectations is how much of Power Girl’s character is defined through the adversities and other situations she had to overcome. I understand now that I should have seen this coming, it was a no brainier. Its part of the natural development (no pun intended) of the main character. But (for me) it’s how Jimmy and Amanda reinforced older (or expected) traits and established new ones through this script and the artwork that has given me a better (and more permanent ) understanding of the roots of Power Girl's character. She impressed and surprised me in this issue.

Bad

I’m not saying it was a perfect issue, but for me there was nothing that prevented me from enjoying it.

If you find anything let me know.

Wrapup/Story Arc

Power Girl #3 is the best issue in series thus far. You won’t be disappointed.

So with 2 out of 3 satisfying issues, I’d say Power Girls first story arc was a success. Though issue #2 had its problems, this arc still had a good intro and a strong finish. And what better why to end the arch than with a peek of what is to come next.

Since the launch of Power Girl’s ongoing series, critical reception seems to be mixed with review scores for issue #1 ranging from 4.7 out of 10 to 4.5 out of 5. But the award goes to Aint It Cool News as a quote from their ecstatic review graces the cover of Power Girl #2

“Flawless” – Aint it Cool News

Was issue 2 flawless……………?

Good

Art

Amanda Conner's artwork is great as always. Paul Mounts colors are great as well and really set the mood on Manhattan Island.

JSA

Other reviews might overlook this brief guest appearance but sometimes the small things mean a lot. The Justice Society  have set up shop in New York and Power Girl is still an active member. It's good to see that Kara's current relations with the JSA are acknowledged in her solo book.

Bad

Supporting Cast

Sadly the Starrware employees are the low point of this issue. I know Jim is trying to paint a grim situation for the civilians but a lot more could have been done here. The dialogue felt repetitive at times and the “real world” references didn’t work for me. 

Other Points (Good or Bad? Depends on the reader)

Dialogue

PG #2 begins with a fight sequence pitting Power Girl against the Ultra-Humanite. This scene contains most of the action in this issue and it's the only part in the book were Power Girl takes center stage (somewhat). The fight itself was OK but I felt some of the dialogue during the fight was either unnecessary  or out of place.

Ultra-Humanite

Stealing the spotlight from Power Girl, the Ultra-Humanite was the main focus of this issue. Since his “reincarnation” after One Year Later, his origin story has never been told until now.

This flashback does help explain why the UH was wearing his heart on his sleeve during the fight but his attempts to make Power Girl sympathetic towards him felt out of character for a villain of his makeup.  Should a intellectual, “mad genius” type villain be so emotional and short tempered or are these outburst meant to show a flaw in having his mind implanted in a savage beast? Maybe I shouldn't compare this reincarnation to the Humanite I know from the Justice League (Unlimited) cartoon. 

Wrap-up

Power Girl #2 wasn’t as entertaining for me as issue #1 but it serves it purpose as an origin issue. The plot line does progress a bit by the end of the book leaving Power Girl in much dire straits.

Let’s see how this 3-part story concludes next month.      : )

Taking all the other reviews into consideration and ignoring the fact that I am a fan of the character (somewhat) I'll try to keep this as real as possible.....I'll try

Bad

• Two Much Text at the beginning (her history) and the middle for the Ultra Humanite, though I didn't mind for him. There were also some parts in between the action where instead of text, the art could have expressed the situation instead like the panel where the green beam was sucking her up into the Humanite's ship and she was going through multiple emotions. The writers just need to learn when to put the pen down and let the art do the rest.
• Character Foundation : As one reviewer put it, the writers shouldn't have established her history so quickly. They could have left most of  the details out and just state that she has been replaced on her home world that she can't go back, etc. The rest (crisis,JSA) could be touched upon as the series goes along and/or could compliment future plotlines.
  

Good

• Into the Fire : If there's any place to prove your worth as a super-hero it's NYC, the city that's been to hell and back dozens of times. So throwing PG into the action in issue #1 was a great way to start the series IMO. It's time to see what she's capable of, let's see her use ALL of her super powers.
  
• The Art : Amanda Conner certainly shows off her skills here. There's enough depth and detail in the action scenes and the lighter scenes have a more "cartoony" appearance.
• No Cheesecake : Given PGs history and reputation, avoiding it was a plus even though the opeining now works with the costume.......yeah it's bigger.
  

Other Points

Any other problems (that I'm aware of) are a toss up to me, it depends on the reader. So far I've only got one.

• Ultra-Humanite : I like that they put her up against a classic villian but some see him as otherwise

Wrap Up

It wasn't the best launch issue but i enjoyed it none the less. With such a cliffhanger ending, I'm looking forward to issue #2.