Supergirl #60

As someone who works in the social media space I've got to admit I'm intrigued by the first story new writer Nick Spencer chooses to tell. There's no super-villains here, and (thankfully) no extra Kryptonian nonsense. What he does give us however is an idea how to use Facebook to kill the young heroes of the DCU with the willing help of the unsuspecting public.

Our baddie, whose name is never mentioned (unless I missed it), creates an open source Facebook app so people can immediately share sightings of super-heroes. Sounds great, right? Its real purpose is much more nefarious. Knowing their location leaves the heroes vulnerable to sneak attacks by groups of heavy-hitting super-villains (like the one Supergirl runs into here) ready to take out the heroes - for good.

I've got to admit I'm intrigued by the idea, and like that the app was created to look innocuous with a hidden purpose rather than stolen and later corrupted. The following issues promise all kinds of guest-stars as this on-going storyline unfolds.

It wouldn't be a Supergirl comic however if it didn't have a few issues. The B-story which concerns a whistle-blower in Cadmus and Lois Lane is far less satisfying. And it's conclusion (involving the cold blooded murder of child), inter-cut with Supergirl's pummeling by a group from Superman's rogues gallery, is more than a little distasteful.

Even with these issues it's still far better than most of what I've read in the series. And with Batgirl and Damian (YES!) set to guest-star in next month's issue I'm actually (and I can't believe I'm saying this) looking forward to a Supergirl comic. Well played, Mr. Spencer. Now just try and stay away little things like senseless child murder and you might be able to get this title back on the right track.

[DC $2.99]