Powergirl 1-12; A Hardcore Review

The 12 issue run by writers Justin Gray and Jimmy Palmiotti with art chores handled by Amanda Conner. Variant covers were done for the first 3 issues by legendary pinup and cheesecake artist Matt Hughes. This run followed the successful 4 issue origin run in JSA Classified, with writing handled by Geoff Johns and pencils and inks by Amanda and Jimmy respectively.
The stint, showed Powergirl as her alter ego, Karen Starr building her new corporation Starrware Industries from the ground up. Starrware is a company that is helping the Earth go green by inventing products that can be utilized, but there's one problem, none of their inventions are being picked up by anyone.
On the other side of the cape, Powergirl hangs out with her new gal pal Terra. Who is not the reincarnation of Terra from Teen Titans glory and traitor-dom; but a whole new manifestation from the underground, literally. She is a being from the underworld. But she still has the same powers as the original Terra. The two fight a menace, not seen in quite a while in Ultra Humanite, who tears Manhattan from its foundations and lifts it into space. And it's a good thing Terra's around to watch PG's back, cause the entire JSA roster is busy.
The two celebrate their victory over Ultra Humanite, the new Dynamic Duo have a girls night out with a movie. But that gets interrupted with a meta human attack, that leaves Terra in her skivies. Afterwards, Powergirl lets Terra know about the importance of always wearing her uniform under her civies.
Powergirl takes on the likes of a universe traversing macho pig who's only hunting the best woman for the hope of a next generation on his planet. He attempts courting Powergirl, who rebuffs his advances. And after a whole issue, finds out no actual physical contact is needed in order to help his people have progeny.
Earth 2 Supergirl, Kara Zor-El fights the likes of Satanna, and Ultra Humanite yet again. Only this time Humanite has somehow transferred his persona into Terra. And after letting loose and taking out "evil" Terra, PG restores her friend he own mind, and effectively erases Humanite's hatred of her, not to mention helps cure Humanite so that he is no longer cursed to wear the permanent ape suit.
The coup de gras was of course a young man who snaps a few pics of Powergirl changing from PG to Karen Starr on a rooftop via super high quality camera lense. He blackmails Powergirl into doing his bidding. His first order of business is to have Powergirl escort him to his favorite comic book store? But that was on the cover, and something like that would never actually happen, would it? But after the pseudo- date, the kid becomes a local celebrity, and even gets asked out on a date by the cute girl who works at the comic book shop. So the remaining blackmail is averted and he surrenders the hard copies and digital files. This is the issue I had Amanda sign at San Diego Comic Con this year. I told her it was by far my favorite issue of the dozen. She was happy with my diagnosis and also said how disappointed she was when she was younger reading a comic and didn't get to see some of the cool things that were slated on the covers.
Powergirl 1-12 was a super fun ride, that was the first book I read every single month. And the grade I give to it is conversely hardcore. I give to you a match from Major League Wrestling. It involves the "Chairman of professional wrestling," La Parka (who is now known as LA Park) and the "Suicidal... Homicidal... Genocidal... Death defying maniac" known the world over as Sabu. This was the most hellish match in MLW's short history. And almost saw the unmasking of La Parka when Sabu repeatedly stabbed him in the face and head shredding most of his mask. Sabu was seconded by Bill Alphonso and help Sabu he did. Sabu seemed to have settled down a bit since his more suicidal days in Extreme Championship Wrestling, due in part to coaching by Alphonso. At least that's what Joey Styles said. He called the match. It was bloody, and high flying, with a lot more mat wrestling than you have come to expect from the two time former Heavyweight World Champion. But La Parka succumbed Sabu's famous finisher, the triple jump moonsault. Afterward, Sabu shook La Parka's hand and raised his arm in a show of good sportsmanship. But following that, La Parka attacked Bill Alphonso outside of the building, still clad in his shredded and blood covered mask. Fonzie screaming about how his arm was broken from the bottom of a pile of garbage cans.
See for yourself folks....

Sabu versus La Parka in Major League Wrestling

Powergirl #4; A Hardcore Review

Into it holds the idea that we should be fair and balanced and be "nice" and not be damning of a product or its creators. I say this. It would not be truth if I only reviewed things I liked or always in a favorable way. In fact the reviews where I have panned something have brought me the most kudos from readers. And quite simply, if you do not like things to be reviewed fairly and in an editorial manner... DON'T FUCKING READ MY REVIEWS! In fact if that's how you feel you should probably never read anything I write... EVAR!
I am going to remind everyone who reads these reviews that the grading system I use is this: instead of thumbs up or stars, I rate on hardcore moments in pro wrestling history. The more hardcore the event, match, promo or moment the more I liked the book, comic, movie or video game I am reviewing. The less hardcore the moment, the more I disliked it. An example would be anything related to Hulk Hogan would be highly NOT recommended. Onto the review...
Reviewing today I have Powergirl issue 4 of her new ongoing series. Written by Justin Gray and Jimmy Palmiotti, with art chores done by Amanda Conner. This was a really fun issue to read as the title was "Girls Night Out." PG takes Terra to a movie. Being that Terra has lived underground for her whole life, she does not know the etiquette of movie going. She is also new to the hero biz, so she isn't wearing his costume under her regular clothes, thus causing her to help fight off some goofy fairy goddess while in her tighty whities. Even theough they were black with a lady bug on it. The comic hijinks ensue as PG as Karen Starr also has to find herself a new place to live. Starrware Industries is hemorrhaging money. They haven't made any sales of their inventions and PG is sleeping on the couch in her office. This entire issue is fun and also a really good jumping on point if you missed the first few issues. And if you did, SHAME ON YOU! This is one of the first books I read when it comes in. The combination and teamwork on the creative side coupled with just the idea of PG is amazing. And yes, in every issue there are ample, pun intended, close ups of Powergirl's true superpowers, her chest's ability to defy gravity. But PG has gone from being a one note wonder in terms of her bustiness, to a very awesome character to read monthly. Her relationship in mentoring young Terra is hilarious, cause you get the impression Powergirl is really just winging it herself. I mean she's been a team with the likes of Atom Smasher, Black Canary, Wildcat, Liberty Bell, Mr. Terrific and the Golden Age Green Lantern Alan Scott and Golden Age Flash Jay Garrick. SO out on her own, Karen is a bit humbled by her responsibilities and exactly what being a solo hero means. Like when she calls for help and everyone is busy in issue 3. The lone gunman to help, the inexperienced
and often over her head Terra. But Terra's massive exuberance makes up for her being a n00b in the hero game.
I gotta say, that in a long line of artists, Amanda Conner is blooming amazingly with her characterizations of both Terra, PG and the rest of the cast of Powergirl. Her facial expressions are amazing, and along the lines of Kevin Maguire (of Justice League International fame) and the upcoming Wet Moon creator Ross Campbell. She keeps this up and I'm gonna nominate her for an Eisner in 2010. And Jimmy Palmiotti has proven that he is not a second fiddle to anyone in the creative business. You hear that Joe. He writes humor and super heroics as well as anyone. The dialog is pithy and an super amusing. Jimmy has cemented himself as one half of an up and coming creative force to be reckoned with. Justin Gray is also an amazing writer and I truly hope this team stays together on this title for a long time.
This book rates something that once had never happened in professional wrestling, a cat fight. THE cat fight in ECW. And being that is was just the 14 Anniversary of this catfight a few days ago, it fits just right. Stevie Richards had been the lackey of one Raven for some time in ECW. Raven has a valet named Beulah McGillicuty. Apparently Stevie, being a clueless putz (thanks Joey) eventually garnered a female interest from the crowd. A young Francine. Yes, that Francine. The one who turned on the Pittbulls, and managed Shane Douglas to more gold than Mr. T wears around his massive neck. Well, Rave got tired of Stevie getting some cheers and ordered Beulah to fight Francine. This was a fight down to their bra and panties type of match with a really fucked up ending. Stevie Richards superkicking the only woman who would willingly lip lock with him on camera, who wasn't already a whore (ie Missy Hyatt) or certifiable (ie Victoria, although I don't ever remember her kissing him EVAR!) In the immortal words of Joey Styles, "CAT FIGHT! CAT FIGHT!"