Superman/Supergirl: Maelstrom [Paperback]

This limited series was a delightful, pretty-to-look-at break from the sweeping, universe-wide storylines that have run through the DC universe the past few years. Supergirl re-arrived in the DCU as a character in 2004 and went through quite a few rough patches before she finally got settled in and pulled into the larger "New Krypton" storyline, but before all of that, there was this fun little 5-issue story.

Superman takes Supergirl off-planet for a bit of R&R that turns into a nice character-growth moment for Supergirl. After a few years of missteps, it's nice to see a character that maybe more young people could relate to today (Supergirl, fighting against her "destiny" a little as a superheroine) warm up to and remember just why Superman is the inspiring icon that he is.

The characters were both handled well by Jimmy & Justin with some sharp, amusing banter back and forth as they dealt with the events of the book, and Phil Noto's art completes the package nicely. A fun, stand-alone story with the two classic members of the Superman family.

Everything starts with an extraterrestrial vessel which undergoes a damage close to the Earth. Superman makes it possible for the incident not to turn into catastrophe and, once its investigation carried out, he decides to bring back the dead alien to his home planet so that he can buried and celebrated as a hero.
During Superman's absence, Maelstrom, a young woman of Apokolips, arrives on Earth. She has decided to become the only lover for Darkseid and wants to bring him a true present: the head of his enemy, Superman. But she meets Supergirl first and Kara understands quickly that she's not powerful enough.
Superman sets a small picnic with her cousin on a remote planet in order to teach her some important things while Maelstrom, who's sent back on her planet, will have to show a certain strength of character.

Palmiotti and Gray (right spelling here) give us some space adventures, allowing Kal-El and Kara to know each other better. Superman seeks to teach her cousin that having powers has consequences. So no, that's not the "With great powers, come great responsibilities." trip but rather how to manage failure. And Superman's methods are quite blunt this time.
The Maelstorm's part is quite but not frankly essential, I was not very interested about the whole warrior story, even if, as usual, writers manage to make readers feel some affection for her, thanks to her sturdy character and self-confidence.

A good story fabulously illustrated by Phil Noto. I was not very big fan of his previous works (especially his Danger Girls comics) but I read this new work with a great pleasure. I even found his pages even better, thanks to his great coloring.

Having a nice ending, Maelstrom is a good Superman and Supergirl's story about what means to "be a hero day in day out". So OK, it is completely separated from all that occurs in the DC universe, but I've read that book with much pleasure.

This book sees a lot of bonding between Superman and Supergirl over a battle against a throwaway villain, yet one who has a plausible motive considering where she is from..Apokolips. It was an enjoyable read and showed how great a role model Superman is, though he kind of gets his butt kicked a little to easy. I think he was letting Supergirl get more action as part of her learning. This is for anyone who still like to read comic books.