Written by Amy Wolfram
Illustrated by Yancey Labat; Monica Kubina & Janice Chiang
SUMMARY:
Published in 2019 by DC Comics’ DC Zoom imprint, this 144-page paperback is an original adventure inspired by the animated TV series: DC Super Hero Girls.
Focusing on teenage versions of Diana Prince/Wonder Woman; Zatanna “Zee” Zatara; Karen Beecher/Bumblebee; Jessica Cruz/Green Lantern; Barbara Gordon/Batgirl; & Kara Danvers/Supergirl, the six girls’ extracurricular super-heroics have racked up far too many tardies at Metropolis High. Ordered by Principal Chapin to each join an after-school activity club or face immediate suspension, the girls ironically experience disappointment in their preferred choices.
Given one last chance to comply, the six heroines find unexpected joy in hobbies they’re not familiar with. Supergirl’s solo action may get her into trouble vs. Harley Quinn; Star Sapphire; Giganta; Catwoman (resembling Eartha Kitt); Live Wire; & Poison Ivy. Worse yet is that Lex Luthor’s bratty little sister, Lena, schemes to prove her own brilliance.
REVIEW:
The elementary school-level writing and cartoony artwork replicate the animated TV series, even the tomboyish Supergirl (she’s more like Power Girl in Supergirl’s costume). While it’s odd that this ‘Metropolis High’ intermingles teen super-heroes and super-villains amongst civilian students (i.e. Lois Lane & Jimmy Olsen), readers can still easily follow the narrative.
Teen cameos, such as Hal Jordan, Barry Allen, & a diminutive Garth/Aqualad, are fun to catch, but others seen in the background are left open to interpretation. Yet, for anyone in double-digits, age-wise, the unremarkable plot is most likely an exercise in eye-rolling boredom. Transforming these DC heroines into teen caricatures, writer Amy Wolfram at least does a decent job entertaining her intended audience.
Above all, Wolfram’s depiction of the girls’ supportive friendship is cute, including a sly homage to The Breakfast Club at the end. Bolstered by excellent production values, the book’s art squad (Yancey Labat, Monica Kubina, and Janice Chiang) vividly conveys Wolfram’s tale. For undemanding youngsters, DC Super Hero Girls: At Metropolis High is an inoffensive option (minus a few ‘butt-kicking’ taunts) enjoying high-energy super-heroes much closer to their own age.
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
There are brief bios re: Amy Wolfram, Yancey Labat, and Monica Kubina. Including a cover reveal, there’s a six-page preview of this book’s March 2020 sequel: DC Super Hero Girls – Powerless. From co-authors Shannon Hale & Dean Hale and illustrator Victoria Ying, a second six-page preview (including its cover) is January 2020’s Diana: Princess of the Amazons – it’s a graphic novel depicting Wonder Woman’s first childhood adventure.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 6 Stars
