Editor's Desk 
The cover to Supergirl: Survive #4 rather aptly sums up key elements of the issue: Supergirl and Kal-El can now fly, a Brainiac is involved, and heavy storms put our main characters in danger! While there is great drama, this is the most hopeful chapter yet, following a cliffhanger in which the last Kryptonians have discovered what a yellow sun can do to them.
Supergirl: Survive #4 opens with Kara and Kal-El basking in the joy of having superpowers. Kara flies high in the sunlight while Kal-El plays in the flowers; it’s the happiest they’ve been since K-Day took everything from them. The opening sequence is fun, showing us what it’s like for them to figure out their powers, especially a young Kal-El who has far less control than the older Kara.
Eventually, a storm kicks up, sending Kara and Kal-El into panic. Writers Ethan S. Parker and Griffin Sheridan ramp up the fear factor as Kal-El is still just a boy and very afraid. Kara is a kid too, but has to be strong for him, continuing the theme of her being the parental figure because nobody else can.
The hills are alive, with the sound of music.
Credit: DC Comics
While the first half of the book is taken up by the previous sequences, which admittedly run a bit long, the last third moves the plot forward quickly. That includes Brainiac’s inclusion in the story, which not only develops a new kind of Brainiac but also adds even more hope to the story. After getting to know him, the story moves forward so quickly, there’s even a time jump, aging up Kal-El a bit and dropping us into a whole new dynamic for our last Kryptonians. We’re also in the thick of their mission to reach Earth, which up until this point in the story has felt like a dream, rather than a mission to accomplish.
Art by Rod Reis is some of his best yet, especially with mood and atmosphere. The idyllic alien moon we open on is like the Garden of Eden, only to turn into a black smear of storms and death. The city that ends the series gives off an entirely different vibe, straight out of a Star Wars movie. What takes the cake, however, is Kal-Ek’s expressions. The kid can scream, cry, and show off joy better than anyone. Meanwhile, Kara’s determination and fearlessness are resolute throughout the issue.
Supergirl: Survive #4 delivers the most hopeful chapter of the series yet while reminding readers how quickly that hope can disappear. Watching Kara and Kal-El discover their powers brings much-needed joy to their journey, and their relationship remains the emotional core as Kara continues to carry responsibilities far beyond her years. The first half lingers on their discovery of their abilities a little longer than necessary, but Brainiac’s arrival and a significant time jump propel the story forward in exciting ways. Rod Reis is exceptional throughout, capturing everything from childlike wonder to terrifying storms with gorgeous atmosphere. The adventure has felt hopeless, but now it’s off and running.
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