DC Superhero Girls Vol. 1: Finals Crisis Review

Super Cute!

Written by: Shea Fontana
Art by: Yancey Labat, Monica Kubina and Janice Chiang
Cover Price: $9.99
Release Date: June 29, 2016

I'm sure that if you read any other reviews for this graphic novel, you'll get a whole lot of "This really isn't my thing", "I'm not the target audience" and "Why did my editor make me review this?"  You won't get any of that here, not just because our site has no editor (suprise, huh?!?), but because this book is right in my wheelhouse.  While I haven't watched many of the Superhero Girls shorts or bought any of the merchandise, I really liked the FCBD comic (which is the first couple chapters here) because I love cute, fun comics with my favorite characters...and this book has them in spades.  Hey, it's an all-ages comic, right?  To me, that leaves plenty of room for a middle aged father of five boys to jump on the trolley with everyone else.  Did I enjoy the ride?  Let's find out...


 Superhero High is a pretty cool place.  Just walking through the halls is a who's who of the DCU and it's not just the main characters.  Besides Supergirl, Wonder Woman, Bumblebee, Batgirl, Harley Quinn, Katana, and Poison Ivy, there are so many others and part of the fun is seeing who shows up.  However, the story is all about the mains and their big villain...Finals!  While that sounds scary enough, a mysterious bad guy is doing his best to make sure that nobody passes.

This book has a huge thing going for it...Charm!  I had a smile on my face the whole time reading it. Yancey Labat and  Monica Kubina's art matches the Superhero Girls looks to a tee and Shea Fontana does a great job of setting up a story that both younger newcomers and seasoned vets can enjoy.

The story itself is split in chapters that highlight each gal as they prepare for finals in their own unique way.  Supergirl has to get over some past bullying, Ivy has to learn to control her bad side, Wonder Woman needs to trust the power of teamwork (and following the rules) all the way down to Harley who just wants to par-tay!  Don't worry, nothing here is heavy handed and is spot-on funny. That also includes the "villain" of the story who has his own personal reasons for getting the girls out of the picture.

Shea Fontana does a great job of not only introducing her characters, but putting them in situations that make sense.  It starts immediately with Wonder Woman and Cheetah fighting each other,,,in gym class and continues with Vice Principal Gorilla Grodd being in charge of detection and Harley calling Crazy Quilt "Mr. Q".  There is so much more of that and it all is played for light hearted laughs which are plentiful.  In the end, we get a great overall message that everyone should already live by, but sadly don't.

I mentioned it already but if you like the look of the DC Superhero Girls shorts, you will like the look of this book.  I do and I do.  I always love seeing younger versions of my favorite heroes and these are so adorable.  Yancey Labat and Monica Kubina seem like they are having a ball putting a large and varied assortment of characters in the book.  Booster Gold, Hal Jordan, Giganta and many more are littered throughout, but my favorite is easily Bunker!  Bunker is in the book!!!!   Awesome!  The best part is, you'll all probably find a favorite all your own.

Bits and Pieces:

I understand that this book is targeted at young girls who love the DC Superhero Girls shorts and merchandise and if you know anyone who fits that bill, buy them this book immediatley.  However, there is fun to be had by anyone who loves a cute little adventure with adorable versions of their favorite characters.  What I'm saying is, if you or anyone you love likes to smile, get them this book.  Now, when will DC give us a Superhero Girls Digital First comic so we can enjoy our gals each and every week?!?

9.0/10