In the realm of superhero adaptations, the journey from comic book to silver screen often involves a delicate dance between preserving the essence of the source material and crafting a compelling cinematic experience. Warner Bros.' Supergirl, based on Tom King and Bilquis Evely's Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow, is a prime example of this intricate process. While the movie pays homage to its comic book counterpart, it also introduces significant changes, both subtle and dramatic, that reshape the narrative and character arcs. This article delves into the various ways Supergirl diverges from its comic book origins, offering a fresh perspective on the iconic character and her journey. Personally, I find this exploration particularly fascinating, as it highlights the challenges and opportunities that arise when adapting complex narratives for a broader audience.
A Transformative Character Arc
One of the most notable changes in Supergirl is the evolution of Kara Zor-El's character arc. In the comics, Kara is an optimistic and experienced superhero who joins Ruthye Marye Knoll on her quest to avenge her father's murder. However, in the movie, Kara is portrayed as a cynical and maladjusted individual, roaming the galaxy without a settled home. This shift in personality is a strategic move to create a more relatable and dynamic protagonist. By presenting Kara as a feminine Peter Quill, the film introduces a sense of vulnerability and complexity that adds depth to her character. This transformation is a key element of the movie's narrative, as it allows Kara to grow and become a better hero, rather than simply remaining one.
Omissions and Additions: Balancing the Episodic Nature of Comics
The comic book format, with its episodic storytelling, presents a unique challenge when adapting for the big screen. Supergirl addresses this by carefully selecting and adapting specific chapters from Woman of Tomorrow. For instance, the movie omits issue #3, where Kara and Ruthye encounter a town called Maypole, a 1950s-style suburbia inhabited by small, blue-skinned gremlin aliens. The dark, discriminatory secret of the town, where the people paid Krem to wipe out a purple-skinned minority group, is a powerful commentary on prejudice and discrimination. However, the movie's screenwriter, Ana Nogueira, explains that this omission was made to keep the story within the same narrative arc, as the purple genocide didn't feel immediate to the story's progression.
On the other hand, Supergirl includes issue #5, where Kara is stranded on a planet with dual suns, and the movie adds a sense of urgency by including the ticking clock to save Krypto. This addition not only creates a sense of danger but also highlights Kara's genuine grudge against Krem, as she takes on the burden of delivering frontier justice herself. These decisions demonstrate the film's careful consideration of the comic's episodic nature, ensuring a cohesive and engaging narrative for the cinematic medium.
Visual Style and Aesthetic: A Missed Opportunity?
The visual style of Supergirl is a fascinating aspect of the adaptation. Bilquis Evely's art in Woman of Tomorrow is renowned for its lush and alien beauty, creating a sense of odyssey across the galaxy. However, the movie's director, Craig Gillespie, chose to conceive his vision based on reading the script first, rather than starting with the comic. This decision, while understandable, results in a visual style that, in my opinion, falls short when compared to Evely's work. The worlds Kara visits, the puppet/made-up aliens, and the grimy-industrial starships in the movie resemble what one might see in a Star Wars or Guardians of the Galaxy film, lacking the imaginative and unique aesthetic of the comic.
The Evolution of Villain Krem: From Unremarkable to Iconic
The evolution of villain Krem is another intriguing aspect of the adaptation. In the comics, Krem is an unremarkable murderer who made the bad choice to anger Supergirl. However, in the movie, Krem is transformed into a formidable and feared figure, strong enough to challenge Supergirl and lead the Brigands, a space pirate gang. This change is inspired by Mad Max: Fury Road, where Max helps Furiosa free captive wives from a warlord. The movie's version of Krem, with his piercings, braided ponytail, and jagged skeletal armor, is a bold and dark addition that adds depth to the narrative. However, it also raises questions about the film's willingness to explore the horrors of human (or alien) trafficking, as it doesn't delve as deeply into the subject as it could.
A Different Ending: Justice and Redemption
The ending of Supergirl is a significant departure from the comic's finale. In the comics, Krypto was never actually in danger, and Kara simply said she needed an antidote to follow Ruthye without revealing the real reason. The comic ends with a twist where Kara swings a sword to cleave off Krem's head, and Ruthye calls out on her not to. However, in the movie, Kara convinces Ruthye to stay her hand against Krem, and the ending is more nuanced, with Kara taking on the burden of delivering frontier justice herself. This change highlights the film's focus on Kara's growth and her role as a protector, rather than a simple avenger.
In conclusion, Supergirl is a fascinating adaptation that both pays homage to its comic book origins and introduces significant changes to create a compelling cinematic experience. The movie's transformative character arc, careful omissions and additions, visual style, evolution of villain Krem, and different ending all contribute to a rich and engaging narrative. While there are moments where the film falls short of the comic's imaginative and unique aesthetic, it successfully captures the essence of the iconic character and her journey. As an adaptation, Supergirl is a testament to the challenges and opportunities that arise when bringing complex narratives to life on the big screen.
