Winick's story of Karen Starr continues to entertain. We've had two-thirds of a year now, with issues arriving on time and complete. The creative team hasn't wavered, save for a smooth transition in colorists, and this book is all the better for the consistency. It's a rare title that can survive nearly two years' worth of issues in the market with the distinction of having only two creative teams. Winick continues to develop Karen, her company, and her supporting cast. Palmiotti and Gray established what StarrWare was all about, but Winick has brought StarrWare back to prominence. He does a nice job balancing Power Girl's corporate existence - especially in her absence - with her other professional development. Power Girl is ingrained in the DC Universe, thanks in no small part to the work Winick has done on this book as evidenced by his building up of the relationship between Dick Grayson and Power Girl. I've pointed this out a time or two before, but it is a fun tweak on the "World's Finest" concept.

While we're on the topic of Power Girl's place in the DCU, it bears mentioning that Power Girl's final conversation with Blue Beetle is recapped in this issue, serving as background for an argument to remember who Ted Kord was and why his death is so important. In the absence of Barry Allen remaining deceased, it could be argued that Kord's death is the most important heroic demise in the DCU. Winick delivers that recap with such compulsion that I'm heading down to my back issue collection shortly here to reread the "Countdown to Infinite Crisis" issue.

Beyond the development of Power Girl as a character, Winick does a nice job of using the story here to enhance the story in "Justice League: Generation Lost," and vice versa. Neither is completely reliant upon the other, but the two taken together add a good deal of depth. I certainly don't have to follow this story over to "JL: GL," but at the end of this issue, I want to.

Basri's art is as rock solid as it has been throughout his eight issues on this title. My only complaint would be the subtleties between the two Batmen are just that - subtle. Almost too subtle for me. The general shape of the face and jaw structure are the distinguishing factors that Basri relies on, but the ears could have a bit more of variance and that would have helped tremendously. Basri's dedication to this title is equaled only by the sheer talent he powers onto these pages. His work here - the cameos and guest appearances from over half of the active heroes in the DCU - is testament to his ability and craft.

This comic is one of three that top my must read each and every month, regardless of my review list. Winick and Basri have taken on the task of following up a stunning creative crew on this title and have done a stellar job of making this book their own. "Power Girl" continues to be one of the very best superhero titles on the new comics rack today, and each and every issue drives that point home