Supergirl and Weapons

Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow follows a traditional space western formula, though the technology differs greatly between the various areas seen. It uses the weapons technology as a way to depict the cultures of the various individual planets visited through the story.

Supergirl fights through her multiple wounds in issue #1

Seen above, Ruthye's homeworld, despite being part of what is essentially an interplanetary bus line, primarily uses older weapons such as swords and bows. The society is shown to be a feudal one with power concentrated in a leader and their enforcers who act as a sort of secret police exercising state violence at their discretion.

The Maypole chief of police fires on Supergirl in issue #3

In contrast, Maypole sees the use of guns used in a take on a mid 1900s urban area rife with corruption. (It even goes so far as to have their own take on the period's segregation.) State violence is actually also levied against the group here, though through unknown assailants instead of known mercenaries. The mayor sides with these thugs however, meaning they also serve as state violence in a way. More directly the chief of police draws a gun on her when she confronts him about the genocide.

The Brigands' space ship in issue #7 with loads of cannons

The Brigands themselves follow the role of bandit ascribed in a space western, but are actually portrayed more like pirates, sporting a ship with canons. They do have kryptonite, however it's used through what's based on relevant technology: a pistol. Interestingly, real pirates would often fill a similar niche to the one here as raiders so the connection is appropriate.

With all of these groups, weapons are used to enforce the existing power structures in the regions. Often this is state power, though it can also be non-governmental groups as well in many cases. The large differences in weapons makes for an interesting distinction between these various groups and how they enforce their power. And of course, Supergirl stands up to these systems where she can stand up for others.

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