Supergirl is not just one character, but a shifting mantle across decades of comics.
In short: While the original Kara Zor-El is the most famous Supergirl, the title has been held by artificial life-forms, human-angel hybrids, and even a queen from a fictional nation. DC Comics has repeatedly rebooted her origin, reflecting changing editorial policies that have alternately embraced and erased her Kryptonian heritage.
The character of Supergirl debuted in May 1959 in Action Comics #252, created by Otto Binder and Al Plastino. As the cousin of Superman, Kara Zor-El was designed as a female counterpart to the Man of Steel, sharing his Kryptonian origins and vulnerability to Kryptonite. Her introduction followed a successful test run of a one-off character named Super-Girl in 1958, whose positive reception prompted DC to establish a permanent, recurring heroine.
The character's history is marked by dramatic editorial shifts. Following the 1985 event Crisis on Infinite Earths, DC editors decided Superman should be the sole survivor of Krypton, leading to Kara's death and removal from continuity. In her absence, the mantle was taken up by non-extraterrestrial figures, including Matrix, a synthetic life-form created by Lex Luthor, and Linda Danvers, who merged with Matrix to become an Earth-Born Angel. These iterations allowed writers to explore different themes, from coming-of-age stories to metaphysical struggles.
The return of Kara Zor-El in 2004 marked a reversal of the post-Crisis policy. Modern storylines have reimagined her origins, sometimes depicting her as a teenager sent to watch over the infant Kal-El, only to arrive on Earth years later due to suspended animation. Other versions have explored darker narratives, such as her struggle with Kryptonite poisoning or her temporary transformation into a Red Lantern. Despite these constant reboots, Supergirl remains a central figure in the DC Universe, possessing her own distinct supporting cast and legacy.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Supergirl
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