Best Supergirl Comics

[with Audio Podcast] Supergirl is a beloved character in the DC Universe, known for her strength, courage, and unwavering determination to protect the innocent. Since her introduction in 1959, Supergirl has starred in numerous comic book series and storylines that have captured the hearts and imaginations of fans around the world. In this article, we will explore some of the best Supergirl comics that every fan should read.

Table of Contents

The Origins and Evolution of Supergirl Supergirl’s origin story has undergone several changes over the years, reflecting the shifting priorities of DC Comics and the changing tastes of its readers. From her early days as Superman’s cousin to her current status as a powerful hero in her own right, Supergirl has evolved into one of the most iconic and beloved characters in the DC Universe. In this article, we will take a closer look at the history of Supergirl and how she has evolved over the years.

Best Supergirl Comics Audio Podcast

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Key Takeaways

Supergirl is a beloved character in the DC Universe, known for her strength, courage, and unwavering determination to protect the innocent.
Supergirl’s origin story has undergone several changes over the years, reflecting the shifting priorities of DC Comics and the changing tastes of its readers.
In this article, we will explore some of the best Supergirl comics that every fan should read.

The Origins and Evolution of Supergirl

Supergirl made her first appearance in Action Comics #252, published in 1959. Created by Otto Binder and Al Plastino, she was introduced as Superman’s cousin from Krypton. Her origin story was similar to Superman’s, as she was sent to Earth to escape the destruction of Krypton, but arrived years after her cousin.

Debut in Action Comics #252

Supergirl’s debut was a success, and she quickly became a popular character in the DC Universe. She was featured in her own series, as well as in team-ups with other heroes like the Legion of Super-Heroes. In her early appearances, Supergirl was portrayed as a teenage girl who was still learning to control her powers and adjust to life on Earth.

The Impact of Crisis on Infinite Earths

best supergirl comics, crisis on infinite earths

In the mid-1980s, DC Comics published Crisis on Infinite Earths, a landmark miniseries that rebooted the entire DC Universe. As a result of the event, Supergirl’s origin was changed, and she was given a new backstory as the last survivor of Argo City, a Kryptonian city that survived the planet’s destruction. This version of Supergirl, known as Kara Zor-El, was more mature and experienced than her previous incarnation. Crisis on Infinite Earths Paperback

From Linda Danvers to Kara Zor-El

In the 1990s, Supergirl’s series was relaunched with a new character, Linda Danvers. This version of Supergirl had a different origin, as she was merged with a human woman in a mystical ritual. The series was popular for a time, but eventually, the character was killed off.

After a few years, DC Comics reintroduced Supergirl as Kara Zor-El, the cousin of Superman. This version of Supergirl has been featured in her own series, as well as in team-ups with other heroes like the Justice League. She has also appeared in various animated series and live-action adaptations, including the Supergirl TV show. Supergirl The Complete Series Blu-Ray

Overall, Supergirl has had a long and varied history in the world of comics, with multiple versions of the character and various retcons and reboots. Despite these changes, she remains a beloved character and an important part of the DC Universe.

Iconic Supergirl Storylines and Series

Supergirl has had many iconic storylines and series over the years. Here are a few noteworthy ones:

The Daring Adventures of Supergirl

“The Daring Adventures of Supergirl” is a classic Supergirl series that ran from 1982 to 1984. It features Supergirl’s adventures in National City and her interactions with her supporting cast. This series is notable for its focus on character development and for introducing several new characters, including Matrix, a shapeshifting protoplasmic creature who later becomes Supergirl.

Death and the Family and Reign of the Cyborg Supermen

“Death and the Family” and “Reign of the Cyborg Supermen” are two interconnected storylines that ran through several Superman family titles in the mid-1990s. These storylines feature Supergirl’s struggle to come to terms with her own mortality and her place in the world. They also introduce the Cyborg Superman, a villain with a personal connection to Supergirl.

Supergirl: Being Super and Woman of Tomorrow

“Supergirl: Being Super” and “Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow #1” are two recent Supergirl series that have garnered critical acclaim. “Being Super” is a four-issue limited series that reimagines Supergirl’s origin story as a coming-of-age tale. “Woman of Tomorrow” is an ongoing series that sees Supergirl traveling the galaxy and getting into adventures. Both series are notable for their strong character work and emotional depth.

Overall, Supergirl has had a rich history in comics, with many memorable storylines and series. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer, there’s sure to be a Supergirl comic that will capture your imagination.

Key Relationships and Team-Ups

Supergirl has had many memorable team-ups and relationships throughout her comic book history. Here are some of the most notable ones:

Superman and the Superman Family

Supergirl’s most well-known relationship is with her cousin, Superman. The two Kryptonians share a strong bond, with Superman often serving as a mentor to Supergirl. They have teamed up many times to save the world from various threats, including Brainiac and Darkseid. Additionally, Supergirl is a member of the Superman Family, which includes other heroes such as Superboy, Krypto the Superdog, and Power Girl.

Crossovers with Batman, The Flash, and Other DC Heroes

Supergirl has also teamed up with other DC heroes outside of the Superman Family. She has had memorable crossovers with Batman, The Flash, and Wonder Woman, among others. These team-ups often showcase Supergirl’s ability to work with other heroes and highlight her unique skill set.

Adventures with the Legion of Super-Heroes

Supergirl is also a member of the Legion of Super-Heroes, a team of young heroes from the 31st century. She has had many adventures with the Legion, including traveling through time and battling intergalactic threats. These team-ups showcase Supergirl’s ability to work with a diverse group of heroes and her willingness to fight for justice across time and space.

Overall, Supergirl has had many memorable team-ups and relationships throughout her comic book history. These partnerships have allowed her to showcase her unique abilities and work with other heroes to save the world.

Alternate Versions and Multiverse Explorations

Supergirl has been featured in numerous alternate versions and multiverse explorations, showcasing her versatility as a character. Here are some of the most notable ones:

The Many Faces of Supergirl in Elseworlds

Elseworlds is a DC Comics imprint that explores alternate realities and “what if” scenarios. Supergirl has appeared in several Elseworlds stories, including “Elseworld’s Finest: Supergirl & Batgirl” where she teams up with Batgirl in a world where Superman and Batman are both villains. Another notable Elseworlds story is “Superman: Red Son” where Supergirl is reimagined as the Red Daughter of Krypton, a Soviet hero who fights for communism instead of truth, justice, and the American way.

Red Daughter of Krypton and Bizarrogirl

In the main DC Comics continuity, Supergirl has encountered alternate versions of herself, including the Red Daughter of Krypton and Bizarrogirl. The Red Daughter of Krypton is a clone of Supergirl created by the Soviet Union, who possesses similar powers but has a different moral code. Bizarrogirl, on the other hand, is a twisted version of Supergirl from a parallel universe where everything is opposite. She has the same powers as Supergirl but uses them for evil instead of good.

best supergirl comics crisis on earth blu-ray

Supergirl has also been involved in several multiverse events, including the famous Crisis on Infinite Earths storyline where the entire DC Comics multiverse was rebooted. During this event, Supergirl sacrificed herself to save the universe and was erased from existence. However, she was later reintroduced as Matrix, an artificial lifeform created by a scientist named Lex Luthor.

Another notable alternate version of Supergirl is Power Girl, who is actually Kara Zor-L, the cousin of Earth-2’s Superman. Power Girl has a different origin story and personality than Supergirl, but shares many of the same powers and abilities.

Overall, Supergirl’s appearances in alternate versions and multiverse explorations demonstrate her enduring popularity and flexibility as a character. Crisis on Earths Blu-Ray with Super-Girl and Justice League

Supergirl in Modern Continuity

The New 52 and DC Rebirth

Supergirl’s modern continuity began with the New 52, a 2011 relaunch of DC Comics’ entire line of comic books. In this continuity, Supergirl is a teenage Kryptonian who arrives on Earth with no memory of her past. She struggles to understand her powers and her place in the world while fighting against various threats. One of the most compelling storylines from this era is “The Last Daughter of Krypton,” which explores Supergirl’s origins and her struggle to find her place on Earth [1].

DC Rebirth, a 2016 relaunch of DC Comics’ continuity, continued Supergirl’s story from the New 52. In this continuity, Supergirl is a young adult who has fully embraced her role as a hero. She joins the Teen Titans and fights alongside other heroes to protect the world from various threats. One notable storyline from this era is “Escape from the Phantom Zone,” which sees Supergirl trapped in the Phantom Zone and fighting to escape [2].

Adaptations Beyond Comic Books

Supergirl’s popularity has led to numerous adaptations beyond the comic book page. One of the most notable is the television series starring Melissa Benoist as Supergirl. The show debuted in 2015 and is part of the Arrowverse, a shared universe of DC Comics-based television shows. The show has been praised for its positive portrayal of female characters and its exploration of relevant social issues [3].

In addition to the television show, Supergirl has also appeared in various animated series, video games, and other media. These adaptations have helped to broaden the character’s appeal and introduce her to new audiences [4].

Overall, Supergirl’s modern continuity has seen the character evolve and grow in exciting new ways. Whether in the pages of DC Comics or on the small screen, Supergirl remains a beloved and inspiring hero for fans of all ages.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-rated Supergirl story arcs to date?

Supergirl has had a long and storied history in the world of comics, and there are many story arcs that have stood out as fan favorites over the years. Some of the top-rated Supergirl story arcs to date include “The Hunt for Reactron” (Action Comics #881-882, Supergirl #44-50, Supergirl Annual #1, and Superman: Secret Files 2009), “The Last Daughter of Krypton” (New 52), and “Red Daughter of Krypton” (Supergirl Vol. 6).

Which Supergirl comic series is considered essential reading for new fans?

For new fans looking to dive into Supergirl’s world, there are a few comic book series that are considered essential reading. These include the original “Supergirl” series from the 1970s, the “Supergirl: Cosmic Adventures in the 8th Grade” series, and the “Supergirl: Being Super” limited series.

How does Supergirl’s power level compare to Superman’s in comic book lore?

Supergirl’s power level is often depicted as being slightly lower than Superman’s, but still incredibly formidable. While she possesses many of the same powers as Superman, such as superhuman strength, speed, and durability, she is often depicted as being slightly less powerful due to her younger age and less extensive training.

Can you recommend some critically acclaimed Supergirl comics?

There are many critically acclaimed Supergirl comics to choose from, but some of the most highly regarded include “Supergirl: Being Super” by Mariko Tamaki and Joëlle Jones, “Supergirl: Red Daughter of Krypton” by Michael Alan Nelson and Chad Hardin, and “Supergirl: The Girl of Steel” by Jeph Loeb and Michael Turner.

What are some of the major differences between various Supergirl comic book iterations?

Over the years, Supergirl has undergone many different characterizations and iterations in the world of comics. Some of the major differences between these iterations include changes to her backstory, power level, and personality. For example, some versions of Supergirl have been depicted as being more rebellious and headstrong, while others have been more reserved and introspective.

Which comic books feature the most compelling Supergirl character development?

Supergirl has undergone a great deal of character development over the years, and there are many comic books that showcase this growth. Some of the most compelling Supergirl character development can be found in “Supergirl: Being Super,” “Supergirl: Red Daughter of Krypton,” and “Supergirl: The Girl of Steel.”

Hi, I hope you have enjoyed this article about Best Supergirl Comics. Leave a comment below. Thanks, -MikeyD

Best Supergirl Comics [with Audio Podcast]