Supergirl flies into theatres on June 26 and, to help you prepare for Kara’s first silver screen solo in over 40 years, I’ve compiled a list of essential stories spotlighting Superman’s Kryptonian cousin.
Pulled directly from my extensive DC library, these are the stories that have not only helped define the Maiden of Might for close to 70 years, but made her an icon of courage and empowerment for countless fans around the world! Whether teaming up with Batgirl, feuding with Clark, or dealing with the onset of Kryptonian acne (seriously), Kara’s journey is as heartfelt as it is entertaining—proving that just because you’re super doesn’t mean that life gets any easier. Look out, because these are my picks for The 10 Best Supergirl Stories to check out this summer.
10. Elseworld’s Finest: Supergirl & Batgirl (1998)
Offering a unique spin on DC’s ultimate bormance, this late ’90s one-shot unfolds in a reality where Barb and Kara are two of the biggest superheroes on the planet. Though they initially butt heads in similar fashion to their male counterparts, the story ultimately sees them set aside their differences to save a captive Lex Luthor—and become friends in the process. While not officially canon, this tweaked team-up from Barbara Kesel, Matt Haley, and Tom Simmons proves it’s always exciting when Supergirl and Batgirl work together, no matter which corner of the Multiverse they call home.
Read on DC Universe Infinite, Comixology
9. Supergirl: Crucible (2015)
Originally published as Supergirl vol. 6 #34-40, Supergirl: Futures End #1
Wrapping up Kara’s time in The New 52, Kate Perkins and Mike Johnson’s Crucible sees Supergirl invited to join an interstellar academy where heroes are trained to reach their full potential. However, it soon becomes clear that things are not exactly as they seem, and not all of the faculty members have their students’ best interests at heart. Serving as a satisfying finale to one of the most intriguing Post-Flashpoint runs, this story not only offers closure for a number of lingering plot threads (including Kara and Clark finally patching up their relationship), but also transitions nicely into the events that would transpire over the course of the excellent Rebirth era.
Read on DC Universe Infinite, Comixology
8. Superman/Batman: Supergirl From Krypton (2004)
Originally published as Superman/Batman #8-13
Written by Jeph Loeb with art by Michael Turner, this story is famous for helping reintroduce Kara into canon following her death during Crisis on Infinite Earths. While searching for meteor fragments beneath Gotham Harbor, Batman encounters an unusually strong girl who emerges from a downed spaceship. Further examination at the Fortress of Solitude reveals her to be Superman’s cousin—meaning he is no longer the last surviving Kryptonian. The arc follows Kara as she adjusts to her new surroundings while a scheming Darkseid waits in the wings. Not a bad way to bring the Girl of Steel back after a 20-year absence, if you ask this writer! Oh, and did I mention that WB did an excellent animated adaptation of this story back in 2010?
Read on DC Universe Infinite, Comixology
7. Supergirl: Many Happy Returns (2002)
Originally published as Supergirl vol. 4 #75-80
From Peter David and Ed Benes, with art by Alex Lei, Many Happy Returns revels in the paradoxical while also diving deep into Supergirl’s connection to the Multiverse. The plot sees Pre-Crisis Kara crash-landing on New Earth where she encounters a second Supergirl named Linda Danvers. Not long after, the duo learn that if Kara doesn’t return to her own Earth, the Multiverse will be destroyed. In an effort to help, Linda offers to step in and take her place, but ends up falling in love with Superman and having a daughter with him instead. See what I mean? Deep stuff.
Read on DC Universe Infinite, Comixology
6. Escape From The Phantom Zone (2017)
Originally published as Supergirl vol. 7 #7-11
Marking a rare modern team-up for Supergirl and Batgirl in Post-Crisis continuity, this crossover from Hope Larson, Steve Orlando, and others sees Kara meeting a mysterious woman at a Cadmus Black Site—one who not only claims to be Kryptonian, but also happens to have a key to the Phantom Zone. What follows is an old-fashioned adventure that has Kara Zor-El partnering up with Barbara Gordon—something especially rewarding for those of us who grew up watching this dynamic duo in many a DC animated episode back in the day. Anyone else remember Hilary J. Bader’s Girls’ Night Out?
Read on DC Universe Infinite, Comixology
5. Red Daughter of Krypton (2014)
Originally published as Supergirl vol. 6 #21-25
Tackling themes of grief, pain, and loss, this entry from Michael Alan Nelson and Tony Bedard pushes Kara into some seriously intense emotional territory and sees her being sought out by a rogue Red Lantern ring. Giving in to her feelings, the angsty teen soon finds herself in direct conflict not only with Hal Jordan and the Green Lantern Corps, but also at odds with Superman—fracturing their relationship for a portion of The New 52. Easily one of Supergirl’s most defining storylines, Red Daughter of Krypton is a stark departure from the Kara you know, and that alone makes it well worth the read!
Read on DC Universe Infinite, Comixology
4. The Girl of No Tomorrow (2017)
Originally published as Supergirl vol. 7 #12-14, and annual #1
I’ve always enjoyed Steve Orlando’s Supergirl run, and this Rebirth story is probably one of his best. In The Girl of Tomorrow, Kara takes on the Fatal Five, including Catwoman and a cloned Solomon Grundy, as Emerald Empress manipulates time in an effort to destroy her. With her powers destabilized and public trust shaken, Supergirl must regain control, protect her father, and reaffirm her heroism—facing both external threats and her own internal doubt.
Read on DC Universe Infinite, Comixology
3. Supergirl: Being Super (2018)
Originally published as Supergirl: Being Super #1-4
In this revamped origin story from Mariko Tamaki, Kara grows up as an ordinary teen until emerging powers force her to confront her identity. Blending slice-of-life storytelling with tragedy, this story explores friendship, grief, and self-discovery as Kara looks to embrace her Kryptonian origins and fulfill her true purpose. No wonder Newsweek voted this one of the very best graphic novels of 2018!
Read on DC Universe Infinite, Comixology
2. Supergirl: The Last Daughter of Krypton (2011)
Originally published as Supergirl vol. 6 #1-7
Another gem plucked from the ranks of The New 52 (love it or hate it, there were a lot of really awesome stories churned out during this run), The Last Daughter of Krypton sees a disoriented and hostile Supergirl crash-landing in Siberia. Pursued by alien forces, Kara struggles to understand her powers and identity while Superman attempts to help her discover who she really is. A fantastic starting point to one of Kara’s strongest eras, this is the perfect jumping-on point for both newcomers and fans looking for a slightly different take on the Girl of Steel.
Read on DC Universe Infinite, Comixology
1. Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow (2021)
Originally published as Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow #1-8
Yeah, like you didn’t know this Eisner Award nominee would to be sitting firmly at the top of my list! An 8 issue maxiseries from Batman and Mr. Miracle scribe Tom King, with art by Brazil’s own Bilquis Evely, Woman of Tomorrow sees Kara teaming up with a young girl named Ruthye and embarking on a cosmic mission in search of Krem of the Yellow Hills. Told from Ruthye’s perspective, and featuring everyone’s favorite super-powered-pup Krypto, this story not only explores Kara’s origins from a slightly darker angle, but sees her sense of justice and morality tested as never before – forever raising the bar on the Last Daughter of Krypton and creating the very best Supergirl story to ever be put to ink and paper! No wonder this acclaimed adventure, which has once again skyrocketed in popularity, is also serving as the basis for Craig Gillespie’s new Supergirl film.
Read on DC Universe Infinite, Comixology
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