5 Best Supergirl Stories in Comics (And #1 Is a Must-Read Before the Movie)

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The Supergirl movie is coming to theaters in just a few months, introducing a fresh take on Kara Zor-El’s story. While the film draws inspiration from the comic book series Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow by Tom King and Bilquis Evelyn, there are many other fantastic Supergirl comics worth checking out before you see the movie.

Everyone knows Supergirl has a sad past, but her story is surprisingly complex and has been explored in detail since she first appeared in 1959. The way she copes with her trauma, how her origins have changed over the years, and how it all shapes her as a hero are key parts of what makes her comics so compelling. Understanding this backstory also adds a lot to the movie experience. Here are five essential stories to check out.

5) “The Last Daughter of Krypton” (Supergirl #1-7)

While opinions on DC’s New 52 are mixed, one highlight was a fantastic Supergirl story. The first story arc, called “The Last Daughter of Krypton,” details Supergirl’s initial arrival on Earth. She doesn’t receive a warm welcome, and Superman has to step in to help. Eventually, she reveals her identity and how she came to be on Earth.

This storyline continues to shape how Supergirl is written in comics today, showing her as troubled, upset, and deeply affected by the destruction of her home and the loss of her family. It adds complexity to a character who was once known for being optimistic and cheerful, which feels more realistic considering the immense trauma she experienced at a young age. This story laid the groundwork for later depictions of Supergirl, including the ‘Woman of Tomorrow’ arc.

4) “Red Daughter of Krypton” (Supergirl #26-33 and Red Lanterns #30-34)

“Red Daughter of Krypton” explores the emotional fallout for Kara Zor-El after losing her home planet. As part of DC’s New 52 relaunch, the story depicts Kara at a low point when Lobo arrives and exacerbates her existing trauma. Overwhelmed with anger and frustration, she ultimately accepts a Red Lantern ring, giving her even more power but also fueling her rage.

As a comic book fan, I have to say this story really delivers. It’s a fantastic read on multiple levels, but what struck me most was seeing Supergirl truly let loose. We rarely get to see her without restraint, and it’s incredibly powerful. This arc feels like a real turning point for the character; once she breaks free from the ring’s influence, she has a newfound self-awareness and a clearer path forward. Plus, the Kara and Lobo pairing is brilliant – a smart move, especially with Lobo slated to appear in the new Superman film. It’s a story I highly recommend.

3) “The Hunt for Reactron” (Action Comics #881 and Supergirl #45-46)

Supergirl doesn’t have many villains who are uniquely hers. Often, the enemies she fights also appear as opponents for Superman, which is logical since they’re both Kryptonian and share a similar background. However, Reactron is different – he’s a villain specifically tied to Supergirl, and that makes him a significant character.

Supergirl, along with her allies Flamebird and Nightwing/Chris Kent, find themselves falsely accused of murdering Mon-El by a villain named Mirabai. Supergirl believes Reactron – who has a personal vendetta against her similar to Lex Luthor’s against Superman – is the real culprit, and she sets out to prove it. The story features surprising twists and allows readers to see Kara facing a challenge uniquely her own.

2) “Sins of the Circle” (Supergirl #27-33)

As you might expect, the destruction of Krypton deeply shapes Kara’s identity and plays a significant role in her stories. This story takes that a step further: Supergirl investigates the truth behind Krypton’s fate and finds herself entangled in a conflict within the Vega system, as written by Marc Andreyko.

This story is definitely complex and has a lot going on, but it’s a rewarding read. It’s a great space adventure – perfect for fans of Supergirl, especially with the new movie coming out – and it also shows significant growth for Kara as she confronts her feelings of anger and sadness.

1) Supergirl: Being Super

Comics often rewrite a character’s backstory. With new writers, different eras, reboots, and other storytelling devices, origins frequently change—and Supergirl has experienced this more than most. However, one of the most compelling origins for her is Mariko Tamaki’s Supergirl: Being Super.

This story skillfully portrays Kara as she navigates the typical challenges of being a teenager in high school while also grappling with the devastating loss of Krypton. When an earthquake hits her hometown of Midvale, she’s forced to confront who she is and where she comes from, all while discovering her incredible powers. This creates a remarkably well-rounded, human, and relatable depiction of the heroine, making it a beautifully written book that any fan of Supergirl will absolutely love.

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2026-02-02 01:14