12 Years Ago Today, DC Upgraded an Iconic Hero in a Way No Fan Could Have Predicted

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It’s hard to believe how much time has passed since DC Comics launched its New 52 initiative. It feels like only yesterday that the publisher essentially restarted all its comic books with a reboot that many fans debated. I don’t want to spend this talking negatively about the New 52, though, because I actually enjoyed a lot of it. From Jeff Lemire’s work on Animal Man to the unique and entertaining Dial H series, this ambitious era of DC Comics took some real risks with its characters.

The New 52 era was a particularly strong period for DC Comics’ Green Lantern universe. We saw a lot of different series exploring all corners of the Lantern mythos, even those tied to the darker emotions. While characters like Larfleeze and Sinestro often had stories centered on themselves, the Red Lanterns series was unique. It didn’t just focus on its leader, Atrocitus, but delved into how rage and hatred can fundamentally change a person. And a well-known DC hero experienced this transformation firsthand, trading their familiar outfit for the red of the Red Lantern Corps.

Supergirl Became a Red Lantern On This Day 12 Years Ago

I recently reread Supergirl #28 by Tony Bedard and the art team, and it’s a key issue in the ‘Red Daughter of Krypton’ storyline. It really highlights what was going on with Supergirl back in the New 52 era. She wasn’t the established hero we often see; she was much younger, acted on impulse, and was still really struggling with the trauma of losing Krypton. After tough battles with guys like H’El and even her own father, who turned out to be Cyborg Superman, she just reached her breaking point when she crossed paths with Lobo and a Red Lantern Ring. It was a total setup for what came next!

For almost a year, Kara was a Red Lantern. Because the Red Lantern ring was keeping her alive, she couldn’t remove it. Unable to change her situation, Kara tried to adapt to her new life among the Red Lanterns. Luckily, Guy Gardner was secretly working with them too, and he promised to protect her as much as he could.

Kara went through a difficult period, but she bonded with the Red Lanterns, who understood her pain and loss. However, a conflict within the Red Lanterns forced her to leave. She also narrowly escaped being controlled by a dangerous alien conqueror named Worldkiller-1. Kara cleverly outsmarted the alien by removing her Red Lantern ring close to a sun, which led to her own temporary death, but the sun’s energy revived her. After defeating her enemy, Supergirl returned home, finally free from the months of anger she had been holding onto.

Supergirl’s Red Lantern Era was a Great and Meaningful Chapter for Her

You know, it’s tempting to see Supergirl as just a female Superman, but what really makes her interesting is the trauma she carries from losing Krypton. It’s a huge part of who she is, and honestly, I don’t think enough stories have truly dug into that pain. It reminds me of when Green Lantern was huge – DC could have gone in so many directions with the Lantern Corps. I definitely remember a lot of buzz back in the day about turning Scarecrow into a full-on Sinestro Corps member after that little taste we got during Blackest Night. People were really into that idea!

The storyline of Supergirl as a Red Lantern resonated with fans because it tapped into a core part of her character. Unlike Superman, who has no memories of Krypton, Kara witnessed its destruction and struggled with the intense grief and anger that followed. Becoming a Red Lantern wasn’t just a temporary change for Supergirl; it was a meaningful opportunity for her to deal with those painful emotions. This arc made Kara incredibly relatable, allowing her to acknowledge and come to terms with her rage in a powerful way.

While “The Red Daughter of Krypton” isn’t a major part of Supergirl’s overall story, it’s memorable because it showed a rare side of her: openly acknowledging and dealing with her emotions, even when it was difficult. I’m glad Kara has grown and healed in the current Supergirl series, but this story was key to her journey towards peace. If you haven’t read it, I definitely recommend giving it a look.

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2026-02-19 17:41