DC Has Finally Worked Out How To Make Supergirl Work Just In Time For Her DCU Return

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DC Comics used to have a huge, sprawling multiverse, but it felt a bit over-the-top, especially when compared to Marvel’s comics. This grand scale didn’t connect with fans, and it all ended with the storyline *Crisis on Infinite Earths*, even eliminating popular characters like Supergirl. However, an iconic character like Supergirl always finds a way back. DC has repeatedly tried to revive her over the years, introducing new takes on the character – some radically different, others updated versions of the original. But none of these attempts really stuck – that is, until recently.

DC Comics is experiencing a surge in popularity, especially with the launch of the new DC Universe and the focus on Superman. This has led to renewed interest in the entire Superman family, and the recent return of *Supergirl* has been particularly well-received. Writer Sophie Campbell has successfully blended the fun, lighthearted elements of classic *Supergirl* stories with a modern sensibility, and it seems DC has finally found the right approach for the character after many attempts.

Supergirl’s Silver Age Legacy Is Integral to the Character

DC Comics has a famously unusual past, and the story of Supergirl is one of its oddest chapters. Created in 1959, during the early years of DC’s ‘Silver Age,’ Supergirl’s origins are closely tied to a popular character from a rival publisher: Mary Marvel. Both characters were created by the same writer, Otto Binder, who moved to DC after a legal battle led to the cancellation of the Marvel Family comics. The 1950s had very different expectations for entertainment aimed at boys versus girls, and Supergirl’s stories were specifically designed to appeal to young female readers, differing significantly from the adventures of male superheroes.

As a Supergirl fan, I always loved that the show wasn’t afraid to be… different. Like Superman, she struggled with keeping her identity secret and just trying to live a normal life, but her stories quickly went in their own direction. She had to figure out life with her famous cousin and her adoptive parents, which was a whole new dynamic! And honestly, some of the storylines were just wonderfully bizarre. Remember Comet, the Super Horse who was secretly a centaur and had a crush on her? He’d even turn *into* a human sometimes! That’s Supergirl for you. It wasn’t about trying to be like Superman; it was all about embracing the wild, weird side of things, with villains like Satan Girl and Nasthalthia Luthor, and storylines that felt…well, a little stuck in the minds of the writers, let’s say. It was uniquely Supergirl, and I loved it for that.

DC Comics has repeatedly attempted to revive Supergirl, with varying degrees of success. One early version, based on the ‘Matrix’ storyline, was a shapeshifter who resembled Supergirl and even headlined her own series, though only one iteration resonated with fans. A standout run written by the late Peter David captured the unique spirit Supergirl needed, lasting 81 issues by blending the character’s classic strangeness with contemporary storytelling. While DC reintroduced Kara Zor-El in the mid-2000s, they opted for a trendy, pop-star image instead of her quirkier side. This version lasted 70 issues, but isn’t fondly remembered, prioritizing sex appeal over genuine charm.

Supergirl has seen several different comic book series, and not all of them were successful. One attempt in the New 52 tried to make her more realistic, but it lost the character’s appeal and wasn’t well-received. A later series, Rebirth, aimed for a modern feel but didn’t quite hit the mark. While *Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow* explored more mature themes with a touch of classic strangeness, the current series finally seems to have found the right formula. This version pairs Supergirl with Lena Luthor and Lesla Lar for fun, adventurous stories. They face off against unique villains like Satan Girl and Nightflame, and even introduce a new team of super-powered animal sidekicks! The series cleverly blends the charm of older comics with the style of modern young adult stories, appealing to both longtime fans and new readers. It’s a combination DC has been trying to achieve for years, and this series finally delivers.

Supergirl Works Because of a Melding of Eras

DC Comics has struggled with Supergirl for years, often straying too far from the quirky elements that made the character unique. When Supergirl’s portrayal became more unusual again, like with the Matrix version and Peter David’s writing, it resonated with fans. However, attempts to simply make her a typical modern teenager in the 2000s series didn’t leave a lasting impression. Both the New 52 and Rebirth versions of the character were unsuccessful, with the latter even receiving a soft reboot in 2018, but still failing to capture what made Supergirl special.

The story *Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow* is perhaps the most grown-up Supergirl tale yet, and it’s also the most adventurous, sending her on a journey across the galaxy to bizarre worlds and highlighting the character’s stranger side. This paved the way for the current *Supergirl* series by Sophie Campbell, which expertly combines a fresh, modern perspective – from someone who understands what it was like to be a teenage girl – with the delightfully quirky elements of the classic Silver Age comics that fans adore. It feels both authentic and fantastical, perfectly capturing what makes Supergirl so special.

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2025-10-11 01:43