Every Version of Supergirl, Ranked

Known primarily for being Superman’s cousin and a survivor of the destroyed planet Krypton, Supergirl, also recognized as the Girl of Steel and Maiden of Might, is a character adored by fans. Interestingly, the original Super-Girl was not the one we think of today; she was created magically by Jimmy Olsen when he found a wish-granting staff in issue #123 of ‘Superman’. After this idea was introduced, the real Supergirl appeared just under a year later. Ever since then, various individuals have assumed the role, ranging from friends to enemies to strangers. However, one Supergirl stands out as the most exceptional among all the powerful women who have held the title.

Let’s examine all the primary universe versions of Supergirl, then decide which one is the top choice.

6) Lesla-Lar

In a considerable distance behind the others, we find Lesla-Lar. Originally introduced in Action Comics #279, this Kryptonian hailing from the Bottle City of Kandor was fixated on Supergirl. Envious of the adoration showered upon Supergirl, Lesla continuously attempted to fill her shoes and mimic her. However, it’s not just her impersonation that landed her here; in her recent reappearance in Supergirl (Vol. 8) #1, she has been crowned the new Midvale Supergirl. Unfortunately, she finishes last due to her constant craving for attention and an unwholesome fixation on being like Supergirl. Moreover, she quickly transformed into a villain once the crowd’s favor began to wane slightly. Lesla is not what one envisions as a true Supergirl, and it’s fortunate that she even makes this list at all.

5) Matrix

Following the “Crisis on Infinite Earths” reboot, DC decided to maintain Superman as the Lone Kryptonian Survivor. However, fans adored Supergirl, leading to multiple non-Kryptonian versions of Supergirl, starting with Matrix. Making her debut in issue 16 of “Superman (Vol. 2)”, Matrix was a lifeform crafted from protoplasm within a pocket dimension by an alternate Lex Luthor, designed to emulate Superman’s powers and battle three Kryptonian prisoners who had escaped the Phantom Zone. After this encounter, she was adopted by the Kents and developed romantic feelings for Lex Luthor, who was disguised as his own son during that period, serving as his protector. She eventually assumed the name Supergirl and battled evil in pursuit of justice, also mentoring a new Superboy about their demanding profession. Later, she became involved in the creation of another Supergirl, which we’ll discuss shortly.

4) Cir-El

In this current version of Supergirl, her debut occurred in the comic book “Superman: The 10¢ Adventure”. Unlike what she believed, this girl wasn’t the daughter of Superman and Lois Lane; instead, it was a deception set up by Brainiac 12 – a future adversary of Superman. This deceitful plot was masterminded by Lex Luthor. Contrary to her beliefs, she wasn’t a Kryptonian but a human clone, engineered with Superman’s genetic blueprint, granting her all his powers. The concept of a woman from a barren future who thinks she is Superman’s daughter offers numerous compelling storylines and fascinating plot points. Sadly, Cir didn’t live long after her introduction, choosing to perish while battling Brainiac 12 and the Futuresmiths. Although she was intriguing, her character development was regrettably limited.

3) Linda Danvers

The individual on this list who isn’t from Krypton, Linda Danvers, made her first appearance in Supergirl (Vol. 4) #1. Initially, she was a distressed human girl who was drawn into a cult that intended to sacrifice her. However, her life was spared when Matrix combined with her, resulting in a being who was a blend of them and something beyond. Alongside all the abilities that Matrix infused into their union, Linda also gained extra powers as Earth’s Born Angel of Fire. For several years, she acted as Supergirl before Kara Zor-El from Earth-One arrived, who was supposed to perish during Crisis on Infinite Earths. Linda tried to assume her role, traveling to that Earth and posing as Kara for a long time, even marrying Superman. However, the Spectre informed her that Kara had to adhere to her destiny or everything would disintegrate. To ensure her daughter could live, Linda sent Kara to her fate, feeling she fell short of embodying the name Supergirl, and thus retired.

2) Kara Zor-L

This particular portrayal of Power Girl made its debut in issue #58 of All-Star Comics. Known more commonly as Power Girl, her backstory within the DC Universe is complex and somewhat inconsistent. She is actually Kara Zor-El’s counterpart from Earth-Two, one of the few survivors from that world. Depending on the origin story, she might have always been known as Power Girl or served as the Supergirl of her universe before relocating to the main DC Earth. What sets this Kara apart is her constant feeling of being an outsider. After losing her homeworld, she later experienced the loss of her entire universe. She has endured more heartache than most DC characters, yet she continues to strive as a hero despite never truly feeling at home anywhere. Power Girl grapples with survivor’s guilt and seeks acceptance while fearing another devastating loss. She embodies the spirit of Supergirl, even without embracing the crest that the others wear.

1) Kara Zor-El

Apart from anyone else, who else could occupy the highest seat except for the initial Supergirl? Kara first appeared in Action Comics issue #252, coincidentally sharing the stage with Metallo’s debut. The original Supergirl established a benchmark that all others would strive to reach, being the first genuine survivor from Krypton and the first addition to the Superman pantheon. Even now, she continues to serve as one of Earth’s mightiest protectors, and it’s quite evident why people grew fond of this character so many years ago. She embodies every trait of a hero that Superman does, and carries the weight of Krypton’s destruction more profoundly, having been old enough to recall her homeland. However, she channels that pain and loss into progress, never ceasing her efforts to better the world she now calls home. She is the Steel Girl, and no one else could possibly fill her shoes.

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2025-06-18 16:10